Pikesville

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Pikesville's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Local Welcome
morning
:

Begin your day with arrival in Pikesville and check-in at a charming local inn or hotel. Stroll down Reisterstown Road to get your bearings and pop into a favorite coffee shop for a freshly brewed latte. Enjoy people-watching as locals start their day amid boutique storefronts.

afternoon
:

Head to the Pikesville Community Center for an orientation session and map out your itinerary with friendly staff. Sample a classic deli sandwich for lunch at Cantler’s on the North, beloved by generations of Marylanders. Spend the rest of the afternoon browsing shelves at a nearby bookstore or discovering hidden art pieces in local galleries.

evening
:

Dine at a family-run kosher restaurant featuring regional specialties like Maryland crab cakes. Afterwards, catch live music at a nearby pub or enjoy an early nightcap under twinkling lights. Take a leisurely walk back to your accommodation to soak in the neighborhood’s evening charm.

day 2
Cylburn Arboretum Adventure
morning
:

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at a farm-to-table café near Pikesville’s edge. Arrive at Cylburn Arboretum to explore winding trails, historic gardens, and the Victorian mansion at the heart of the grounds. Join a guided tour to learn about the arboretum’s unique plant collections and conservation efforts.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch on a shaded lawn surrounded by towering trees and seasonal blooms. Spend time sketching or photographing the vibrant floral displays and tranquil ponds. Attend a workshop or seasonal demonstration, from bonsai trimming to birdwatching tips.

evening
:

Return to Pikesville for dinner at an American bistro focusing on locally sourced ingredients. Share stories of your outdoor discoveries over artisanal cocktails. Cap the night with stargazing on a quiet street or in a park pavilion near your lodging.

day 3
Baltimore Cultural Highlights
morning
:

Start with breakfast at a café that serves freshly baked bagels and house-made pastries. Drive into Baltimore for a private guided tour of the Walters Art Museum, exploring antiquities and modern masterpieces. Wander through Mount Vernon’s historic squares to admire 19th-century architecture.

afternoon
:

Lunch at Lexington Market offers an authentic Maryland experience—try a pit beef sandwich or fresh oysters. Head to the nearby Reginald F. Lewis Museum for an immersive history of African American heritage in Maryland. Finish with a stroll through the scenic Inner Harbor, visiting the National Aquarium if time allows.

evening
:

Return to Pikesville for an intimate dinner at a Mediterranean grill, savoring lamb kabobs and fresh hummus. Attend a local theater performance or community concert at the Pikesville Jewish Community Center. Wind down with a nightcap at a nearby craft beer bar.

day 4
Jewish Heritage Exploration
morning
:

Enjoy a light breakfast at a kosher café featuring smoked salmon and egg platters. Visit Beth Tfiloh Congregation to admire its modernist architecture and learn about the community’s history. Join a docent-led tour highlighting the congregation’s role in Pikesville’s development.

afternoon
:

Savor a traditional Ashkenazi lunch of matzo ball soup and brisket at a family-owned restaurant. Explore the Jewish Museum of Maryland in nearby Baltimore to delve deeper into the region’s Jewish past. Return to Pikesville to tour a historic synagogue and its archival exhibits.

evening
:

Celebrate with a festive dinner at a local kosher steakhouse renowned for its dry-aged cuts. Participate in an evening lecture or cultural event at the Pikesville Jewish Community Center. Conclude your day with traditional songs around a lounge fireplace.

day 5
Local Breweries and Eats
morning
:

Start with coffee and a pastry at a neighborhood café before heading to your first brewery. Tour Union Craft Brewing to see the brewing process and sample their flagship ales. Chat with the brewmaster about hop selection and seasonal innovations.

afternoon
:

Grab a gourmet sandwich for lunch at a nearby deli, pairing it with a flight of craft beers. Continue your tasting tour at Jailbreak Brewing Company to explore inventive IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. Enjoy a guided beer-and-food pairing session to understand flavor profiles.

evening
:

Dine at a gastropub that integrates brewery ingredients into its menu, like beer-battered fish and chips. Relax in the welcoming taproom while sampling a limited-release stout. End the night with a short walk home, savoring the buzz of your brewery crawl.

day 6
Outdoor Recreation at Soldiers Delight
morning
:

Early breakfast energizes you for a drive to Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area. Hike the serpentine barren trails, spotting wildflowers and rare plant species unique to the region. Pause at scenic overlooks for panoramic views of rolling hills.

afternoon
:

Pack a trail lunch to enjoy atop a granite outcrop, connecting with nature in peaceful solitude. Try guided wildlife tracking or birdwatching sessions offered during peak migration seasons. Photograph the park’s unique geology and habitats before heading back to Pikesville.

evening
:

Refuel with a casual pizza dinner at a local joint specializing in wood-fired pies. Share your day’s adventure stories over craft soda or a locally brewed root beer. Unwind afterward with a movie night at your lodging or a friend's recommendation.

day 7
Historic Ellicott City Day Trip
morning
:

Set off early for Ellicott City’s Main Street, grabbing breakfast at a riverside bakery. Wander the preserved 18th- and 19th-century storefronts, popping into antique shops and artisan galleries. Learn about the town’s milling history at the B&O Railroad Museum’s restored station.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a riverside lunch at a farm-to-table café overlooking the Patapsco River. Take a guided walking tour of haunted sites and historic landmarks that bring the town’s past to life. Hike nearby trails along the Patapsco Valley State Park for a balance of history and nature.

evening
:

Return to Pikesville for a light dinner at a neighborhood sushi bar featuring fresh seafood. Scout out a local dessert spot offering seasonal pies or gelato. Cap off your evening with a quiet riverside drive under the stars.

day 8
Arts and Crafts Day
morning
:

Breakfast at a local donut shop primes you for a day of creativity. Sign up for a pottery or watercolor class at a community arts studio in Pikesville. Experiment with shaping clay or mixing pigments under an instructor’s guidance.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a boxed deli lunch in the studio’s lounge area, surrounded by fellow art enthusiasts. Continue your class, focusing on finishing techniques and personalized artistic touches. Browse the studio’s gallery to admire works by local artists and find inspiration.

evening
:

Attend an open-mic poetry reading or acoustic music night at the arts center’s lounge. Enjoy small plates and craft cocktails served throughout the event. Return to your room with your own handmade souvenir to cherish.

day 9
Shopping and Dining at Greenspring
morning
:

Start with coffee and pastries at a café inside Greenspring Station. Browse upscale boutiques and specialty shops featuring fashion, jewelry, and home décor. Enjoy personal attention from local shop owners eager to share their stories.

afternoon
:

Lunch at a gourmet food hall offers diverse options, from sushi to gourmet burgers. Sample artisanal cheeses and charcuterie at a market stall. Take a mid-afternoon break with a scoop of handcrafted ice cream or a smoothie.

evening
:

Choose a fine-dining restaurant for a sophisticated dinner—perhaps Mediterranean small plates or French-inspired cuisine. Unwind on a patio with seasonal cocktails and a relaxed ambiance. Take a leisurely stroll through the plaza’s landscaped courtyards before returning to your lodging.

day 10
Farewell and Relaxation
morning
:

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a local café known for its avocado toast and mimosas. Revisit a favorite coffee shop for one last latte and chat with friendly baristas. Take time to journal or reflect on your Pikesville experiences in a sunny corner booth.

afternoon
:

Spend your final hours visiting a neighborhood bakery for pastries to pack as souvenirs. Make a quick stop at a local farmer’s market for fresh produce and artisanal goods to take home. Catch any last-minute gifts or snacks at a nearby gourmet grocery.

evening
:

For your last dinner, opt for a comforting meal at a beloved local diner or family restaurant. Toast to your journey with a signature dessert and cappuccino. Pack up, bid farewell to Pikesville’s cozy streets, and prepare for departure with warm memories.

Discover Pikesville

Read more in our Pikesville 2025 Travel Guide.

Pikesville Travel Guide