Weekend Guide To Havre de Grace: Promenade, Parks, And Local Flavor

Looking for an easy, walkable waterfront weekend close to home? In Havre de Grace, you can park once and spend two days on a scenic boardwalk, small museums, neighborhood parks, and laid‑back dining by the water. Whether you are scouting a day trip or imagining life in 21078, this guide gives you a clear plan with practical tips, event ideas, and a few local housing insights. Let’s dive in.

Start at the Promenade

Begin with a slow stroll on the Havre de Grace Promenade, a scenic boardwalk along the Susquehanna Flats that runs roughly three quarters of a mile between the Concord Point area and the City Yacht Basin. You will find benches, interpretive signs, and frequent bird sightings, from osprey to eagles. The Promenade is typically open during daylight hours and makes a great sunrise or sunset walk. For an overview of what to expect, check the city’s listing for the Havre de Grace Promenade.

Concord Point Lighthouse

At the eastern end, stop by the 1827 Concord Point Lighthouse for a photo and a quick history fix. When open seasonally, you can visit the Keeper’s House and climb the lighthouse on guided tours. Confirm hours before you go on the Concord Point Lighthouse visitor page.

Millard Tydings Memorial Park

On the western end near the marina, Millard Tydings Memorial Park offers playgrounds, picnic spots, a gazebo, and pickleball courts. It is a natural break for families and a good place to unpack a farmers market haul. Review park details on the Millard Tydings Memorial Park listing.

Downtown browsing on foot

From the waterfront, you are a short walk to Washington and Market Streets, the historic Main Street area with antique shops, boutiques, galleries, and coffee spots. It is easy to fill an hour or two wandering for gifts and local treats like ice cream or candy from long‑time favorites such as Bomboy’s. For fresh color and public art, swing through the mural‑filled Graw Alley Artist Park at Harmer’s Town, a creative hub that opened in 2023; preview it on the Harmer’s Town Art Center page.

Small museums with big local flavor

If the weather turns or you want a deeper look at local heritage, the waterfront museums are close by and easy to pair with your walk.

• Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. Celebrate the city’s decoy‑carving and waterfowling traditions at this Chesapeake institution. Exhibits showcase craftsmanship and the area’s maritime and hunting heritage. Plan your visit with the Decoy Museum site.
• Havre de Grace Maritime Museum. Learn about the Bay’s ecology, maritime history, and estuary life through permanent and rotating exhibits. Check programs and exhibits on the Maritime Museum page.

Lunch with a view and marina vibes

Walk back to the City Yacht Basin for lunch with a waterfront view. The marina is a lively backdrop with boats coming and going, anglers at the ramp, and casual dockside bites. For services and boating details, the City Yacht Basin is commonly listed at about 275 slips with a public ramp; see the marina overview on Marinalife. Nearby, spots like Tidewater Grille make an easy choice for river views and a relaxed meal.

Time your visit around local events

Havre de Grace has a steady rhythm of markets and festivals, especially from late spring through early fall. Start Saturday at the Havre de Grace Farmers Market for produce, baked goods, and local vendors. Through warmer months, First Friday evenings bring live music and street energy downtown. If you love traditions, the city rings in the New Year with the beloved Duck Drop and fireworks at Concord Point Park; watch for listings on the Duck Drop event page. Always verify dates and hours before you go.

Parks and outdoor add‑ons

Beyond the Promenade, you will find small waterfront parks with fishing piers and picnic space, including Hutchins Memorial Park. If you want to go bigger, Susquehanna State Park is close for hiking, biking, and river access. For a quick scan of area parks and paths, browse the city’s parks and trail listings.

Getting there and local tips

Havre de Grace sits just off I‑95 and US‑40, with easy access via MD‑155 or Route 40 depending on where you start. Regional rail stations in Aberdeen and Perryville connect to Amtrak and MARC for flexible commuting options. For those coming from Delaware, the drive to Wilmington is often about 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic; see a sample route on this distance guide and check live navigation the day you travel. Look for marina lots and on‑street parking downtown, and note that public restrooms are near the Maritime Museum and some parks. The Promenade operates during daylight hours, while museums and the lighthouse have seasonal schedules.

If a weekend makes you want to stay

A great weekend often sparks a home search. In 21078, you will find three broad choices that support different lifestyles:

• Historic district near downtown. Walk to shops, the Promenade, and museums from 19th‑ and early‑20th‑century homes on classic streets.
• Waterfront condos and townhomes. Enjoy low‑maintenance living close to the marina and boardwalk.
• Newer suburban communities. A short drive from downtown, options like the gated Bulle Rock community offer club‑style amenities and a more residential pace.

Recent snapshots show a wide price range in 21078, from entry‑level townhomes and condos under the low $300s to higher‑end waterfront and amenity‑rich homes above the mid‑$500s to $700s. As one example, a recent neighborhood snapshot reported a median sale price around $372,500 in Grace Harbour as of January 2026. Always confirm current market data before you decide.

If you want a local, step‑by‑step plan for buying or selling in Havre de Grace, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with Rose Calderone to map your move and match your weekend lifestyle with the right home.

FAQs

When is the best time to walk the Promenade in Havre de Grace?

• The Promenade is generally open during daylight hours, and sunrise or sunset offers calm water views and active birdlife; check conditions and plan for peak season crowds in warmer months.

Are the Concord Point Lighthouse and museums open year‑round in 21078?

• The lighthouse and many attractions have seasonal hours; confirm current schedules on each site before visiting, especially in winter or early spring.

Where should I park for the Promenade and downtown Havre de Grace?

• Use marina lots near the City Yacht Basin and on‑street spaces downtown; public restrooms are by the Maritime Museum and select parks.

How long is the drive from Havre de Grace to Wilmington, and is the commute realistic?

• Typical drive times run about 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic and routing; check live navigation before you go to set expectations.

What family‑friendly parks and activities are close to the waterfront?

• Millard Tydings Memorial Park, small waterfront parks like Hutchins, the Maritime Museum, and seasonal markets and festivals create an easy, walkable day for families.

What types of homes are near the Havre de Grace waterfront?

• You will see a mix of historic homes near downtown, low‑maintenance condos and townhomes near the marina, and newer suburban options within a short drive, including gated communities.