Major city · United States
Waldorf
Waldorf is a commuter town and a practical base for Southern Maryland, not a destination: one night or a day-trip for the Dr. Samuel Mudd House and the mall.
Waldorf is the largest town in Southern Maryland, a highway junction on US 301 with a big mall and chain hotels. Its main draw is the Dr. Samuel Mudd House Museum, tied to Lincoln's assassination. Most travellers use it as a stop between Washington, DC and the Chesapeake Bay or as a base for visiting Point Lookout, St. Mary's City and Solomons.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), Dec–Feb (cold, grey)
- Airports
- DCA · BWI · IAD
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Waldorf911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Waldorf, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyWaldorf is generally safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 911 fire and ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckDCA Ronald Reagan Washington National (About 45 min north via US 301 and I-495 (check traffic)).
- Getting aroundA car is essential.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–5
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, one person$15–30
- BeerBeer (domestic)$4–7
- Budget bedBudget hotel room (e.g. Motel 6), a night, per roomUS$80
- Mid-range bedBudget hotel room (e.g. Motel 6), a night, per roomUS$100
- High-end bedBudget hotel room (e.g. Motel 6), a night, per roomUS$120
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$140 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National (About 45 min north via US 301 and I-495 (check traffic)) · BWI Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (About 1 h via US 301 and I-495 (check traffic)) · IAD Washington Dulles International (About 1 h 15 min via I-495 and US 301 (check traffic))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest Mar (11 rain days), driest Sep (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Waldorf: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
9 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is essential. US 301, MD 5 and MD 228 run through town; traffic is heavy during commuter hours. Public buses (MTA) serve the main corridors but are infrequent.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Point Lookout State Park
goDoor to door: About 1 h
US 301 south to MD 5 south, about 45 min
Civil War prison camp site and beach on the Potomac; go at opening.
St. Mary's City
goDoor to door: About 1 h
US 301 south to MD 5 south, about 40 min
Living-history museum of Maryland's first capital; allow 3–4 hours.
Solomons
goDoor to door: About 50 min
US 301 south to MD 4 south, about 35 min
Waterfront town with the Calvert Marine Museum; good for a half-day.
Chesapeake Beach
goDoor to door: About 40 min
US 301 north to MD 260 east, about 25 min
Small beach town with a boardwalk and fishing pier.
La Plata
goDoor to door: About 15 min
US 301 south, about 10 min
County seat with a historic downtown and the Port Tobacco Village.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
US 301 corridor
Chain hotels (Holiday Inn, Residence Inn) near the highway; best for one night with a car.
St. Charles Towne Center area
Shopping and dining within walking distance; a few hotels nearby.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $80–120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–180 excl. bed
- High
- $180+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel room (e.g. Holiday Inn)1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$140 | US$280 |
| Car rental, one day (economy)2 × US$45 · check | US$90 |
| Gas, about 50 miles2 × US$10 | US$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$57 |
| Trip total≈ US$314 per person per day, bed included | US$627 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–5 |
| Fast-food meal | $8–12 |
| Sit-down dinner, one person | $15–30 |
| Beer (domestic) | $4–7 |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.50–4.50 (check) |
| St. Charles Towne Center parking | Free |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Traffic on US 301 is heavy weekday mornings and evenings: plan around it.
- The Dr. Samuel Mudd House has limited hours: check the official site before you go.
- No train station; the nearest Amtrak stops are in Alexandria, VA or New Carrollton, MD.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire and ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
WaldorfWaldorf
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Fire and ambulance911
Embassy
The nearest US embassy is in Washington, DC. Most foreign embassies are in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi from DCA to Waldorf: about $80–120 (check)
- Bus MTA route 610: about $2 (check)
Say or show
- Hello — Hello (heh-LOH)
- Thank you — Thank you (thank yoo)
- How much? — How much? (how MUCH)
- Where is the bathroom? — Where is the bathroom? (wair iz the BATH-room)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Waldorf. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), Dec–Feb (cold, grey) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for the Dr. Samuel Mudd House and St. Charles Towne Center with verified hours.
- Eat pages with last orders for the main dining strip.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Waldorf
Loading…
Was this useful?