A Tour of Druid Hill Park
Druid Hill Park is a 745-acre urban oasis located in the heart of Baltimore. Here’s how to make a day of your Druid Hill Park explorations.
Located in the northern part of Baltimore, Druid Hill Park has become home to several popular attractions including the The Maryland Zoo, the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, a public pool, disc golf courses, tennis courts and the man-made Druid Hill Reservoir. You could spend a whole day exploring the park, giving you that rustic outdoor experience without ever leaving the city.
Things To Do in Druid Hill Park
To stretch your legs, play disc golf on the Druid Hill Park Legacy Course, visit the Zen garden or stroll the 1.5 mile Lakeside Loop Trail around the Druid Hill Reservoir (the largest earthen-dammed lake in the country). The loop reopened in mid-2025 after a long-term infrastructure project and now offers a peaceful, scenic path hugging the reservoir’s edge. Other park amenities include a swimming pool, basketball courts and tennis courts, inviting you to get active in different ways.
Dating back to 1876, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is one of the oldest in the country. Be sure to check out Penguin Coast, the Zoo’s state-of-the-art, award-winning African penguin exhibit which houses more than 90 African penguins and allows visitors to see them closer than ever. The Zoo also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including breakfast with the animals, overnights at the Zoo, paint nights, beer festivals and educational workshops.
Since 1888, the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens has been housed in the stunning glass Victorian-style structure. It features year-round displays of plants from around the world in five distinct exhibit areas: the original 1888 Palm House, Orchid Room, Mediterranean House, Tropical House and Desert House.
You could easily spend a whole day exploring Druid Hill Park, but if you’re looking to venture beyond its grounds, the eclectic Remington and Hampden neighborhoods are within walking distance. Together, they offer a vibrant mix of shopping, dining and local character.
Restaurants Near Druid Hill Park
Events in Druid Hill Park
There are several annual events and festivals in Druid Hill Park. Get a true feel for the area at these can’t-miss events.
AFRAM
One of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast, the AFRAM Festival celebrates African American life, music and culture. This family-friendly event includes activities in the arts, history, education and wellness.
Baltimore Ten-Miler
Each year, the Baltimore Ten-Miler brings runners to Druid Hill Park just outside the Maryland Zoo for a challenging yet approachable course that winds through some of the city’s often overlooked neighborhoods. Reward yourself for finishing at the post-race celebration held on the zoo’s lawn, complete with cold towels, fresh watermelon and live music.
Brew at the Zoo
Every Memorial Day Weekend, Brew at the Zoo transforms the Maryland Zoo into Baltimore’s wildest festival. Tickets include all-day zoo admission and unlimited beer, wine, cider and seltzer sampling, plus access to live music and local food and vendors. As the Zoo’s largest annual fundraiser, proceeds support animal care and wildlife conservation efforts.
Druid Hill Park Lodging
Check out these hotels near Druid Hill Park and keep an eye out for special deals.
