Things To Do
in Havre de Grace
Havre de Grace is a picturesque waterfront town located in Harford County, Maryland, United States. It is known for its charming historic district, lined with quaint shops, cafes, and art galleries. The town offers stunning views of the Susquehanna River as well as recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking along the nearby trails.
Havre de Grace also features notable attractions such as the Concord Point Lighthouse and the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum to learn about the city's rich maritime history. Don't forget to stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the views of the Chesapeake Bay.
After lunch at a local café, head to the Concord Point Lighthouse to climb to the top for a stunning view. Spend the rest of the afternoon fishing or picnicking at Tydings Park.
Wrap up your day with dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Enjoy the sunset as you sample local seafood and relax.
Begin your morning with a hike at the nearby Susquehanna State Park, exploring the scenic trails and enjoying nature. Stop by the historic Rock Run Grist Mill for some interesting insight.
Pack a lunch for a relaxing picnic at the park, soaking in the tranquility of the outdoors. Afterward, consider canoeing on the Susquehanna River for a unique perspective of the area.
Return to Havre de Grace for some casual dinner at a local bistro. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to unwind.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic waterfront and views of the Chesapeake Bay
- Rich history with historical landmarks and museums
- Vibrant community events and local festivals
- Access to outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking
- Small-town charm with a friendly atmosphere
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- Public transportation options may be sparse
- Higher cost of living compared to nearby areas
- Can be affected by seasonal flooding due to its coastal location
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities
Best Activities in Havre de Grace
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore scenic trails along the Susquehanna River, with opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the waterfront promenade with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay.
Visit the dam for fishing, bird watching, and photography, especially during the eagle migration season.
Check out local history exhibits and take part in outdoor events hosted by the museum.
Spend a day fishing off the pier at Tydings Park or relax in the park’s picnic areas.
Offers hiking trails, sports facilities, and picnic spots, great for family outings and outdoor sports.
Learn about the art of decoy carving, with outdoor demonstrations and events throughout the year.
Rent a kayak to explore the bay’s waterways, enjoying its natural beauty and spotting local wildlife.
Tours
Uncover the best of Havre de Grace with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Havre de Grace
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the Susquehanna River and is especially popular for birdwatching, particularly during the bald eagle migration.
Provides beautiful waterfront views and a unique perspective on the history and culture of the area, perfect for capturing scenic shots.
A historic site along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal with picturesque views, especially at sunset.
A scenic park with walking paths that offer panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay, ideal for outdoor photography.
A picturesque waterfront promenade perfect for capturing the vibrant sunset over the bay and the local wildlife.
Offers seasonal views of blooming flowers in spring and a tranquil setting year-round for nature photography.
A charming walkway along the water that provides expansive views of the bay and the city skyline—great for both day and night photography.
Features sprawling landscapes and gardens, making it a perfect spot for capturing nature and scenic farm views.
A lookout point that offers breathtaking views of the Susquehanna and its convergence with the Chesapeake Bay, ideal for wide-angle shots.
This historic lighthouse not only offers a glimpse into maritime history but also provides striking views of the surrounding waters.
Food in Havre de Grace
Havre de Grace Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential dish in Havre de Grace, crab cakes feature delicious lump crab meat formed into patties and typically served with a zesty remoulade sauce. Check out the Laurrapin Grille for a fantastic rendition of this local favorite.
Must-Try!
Pit beef, a Baltimore-area specialty, is a must-try. Thinly sliced, smoky, and charred to perfection, it's often served on a Kaiser roll with zesty horseradish sauce. Be sure to visit local institution, Price's Seafood, for an authentic experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Havre de Grace better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market offers a variety of locally sourced produce, artisanal goods, and freshly prepared food items, making it an ideal spot to savor farm-to-table delights.
Stroll along the picturesque Promenade and discover charming seafood shacks where you can indulge in fresh catches, such as steamed crabs and oysters, while enjoying scenic water views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Havre de Grace has a rich history and local traditions, especially related to its maritime culture. Engage with and show interest in local events and traditions to demonstrate respect and appreciation for the community.
Residents of Havre de Grace value friendliness and politeness. Greet people with a smile, use 'please' and 'thank you,' and engage in small talk where appropriate to build rapport and show respect.
When enjoying outdoor spaces such as parks, waterfronts, and local attractions, be mindful of noise levels, follow posted rules, and clean up after yourself. This demonstrates respect for the environment and fellow visitors.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Havre de Grace with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Havre de Grace
Ensure a smooth experience
In Havre de Grace, as in much of the United States, tipping is a customary practice, particularly in the service industry. It is common to tip restaurant servers between 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service. Tipping for other services, such as bartending, taxi rides, and hairdressing, typically follows similar guidelines, usually falling within the same percentage range.
Payment practices in Havre de Grace reflect broader trends in the U.S. Many establishments accept a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and mobile payment options. People often prefer using credit and debit cards for convenience, and many businesses have contactless payment options available. In some local markets or smaller businesses, cash may still be preferred or accepted as a primary payment method.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Havre de Grace.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a delightful time to visit Havre de Grace. The weather begins to warm up, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 70s °F. Expect beautiful blooming flowers, especially in parks and along the waterfront. This season is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and festivals celebrating the arrival of warmer weather.
Summer (June to August) brings warm to hot temperatures, often reaching the 80s and 90s °F. This is peak tourist season, offering plenty of events, outdoor concerts, and water sports. Expect bustling waterfront activities, local seafood festivals, and opportunities for fishing and boating. Be prepared for occasional humidity and thunderstorms.
Fall (September to November) showcases the stunning autumn foliage, making it a picturesque time to visit. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to the low 70s °F, dropping towards November. Visitors can enjoy harvest festivals, scenic drives, and cooler weather ideal for hiking. The charm of the historical town adds to the seasonal ambiance.
Winter (December to February) can be quite cold, with temperatures often falling to the 30s °F. While snow is possible, the town's charm remains with holiday decorations and events. Visitors can expect quieter streets, opportunities for cozy indoor activities like visiting local museums, and winter wildlife observations along the Chesapeake Bay.
Havre de Grace at Night
Hiking in Havre de Grace
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park along the Susquehanna River offering various hiking trails with scenic views and rich wildlife.
An urban park featuring walking trails, historical markers, and lush green spaces, perfect for hiking and exploring.
This park provides trails through wooded areas and along the waterfront, suitable for hiking and enjoying nature.
Offers trails with views of the dam, the river, and opportunities for bird watching, particularly bald eagles.
Located a bit further away, this park features hiking trails that lead to a picturesque waterfall and wooded areas.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Havre de Grace through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Havre de Grace by plane.
Located approximately 40 miles southwest of Havre de Grace, this is a major international airport serving the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area.
Approximately 70 miles northeast of Havre de Grace, it serves as a major gateway for international flights to and from Philadelphia.
Located about 60 miles southwest of Havre de Grace, this airport is another key international gateway serving the D.C. area.
Approximately 120 miles northeast of Havre de Grace, this airport is one of the major international airports serving the New York City area.
Located around 50 miles southwest of Havre de Grace, this airport primarily serves the Washington, D.C. area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Havre de Grace, often reflecting a significant portion of the population.
This group represents a vital part of the community and contributes to the cultural diversity of Havre de Grace.
A growing demographic that adds to the multicultural landscape of the city.
Includes individuals of various Asian heritages, contributing to the city's diversity.
Represents individuals identifying with multiple races, reflecting a broader spectrum of racial identity.
A small but important group that contributes to the city's history and cultural identity.
The Soul of Havre de Grace
Discover the essence of Havre de Grace through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A team sport played with a bat and ball, baseball is popular in Havre de Grace and often played in local leagues and parks.
Soccer is a widely enjoyed sport, with many youth leagues and community programs promoting the game in Havre de Grace.
With rich historical roots in the region, lacrosse is a popular sport among youth and adults in Havre de Grace.
Given its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, fishing is both a recreational activity and a popular sport in the area.
Running events, including races and marathons, are frequently organized in Havre de Grace, attracting local enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Havre de Grace.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Havre de Grace offer a variety of delicious plant-based dishes. Check out Coakley's Pub for their mouthwatering vegetarian burger and vegan chili.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy a range of gluten-free options at Tidewater Grille, such as their delectable gluten-free crab cake made with fresh, locally sourced crab meat.