Baltimore County is a vibrant, picturesque county in Maryland and a major tourist destination in the state.
The county’s appeal mainly comes from its rich history, diverse culture, and scenic attractions.
Being one of the biggest counties in Maryland, Baltimore County is divided into various unincorporated communities, each contributing to its real progress and beauty.
Each of these communities offers many great things for visitors to discover.
One of these unincorporated communities in Baltimore County is Towson.
This charming community is nestled in the northern part of Baltimore’s city center.
Despite being part of Baltimore, Towson has its own character and beauty to stand out among other communities in the entire city.
Towson is home to the second most extensive university in Maryland and various sporting arenas.
If you find yourself in Baltimore County with much energy and free time, you should head to Towson.
You’ll be guaranteed to have a lot of fun and excitement.
Here are the 20 best things to do in Towson and nearby places to pump up your excitement:
Jeramey Lende / Shutterstock.com
Some of Baltimore city’s best shopping centers are nestled in Towson, and one of them is the Towson Town Center that features a whopping 180 stores.
You can choose from a wide array of mainstream brands, specialty shops, and dining experiences from international cuisines.
Plus, you will likely find your preferred retails wants and necessities.
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com
The Towson Town Center remains one of Maryland’s biggest indoor shopping malls.
This open-air mall opened back in 1952.
It underwent a renovation to an indoor mall in 1973 and has grown since then.
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com
You can shop at mainstream brands like Abercrombie and Fitch, Macy’s Tiffany and Co., Nordstrom, and Sephora.
You will likely spend your entire day roaming this vast shopping center.
The Towson Town Center is located at 825 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, and its open daily from 10 am to 9 in the evening.
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com
EWY Media / Shutterstock.com
Uncover rich history by visiting the Hampton National Historical Park.
It’s a well-preserved 18th century estate that once served as the most extensive private home in the United States.
The entire property has a Georgian-inspired manor house, beautifully manicured gardens, and lawns that take you back to an elitist’s lavish lifestyle in the 1820s.
The original owners of this huge property were the Ridgely family, one of the richest families in Baltimore during their time.
EWY Media / Shutterstock.com
The manor house and its other amenities were completed way back in 1790, but today, the entire property is already considered a national treasure because of its architecture and history.
You can explore the entire property that’s already been listed as a national historic park through guided tours.
The Hampton National Historical Park is located at 535 Hampton Ln, Towson, MD.
Guided and self-tour there is available from 8:30 am to 5 pm daily.
EWY Media / Shutterstock.com
FapGraphicsandPhotography / Shutterstock.com
Despite being a major metropolis in Maryland, Baltimore still has a space for nature to thrive, and it’s found in Lake Roland.
It’s one of Baltimore City’s main natural attractions where locals and visitors enjoy outdoor recreation like kayaking, picnicking, hiking, canoeing, and other activities.
Lake Roland has a total land area of 503 acres.
The entire park is home to a diverse ecosystem of meadows, forests, and wetlands and home to various species of flora and fauna.
Lake Rowland is on the community limits of Towson’s southwest portion.
Raisinsnacks, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hardcore basketball fans will surely appreciate the SECU Arena, Baltimore’s main sporting venue at Towson University.
It can accommodate up to 6,000 people, and it regularly hosts the city’s major sporting events such as NCAA basketball, volleyball, and other sports.
It’s the home of the Towson Tigers men’s basketball team that competes in the NCAA.
Most importantly, the SECU Arena has consistently received the LEED Gold certification for its environmentally-friendly features and programs.
If you want a VIP treatment while watching the games, you can head to its 340 club seats at one of its four deluxe private suites.
Aside from hosting big collegiate games, the SECU Arena also hosts major concerts.
The Orokawa Family Center Y is a health community center that incorporates spiritual health and physical activity.
It’s a perfect place for indoor activities, relaxation, and spiritual rejuvenation.
It’s equipped with modern aquatics and fitness centers and a gymnasium and spacious fitness area while its family lounge offers different activities.
This facility in Towson is the modern and upscale version of your local YMCA.
The Orokawa Family Center Y is located at 600 W Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD, and its open on weekdays from morning to evening.
If you have more spare time to roam around Towson, you can visit the grave of Harris Glenn Milstead.
Milstead was popularly known as “Divine,” the famous drag queen who became People Magazine’s “Drag Queen of the Century.”
Milstead passed away in 1988 due to a heart attack, and his remains are buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals and Transexuals (LGBT) often visit Milstead’s grave to pay tribute to his contribution to their community and the pop culture.
Milstead became very popular when he starred in the film Hairspray.
You can visit his gravesite at the Prospect Hill Cemetery at 701 York Rd, Towson, MD.
Despite being established in 2012, the Towson Tavern still has a historical significance in Towson.
The restaurant, known for its delectable scratch kitchen, is named after Ezekiel Towson.
He is one of the pioneers in Towson who also operates a restaurant and a hotel back in the 1760s.
The restaurant is popular for serving American favorites made from top-notch ingredients.
Diners can also choose from various seasonal menu items, including steak au poivre in brandy cream sauce, Baltimore’s famous crab cakes, and pizzas, burgers, and pasta.
The Towson Tavern also serves an extensive collection of fine wine and spirits.
This famous Towson restaurant is at 516 York Road, Towson, and it only opens from 5 pm to 10 pm daily.
David Vatz, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
The Johnny Unitas Stadium is a testament to Baltimore’s sports-crazed locals.
This beautiful stadium was named after NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas of the Baltimore Colts, who passed away in 2002.
Today, the Johnny Unitas Stadium is one of the biggest and loudest football stadiums in Maryland, which can accommodate more than 11,000 people.
The stadium boasts modern amenities such as a four-tier press box, modern ticket booths, full-service concessionaires, and a field house.
It’s also where Towson University’s football, track and field, and lacrosse squads play their home game.
The stadium also hosts the NCAA divisional and regional championships.
This famous football stadium in Towson is at 7537 Auburn Dr, Towson, MD.
Aside from the Towson Town Center, another popular shopping destination in Baltimore is the Shops at Kenilworth in Towson.
It’s where most premier restaurants and shops are located.
Get to choose from more than 30 specialty restaurants and stores.
This mall first opened in 1979 and was formerly named the Kenilworth Bazaar.
Today, the Shops at Kenilworth is home to Trade Joe’s flagship store in Baltimore, South Moon Under, J.Jill, and Radcliff Jewelers.
Aside from shops and restaurants, the mall also has massage parlors, spas, and parlors.
Ultimately, the Shops at Kenilworth regularly have promotions and sales, so you’ll likely score great finds when you visit there.
The Shops at Kenilworth is located at 800 Kenilworth Dr, Towson, MD, and it opens daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
About Faces Day Spa & Salon has been Maryland’s go-to source for upscale day spa and salon products and services since 1970.
Their services include massages, bridal events, hair and beauty services, and more.
About Faces Day Spa & Salon provides the ideal massage therapy for you, whether you’ve wanted to unwind, ease stress, or boost blood flow and strength.
They give extra time before and after the treatment for change.
Faces Med Spa was also established to broaden the range of expert skincare services provided at About Faces Day Spas to non-invasive medical procedures for body shaping and comprehensive anti-aging skin treatments.
FDA-approved procedures used in Faces Med Spa rebuild skin damage to a healthy, young state.
Stumpy’s Hatchet House, the first axe-throwing location, provides a different kind of entertainment.
They are experts in dating nights, business team building, workplace events, birthday celebrations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and much more.
Axe throwing, outdoor activities, and engaging with friends and relatives are all part of the social throwdown!
To participate, all attendees must be 13 or older; however, on Friday and Saturday nights at 7 o’clock, the age restriction changes to 18 and over.
Experience the excitement of hatchet throwing in a laid-back, judgment-free social setting!
Bringing back one of Maryland’s most cherished venues, the former Recher Theatre, now popularly known as The Recher, is Paul Manna of 24-7 Entertainment teaming forces alongside Brian and Scott Recher.
A new platform, new flooring, and audio and lighting are among the Recher enhancements.
Previously a vaudeville theater from the 1920s, the Recher family bought the structure in the 1950s and used it as a movie theater.
Famous performers, including The Avett Brothers, Jonas Brothers, Bryan Adams, Ziggy Marley, and many others, have performed at this iconic concert venue with 650 seats.
Also available for purchase are burgers, quesadillas, chicken wings, fries, and tots.
Teams of two to seven players are put into a highly detailed, themed world where they must solve puzzles, locate keys, and find hidden entrances.
You must be creative and apply common sense to solve the room’s puzzle and escape in 60 minutes.
The rooms were constructed with careful attention to detail and an immersive experience.
Smart Escape is accessible every day.
They have four rooms at the moment, namely: The home of Merlin, The Ring, The Gold-Bug, and the Mafia bank robbery.
If you have a big party, you may divide up into several teams and compete against one another in various rooms at once.
Smart Escape can accommodate numerous private events, including birthday and wedding parties, family gatherings, field excursions, fundraisers, anniversaries, and many more.
Regardless of the extent of one’s affection for country music, it is made to be cozy and fun by people of all ages and sorts.
Your visit to C & R will always be great thanks to the recurring entertainment, which includes live music, line dancing, corn hole competitions, trivia sessions, flip nights, and more.
Amazing meals, draft beer, fantastic bourbons, delicious wines, and more are available.
Their 100-foot bar has a large bourbon selection, many tap stations serving national and regional beers, and even wine on tap.
The best spot to watch a game is C & R, where large TVs are visible from every seat.
From Buffalo Sprouts to Grilled Wings, their extensive menu has something to suit every taste; they also have numerous delicious appetizers to get you started.
Their dining area is big enough to host various private events, including graduation celebrations, cocktail parties, and corporate luncheons.
Depending on the season, they may hold a gathering of 150–200 people.
After you’ve roamed Towson, you can continue exploring the rest of Baltimore, which is teeming with wonderful attractions both natural and man-made.
Towson can be your best starting point to explore more attractions in Baltimore.
So, here are the best things to do nearby Towson, MD.
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com
The Loch Raven Reservoir has more than 23 billion gallons of water which supplies many parts of the United States.
However, it’s more than just a water reservoir; it’s also one of Maryland’s top outdoor recreation spots because of its beautiful trails and vast lake.
It’s the best place for hiking, jogging, biking, boating, kayaking, or canoeing.
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com
Visitors also cast their lines to catch fish like trout, northern pike, walleye, largemouth, and smallmouth bass from the Big Gunpowder Falls River.
While hiking, you’ll come across different species of flora and fauna.
010110010101101 / Shutterstock.com
Interestingly, Loch Raven Reservoir was once a popular sight for Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) in the 1950s.
Loch Raven is located 6.2 miles north of Towson, about 14 minutes drive.
010110010101101 / Shutterstock.com
Farragutful (shifted & cropped by Rabanus Flavus), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
More than an important spiritual center for Catholics in Maryland, the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen is a man-made marvel rarely found in the United States.
The church nestled at 5200 North Charles Street in Baltimore has a vast structure completed way back in 1959.
The cathedral has a magnificent Gothic design with art deco accents and used limestone, while its floor plan follows the classical east-facing cruciform that will put you in awe.
Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In addition, the cathedral features have two stone-carved arks and a dove which was brought by the first Catholic settlers that migrated to the New World back in the 1600s.
Lord Baltimore and Cecil Calvert were onboard the ships that carried the stone carvings, who founded the colony and offered religious liberty to their inhabitants.
This famous cathedral in Baltimore is at 5200 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD, or a 10-minute drive north of Towson.
Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This museum in Maryland has more than 200,000 natural history specimens ranging from fossils, artifacts, and other pieces.
The group behind the museum’s operations, the National History Society of Maryland, is a private non-profit group formed way back in 1929.
The group’s ultimate goal is to inform the public about natural science and its importance.
The specimens found in the museum have been discovered dating back to the 1800s to the present day.
Self-guided tours and group tours are available for you to choose when you’re planning to visit this museum located at 6908 Belair Rd #1122, Baltimore, MD.
It’s a 14-minute drive southeast of Towson via I-695 W.
Preservation Maryland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Fire Museum of Maryland is considered the most extensive facility in the entire state and the United States.
It’s situated in Lutherville, about 3.5 miles north of Towson in Baltimore.
The museum is one of the best institutions for preservation, reservation, and interpretation of urban fire service history in the United States.
Founded back in 1971, the museum has a vast collection of top-notch hand engines, steam-powered, and horse-drawn vehicles used for firefighting back in the early 1900s.
Preservation Maryland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You can explore multiple exhibits featuring different firefighting equipment, artifacts, and memorabilia used during the Great Fire of Baltimore in 1904.
You can have a self-guided tour or join an educational tour with other visitors.
The Fire Museum of Maryland is located at 1301-R, York Rd, Lutherville-Timonium, MD, and it’s open on Saturdays from morning to afternoon.
Preservation Maryland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This vast open space in Towson covers more than 460 acres of woods, orchards, open fields, gardens, and hedgerows which is a perfect opportunity for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Its diverse composition makes it a thriving area for wildlife.
The Cromwell Valley Park/Willow Grove Nature Center is where you’ll find the great horned owl, meadow voles, deer mice, rabbits, and red-tailed hawks that freely roam in the area.
Preservation Maryland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You’ll also come across red foxes and white-tailed deer, both abundant in the area.
A hike there will surely make you captivated by nature.
Parkville MD’s park and nature center are roughly four miles northeast of Towson.
Towson is a thriving community within a metropolis.
The attractions and exciting things to do in Towson speak for itself why you should visit this place one day.
This post about the 15 best things to do in Towson, and its nearby places is already a great start for your travel adventure because you’re guaranteed to find more.
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
