Baltimore, MD

Take a break from the concrete jungle at the smaller, 6-acre Sherwood Gardens. Located in the Guilford neighborhood, this public garden began as an outdoor hobby of John W. Sherwood in the 1920s and originally consisted of a few of his tulips imported from the Netherlands. Now, Sherwood Gardens contains approximately 80,000 tulip bulbs and hundreds of other plants collected from the gardens of Colonial estates.

Address: 4100 Greenway., Baltimore, MD 21218 - MAP
Phone: (000) 000-0000
Web: www.guilfordassociation.org

When you visit the Baltimore Art Museum, be sure to stop by the Wurtzburger Sculpture Gardens. Located outside of the museum, this sculpture garden contains gargantuan masterpieces of modern and contemporary sculpture scattered across the verdant landscape. This meeting of art, horticulture, and the great outdoors presents 34 sculptures from various artists, created throughout the past 100 years.

Address: 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, MD 21218 - MAP
Phone: (410) 396-7100
Web: www.artbma.org

Get some fresh air as you take an outdoor nature walk through the Ladew Topiary Gardens. This 22-acre garden, built around a manor house from 1747, presents one of the most outstanding topiary gardens in the country. Walk though the extensively groomed and molded shrubbery and explore the 15 garden rooms, each dedicated to a single plant, color, or theme.

Address: 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111 - MAP
Phone: (410) 557-9466
Web: www.ladewgardens.com

Hike along the 100 miles of outdoor trails in Gunpowder Falls State Park, which lead you through the lovely wildlands toward the picturesque stream valleys of the Big and Little Gunpowder Falls and the Gunpowder River. Explore the changing terrains, from the marshes and wetlands to the rugged, steep slopes, as you traverse part of this 18,000-acre park.

Address: 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville, MD 21087 - MAP
Phone: (410) 592-2897
Web: www.dnr.state.md.us

Explore the almost 650 acres of Druid Hill Park. Whether you are interested in sports, nature or even animals, you will find something to do in this popular park. Baltimore´s first large municipal park, Druid Hill is known for its rolling hills, shady lawns, majestic forest, and lovely water features. Escape the urban hustle and bustle to hike, bike, play a ball game, or visit the zoo at this urban outdoor oasis.

Address: 3100 Swann Dr., Baltimore, MD 21217 - MAP
Phone: (410) 396-7900
Web: www.baltimorecity.gov

Visit a park devoted to the "Father of Our Country." The patriotic Washington Monument State Park contains the first monument dedicated to George Washington, which is meticulously maintained and preserved. Enjoy outdoor hiking, biking, picnicking, or bird watching in the area. History buffs will also want to check out the site of the first major Civil War battle fought in Maryland.

Address: 6620 Zittlestown Rd., Middletown, MD 21769 - MAP
Phone: (301) 791-4767
Web: www.dnr.state.md.us