Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Things To Do Near Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail provides a water and land route that makes it suitable to tour with your loved ones in an RV. You can travel the path and see the historical landmarks and sites telling the War of 1812 events in the Chesapeake Bay area. Using an RV, you can comfortably tour the attractions in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, allowing you to see the precursors to the Battle for Baltimore that resulted in the national anthem composition by Francis Scott Key. A ride around the well-known trail also enables you to view the distinctive waterways and landscape of the Chesapeake region. You can use your RV, map guides, and interpretative signage to explore the site conveniently from any trail segment you prefer.

Hiking Trails

• Jones Falls Trail

  You can pass through Druid Hill Park, which offers a natural landscape when walking along this trail. The park also incorporates botanical gardens and the Baltimore Zoo, making it an ideal site for visiting with kids. This pathway has an on-road section that links you to the Inner Harbor area with access to several museums, dining, and shopping locations.

  Location

  4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209

  Length

  9.1 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Gwynns Falls Trail

  This trail features an asphalt surface that enables you to hike, bike, or inline skate, depending on your preference. You can take in beautiful views of the greenway stream valley, delivering a natural feel to an urban hike. Wheelchair users can also ride along the Gwynns Falls Trail, enjoy the scenic nature corridors, and access Baltimore's historical and cultural landmarks.

  Location

  Gwynn Oak Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21207

  Length

  15 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Tangier Island

  You can visit and explore Tangier Island, commonly referred to as the soft shell crab capital of the world. The site has the Tangier Island History Museum, where you can see and learn about the island and its community via the showcased historical artifacts. Notably, the museum offers free canoes and kayaks at its dock, enabling you to enjoy self-guided tours around the water trails and surrounding marshes. 

  Location

  16215 Main Ridge Road, Tangier, VA 23440

• The Lincoln Memorial

  The Lincoln Memorial is accessible 24 hours a day, making it suitable for any visitor's schedule. You can view the famous 19-foot marble statue depicting a seated and pensive Abraham Lincoln. The building's architecture incorporates different facts about the former American president, such as the painted murals on the inner walls reflecting significant events in his life. 

  Location

  2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW, Washington, DC 20002

Museums

• The Walters Art Museum

  The Walters Art Museum has general free admission and features a collection of about 36,000 objects. You can look through artworks displaying the height of human artistry and creativity organized by time, category, and room. The museum also has new acquisitions such as an 18th-century painting of a Peruvian saint with an Incan King, teacups, and a 16th-century Scandinavian book. 

  Location

  600 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

• Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

  You can see lovely photography of the Chesapeake Bay region, showing beautiful landscapes and the interdependencies of land, water, and communities. The museum provides boat rides and interactive exhibitions, enabling you to have fun while learning about the location's history. You can also visit some permanent and historic structures to experience the culture of the locals. 

  Location

  213 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD 21663

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Honey House Boutique

  You can visit this store for last-minute shopping when looking for women's clothing. The location also has women's shoes, allowing you to get an entire outfit.

  Location

  9 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA 23663

• 2910 on the Square

  2910 on the Square has locally made products like soaps that you can purchase to remember your trip around the trail in Baltimore. You can also get hand-made gifts to bring to family and friends after your trip. The store also provides jewelry, glass, art, and American Contemporary Craft items.

  Location

  2910 O'Donnell Street, Baltimore, MD 21224

• The Market Lunch

  The Market Lunch offers breakfast and lunch services, making it an ideal stop during or at the start of your Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail trip. You can enjoy comfort foods and quick bites in a casual atmosphere for maximum comfort. The building has a wheelchair-friendly entrance to make it accessible for everyone.

  Location

  225 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

• Buoy 44 Seafood Grill

  This restaurant has seafood options to ensure you can add variety to your meals during your tour around the trail. The outdoor seating design and kids' menus enhance your comfort by adding a family-friendly atmosphere. You can get lunch, dinner, and late-night dishes to suit your itinerary.

  Location

  4536 Ocean View Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

How To Get To Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

To get to the Star-Spangled Banner Trail from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, drive to I-395 N from the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Then, take State Highway 295, Baltimore-Washington Parkway, and MD-295 N and head to East McComas Street in Baltimore. Use exit 55 from I-95 N before continuing along East McComas Street to East Fort Avenue. Drive along the avenue to Constellation Plaza, and follow the signs to the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. 

Although Fort McHenry is among the sites with an entrance fee, you can find some Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail partners with free admission. It is advisable to check with every interpretative and visitor center for admission regulations. 

Address

2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230

Fee: Fort McHenry Entry Fee (per person age 16+) $15.0

You can trace the British and American troops' movements when visiting the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. This trail tells the occurrences of the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay territory, enabling you to see the effects of the conflict, including the subsequent Battle for Baltimore and the creation of the national anthem. Touring the site in an RV is an excellent way of navigating the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail since you can cover all the essential areas in the Mid-Atlantic States. The interpretative signage and map guides ensure that you can also explore the water segments with ease.