Summer Road Trips in Maryland
Routes
30
Avg Distance
166 mi
Avg Drive
3h 29m
Destinations
25
Maryland's summer road trips offer a range of experiences, from leisurely coastal cruises to more adventurous mountain explorations. With 30 routes averaging 166 miles and a drive score of up to 9, you can find a journey suited to your summer plans. Expect varied terrain, from mostly flat stretches to gently rolling hills reaching elevations over 2,600 feet, all while enjoying ample daylight for your travels. Many routes also feature access to state parks.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.05/gal
Diesel: $4.80/gal
Typical trip cost
$22–$45
One-way, ~166 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~58 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13
Climate through the year: Maryland
Maryland peaks at around 89°F in Jul and cools to 43°F / 25°F in Jan. Wettest month is Jul at ~4.5 in of rain. Table highlights Summer months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43 | 25 | 3.1 | 6.4 |
| Feb | 46 | 27 | 2.9 | 7.5 |
| Mar | 55 | 34 | 4 | 2.8 |
| Apr | 67 | 44 | 3.4 | — |
| May | 76 | 53 | 3.9 | — |
| Jun peak | 84 | 63 | 4 | — |
| Jul peak | 89 | 68 | 4.5 | — |
| Aug peak | 87 | 66 | 4.1 | — |
| Sep | 80 | 59 | 4.4 | — |
| Oct | 68 | 47 | 3.9 | — |
| Nov | 57 | 37 | 3.1 | 0.1 |
| Dec | 48 | 30 | 3.7 | 2.5 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for MD — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Clinton, MD → Clayton, NC
Through: Norfolk → Va Beach → Rocky Mount +1 more
This mostly highway route covers 284 miles and boasts a drive score of 9. It features mostly flat terrain, making for a straightforward drive with potential park stops along the way.
Editor's pick
Cambridge, MD → Cumberland, MD
Through: Severna Park
A solid choice with a drive score of 9, this 207-mile trip navigates gently rolling terrain and reaches an elevation of 1,159 feet. It offers a blend of highway and surface roads, plus access to parks.
Editor's pick
Oakland, MD → Essex, MD
Through: Baltimore → Towson → Glen Burnie +1 more
Climbing to an elevation of 2,643 feet across its 197 miles, this route also earned a drive score of 9. The mix of highway and surface roads winds through gently rolling terrain and provides access to natural areas.
Cumberland, MD → Elkton, MD
Through: Baltimore → Towson → Glen Burnie +1 more
Hagerstown, MD → Berlin, MD
Through: Baltimore → Washington → Rehoboth
Mountain Lake Park, MD → Baltimore, MD
Through: Towson → Glen Burnie
Oakland, MD → Bethesda, MD
Through: Washington → Baltimore
Annapolis, MD → Frostburg, MD
Through: Towson → Local Traffic
Westernport, MD → Essex, MD
Through: Baltimore → Towson → Glen Burnie +1 more
Ocean City, MD → Frederick, MD
Through: Severna Park
Gaithersburg, MD → Crisfield, MD
Through: College Park → Rehoboth → Ocean City
Snow Hill, MD → Frederick, MD
Through: Dover → Severna Park
Cumberland, MD → North Bel Air, MD
Through: Baltimore → Towson → Glen Burnie +1 more
Cumberland, MD → Bel Air, MD
Through: Baltimore → Towson → Glen Burnie +1 more
La Vale, MD → Annapolis, MD
Through: Baltimore → Towson → Glen Burnie
Bowie, MD → Lonaconing, MD
Through: Silver Spring → Baltimore
Westernport, MD → Gwynn Oak, MD
Through: Baltimore
Westernport, MD → Catonsville, MD
Through: Baltimore
Ocean City, MD → Fort Washington, MD
Through: Forest Heights
Bowie, MD → La Vale, MD
Through: Silver Spring → Baltimore
New Mexico, MD → Willards, MD
Through: Rehoboth → Ocean City
Montgomery Village, MD → Ocean Pines, MD
Through: College Park → Rehoboth
Frostburg, MD → Laurel, MD
Through: Clarksville
Frostburg, MD → Greenbelt, MD
Through: College Park
Ocean Pines, MD → North Bel Air, MD
Through: Baltimore → New Castle
Hagerstown, MD → Cambridge, MD
Through: Baltimore → Washington → Rehoboth
New Mexico, MD → Pittsville, MD
Through: Rehoboth
Salisbury, MD → Germantown, MD
Through: Silver Spring
Salisbury, MD → North Bel Air, MD
Through: Wilmington → Baltimore → New Castle
Cumberland, MD → Laurel, MD
Through: Clarksville