Despite the impression you may have of the city, there are many places to experience nature in Baltimore, Maryland. If you’re like me, you need to spend time in nature every once in a while to take a break from the daily routine.
It’s been shown that spending time in nature improves your mental health, so it’s an important part of self-care. Even in the middle of a city, there are places where you can escape the concrete and noise of city life. Here are a few of those options for anyone living in or visiting Baltimore.
Rawlings Conservatory
The Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens is one of my favorite places to connect with nature in Baltimore, Maryland. It includes outdoor gardens, as well as five indoor rooms that feature a distinct environment. There’s the Palm House, Orchid Room, Desert House, Tropical House, and Mediterranean House, each with a climate and plants to match the environment. There are also benches in the rooms if you want to quietly write, reflect, or relax.
I try to visit early in the morning when there aren’t many people around. They host events like seasonal displays and the Plants and People Program series. Entry is always free with a suggested donation of $5.
Cylburn Arboretum
Cylburn Arboretum is 200 acres of trees, gardens, and manicured lawns. It’s especially nice to visit in spring when the flowers are blooming. The park is centered around Cylburn Mansion which was built in 1863. The mansion is open for tours, including a holiday open house in the winter.
The park includes 3.5 miles of hiking trails through the surrounding woods, a greenhouse used for educational programs, and events. Cylburn Arboretum in the spring, summer, and even autumn is the perfect place to have a picnic, take an easy hike, or relax with a book.
Canton Waterfront Park
Living in a city with a harbor is a major advantage for water-lovers. Canton Waterfront Park is a part of the harbor that has more of a grassy and tree-lined area than other neighborhoods like Fells Point, Federal Hill, or the Inner Harbor. That makes it perfect for picnics, reading, just sitting down and looking out on the water, or taking a walk along the boardwalk and piers.
It’s also great for the hot months since the breeze off the water will cool you down. Multiple events are held here, including WTMD’s First Thursday concerts, the Baltimore Seafood Festival, and the Baltimore Wine Fest, so make sure to check before planning out your self-care day in the park.
Federal Hill Park
Federal Hill Park is a city park and not even the most lush one. But the fact that it’s elevated gives the feeling that it’s not quite part of the city. Once you get to the top and look down on the city, the noises become muffled and you feel a breeze from the height.
The park is a good place to bring a book and grab a bench for some reading time, take some scenic photos, or have a picnic when the weather is nice. I always find it to be a soothing relief from the city even though it’s right in the middle of it all.
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park is the second largest woodland park in the country, crossing Baltimore city and county lines. It’s the best place to completely forget you’re in the middle of a city. It includes six hiking trails and historic structures like the Civil War-era Orianda mansion and other historic stone buildings.
Druid Hill Park
Druid Hill Park borders the Maryland Zoo and houses the Rawlings Conservatory on its land. It includes a swimming pool, tennis courts, pagodas, barbecues, hidden trails, and Druid Park Lake, which is encircled by a bike and footpath. On Sundays you might find a drum circle or any number of events, including a weekly farmer’s market.
Sherwood Gardens
Sherwood Gardens, now a 6-acre park, is located on land that belonged to A.S. Abell, founder of the Baltimore Sun newspaper, in the 1800’s. Today, it’s known for its manicured gardens, especially the over 80,000 tulip bulbs imported from Holland.
Aside from the Tulip Display in April, the Gardens also host music and family events. The Tulip Dig event is when visitors can dig up tulips to take home and make room for summer flowers.
Stony Run Trail
Stony Run Trail is a well-hidden nature trail behind Johns Hopkins University. It runs alongside the Stony Run stream and stretches from W University Parkway through Wyman Park. The trail is 3 miles long and is great for walking, running, and biking.
Patterson Park
Patterson Park is another great urban park. It has a swimming pool, ice skating rink, tennis courts, lake, lots of green space and walkways, and a pagoda that’s decorated in lights for the holidays and surrounded by blooms in spring.
There’s plenty of space for long walks or runs, picnics, and events like the Baltimore Kite Festival and Wine at Sunset concerts.
All of these are good options for anyone needing to connect with nature in Baltimore, Maryland. Leave a comment below to let me know if you’ve visited these spots and if so, which are your favorites. Or let me know where you go to connect with nature in your city!
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