Towson, Maryland Travel Guide

Discover Towson, Maryland: A perfect blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and natural beauty in the heart of Baltimore County.

Towson, Maryland, is a captivating blend of historic charm and modern sophistication. Nestled in Baltimore County, this vibrant city offers a unique experience for tourists, combining the tranquility of suburban life with the energy of urban amenities. Walking through Towson, you'll find a delightful mix of cultural attractions, shopping destinations, and green spaces. Visit the Towson Town Center, one of the largest shopping malls in Maryland, for a day of retail therapy. Don't miss the Towson Farmers Market, where you can sample local produce and handmade crafts. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Hampton National Historic Site, a preserved 18th-century estate that offers a glimpse into America's past. For a touch of nature, head to the nearby Cromwell Valley Park, a serene retreat with hiking trails, picnic areas, and bird-watching opportunities. Towson's dining scene is diverse and delicious, with a range of restaurants offering everything from casual bites to gourmet meals. Be sure to explore the local eateries around the Towson University campus, which add to the city's youthful and dynamic vibe. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Towson provides a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes make it a must-visit destination in Maryland.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Towson.

Visit Towson Town Center for a mix of high-end and affordable shopping.
Check the schedule for events at the SECU Arena for local sports and entertainment.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or picnic at Cromwell Valley Park.
Explore the local food scene around Towson University for diverse dining options.
Visit the Hampton National Historic Site for a dose of history and beautiful gardens.

Explore Towson: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Towson

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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National Aquarium

Discover the vibrant marine life and conservation efforts at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, a premier tourist attraction for all ages.

4.6

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Discover Oriole Park at Camden Yards, a premier baseball stadium in Baltimore, where history, excitement, and culture converge for an unforgettable experience.

4.7

M&T Bank Stadium

Discover M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, where thrilling football action meets vibrant entertainment in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland.

4.7

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Experience the magic of wildlife at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, where conservation meets adventure in a stunning natural setting.

4.4

Best landmarks in Towson

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National Aquarium

Explore the National Aquarium in Baltimore, a mesmerizing journey through aquatic ecosystems and a vital hub for marine conservation.

4.6

Towson Town Center

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Towson Town Center, where retail, dining, and entertainment come together in Maryland's vibrant heart.

4.4

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Discover the rich history and scenic beauty of Fort McHenry, where America's national anthem was born and valor was defined.

4.8

Cinemark Towson and XD

Experience the magic of movies at Cinemark Towson and XD, where comfort meets cutting-edge technology in a perfect cinematic atmosphere.

4.5

Best restaurants in Towson

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The Cheesecake Factory

Experience culinary delight at The Cheesecake Factory in Towson - where every meal ends on a sweet note!

4.1

7 West Bistro Grille

Discover exceptional flavors at 7 West Bistro Grille in Towson—your go-to spot for delightful dining experiences.

4.5

Towson Diner

Discover delicious breakfast options at Towson Diner - where American classics meet Greek specialties in a cozy setting.

4.1

Nacho Mama's Towson

Experience vibrant Tex-Mex flavors at Nacho Mama's Towson – where delicious meets fun in every bite!

4.2

Best bars in Towson

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7 West Bistro Grille

Discover the flavors of Maryland at 7 West Bistro Grille, where fresh ingredients and creative dishes meet in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.5

Applebee's Grill + Bar

Discover the heart of American dining at Applebee's Grill + Bar in Towson, MD, where delicious meals and a friendly atmosphere await.

3.9

Glory Days Grill

Discover the excitement of Glory Days Grill in Towson, a perfect blend of great food, sports, and family-friendly fun for every visitor.

4.0

Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill

Discover the ultimate steakhouse experience at Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, where quality meets comfort in a vibrant dining atmosphere.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Towson

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The Brass Tap

Discover Towson's finest craft beer haven at The Brass Tap, where over 60 beers on tap await you in a lively and inviting atmosphere.

4.5

CVP Towson

Experience the vibrant nightlife and diverse menu at CVP Towson, the perfect bar and event venue in the heart of Towson, Maryland.

4.1

The Rec Room

Experience local flavors and a vibrant atmosphere at The Rec Room, Towson's go-to grill and restaurant for a delightful culinary adventure.

4.0

The Kent House Irish Pub

Discover the charm of Ireland at The Kent House Irish Pub, where delightful cuisine and a festive atmosphere await in Towson, Maryland.

4.4

Best shops in Towson

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Towson Town Center

Explore Towson Town Center, Maryland's ultimate shopping mall featuring diverse stores, delightful dining, and vibrant entertainment for all ages.

4.4

Towson Place

Explore Towson Place, Maryland's premier shopping mall, featuring diverse stores, dining, and entertainment for the whole family!

4.3

Annapolis Harbour Center

Discover Annapolis Harbour Center: A shopping paradise with diverse dining options and a state-of-the-art movie theater, perfect for tourists in Maryland.

4.5

Centre at Glen Burnie

Discover a vibrant shopping experience at The Centre at Glen Burnie, Maryland's premier shopping mall with diverse retail, dining, and entertainment options.

4.0

Explore Towson on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Towson, mapped for you.

Towson Essentials

Towson is located in Baltimore County, Maryland, and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), which is approximately 25 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a rideshare service, or use a shuttle service. Towson is also accessible via Amtrak and MARC trains to Baltimore's Penn Station, followed by a short taxi or rideshare trip. If driving, Towson is conveniently located near major highways I-695 and I-83.
Towson has a range of transportation options. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates several bus routes that connect Towson to Baltimore and surrounding areas. The Towson Loop, a free circulator bus service, operates within Towson, making it easy to navigate the downtown area. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, and taxis can be found at designated stands or booked via phone. For those who prefer driving, car rentals are available, and parking is plentiful in public garages and lots.
The official currency in Towson, as in all of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are abundant, and you can find them in banks, shopping centers, and convenience stores. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay are also commonly accepted.
Towson is generally considered safe for tourists, but it is always wise to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some neighborhoods, like parts of East Towson, have higher crime rates, so it is best to remain vigilant and stick to well-populated areas. Always lock your car and hotel room, and keep valuables out of sight.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Towson is served by several medical facilities, including the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center and Greater Baltimore Medical Center, both of which offer emergency services. It is advisable to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, several pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, are located throughout the town.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the season. Casual wear is generally acceptable, but smart-casual is recommended for dining out. Religion: Do respect places of worship and local customs. Public Transport: Do have exact change or a transit card ready when using public buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Don't be overly familiar unless you know the person well. Eating & Drinking: Do try local eateries and be open to a variety of cuisines. Don't forget to tip your servers, typically 15-20% of the bill.
To experience Towson like a local, visit the Towson Farmers Market, held on Thursdays from spring through fall, where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Check out the local art scene at the Towson Arts Collective and catch a performance at the Towson University Center for the Arts. For a taste of local history, visit the Hampton National Historic Site. Dining at local favorites like The Rec Room and Cunningham's is highly recommended. Engaging with locals can provide additional insights and recommendations for a memorable visit.

When is the best time to visit Towson?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Towson

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Towson. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey
  [hey]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see ya]
- YesYep
  [yep]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No worries
  [please/no worries]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [sorry]
- How are you?How you doin'?
  [how you doin']
- Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [good. you?]
- Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [you speak English?]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
  [can I see the menu?]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI want to pay
  [I want to pay]
- Help!Help!
  [help!]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [call a doc!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingJust looking
  [just looking]
- How much is it?How much?
  [how much?]
- That's too expensiveToo pricey
  [too pricey]
- Can you lower the price?Can you drop the price?
  [can you drop the price?]
- What time is it?What's the time?
  [what's the time?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [it's one]
- Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thirty]
- MorningMorning
  [morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [evening]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [tomorrow]
- 1One
  [one]
- 2Two
  [two]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [eight]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [what's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Show me on the map
  [show me on the map]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?
  [when's the next bus?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...
  [a ticket to...]

History of Towson

Towson's history dates back to the 18th century when two Pennsylvania brothers, William and Thomas Towson, settled in the area around 1750. They established a farm and a tavern along a Native American trail, which later became York Road. The settlement grew around their tavern, and by the early 19th century, Towson had developed into a small village.
In 1854, the Maryland General Assembly designated Towson as the county seat of Baltimore County. This decision was driven by Towson's central location and accessibility. The transfer of the county seat from Baltimore City to Towson spurred growth and development, leading to the construction of the first Baltimore County Courthouse in 1855.
During the Civil War, Towson experienced significant tension and conflict as Maryland was a border state with divided loyalties. In 1861, Union troops occupied Towson to suppress Confederate sympathizers. Despite the military presence, Towson saw limited direct combat, but the war's impact was felt throughout the community.
The advent of the railroad in the late 19th century marked a new era for Towson. The Northern Central Railway connected Towson to Baltimore, facilitating commerce and travel. This connectivity contributed to Towson's transformation from a rural village into a suburban hub, attracting new residents and businesses.
Towson is home to several notable educational institutions, including Towson University, which was founded in 1866 as the Maryland State Normal School. The university has grown significantly over the years and is now one of the largest public universities in Maryland, contributing to Towson's reputation as an educational center.
Towson Town Center, one of the largest shopping malls in the Baltimore metropolitan area, opened in 1959. Its development marked Towson's emergence as a retail hub. The mall has undergone several expansions and renovations, making it a central feature of Towson's commercial landscape.
In recent decades, Towson has continued to evolve with increased urbanization and development. The construction of new residential complexes, office buildings, and cultural institutions has transformed Towson into a vibrant suburban community with a blend of historical charm and modern amenities.