The Best Road Trip: Alexandria, Virginia to Cockeysville, Maryland

Taking a road trip is an exciting way of exploring a new place. But sometimes, it can be challenging to decide where to stop and what to do. If you're planning a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia, to Cockeysville, Maryland, you're in luck! The route provides beautiful scenery, historic towns, exquisite restaurants, and cultural experiences.

In this blog post, we'll cover the best places to visit, eat, and explore from Alexandria to Cockeysville. So buckle up, turn up the music, and let's hit the road!

Historic Old Town Alexandria

Start your road trip exploring Old Town Alexandria, where history meets art, shopping, and dining. Old Town Alexandria is known for its stunning 18th to 19th-century architecture attractive to tourists who love history. Walk along the cobblestone streets and admire the stunning brick buildings with well-preserved facades painted in 18th-century colors and carved-wood storefronts. Take a stroll along the Potomac River waterfront for beautiful views and lovely boutiques. For an excellent meal, head to any of the restaurants dedicated to Virginia's finest culinary traditions.

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Next up, take a short 15-minutes drive to George Washington's Mount Vernon, where history buffs can learn more about America's first president. On this estate, you'll explore an exciting combination of museum, plantation, and garden adventure. Take a tour of the Washington family mansion, get up-close and personal with farm animals, visit the tombs where Washington and his wife were laid to rest, and watch a 4-D film. In the museum, you'll find exhibits on Washington's life, his presidency, African American life at the historic estate, and much more.

Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, is the perfect stop for an afternoon lunch and walk around the city. The city's quaint charm and colonial style make it ideal for wandering around to discover the many boutiques and antique stores. Not to mention the rich history - as the capital of Maryland, many of Maryland's pivotal moments happened here. Head to the Maryland State House, the oldest in continuous legislative use in the United States. You can wander around the historic district, take a stroll on the harbor, or learn about Maryland crabs and other seafood delicacies before enjoying a delicious meal.

Baltimore, Maryland

No trip to Maryland is complete without a visit to Baltimore, a city celebrated for its food, art, history, and more. It wouldn't be right to visit the city without tasting their famous crab cakes. Head to Thames Street Oyster House, a cozy neighborhood establishment that offers a fantastic menu of fresh oysters, well-prepared seafood platters, and a creative selection of cocktails. Visit Fort McHenry, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that later became the Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States. Finally, visit the Maryland Zoo to see and learn more about animals.

Loch Raven Reservoir

Up next is the Loch Raven Reservoir, a massive water reservoir system that provides drinking water to Baltimore City, and surrounding counties. The enormous reservoir sits in an unbeatable location that makes it ideal for walking, jogging, birding, or picnics by the lake. Nature lovers can hike any of the Loch Raven's green trail loops that offer breathtaking views of the serene lake and forest. The trailhead is located on Dulaney Valley Road, and visitors can park in the lot nearby.

Conclusion

Traveling from Alexandria to Cockeysville, Maryland is an incredible journey filled with enriching experiences, historic sights, and adventures. The fun begins at Old Town Alexandria, where you can admire stunning historic architecture. Then, take a 15-minutes drive to George Washington's Mount Vernon, where you will learn more about American history. Stop at Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, for a relaxing lunch and walk around the city while enjoying Maryland's history and culture and finish your journey in Baltimore, where you can explore the city's cuisine and history. Finally, end your trip at Loch Raven Reservoir, a serene and peaceful environment that provides visitors a chance to reconnect with nature.

There are many more places to visit and explore on this road trip, and we hope our top picks would serve as a starting point. Shall we hit the road now?