Ellicott City, MD

Travel Guide
Ellicott City
Learn about the 19th-century railroad and explore the historic center amid the scenic terrain of undulating woodland and granite outcrops.

Ellicott City is known for its intriguing railroad past and its gem of a historic center. It’s set in a picturesque region containing the Tiber River, the Patapsco River and verdant knolls. Wander through the quaint Old Town district to see historic buildings with a backdrop of forested hills.

Expect hot and wet summers, when you can watch dramatic thunderstorms. See the enchanting historic center in winter, with its occasional layers of snow. Visit the old quarter’s Howard County Welcome Center, housed in the 1939 stone building of the former post office. Examine the murals and period décor and speak with docents about sightseeing activities.

Enter the town highlight, the B&O Railroad Station Museum, among the oldest preserved passenger train stations in the U.S. It was built in 1830 as the terminus of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line. Bring the kids to clamber over the model trains, ride the carousel and inspect the array of engines and carriages. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks at a café beside the museum, which backs onto the Patapsco River.

Learn about one of the pioneers of African-American scientists at the sublime grounds and buildings of the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum.

Venture into the southwestern outskirts of the town to vast Centennial Park. Trek along the hiking path that encloses scenic Centennial Lake and rent a kayak or paddle boat to take out on the water. On the opposite side of the town is the enormous Patapsco Valley State Park, which follows the path of its namesake river.

This town is located on the eastern flank of Howard County in central Maryland. Drive west from Baltimore for 14 miles (22 kilometers) to arrive here in about 25 minutes. Get around the compact historic center on foot and rent a car to traverse the outskirts. See nearby cities, such as Columbia, Silver Spring and Washington D.C.

With its railroad history and picturesque terrain, Ellicott City offers an enlightening and serene trip.

Where to stay in Ellicott City

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Valley Mede

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Valley Mede. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Centennial Park and B&O Railroad Station Museum, a few notable attractions nearby.

Valley Mede
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport
2.5 out of 5
1734 W Nursery Rd, Linthicum Heights, MD
The price is $86 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$86
includes taxes & fees
$76 per night
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Linthicum Heights. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,094 reviews)
"Front desk person super helpful and friendly"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport
Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
4 out of 5
202 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD
The price is $159 per night from Nov 23 to Nov 24
$159
includes taxes & fees
$135 per night
Nov 23 - Nov 24
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Baltimore. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,141 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
Lord Baltimore Hotel
Lord Baltimore Hotel
3.5 out of 5
20 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD
The price is $158 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$158
includes taxes & fees
$134 per night
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Baltimore. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,521 reviews)
historic hotel
"This is a nice and historic hotel. Stay was great. Only comment is that food service at the Bistro and Lounge was really slow. Ghost tour was great fun."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Lord Baltimore Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia
WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia
4 out of 5
6200 Valencia Ln, Columbia, MD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Columbia. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (549 reviews)
"Everything was fine"

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

WhyHotel by Placemakr Columbia
⭐️Luxury Modern Home⭐️ Walk to Ravens Stadium, Orioles Park, Horse Shoe Casino
⭐️Luxury Modern Home⭐️ Walk to Ravens Stadium, Orioles Park, Horse Shoe Casino
Baltimore
Stay at this vacation home in Baltimore. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions M&T Bank Stadium and Oriole Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Perfect place for Ravens Game!!!
"Perfect place for Ravens Game. Walking distance to stadium. Super clean. Nice neighbors. Responsive host."

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2024

⭐️Luxury Modern Home⭐️ Walk to Ravens Stadium, Orioles Park, Horse Shoe Casino
Rooftop Deck Escape! Free Parking!
Rooftop Deck Escape! Free Parking!
Baltimore
Stay at this vacation home in Baltimore. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions M&T Bank Stadium and Baltimore Inner Harbor ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
Good location, great Stay
"Good location, close to Light Street. House was nice, enjoyed the rooftop deck with fire table."

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2024

Rooftop Deck Escape! Free Parking!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Ellicott City

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
11
" "5 - Excellent 52.38095238095238%
4 - Good
9
" "4 - Good 42.857142857142854%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 4.761904761904762%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Historic Ellicott City was the main reason for our stay here. It is definitely worth a walk around this 18th century city.

5/5 - Excellent

B.

Great history

4/5 - Good

Stephanie

We tried to go to a few local bars after a wedding reception and didn’t have positive experiences at any of them. They weren’t very welcoming to our of towners and the bars got rough at night. I wouldn’t go out at night in the city to a bar again.

Cities near Ellicott City