After a winter for the ages on the Eastern front, Spring is fortunately on the horizon, vibrant skies, blooming flowers and lively colors are imminent this spring. If you aren’t out of town enjoying time on a tropical island or visiting your grandparents in rural Nebraska, the activities in the Montgomery County area are near limitless.
Pound sand:
Sandy Point State Park: A major hub for swimming, fishing, crabbing and has over 300 reported bird species. Known for panoramic views of Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
(One hour from Damascus)
North Beach: Known as the “Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay,” known for its scenic mile-long waterfront. Popular for sunbathing, swimming and beach volleyball.
(One and a half hours from Damascus)
Chesapeake Bay Beach: Known for its calm, shallow waters and rich marine life. Ideal spot for sightseeing and watching wildlife.
(One and a half hours from Damascus)
Go take a hike:
Billy Goat Trail: Known primarily for different difficulty sections which allows you to pick your own journey. Located within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
(40 minutes from Damascus)
Little Bennett Regional Park: Widely considered the “natural gem” of Montgomery County, has an extensive network of trails, diverse wildlife habitats and notable historical sites in certain parts.
(15 minutes from Damascus)
Seneca Creek State Park: Mainly known for its extensive web of trails and significant historical landmarks. Popular for fishing and disc golf.
(25 minutes from Damascus)
Golf a round:
Needwood Golf Course: Features a stimulating dual-course layout featuring a 18-hole challenging course. Additionally, it has a nine hole moderate course.
(30 minutes from Damascus)
Blue Mash: Recognized for unique Arthur Hills design and historical significance as an old stop on the Underground Railroad. Known to have one of the best practice courses in Maryland.
(20 minutes from Damascus)
History as we know it:
Antietam Battlefield: The Antietam Battlefield is primarily known as the site of the single bloodiest day of battle in US history. Occurring on Sept. 17, 1862, the battle resulted in over 23,000 killed, wounded or missing in under 12 hours.
(One hour from Damascus)
Monocacy Battlefield: Taking place July 9, 1864, the Monocacy Battlefield held a Civil War battle that is known as “The Battle That Saved Washington.” This 1,600 acre site features 19th century farmland, the Monocacy River and other historic sites.
(25 minutes from Damascus)
Fort Armistead: Located in the Hawkins Point section of Baltimore, the late 19th century coastal defense fort known as Fort Armistead was an active site during World War I. Now a hub of extensive underground tunnels and vibrant graffiti art, the current public park is an important site to remember of the Spanish-American War.
(50 minutes from Damascus)
If you need other ideas, check out what your fellow DHS classmates and staff members are planning for Spring Break.
Paige Blake (Senior)
Q: What are you doing for Spring Break?
A: “So, the first weekend of Spring Break, I’m going down to Pennsylvania to spend my sister’s birthday with her, we’re going to a rage room, and then we’re going to dinner. And then after that, I’m going to spend a few days at my mom’s and come back around the start of April. Then I’m going straight down to my family’s beach house in Virginia and spend the rest of spring break down there, probably going tubing, boating, jetskiing, just hanging out.”
Leanne Runkles (Staff)
Q: What can you tell me about this upcoming Spring Break for you?
A: “Well, I don’t have any plans for Spring Break, unfortunately; I’ll probably be going down to Ocean City, Maryland to visit my parents and other family, and that’s about it!”
Kayla White (Staff)
Q: What will you be doing for Spring Break 2026?
A: “So I have a friend that owns a condo in Ocean City [Maryland], so even though it’s not super nice out right now, hopefully it will be nice out by then. So overall, I will be going to Ocean City for the first half, and as for the second half, I just bought a house within the past year so I have some home projects to do.”
