Things To Do
in Fallston

Fallston is a quiet, residential community in Harford County, Maryland, just a short drive from Baltimore. It blends rural charm with easy access to city amenities, parks, and waterways. Tree-lined streets, farms, and local shops give Fallston a distinctly small-town feel within the Baltimore metro area.

Year-round, the area serves as a gateway to Chesapeake Bay experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly outings.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Local Parks
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing walk at Fallston Community Park, a beautiful spot that showcases the area's natural beauty. Enjoy the crisp autumn air as you watch the leaves change colors. The park's walking trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating run.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, take time to have a picnic in the park or visit one of the local cafes for a warm drink. Engage with locals and learn more about Fallston’s rich history and community spirit. This is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the fall scenery.

evening
:

As the sun sets, gather with friends or family for a community event or live music at one of the nearby venues. The atmosphere comes alive in the evening with laughter and joy, as residents celebrate the harvest season. Enjoy a hearty meal at a local restaurant to end your day.

day 2
Experience Fall Fest
morning
:

Kick off your day by attending the annual Fall Fest, a lively celebration of autumn with crafts, food, and music. The morning air is filled with excitement, as local vendors set up their booths. Enjoy fresh cider and pastries as you explore the festivities.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon participating in various activities, from pumpkin picking to hayrides. The atmosphere is vibrant, with live performances and family-friendly games that capture the spirit of the season. Don’t forget to take pictures to capture these joyful moments.

evening
:

As night descends, the festival turns magical with illuminated decorations and evening entertainment. Gather around a bonfire with fellow festival-goers, sharing stories and enjoying seasonal treats like s'mores. Celebrate the end of the festival with a spectacular fireworks display.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70
🏘️One-bedroom apartment monthly rent (suburban area)$1,200-1,900
🚗Gasoline per gallon$3-4
🛒Groceries for a week$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Baltimore and Chesapeake Bay activities
  • Family-friendly neighborhoods with parks and trails
  • Strong local farms and fresh produce market access
  • Quiet, safe suburban environment
  • Limited nightlife and urban entertainment within Fallston itself
  • Traffic can be heavy on major routes during peak times
  • Smaller selection of high-end dining compared to downtown Baltimore

Places to Visit in Fallston

Visit one of these nice places.

Bel Air Town Centre Main Street at Dusk

Historic storefronts and brick facades framed by warm sunset light create classic small-town photography opportunities.

Rocks State Park – High Rock Trail

Steep ridges and forested escarpments offer dramatic landscape shots and seasonal color.

Gunpowder Falls State Park – Hammerman Area Shoreline

Waterfront trails, marshes, and river views ideal for nature and wide-angle photography.

Jericho Covered Bridge

A picturesque historic bridge set against rural Maryland scenery, perfect for daytime and golden-hour photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Fallston

Fallston and the surrounding Bel Air area showcase Maryland’s signature flavors, with a focus on seafood, crab dishes, and farm-fresh produce. You’ll find casual diners, seafood shacks, and family-owned eateries that celebrate Chesapeake Bay cuisine alongside modern American fare.

Fallston Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Maryland Crab Cakes

A Chesapeake Bay classic featuring lump crab meat lightly bound with minimal filler, pan-fried or broiled; best enjoyed at local seafood spots in Bel Air and Fallston.

Must-Try!

Maryland Crab Soup

A hearty, lightly spiced soup with crab meat and vegetables, often finished with Old Bay seasoning; commonly available at regional restaurants.

Berger Cookies

A Baltimore-area specialty—soft shortbread cookies topped with chocolate icing; a great dessert accompaniment with coffee.

Old Bay-seasoned Fries or Chicken

A Maryland staple where Old Bay is used to season fries or fried chicken sides, frequently found in casual eateries.

Pit Beef Sandwich

Slow-roasted beef on a kimmelweck or sesame bun, a common Maryland deli option for a satisfying lunch.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Bel Air Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering local produce, seafood, baked goods, and prepared foods; a great place to taste and purchase regional ingredients.

Local Food Trucks & Pop-ups

Seasonal gatherings and informal markets featuring Maryland street food, including seafood bites and seasonal specials.

Climate Guide

Weather

Maryland’s climate in Fallston is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters. Precipitation occurs throughout the year, with spring and autumn offering the most comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Humidity can be high in summer, while snow is possible in winter months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A courteous handshake is typical; use polite language, make eye contact, and greet people with a friendly tone.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary for service staff; treat conversations with respect and avoid discussing sensitive topics in casual settings.

Public Conduct

Respect quiet residential areas and follow local signage on parking and noise, especially at night.

Safety Guide

Safety

Fallston and the surrounding Harford County area are generally safe with typical suburban precautions. Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Report any suspicious activity to local authorities and be aware of weather conditions for outdoor plans.

Tipping in Fallston

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Restaurant servers typically receive 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. For bars, consider $1-2 per drink or 10-15% of the tab. Hotels and other service staff may also expect a 1-2 dollar tip for bellhops or housekeeping per visit.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is always welcome. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common, and some smaller venues may have minimums for card transactions.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Expect warm, humid days with afternoon thunderstorms possible. Hydration and sun protection are key; outdoor markets, patios, and parks are popular.

Autumn

Mild days with vibrant fall foliage. Great for hikes, photography, and harvest festivals; evenings can be cool.

Winter

Cold temperatures with possible snow. Indoor activities thrive, and cozy cafés and local events provide warmth.

Spring

Milder temperatures with budding greenery and frequent showers. Blossoms appear across parks and trails.

Nightlife Guide

Fallston at Night

Fallston and Bel Air offer a modest nightlife scene focused on neighborhood pubs, casual bars, and occasional live music venues. For a greater variety of clubs, bars, and concerts, residents often travel to Baltimore, which offers a broader range of nightlife options while Fallston provides a peaceful home base.

Hiking in Fallston

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Gunpowder Falls State Park – Hammerman Area

Coastal forest trails with river views; popular for day hikes and picnics.

Rocks State Park – High Rock Trail

Steep, scenic trail with dramatic rock formations and sweeping vistas.

Ma & Pa Trail

Rail-trail through rural Harford County offering easy to moderate miles for walking and cycling.

Airports

How to reach Fallston by plane.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Major international airport located about 25-30 miles south of Fallston, offering flights nationwide and internationally; accessible by car or regional transit.

Martin State Airport (MTN)

Public-use airport near Middle River for general aviation; not a primary commercial passenger hub, but convenient for private flights and charters.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is best in Bel Air’s town center and near local markets; Fallston is more car-dependent with numerous residential streets and rural byways. Some sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas exist near commercial hubs, but many trips will require a vehicle.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many households are families choosing a suburban lifestyle with good schools and safe neighborhoods.

White (non-Hispanic) and African American

A mix of demographic groups typical of Harford County, with growing diversity in nearby urban centers.

Hispanic/Latino and Asian communities

Increasing presence in the broader Baltimore region, reflected in local markets and eateries.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

A popular pastime in local parks and school leagues; families often attend weekend games.

Football

High school and community leagues are active in the fall; tailgating and local gatherings common.

Lacrosse

A prominent sport in Maryland; played at schools and clubs in the region.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typical of the Baltimore metro area, with heavier flow on I-95 and US-1 during rush hours. Local transit options include bus routes and commuter rail connections to Baltimore, with ride-sharing and carpooling common among residents and visitors. For outdoor trips, plan for slower speeds on rural roads and seasonal weather-related delays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Fallston.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Bel Air/Fallston-area restaurants offer vegetarian options such as salads, veggie burgers, pastas, and seasonal veggie plates. When ordering, check for butter or seafood-based sauces and inquire about cross-contact in kitchens.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Harford County has several healthcare facilities, including up-to-date clinics and hospital services in nearby Bel Air and Havre de Grace. Notable options include Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and Harford Memorial Hospital, along with multiple urgent care centers for non-emergency needs. For emergencies, call 911 and follow local guidance to the closest hospital.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide