About Us

Welcome to the official website for the Office of Tourism for Harford County, Maryland. We are part of the Office of Economic Development for Harford County Government

A brief orientation of our community:

Harford County is located just 25 miles northeast of Baltimore and is strategically located on I-95 along the shores of the scenic Chesapeake Bay. The vibrant area offers visitors picturesque beauty, bustling urban centers, historic harbor towns and a variety of world-class cultural and sports amenities. The County’s three municipalities – Aberdeen, Bel Air and Havre de Grace – are only minutes apart, but each offers guests a unique experience.

Historic Havre de Grace, located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, is a charming waterfront community rich with history and maritime heritage. Dubbed the “Duckiest Town on the Chesapeake” by Southern Living Magazine, Havre de Grace offers families an authentic Chesapeake Bay experience with an eclectic mix of restaurants, unique bed and breakfast inns, specialty boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. It offers a wide variety of museums and sight-seeing options, including the Decoy Museum, the Susquehanna Museum at the Lockhouse, the Concord Point Light House, a waterfront promenade, the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, and the Skipjack Martha Lewis. Visitors will also enjoy the Steppingstone Museum, located in Susquehanna State Park, which features peaceful hiking and biking trails, cabins and fire-side campsites. Nationally recognized Bulle Rock Golf Course, former home to McDonald’s LPGA tournament, offers Maryland’s best golf. Festivals, art shows and numerous marine activities and tournaments take place throughout the year.

Five miles to the west of Havre de Grace is Aberdeen, an “All American City”, that attracts thousands of visitors annually. The diverse municipality offers tourists world-class amenities with hometown charm. Be sure to catch and IronBirds baseball game at Ripken Stadium, a miniature replica of Camden Yards, built by hometown hero, Cal Ripken, Jr. In August, the stadium hosts the players and families of the Cal Ripken World Series. Proud of its military heritage, Aberdeen Proving Ground, now part of the Cyber Triangle, recently celebrated more than 90 years in Harford County.

Bel Air, located in the “heart of Harford”, is the County Seat, presenting visitors big-city convenience in a small town atmosphere. Picturesque parks, rambling Victorians, cordial pubs, and charming boutiques welcome visitors to the tree-lined Main Street. Trendy stores, a newly renovated Harford Mall, and restaurant chains fuse with farmer’s markets and local craftsman to offer a wide variety of cuisine, gifts and experiences. The town hums with cultural activity year round. Popular annual events include the Chocolate Festival, the annual July 4th celebration, the Farm Fair, the Maryland State BBQ and the Bel Air Festival for the Arts. Wegmans will join other new shopping venues and restaurants at the Boulevard at Box Hill in the Fall of 2011.

Picturesque landscapes adorned with sprawling horse farms, rambling hills and expansive woodscapes characterize scenic Northern Harford County. The immense natural area bordered by Southern Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna River has been largely preserved for agriculture. Each season tourists bring their families to hike in Rocks State Park, take a lively farm tour and pick the fruits of the season. Fiore Winery in Pylesville invites visitors to their spirited vineyard to taste their internationally award-winning wines. Outdoor festivals and events take place each season and include the Fiore Wine and Jazz Festival, the Darlington Apple Festival, town fairs, polo matches, fox hunts and steeple chase races.

Western Harford County, bordered by Baltimore County, is one of the fastest growing regions in the area. Sophisticated boutiques and fine dining support several renowned attractions, including historic Ladew Topiary Gardens, dubbed the “most outstanding topiary garden in America” and Jerusalem Mill Village, an 18th & 19th century preserved community in Gunpowder Falls State Park.

Don’t forget to upload your photos after your visit to Harford County!