Boonsboro Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Boonsboro, Maryland with this detailed travel guide including places to visit, things to do, where to eat, and more.


Introduction to Boonsboro

Boonsboro, a charming town in Western Maryland, United States, is nestled at the foothills of Appalachian Mountains. The town is home to a rich history, natural beauty, and a welcoming community. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just someone looking for a relaxing break from the city, Boonsboro has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Boonsboro

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Washington Monument State Park

Washington Monument State Park is a 41-acre park, featuring the first monument to the father of the nation, George Washington. Built-in 1827, the monument stands tall at the top of a hill offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Boonsboro Museum of History

Learn about Boonsboro’s rich history and culture at the Boonsboro Museum of History. With a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits, the museum highlights the town’s contributions to the development of Maryland and America.

Shafer Park

Shafer Park is a beautiful community park, featuring a skating rink, basketball and tennis courts, a playground, and walking trails.

Natural Attractions of Boonsboro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail passes close to Boonsboro, making it a perfect spot for hiking enthusiasts. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, winding through Maryland’s lush forests and streams.

South Mountain State Park

South Mountain State Park covers 40 miles of mountainous terrain, offering visitors the opportunity to hike, fish, camp, and much more. The park features various trails, including the famous “Annapolis Rock” trail, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains.

C&O Canal National Historical Park

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park spans over 184.5 miles, stretching from Georgetown in Washington DC to Cumberland, Maryland. The park features scenic views, recreational activities, and a rich history.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Boonsboro

Appalachian Trail Northbound

Distance: 40 miles Duration: 5-7 days Difficulty: Hard Description: From Boonsboro, head north on the Appalachian Trail towards Pennsylvania. This section of the trail affords hikers stunning views of the surrounding areas.

Annapolis Rock

Distance: 5.6 miles Duration: 2-3 hours Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Description: This popular trail leads to a breathtaking lookout on Annapolis Rock, where visitors can see the wide array of flora and fauna.

Best Things to Do in Boonsboro: Activities and Tours

Wine Tasting Tour

Tour some of the finest vineyards in the region, including Boonsboro’s very own ‘‘Big Cork Vineyards.” Enjoy an assortment of wine tasting’s to indulge in the local flavor.

Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry

If dark history and spirits are your thing, go on a haunting tour of Harpers Ferry accompanied by a paranormal investigator.

Week-Long Itinerary for Boonsboro

Day 1: Check-in, explore the town’s charm, and visit the Boonsboro Museum of History. Day 2: Hike the Appalachian Trail towards Pennsylvania. Day 3: Wine Tasting Tour Day 4: Explore South Mountain State Park and Annapolis Rock. Day 5: A Haunting day trip to Harpers Ferry from downtown. Day 6: Walk the C&O Canal trail Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Boonsboro

Must-Try Dishes

Be sure to try:

Pit Beef

A Maryland classic, pit beef is a slow-cooked, thinly sliced roast beef sandwich, often topped with horseradish or BBQ sauce.

Maryland Crabs

Head to a local crab shack and try some of Maryland’s fresh blue crabs, steamed in Old Bay seasoning.

Local Beverages

Maryland Craft Beer

Boonsboro is experiencing a growth for locally brewed craft beer.

Where to Stay in Boonsboro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Inn BoonsBoro

The Inn BoonsBoro is a historic inn that has been revamped to provide guests with luxurious accommodation. The Inn is famous for its charming rooms and unique décor themes.

Dan Dee Manor

Dan Dee Manor is a family-operated campground providing rustic cabins, tent camping accommodations, and RV parking spots.

What to Buy in Boonsboro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Boonsboro is known for its antique and unique bookstores scattered around town. In addition to books, visitors can also find charming cafes, craft & artisanal designers and local specialty stores that showcase the local creativity and skill of the people of Boonsboro’s artisans community.

Local Culture and Customs of Boonsboro

The community of Boonsboro celebrates its local culture and history, as evident in its many museums and monuments. The town invests in local artists to foster and promote the art scene.

Best Time to Visit Boonsboro

The best time to visit Boonsboro is during the summer season from June to August when the warm temperature and sunshine make it the perfect time to enjoy the town’s outdoor activities. Fall is an excellent time to catch the foliage – Boonsboro’s natural beauty is unparalleled.

Do’s and Don’ts of Boonsboro

Do:

  • Respect the town’s history and culture
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles while hiking
  • Tip your servers - a practice appreciated in Boonsboro

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage any natural or historical landmarks
  • Ignore storefronts, cafes, galleries, and restaurants; with its small business community, it’s essential to support local shops.

Safety and Health

Safety in Boonsboro

Boonsboro is a relatively safe town, with an excellent police force and a minimum amount of violent crime.

Health in Boonsboro

Boonsboro has several healthcare options, including primary care physicians, dental care, and a hospital in nearby Hagerstown, Maryland.

Getting to Boonsboro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors coming from further afield can fly to nearby Baltimore, MD - Washington DC International Airport, and hire a car from there. Boonsboro is easily reachable by car, with Route 40, Route 70 and US Route 340 all running nearby.

Airports Near Boonsboro

  • Hagerstown Regional Airport
  • Baltimore Washington International Airport

Bus Stations Near Boonsboro

  • Hagerstown Regional Airport
  • Baltimore Washington International Airport

How to Get Around in Boonsboro

The best way to explore Boonsboro is to travel by car. However, visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the town and its surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Boonsboro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several places nearby to visit from Boonsboro, including Harpers Ferry, Antietam National Battlefield Park, and Shepherdstown, all within an hour’s drive.

Conclusion

Boonsboro, Maryland, is a perfect destination to escape and enjoy the beauty of nature with its rich history and natural attractions. Plan your visit following this comprehensive guide, and make the best of your time discovering the charming town of Boonsboro.

Downtown Boonsboro Downtown Boonsboro