Baltimoreans have a lot of love for their city, but sometimes the best part about living here is the ease at which you can get out. With options that range from sandy beaches to charming historical towns, here are the best one-tank trips near Baltimore.

Annapolis

Hop in a car and within a half hour you can be in the charming historical district of Annapolis, Maryland's capital at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Spend some time perusing the shops along the waterfront, get your fill of fresh seafood, or rent a boat for the day.

Sandy Point State Park

Just 12 miles from Annapolis is Sandy Point State Park, a 786-acre recreation area in the shadow of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge where Baltimoreans often escape to go swimming, fishing, crabbing, picnicking, hiking or just to relax on the beach. Depending on your idea of a "day trip," you could also keep on driving until you get to Ocean City.

Washington DC

Although you can't get everything done in a day (by far), the U.S. Capital has a long list of world-class site and restaurants that make it a shoe-in for our list of best day trips from Baltimore. Really, the trouble is knowing where to start: do you want to spend a day hopping around the museums and monuments along the Mall, window shopping in Georgetown, or taking in the atmosphere of Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle? You decide.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park

Along the Potomac River from Cumberland, Maryland to Georgetown in Washington D.C. is a 185-mile former towpath that is now a hiking and biking trail. Spend the night at a C&O Canal lock house or just take in the history and natural beauty of the trail for the day.

Antietam National Battlefield

The bloodiest battle in American history was fought at Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, where 23,000 soldier were killed during the Civil War. At just about an hour and a half drive from Baltimore's city center, spend the day with a park ranger for a "battlefield talk" or explore one of the many unique trails in the area. Boating, tubing and biking are other popular activities.

Photo Courtesy of dbking, flickr

Where do you go for that Baltimore day-cations? Let us know in the comments!