Looking for a convenient suburban escape close to Baltimore with shopping, parks, and local eats? Head to Owings Mills! This lively Maryland community blends easy urban access with outdoor adventures, top-tier shopping, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you're looking to relax, explore, or shop, Owings Mills offers a little something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Owings Mills is from late spring to early fall (May through October). Mild, sunny weather is perfect for exploring parks, dining al fresco, and taking short trips into Baltimore or the nearby countryside.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Owings Mills is located just off I-795, about 30 minutes northwest of downtown Baltimore and 1 hour from Washington, D.C.
  • By Train: The Baltimore Metro SubwayLink connects Owings Mills directly to downtown Baltimore via the Owings Mills Station.
  • By Air: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is about a 35–40 minute drive away.

Where to Stay

  • Hyatt Place Baltimore/Owings Mills – Comfortable, modern hotel close to shopping and Metro access.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Owings Mills – Great for business or leisure travelers, with an indoor pool and on-site dining.
  • Residence Inn Baltimore Owings Mills – Spacious suites with kitchenettes, ideal for extended stays or family trips.

Best Things to Do

Hike Through Rare Beauty at Soldier’s Delight Natural Environment Area


Explore over 1,900 acres of globally rare serpentine ecosystem with scenic trails and unique wildlife

Hike Through Rare Beauty at Soldier’s Delight Natural Environment Area

© zilvergolf/stock.adobe.com

Soldier's Delight Natural Environment Area is located near Owings Mills, Baltimore County, Maryland. It consists of 1,526 acres of Maryland Wildland and 1,900 acres of Natural Environment Area. Soldier’s Delight is part of the Maryland Wildlands Preservation System. The site protects rare serpentine soil and more than 39 rare, threatened, or endangered species of plants, rare insects, rocks and minerals. There are seven miles of hiking trails for hikers but not for bikers and horseback riders, in order to protect fragile soils. There is a visitors’ center open on Saturdays that offers environmental education programs, exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area and a scavenger hunt. Bowhunting is permitted from mid-November to the end of January.

5100 Deer Park Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117, Phone: 410-461-5005

Get Hands-On with Nature at Irvine Nature Center


Environmental education, nature walks, and family-friendly programming in a 210-acre woodland preserve

Get Hands-On with Nature at Irvine Nature Center

© Irvine Nature Center

Irvine Nature Center is located in Owings Mills on 210 acres of land in the Caves Valley Historic District. The Irvine Nature Center includes a 17,200-square-foot green exhibit hall, indoor and outdoor classroom, amphitheater and trails. The center is famous for offering green weddings. It also offers family nature programs, the Nature Preschool and summer camps. Irvine Nature Center was founded in 1975 by Olivia Irvine Dodge. It was originally located in an old barn on the grounds of St. Timothy's School in Stevenson, Maryland. It was meant to teach children about how vulnerable the planet is. The only private, non-profit nature center in the area, the center’s mission is to inspire an educate young people to respect and protect nature.

11201 Garrison Forest Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117, Phone: 443-738-9200

Celebrate Unsung Heroes at the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball


Step into the stories of trailblazing athletes who helped shape the history of America’s pastime

Celebrate Unsung Heroes at the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball

© Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball, Inc.

The Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball, Inc. is a non-profit corporation and a unique educational resource in Baltimore County. It has been established in order to honor of all Negro League baseball players and their role in the cultural history of the country. The museum’s programs aim to promote the culture and ideals of the Negro Leagues and their players. The museum works with various advocates who are promoting educational research, organizing exhibitions and the disseminating historical information about the Negro leagues. All programs and projects foster better understanding of the plight of African-Americans as they fought for their rightful place in the world of sports.

10302 Grand Central Ave Owings Mills, MD, Phone: 410-597-9797

Refuel with Flavor at Times Square Kitchen


A local favorite dishing up hearty sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and creative comfort food

Refuel with Flavor at Times Square Kitchen

© Times Square Kitchen

Located in Metro Centre at Owings Mills, Maryland, Times Square Kitchen is modern, spacious bi-level pizzeria that offers “a slice of New York City.” There is a giant poster of Times Square, with brilliant flashing colors to greet guests. They offer pizzas by slices, pies, sandwiches and build-your-own salads. Beer and wine are available. Cool vibe of the pizzeria makes Times Square Kitchen a popular gathering place. Folks come with a bunch of friends to share one of their delicious gourmet pizzas and check their facebook or instagram – the wifi is free. The pizzas are all made in-house, fresh every day. They also make their own breads for their imaginative sandwiches.

10309 Grand Central Ave #100, Owings Mills, MD 21117, Phone: 410-902-4400

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Bike, Walk, or Roll Along the Gwynns Falls Trail


A historic greenway through parks, stream valleys, and urban landscapes, perfect for an active day out

Bike, Walk, or Roll Along the Gwynns Falls Trail

© Petra Richli/stock.adobe.com

The Gwynn’s Falls Trail is a delightful urban greenway corridor which meanders through Baltimore City along the Gwynn’s Falls stream valley. The 15 mile trail is ideal for walking, hiking, trail running and cycling and can be easily accessed from one of 9 trailheads dotted along its route. To easily find the trail and to find your way around you can download the free Gwynn’s Falls Trail Map. The trail connects no fewer than 30 Baltimore neighborhoods and parks, providing a remarkable urban recreational asset for city dwellers. There is convenient parking at each trail head, as well as a trail map and information about the area.

Gwynn’s Falls Trail, Gwynn Oak Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21207, 410 396 0440

Play Big at Northwest Regional Park


Sports fields, playgrounds, and open space make this park ideal for community fun and weekend relaxation

Play Big at Northwest Regional Park

© dk_photo/stock.adobe.com

Northwest Regional Park is a large recreational area located along Deer Park Road. Although large tracts of the park are wooded, other areas have been set aside for sporting activities. You will find 4 soft-ball/base ball diamonds, 2 fields suitable for soccer or lacrosse. There is a large central gazebo and a children’s playground – a new “destination playground” which will cover almost an acre will open at the end of 2021. The park also includes a paved 2.7km trail which meanders through an attractive forested area and is very popular with walkers, joggers, trail runners and dog walkers. The park is open from Monday to Friday only.

Northwest Regional Park, 4515 Deer Park Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117, 410 887 1163

Test Your Skills at GUNTRY of Maryland


A state-of-the-art indoor shooting range and tactical training center with upscale amenities and professional guidance

Test Your Skills at GUNTRY of Maryland

© GUNTRY of Maryland

GUNTRY of Maryland offers gun enthusiasts a unique concept – an up-market Gun Club with Country Club-style amenities. GUNTRY covers 64,000 square feet and is known to be the premier shooting and training facility in the area. The club boasts 34 indoor ranges – you can book a lane in advance and come and perfect your target practice. The club also has expert instructors who can teach beginners everything they need to know about guns and shooting, including how to maintain your weapon correctly. More experienced shooters can hone their skills in advanced training classes and on the simulator. After your session you can relax at the Café or the Cigar-Bar.

GUNTRY of Maryland, 10705 Red Run Boulevard, Owings Mills, MD 21117, 443 973 4867

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Shop and dine at Foundry Row – Open-air lifestyle center with national brands, restaurants, and local favorites.
  • Explore Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area – Hike through rare serpentine barren ecosystems with scenic trails and wildlife spotting.
  • Catch a movie at AMC Owings Mills 17 – Enjoy reclining seats and the latest blockbuster releases at this large modern theater.
  • Take a quick trip to the Maryland Zoo – Just a 25-minute drive to one of the nation's oldest and most beautiful zoos in Baltimore.

Where to Eat

  • Artful Gourmet Bistro – Elegant, creative American cuisine in an intimate setting, perfect for a special night out.
  • Grille 620 – Upscale steakhouse and seafood with a sleek, contemporary vibe.
  • Miss Shirley’s Café (nearby in Pikesville) – Southern-style brunch favorites, like shrimp and grits or fried green tomatoes, just a short drive away.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Owings Mills Farmers Market (summer months) – Fresh produce, crafts, and local treats at Foundry Row on Wednesdays.
  • Fall Festivals at Irvine Nature Center – Seasonal family fun with hayrides, games, and nature-themed activities.
  • Live music at Metro Centre – Free outdoor concerts and community events throughout the summer at Owings Mills' transit-oriented hub.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Owings Mills, Maryland:

  • Baltimore Inner Harbor (30 min) – Visit the National Aquarium, hop on a harbor cruise, or enjoy waterfront dining and attractions.
  • Historic Ellicott City (25–30 min) – Wander charming Main Street shops, historic sites, and beautiful hillsides.
  • Cylburn Arboretum (25 min) – Stroll gardens, trails, and historic mansion grounds in a peaceful Baltimore green space.
  • Patapsco Valley State Park (30 min) – Hike, bike, or picnic along scenic trails and riverbanks in one of Maryland’s most popular parks.
  • Hampden, Baltimore (25–30 min) – Explore quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and funky eateries along 36th Street ("The Avenue").
  • Lake Roland Park (20–25 min) – Enjoy nature trails, a dog park, and kayaking opportunities just outside the city.
  • Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum (15 min) – Learn about the life of the famous African American scientist and surveyor in a beautiful natural setting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Owings Mills located?
    • Owings Mills is an unincorporated community in Baltimore County, MD.
  • What natural attractions are near Owings Mills?
    • Not far from Owings Mills is the Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area, which protects rare serpentine soil and more than 39 rare, threatened, or endangered species of plants, rare insects, rocks, and minerals.
  • What can visitors experience at the Irvine Nature Center?
    • The Irvine Nature Center features a 17,200-square-foot green exhibit hall, indoor and outdoor classrooms, an amphitheater, and scenic trails for exploration.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Top Activities
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures with blooming flowers. Hilton Garden Inn Owings Mills – A convenient and comfortable stay. Explore Irvine Nature Center – Enjoy scenic trails and wildlife education.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor activities. Hyatt Place Baltimore/Owings Mills – A stylish and well-rated hotel. Visit Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area – Hike through rare and beautiful landscapes.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and colorful foliage. Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre – A modern and upscale stay. Attend Fall Festivals in Baltimore – Just a short drive away.
Winter (December-February) – Cool weather with holiday events. Residence Inn by Marriott – A cozy, extended-stay option. Shop at Foundry Row – Enjoy holiday shopping and dining.


Plan Your Trip