Need a peaceful suburban retreat between D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis? Head to Crofton! With tree-lined streets, family-friendly parks, and easy access to urban and coastal attractions, Crofton is a great base for exploring Central Maryland. Whether you’re golfing, shopping, or enjoying a quiet stroll, Crofton offers convenience with small-town charm.
Crofton, MD Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Bike or jog the WB&A Trail – Scenic paved trail perfect for cycling, walking, and connecting with nature.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Historic Linthicum Walks – Tour this preserved 18th-century farmhouse surrounded by gardens and wooded trails.
- For Shoppers: Explore Waugh Chapel Towne Centre – Browse stores, dine at restaurants, and catch a movie all in one walkable location.
- For Couples: Enjoy a round at Crofton Country Club – Tee off at this scenic golf course or take a leisurely evening stroll nearby.
- For Families: Play at Crofton Park – Sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas make it perfect for a laid-back family outing.
Best Time to Visit Crofton, MD
The best time to visit Crofton is during spring and fall (April–June and September–October), when mild temperatures and colorful foliage make it ideal for outdoor recreation, festivals, and day trips to nearby cities.
How to Get to Crofton, MD
- If you are traveling by car: Crofton is located along MD Route 3/301, about 25 minutes from Annapolis, 35 minutes from D.C., and 40 minutes from Baltimore.
- By Train: MARC and Amtrak trains serve nearby Odenton and New Carrollton, with ride shares or taxis available to Crofton.
- By Plane: Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is just 25 minutes away by car.
Where to Stay in Crofton, MD
- Recommended for Families: SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Annapolis – Spacious suites, free breakfast, and easy access to Crofton and area attractions.
- For Couples: Country Inn & Suites – BWI Airport – Comfortable lodging with Southern-style décor and nearby dining options.
- For Budget Travelers: Red Roof Inn – Annapolis – Affordable accommodations close to Crofton, shopping, and highways.
Best Things to Do in Crofton, MD
⮕ Elements Therapeutic Massage
Relax with custom treatments and enjoy an easy self-care trip.
A visit to Elements Therapeutic Massage is a must on your to-do list in Crofton. The center specializes in offering clients a wide range of therapeutic massage techniques which are carefully coordinated to suit your specific needs. Your Elements experience starts before you visit the center – when you make a booking you will be asked to describe exactly what it is you require from your massage session. The Elements center then selects their most suitable therapist to take care of you from arrival to departure. The center offers sports massage, Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, relaxing couples massages and even pre-natal massage, along with a variety of add-on special techniques like hot rocks, aromatherapy and more.
Elements Therapeutic Massage, 1702 Transportation Drive, Crofton, MD 21114, Phone: 410-505-8669
⮕ Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery
Sip small-batch brews and explore exciting local beer stuff.
Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery strives to produce the best brew you have ever tasted by producing small batches of distinctively creative craft beers. To keep things interesting the brewery ensures that there is a constant supply of traditional real ales alongside a good selection of experimental brews on tap. The brewery is named to honor Chesapeake Bay and its colorful people and vibrant history. The on-site Tap Room is family friendly and everyone is welcome to come and sample a selection of interesting brews while enjoying regular entertainment like Trivia evenings, music, bingo and corn hole. Enthusiastic amateur brewers can sign up for one of their regular Brewer for a Day Programs.
Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery, 2408 Crofton Boulevard, Crofton, MD 21114, Phone: 410-630-1579
Where to Eat:
⮕ Allison’s Restaurant
Dine on homestyle dishes and enjoy a cozy family meal.
Offering customers a winning combination of fine-dining cuisine and a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, Allison’s Restaurant is one of the most popular Crofton eateries. The restaurant is family owned and operated by brothers Jim and Bill Hamrock, both of whom have a wealth of experience as chefs. The menu is extensive and offers something delicious for all tastes. You can start your dining experience with an appetizer like Corn-crusted Oysters or Wild Mushroom Risotto before moving on to enjoy your choice from their sandwiches, salads, pastas and main-courses. You can accompany your meal with your choice of wine (served by the glass or bottle) or bottled/draft beers.
Allison’s Restaurant, 2207 Defense Hwy, Crofton, MD 21114, Phone: 410-721-0331
⮕ Blue Dolphin Seafood Bar and Grill
Savor fresh seafood and enjoy a romantic evening out.
The Blue Dolphin Seafood Bar and Grill has built a solid reputation for serving modern, fresh and delicious seafood in a relaxed setting. The restaurant is open from 11am each day for lunch and dinner service starts with a “Happy Hour” from 4pm. Appetizers include a large selection of tasty seafood treats including oysters, shrimp and clams served in several ways. There is a good selection of salads, with or without seafood additions. These are followed by creative sandwiches and wraps, seafood entrees, pastas and a selection of grills for the confirmed carnivores. The bar offers wines from just about all corners of the US as delicious, innovative cocktails.
Blue Dolphin Seafood Bar and Grill, 1166 State Route 3 S. Gambrills, MD 21054, Phone: 410-721-9081
If you are interested in local events:
- For Families: Crofton Farmers Market (Spring–Fall) – Local produce, food trucks, and kid-friendly fun.
- For Holiday Cheer: Crofton Christmas Parade (December) – Small-town celebration with festive floats and community spirit.
- For Foodies: Waugh Chapel Food Truck Fridays (Seasonal) – Sample diverse cuisines from rotating vendors with live music.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Crofton, Maryland:
- For History Buffs: Annapolis (25–30 min) – Tour the U.S. Naval Academy, historic downtown, and waterfront shops.
- For City Lovers: Washington, D.C. (30–35 min) – Explore museums, monuments, and iconic landmarks on the National Mall.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Patuxent Research Refuge (25 min) – Hike, birdwatch, or enjoy nature at this peaceful wildlife preserve.
- For Aviation Fans: BWI Aviation Observation Park (30 min) – Watch planes take off and land with kids while enjoying picnic spots.
- For Art & Gardens: National Capital Trolley Museum (30 min) – Ride historic trolleys and explore transit heritage exhibits near Silver Spring.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What outdoor activities are available in Crofton?
- Crofton boasts a couple of interesting parks where you can enjoy walking or biking – try Crofton Park or Swann Park.
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Where can golfers play in Crofton?
- Golfers can enjoy a weekend at the manicured Walden Country Club.
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Are there activities for teens and tweens in Crofton?
- Teens and 'tweens can have hours of fun at Skate Zone Crofton.
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Where can visitors find local craft brews and seafood in Crofton?
- Sample some local craft brews at the Chesepooic Real Ale Brewery and enjoy fresh seafood at the Blue Dolphin Seafood Bar and Grill.
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