Know Before You Go: About Baltimore
Nicknamed "Charm City," the seaport city of Baltimore is also Maryland's largest city and is just 39 miles northeast of Washington, D.C.
Inner Harbor is the heart of the waterfront, where sightseeing tours can begin by walking, taking a boat, hopping aboard a trolley or by bicycle or Segway. Passionate talk about sports teams in Babe Ruth's birthplace are common, while stories about Baltimore's history feature Fort McHenry, where America's national anthem was written during the War of 1812. Whether you’re a sports lover, a fisherman or a history buff, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Baltimore.
CHARM CITY'S CLIMATE
Four distinct seasons define Baltimore's weather, with July being the warmest month, averaging in the upper 80s, and January the coldest, averaging in the low to mid-20s. Spring brings showers, summer can deliver thunderstorm bursts and winter typically delivers some snow in varying amounts. Pack both a travel umbrella and sunglasses along with outerwear appropriate for the season, and you've covered most eventualities. Nevertheless, keep an eye on the forecast, especially in winter, when temperatures won't rise above freezing on occasion.
O SAY CAN YOU SIGHTSEE
Inner Harbor's three main family-friendly attractions are the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center and the Historic Ships in Baltimore. You can walk a mile to Fell's Point or take a water taxi to explore the cobblestone streets lined with cozy restaurants and pubs with live music, notably The Horse You Came in On Saloon (1626 Thames St., Baltimore), considered North America's oldest tavern. Travel by water taxi to reach Fort McHenry National Monument, where park rangers share insights into "The Star-Spangled Banner." Want to catch the Orioles or Ravens in action? Baseball at Camden Yards is a 15-minute walk from Inner Harbor, and you'll find NFL action at M&T Bank Stadium another 10 minutes away.
BALTIMORE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
As the mid-Atlantic's second largest port, Baltimore gained its footing from shipping, steel, manufacturing and transportation, industries that dominated through both world wars. Today, the local economy is centered on high-tech, biotech, medicine and tourism. Corporate firms such as Constellation Energy, Legg Mason, T. Rowe Price and Black & Decker call Baltimore home. The largest employers are Johns Hopkins University and its hospital and health system, plus the University of Maryland and its medical system.
TRANSPORTATION HIGHLIGHTS
Both U.S. 1 and U.S. 40 traverse Baltimore, as do eight interstate highways; the major ones are I-95, I-83 and I-70. Baltimore's Penn Station has commuter trains to Washington, D.C. and a busy schedule for Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, with additional trains to points from Vermont to Miami and New Orleans. Ten miles outside the city, Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport handles both domestic and international flights accessed via a light rail train transfer serving the Baltimore Convention Center. A free downtown shuttle bus service called Charm City Circulator operates on designated routes.
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