Looking for a charming town with history, festivals, and small-town hospitality? Head to Bel Air! Located in Harford County, just northeast of Baltimore, Bel Air offers historic homes, scenic parks, and a walkable downtown filled with boutiques, cafés, and cultural attractions. Whether you're attending a summer concert or exploring local trails, Bel Air is a welcoming escape.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bel Air is from April through October. Spring brings blooming flowers and outdoor events, while summer is great for live music and community festivals. Fall offers beautiful foliage and seasonal fun, and December brings holiday charm to Main Street.
How to Get There
- By Car: Bel Air is located along U.S. Route 1 and Maryland Route 24, about 40–45 minutes northeast of Baltimore.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), approximately 50 minutes away by car.
- By Train: The closest MARC train station is in Aberdeen (about 15 minutes away), offering connections to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Where to Stay
- Hampton Inn & Suites Edgewood/Aberdeen-South – Clean and comfortable hotel just a short drive from Bel Air.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bel Air – Popular hotel with complimentary breakfast and convenient access to major highways.
- Vandiver Inn (Havre de Grace) – Just 20 minutes away, this charming historic inn offers romantic stays and gourmet dining.
Top Attractions
⮕ Sip Local Brews at Independent Brewing Company
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The Independent Brewing Company is Harford County's premier production brewery. It is situated in historic downtown Bel Air, at the top of the Ma and Pa Trail.
The team produces small batches of gluten-free ales and ciders, served from 26 rotating taps. They also can six-packs to go and offer non-alcoholic beverages, such as coffee, root beer and kombucha. Bend and Brew yoga classes, Trivia nights and live music evenings are weekly events.
A roster of food trucks delivers fresh, seasonal, local cuisine on site at various venues. The company also has a stall that pops up farmers' markets.
Address: Independent Brewing Company, 418 N Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014, Phone: 410-836-8313
⮕ Bike or Stroll the Scenic Ma and Pa Heritage Trail
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More than a hundred establishments support this heritage trail which follows the course of the old Ma and Pa Railroad through Harford County in Maryland. The Bel Air section is 2.5 miles long and links with the longer trail. It starts at Williams Street and ends overlooking the Equestrian Center.
The trail slopes moderately and runs through woodlands, under the highway and bypass, and crosses the creek several times.
It is a short cut across town and has branches off to Harford Mall and Liriodendron Mansion. There is a dog park at one end where pets can run free.
⮕ Tour the Elegant Grounds of Liriodendron Mansion
© Liriodendron Mansion
The Liriodendron Mansion, on the western side of Bel Air, was home to Dr Howard Kelly and his wife Laetitia. Dr Kelly was one of the four founding physicians of the John Hopkins Medical College in Baltimore.
The estate was originally 196 acres but parcels of land have been sold off since the 1940s, including what is now Howard Park. The Palladium-styled house was designed by the architect responsible for the Baltimore City Court House. It is a two-and-a-half story brick mansion.
The original house still stands and there are several outbuildings on the property. Liriodendron refers to the botanical name of the tulip poplar found on the estate.
Address: 502 West Gordon Street, Bel Air, MD 21014, Phone: 410-879-4424
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Explore Poe’s Legacy at Historic Tudor Hall
© ajisai13/stock.adobe.com
Junius Brutus Booth bought the one-and-a-half story Gothic Revival cottage out of a catalog in 1847. It was intended to be his family's country retreat but he died before it was completed. John Wilkes Booth, one of his sons lived there as a teenager, with his mother and siblings. The family sold the property to Ella Mahoney who lived there for 70 years and opened a museum. Tudor Hall changed hands several times after her death and is now run by the Junius Booth Society. It was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1973.
⮕ Shop and Stroll at Harford Mall
© Farknot Architect/stock.adobe.com
The Harford Mall is situated near the junction of Maryland Route 24 and US Route 1, on the site of the old Bel Air Racetrack. It was constructed in 1973 and renovated extensively in 2006. The center court and interior were remodeled, the exterior was given a facelift and the food court was moved outside. There are almost 80 shops in the main building and the Harford Mall annex nearby, including ten eateries. Sears and Macy are currently anchor tenants and Woolworths was one until the chain ceased to exist.
Address: Harford Mall, 696 Belair Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014, Phone: 410-879-9319
⮕ Step into the 18th Century at Hays House Museum
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This one-and-a-half story house with the gambrel roof is the oldest in Bel Air. In 1960 it was moved from its original position to the current site. It is being used as a living history museum to depict the daily life of the rural gentry in the late 18th century. The social and cultural norms are explained in the guided tours, field trips, exhibitions and regular period enactments. Experts demonstrate hearth cooking and a variety of colonial crafts at the Hays House Museum. Hays House is an educational resource and is opened weekly for genealogical and other research. The museum operates on select days from March to mid-December.
Address: Hays House Museum, 324 Kenmore Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland 21014, Phone: 410-838-7691
⮕ Catch a Game or Event at APG Federal Credit Union Arena
© APG Federal Credit Union Arena
The construction of the APG FCU Arena in 2011 doubled the size of the original facility which opened in 1968. It is the largest indoor arena in the area. The 19000 square foot open space cost $267 million dollars to construct and is used for tournaments, commencements, concerts, conferences and fundraising events. APG Federal Credit Union Arena is home to three of Harford Community College's sports teams.
Address: APG Federal Credit Union Arena, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, Maryland 21015, Phone: 443-412-2570
Where to Eat
⮕ Savor Seasonal Dishes at Pairings Bistro
© Pairings Bistro
Chef Jon Kohler serves Mediterranean and Belgian cuisine with a Chesapeake Bay flair at his restaurant Pairings Bistro, using locally sourced, organic ingredients. The seasonal menu is paired with a selection of wines from around the globe. There are daily specials and menus designed for special holidays and festive occasions. Every Friday there is live music entertainment in the Wine Lounge. The restaurant can seat 40 people and is available for parties, corporate lunches and business meetings. The Village Bistro food truck takes the concept mobile and can be found at events around the region.
Address: Pairings Bistro, 2105 Laurel Bush Road, Ste 108, Bel Air, MD 21015, Phone: 410-569-5006
⮕ Dine in Style at One Eleven Main
© One Eleven Main
This New American restaurant is situated in an 1860s building in Main Street. The premises were formerly used as a florist, delicatessen, coffee shop and pre-prohibition bar. The building's history was taken into account when deciding on the elegant new dark walnut finishes. The result was an Archer Bull award in 2018, for architecture and design. The restaurant serves a set menu and small plate meals. The pre-prohibition theme was retained in the One Eleven Main bar which serves wines from wine-producing countries around the world and seasonal cocktails made with local spirits. One Eleven Main is closed on Mondays.
Address: One Eleven Main, 111 South Main St., Bel Air, MD, 21014, Phone: 443-900-8027
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Downtown Bel Air – Browse shops, stop for coffee, and enjoy small-town ambiance on tree-lined Main Street.
- Rockfield Park – Community green space with gardens, playgrounds, and seasonal events.
- Harford Artists Gallery – Local art gallery showcasing work by regional artists inside Rockfield Manor.
Where to Eat
- Savona – Italian-style market and café known for sandwiches, coffee, wine, and local goods.
- Pairings Bistro – Contemporary restaurant offering seasonal menus, craft cocktails, and a cozy dining room.
- One Eleven Main – Farm-to-table eatery featuring local ingredients in a casual but stylish setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- First Fridays (May–October) – Monthly street party with live music, food trucks, and local vendors in downtown Bel Air.
- Bel Air Festival for the Arts (September) – Juried arts and crafts festival with over 300 vendors in Shamrock Park.
- Maryland State BBQ Bash (August) – A KCBS-sanctioned barbecue competition with live entertainment and family fun.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Bel Air, Maryland:
- Havre de Grace (20 min) – Visit the waterfront promenade, lighthouse, and charming antique shops.
- Gunpowder Falls State Park (30 min) – Explore hiking trails, tubing, and scenic river views in one of Maryland’s largest parks.
- Baltimore (40–45 min) – Take a day trip to the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, or enjoy Camden Yards and museums.
- Aberdeen IronBirds at Leidos Field (20 min) – Catch a minor league baseball game in a family-friendly stadium.
- Longwood Gardens (PA) (1 hour) – Explore world-famous botanical gardens and fountains just across the state line.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Bel Air located?
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Bel Air is the county seat of Harford County, situated on the outskirts of Baltimore, slightly inland from Chesapeake Bay.
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Is Bel Air a good place to live?
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Yes! Bel Air is considered one of the best places to live in Maryland and is home to a mix of young professionals and retirees.
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When was Bel Air founded?
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Bel Air was founded in 1780 and remained a small settlement for almost a century.
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How did Bel Air grow in population?
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By 1865, the town had only 200 residents. However, with the introduction of the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad (MPA), also known as "Ma and Pa", Bel Air experienced rapid growth in the late 19th century.
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Who are some notable residents of Bel Air?
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Notable residents include:
- Dr. Howard Kelly – A pioneering surgeon and one of the founding doctors of Johns Hopkins Hospital.
- John Wilkes Booth – The infamous assassin of President Abraham Lincoln.
Plan Your Trip