Things To Do
in Ellicott City
Ellicott City is a historic mill town in Howard County, Maryland, known for its charming, hilly Main Street, 19th-century architecture, and the historic Ellicott City Train Station. The town sits along the Patapsco River valley and acts as a gateway to Patapsco Valley State Park, offering easy access to riverside trails and scenic overlooks. Its compact historic district is filled with independent shops, cafés, galleries, and restaurants, blending small‑town character with a thriving local food scene.
Visitors should be aware of its history of flash flooding and respect closures and safety advisories while exploring the area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Ellicott City Historic District, where you can marvel at beautifully preserved 18th-century buildings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a quaint café like the Bean Hollow, savoring fresh pastries and locally brewed coffee. After your meal, take a stroll along Main Street, visiting charming shops and art galleries that showcase local artisans.
In the afternoon, delve into local history at the Ellicott City Museum, where exhibits detail the town's rich past and the influence of the Patapsco River. Afterward, grab a light lunch at the Tiber River Tavern, which offers delectable pub fare and a welcoming atmosphere. Post-lunch, take a hike at the nearby Patapsco Valley State Park, exploring scenic trails and enjoying the lush natural beauty.
As the sun sets, return to the Historic District to enjoy dinner at the iconic Kelsey’s, known for its upscale American cuisine and warm ambiance. After your meal, wander through the quaint streets, taking in the charming lights and sounds of the town in the evening. Conclude your night with a visit to the Ellicott City B&O Railroad Museum, where special evening programs may be offered.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company, where you can fuel up with a delicious omelette and fresh coffee. After breakfast, head to Patapsco Valley State Park for an adventurous morning of hiking along the scenic trails that meander through the forest. The fresh air and tranquil sounds of nature will invigorate you for the day ahead.
After your hike, take a break for lunch at one of the park's picnic areas, enjoying a packed meal surrounded by natural beauty. Post-lunch, engage in some thrilling activities like zip-lining or canoeing, available at local adventure outfitters. The afternoon is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the beauty of the Patapsco River.
As evening approaches, return to Ellicott City and treat yourself to dinner at the historic Ellicott City Firehouse, where you can indulge in mouthwatering barbecue. After dinner, take a relaxing evening stroll along the river, enjoying the calming sounds of water and the vibrant colors of the sunset. End your day at a local brewery, sampling craft beers and mingling with fellow visitors.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $110-180 |
| 🚕Typical taxi / short rideshare | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming historic district with independent shops and eateries
- Close access to Patapsco Valley State Park and outdoor activities
- Compact, walkable downtown ideal for short visits and photography
- Flash-flood risk in the river valley and occasional street closures
- Limited late-night entertainment directly in town; vehicles often needed to reach wider options
Places to Visit in Ellicott City
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobblestones, brick facades, colorful storefronts and hanging signs make for quintessential small‑town photos at any time of day, especially in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
One of the nation’s oldest surviving railroad stations – an evocative subject for architectural and historical photography.
Riverside views, old mill foundations and stone bridges in the Patapsco Valley provide moody, natural scenes and long-exposure opportunities.
Nearby high points offer panoramic sunset vistas across the valley and town – excellent for golden-hour shots.
Food in Ellicott City
Ellicott City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try when in the region — lump crab prepared simply, pan-seared or broiled; served at many Main Street restaurants and taverns.
Must-Try!
Regional specialty with thin-sliced beef, often served on a kaiser roll with horseradish — find it at casual diners and sandwich shops nearby.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers’ market with local produce, baked goods, and prepared foods — great for sampling regional cheeses, pies, and farmstand specialties.
Look for weekend pop-up vendors, food trucks, and seasonal street food events on Main Street during warmer months, offering everything from tacos and barbecue to artisanal desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally friendly and appreciate a courteous demeanor; greeting staff and shopkeepers with a smile goes a long way.
Do not climb on or disturb historic structures, ruins, or private property; follow posted signs and respect closures, especially in flood-prone areas.
Keep noise down in residential areas, especially after evening quiet hours; parking can be limited—use designated lots and avoid blocking driveways.
Safety
Tipping in Ellicott City
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in the U.S.: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink for bartenders, and $2–5 for baristas or counter staff for exceptional service. Tip taxi or rideshare drivers 10–20% and leave a few dollars for hotel porters and housekeeping per night.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; most shops and restaurants take major cards. Small businesses and farmers’ markets may prefer cash or have a card minimum; mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Flowering trees and emerging greenery make it a lovely time to visit; temperatures are mild but can be rainy — bring a light waterproof jacket and check trail conditions.
Warm and humid with long daylight hours perfect for hiking and outdoor dining; expect busy weekends, and bring sun protection and water for hikes.
One of the best times to visit — crisp air and colorful foliage in Patapsco Valley attract photographers and hikers; book accommodations early for peak leaf season.
Cold and occasionally snowy; many shops stay open and the town is quieter — dress warmly for outdoor activities and be aware that icy conditions can make some trails and streets slippery.
Ellicott City at Night
Hiking in Ellicott City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive network of trails along the Patapsco River with river views, historic mill ruins, bridges, and varied terrain for hikers of all levels; popular for day hikes and photography.
Scenic sections with river access, spots for picnicking, and trails that can be combined for longer loops; good for birding and exploring remnants of historic industry.
A short drive away, these trails circle a reservoir and offer flat stretches ideal for walking, running and family outings, with opportunities to spot waterfowl.
Airports
How to reach Ellicott City by plane.
Primary airport for the region, about 20–30 miles away; offers domestic and international flights, rental cars, shuttles and rideshare access to Ellicott City in roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Located in Arlington, Virginia, about 45–55 miles by road; convenient for domestic flights and close to downtown Washington, D.C., accessible via I-95/I-495 and public transit connections.
Major international airport west of Washington, D.C., roughly 50–70 minutes by car depending on traffic; another option for international arrivals and departures.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ellicott City and Howard County attract many families and professionals drawn by good schools, suburban neighborhoods, and employment centers in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
The area is socioeconomically affluent and ethnically diverse, with sizable Asian, White, and African American communities and a mix of cultural influences reflected in local businesses and dining.
Long-term residents and owners of historic properties contribute to the town’s preservation focus and community events centered on local history.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Lacrosse is traditionally popular in Maryland at youth, high-school and club levels, with strong local participation.
Friday night high-school football games and regional college football draw local fans and community support.
Recreational soccer, running clubs, and club-level basketball are common among residents and families.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ellicott City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options (salads, grain bowls, veggie entrees). Smaller cafés and bakeries have sandwiches and pastries that suit vegetarians; ask staff about cheese and broth ingredients.
Vegan options are available but less ubiquitous — plan ahead by checking menus online or calling restaurants; markets and cafés often have vegan snacks and plant‑based milk for coffee.
Gluten-free choices are common at farm-to-table restaurants and some bakeries; always inform staff as cross-contamination can be an issue in older historic kitchens.