Baltimore is the perfect weekend getaway for Washingtonians. It’s easy and quick to get to, and there’s tons to do and see.
Check out the Part One of the Baltimore guide for where to stay while you’re there! Then once you’ve decided on that, it’s time to plan out how you’ll spend your time. Here are four activities you shouldn't miss:
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is probably the most famous tourist attraction in the city, and it offers tons to do. Take in the sights of the harbor, complete with large historic ships (some in action and some just for display). Take a water taxi along the harbor, and if you want to make a more extensive go of it, you can also buy tickets for a longer cruise, complete with a meal. All cruise options are narrated, so you can learn about Baltimore as you cruise along. You can learn more about which boat to pick
here and
here.
There are also a ton of restaurants and shopping opportunities along the harbor. Most are popular chains restaurants, but there are a few great independent ones available, too (your food and drink guide will be in Part Three!). Go ice skating in the colder months, or check out one of the next two harbor attractions, Fort McHenry and The National Aquarium.
[gallery columns="2" ids="5518,5512"]
2400 E. Fort Ave., Baltimore, MD 21230
Fort McHenry is known as the “birthplace of
The Star Spangled Banner.” In the War of 1812, the fort played a vital role in protecting the harbor from the British. After the Battle of Baltimore, on September 14, 1812, a larger flag was flown above the fort, the sight of which inspired Frances Scott Key to write what would later be known as
The Star Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States. In 1925, the site was made into a National Park, and in 1933, it was re-designated as a National Monument and Historic Shrine.
Today, it is open to the public and is a major tourist attraction. It is located in the Inner Harbor and is accessible by water taxi, and also includes parking if you prefer to drive. For more information and to plan your trip, follow
this link.
[gallery columns="2" ids="5515,5514"]
501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202
The National Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in the Inner Harbor -- and all of Baltimore! The architectural features of the buildings add modern lines and abstraction to the harbor’s skyline, and the tourism really starts by taking in the outside.
You can purchase tickets for the aquarium at the box office, and you can choose a time of entry, occurring every 15 minutes. Tickets are $39.95 for adults. Hours tend to vary by month and season, and you can find out all the logistical information
here.
With approximately 20,000 animals at the National Aquarium, there’s tons to see! They’ve got all the types of fish you can think of, as well as sharks, amphibians, dolphins, birds, reptiles, just to name a few. There are also opportunities to interact with the animals and lots of great events throughout the day.
[gallery columns="2" ids="5517,5516"]
203 N. Amity St., Baltimore, MD 21223
This attraction is further from the Inner Harbor and in a residential neighborhood, so take a taxi or Uber to avoid getting lost! This is the house that Edgar Allan Poe lived in during his time in Baltimore, and also where he was staying when he died. Tickets to see the house are just $5 a person!
Only 20 people can enter at one time, as the house is quite small. Once you walk past the front room (which also sells all the Edgar Allan Poe trinkets), you are on a self-guided tour of the home. Read the informative plaques on the wall and see some original pieces from the home on display. Learn more about the museum (and find more Poe-related spots to visit in Baltimore)
here.
[gallery columns="2" ids="5519,5513"]
Stay tuned for Part Three -- all about where to eat and drink in Baltimore!
What are your favorite things to do and attractions to see in Baltimore? Let us know in the comments below!
