Baltimore and DC in One Day: Johns Hopkins and American University

1. Who this guide is for

This plan is for parents taking a high schooler, and maybe younger siblings, on a first look at two very different campuses: Hopkins's Homewood campus in north Baltimore and American University on Massachusetts Avenue in northwest Washington, DC.[S3][S7]

It's one visit day: stay the night before by Hopkins, tour Hopkins in the morning and AU in the afternoon, then either drive home or stay a second night near AU.[S8][S12][S9]

Why this order

• Hopkins first. Stay the night before at the Inn at The Colonnade, across the street from campus, and walk to Mason Hall in about 14 minutes. Hopkins asks visitors to arrive at least 15 minutes early because of construction.[S8][S13][S2]
• AU second. The drive from Hopkins to AU is about 68 minutes with no traffic, and AU's Welcome Center is open until 5 pm on weekdays, so book an afternoon session.[S12][S6]
• Optional second night near AU, at the Embassy Suites in Chevy Chase Pavilion, if you're flying out of a DC airport or adding sightseeing. The hotel shares a building with the Friendship Heights Metro station.[S9]

2. The suggested 1-day route

• Drive times are no-traffic estimates from OpenStreetMap routing. The Baltimore–Washington corridor is slow at rush hour.[S12][S13][S14]
• Our recommendation, not a school rule: leave at least 2 hours between the end of the Hopkins visit and the start of AU's session.

3. Campus by campus

Campus

Johns Hopkins University (Homewood)

Official tour sign-up: Johns Hopkins: Admissions Session and Guided Tour ↗

Where visits start

• The Undergraduate Admissions Visitor Center is in Mason Hall. Use 3101 Wyman Park Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218 in your GPS. In a cab or rideshare, ask for Mason Hall on the Homewood campus, not the hospital.[S1][S3]
• Campus tours and admissions sessions run most weekdays and select Saturdays, plus student coffee chats. Arrive at least 15 minutes early because of construction.[S1][S2]

Visitor parking

• South Garage sits directly beneath Mason Hall but can fill up on busy visit days. San Martin Garage is a 10–15 minute walk. Metered street parking is nearby; check the signs. Check Hopkins's directions page for current rates.[S3]

Nearest transit

• Baltimore's Penn Station is about 10 minutes' drive from the campus's south entrance, and BWI airport about 30 minutes. MTA routes 21, 94, 51 and 95, CityLink Silver and the Purple Charm City Circulator stop within a five-minute walk.[S3]

What to know

• In thunderstorms, snow, ice or extreme heat, Hopkins may replace the walking tour with a student panel and send virtual and self-guided resources; registered guests are told of changes.[S2]
• Accessibility: email admissions or note it on the reservation form at least two weeks ahead. Hopkins publishes a Homewood Campus Accessibility Map of entrances, routes and slopes.[S2]

Last checked Oct 22, 2026. Tour and admissions details change often, so confirm them on the school's official visit page before you go.

Official pages: Johns Hopkins: Visit · Johns Hopkins: Directions

Campus

American University

Official tour sign-up: AU Campus Visit ↗

Where visits start

• The Admissions Welcome Center is on the second floor of the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Park underground on level P1, take the elevator to the second floor and follow the signs.[S6]
• Open Monday–Friday 9 am–5 pm, and select fall and spring Saturdays 9 am–2 pm. Reservations are required; space is limited and first-come, first-served. Book on the calendar, or email admissions@american.edu with the student's name, home address, number of guests and preferred date.[S6]

Visitor parking

• AU's pages describe parking two ways. The admissions page says your confirmation email includes a guest code for complimentary parking and how to enter it at the pay stations. AU's general visitor page says a valid permit or Pay-As-You-Go is required daily 8 am–10 pm, with machines in the Katzen and School of International Service garages that take cash and major credit cards. Bring the email, and a card just in case.[S6][S7]

Nearest transit

• Metro: Tenleytown-AU on the Red Line, then the AU shuttle from 40th St. NW and Albemarle St. NW, in front of the Whole Foods. Metrobus C81, D90 and D96 run through campus. A Capital Bikeshare station (Ward Circle / American University) is across the street from the Welcome Center.[S7]

What to know

• AU's campus arboretum features 10 different gardens.[S7]
• Accessibility: call 202-885-6060 at least two weeks before your visit. Check AU's homepage for its operating status before you leave.[S6]

Contact

202-885-6000, admissions@american.edu[S6]

Last checked Oct 22, 2026. Tour and admissions details change often, so confirm them on the school's official visit page before you go.

Official pages: AU: Visiting Campus

4. Where to stay: the night before, plus an optional second night

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Driving home after AU? Skip the second night. Hopkins keeps its own list of hotels near the Homewood campus on its admissions site.[S4]

5. Meals between tours

Hours change, so check before you go.

6. Things for siblings along the route

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7. Practical tips

Parent checklist

• Register for both schools before booking travel. AU's visits are first-come, first-served.[S6]
• Check AU's closure dates before booking, and its operating status on the morning of your visit.[S6]
• Arrive at Hopkins at least 15 minutes early.[S2]
• Need accommodations? Ask both schools at least two weeks ahead.[S2][S6]
• After each school, take five minutes to jot down what stood out to your student before the next one blurs it.