Things to do in Baltimore

The past meets the present in this bustling Maryland city as ships with a vast history bob on the Patapsco River against a modern skyline filled with renowned museums, a beloved ballpark and businesses tucked away inside historic buildings. Come connect with friends and family today!

Fun for Kids

Nestled in Baltimore’s buzzing Inner Harbor district, the National Aquarium houses 20,000 critters. Marvel at the 225,000-gallon shark tank or take a stroll through a tropical rain forest filled with poison dart frogs and sloths. Enjoy more than 500 colorful exotic fish in a coral reef, and touch tanks allow adults and kids to slide their hands over moon jellies, sea stars and horseshoe crabs. It’s a beautiful day for a ballgame at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of the city's pro baseball team. This retro-style stadium revitalized the downtown area when it opened in 1992 and spirited fans continue to cheer on their team here.

HISTORIC AND HIGH BROW SITES

Fort McHenry has a significant place in U.S. history. When the Brits invaded the fort in the 1814 Battle of Baltimore, famous author Francis Scott Key witnessed the attack and penned “The Star Spangled Banner.” Now a part of the National Parks system and a National Historic Site, the fort is located on Locust Point, a small batch of land just south of the downtown region. Take the self-guided tour and watch the popular 10-minute film on the national anthem. Burrowed in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, the Walters Art Museum includes an enormous collection dating as far back as pre-dynastic Egypt. Spend your day gazing upon mummies or admiring ancient Greek, Egyptian and Byzantine statues. View works by Monet and Manet.

Adventures on the High Seas

Step back into the past at Historic Ships in Baltimore, a series of Inner Harbor piers housing a collection of revered military vessels. Climb aboard and explore the USS Constellation, an 1854 warship, or the USS Torsk, a 1944 submarine. The 1930 Lightship 116 Chesapeake is located here as well. Most of the vessels include exhibits that detail maritime history. Cruises on the Bay offers a unique view of the city aboard a double-decker boat with indoor and outdoor seating. Take a 45-minute narrated journey on the Inner Harbor as you sail past downtown, alongside Fort McHenry and under the Key Bridge. On select days, kids travel for free with a paying adult.

Dining Options

Located downtown, Faidley’s Seafood has been serving up fresh, locally sourced seafood in the Chesapeake region since 1886. Order from the counter in this packed eatery and grab a seat as fast as you can before chowing down on your massive jumbo crab cake. Treat yourself to another uniquely Maryland dish—the pit beef sandwich—at Chaps Pit Beef. This regional treat includes thin cuts of smoked meat on a Kaiser roll, topped with onions and tiger sauce or a mixture of horseradish and mayo.

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