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A stop in Maryland is incomplete without visiting Baltimore. It is a major city in Maryland and is full of plenty to do, whether for solo travelers, couples, families, or kids. From visiting the zoo and having fantastic dining experiences to exploring museums, there are so many fun things to do in Baltimore city that you never run out of something to do while visiting.
Baltimore is known as the Charm City because of its rich experiences, and if you spend a day here, you will feel the same way. It is located about 40 miles from Washington, DC, which makes it a perfect part of day trips.
Fun things to do in Baltimore
Here are some of the top things to do in Baltimore.
1. Spend a day at the Baltimore Inner Harbor
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is at the heart of the city and is worth visiting. Spend time exploring the fantastic restaurants, shopping experiences, family-friendly attractions, parties, sightseeing, and more. Baltimore is one of the most visited cities for anyone vacationing in Maryland.
You can also experience the Inner Harbor by taking a 2-hour cruise to enjoy the Baltimore panoramic views, waterfront attractions, sights of Francis Scott Key Bridge, Federal hill, and more.
If cruises are not your thing, you can still take a boat ride on the water taxi to get around the
harbor.
Also located in Baltimore Inner Harbor are some fun sightseeing adventures like the National Aquarium, Maryland Science center, USS Constellation, and more.
2. Enjoy some Maryland restaurants.
One of the best things to do in Baltimore is to enjoy some of the best cuisines available. Maryland is famous for blue crabs and is a prime spot due to the Chesapeake Bay. Grab some fantastic crabs at Nick’s Fish House, which is known for its crab cakes, or stop by Jimmy’s famous seafood, also very famous for its Maryland-style crab cakes, steamed crabs, and crab dips.
If you are not a crab lover, you have many other options. For brunch, check out my favorites, Miss Shirley’s café and Blue Moon café. The lines can get long at both places, so plan to get there on time. Miss Shirley’s has some of the best waffles and chicken I have tasted. Their pancakes and coconut buttercream French toast are always a hit.
If you stop at Blue moon café, you must try their captain crunch French toast and sweet baby Jesus. You won’t regret it!
3. Visit the National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is one of the most popular things to do in Baltimore. Located in the Inner Harbor, this world-renowned aquarium features more than 16,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and stingrays.
The aquarium also has an aquatic maze and a shark tank. The ticket prices are $34.95 for adults and $24.95 for kids ages three to eleven.
Taking a tour, getting in on a 4-D experience, and learning about the thousands of animals can make for an excellent day for any family. Check out the website for their hours, which can vary by season.
4. Explore the Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center is another excellent place to visit in Baltimore. It features an IMAX theater, planetarium, and hands-on science exhibits.
There are permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that come through, so there is always something new.
If you go with your kids, they will love getting their hands dirty and exploring all the different things this place offers. But, again, check the website for hours as they change seasonally.
Admission prices will vary depending on which exhibits you want to see.
The Maryland Science Center is a great place to spend a day with the family. There are interactive exhibits on space exploration, dinosaurs, and ecology.
Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Science Center is within walking distance of many
other attractions. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 to 12.
5. Check out some more Maryland museums
If you are a history buff or art lover, you would love Baltimore. It is home to various museums like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Walters Art Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art, where you can learn not only American history but history from other countries. These museums each have their unique features and provide great experiences for everyone.
The Baltimore Museum of Art is perfect for creatives as it has thousands of amazing artworks from various eras and cultures like Africa, Asia, and more. It claims to have the largest collection in Maryland.
American Visionary Art Museum is one of the best art museums to visit and is also full of a ton of breathtaking art pieces.
6. Walk Through Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry is a National Monument and Historic Shrine located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The fort is best known as the site of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812. Today, visitors can explore the fort, watch a film about the battle, and see a replica of the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”, the US National Anthem.
Admission to Fort McHenry is $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Kids under six are free.
7. Port Discovery children’s museum
This museum is one of the kids’ favorite things to do in Baltimore and has several activities and educational exhibits to entertain your kids all day.
There is a simulated urban cityscape for kids to learn how to ride the bus and work in a restaurant. They also have structures where kids can learn to navigate many obstacles.
There is so much to do, so plan to spend about 3 hours going through all the numerous exhibits with your kids. The activities are tailored to various ages, so there is something for everyone.
Port Discovery is also one of our favorite indoor play places for kids in Maryland. Remember to check their schedules as they are typically open for a few hours, then close for a break and re-open, so plan accordingly.
8. Check out Fell’s Point
Fell’s Point used to be the ship-building hub in the past, although a few ships still dock here. You can get a fantastic view of Fell’s Point at the Broadway pier. Another great way to experience Fells Point and Baltimore is via the water taxis.
Fell’s Point also has the Broadway market, where you can choose from a selection of casual, delicious foods and enjoy some outdoor time. To better understand Fell’s Point and the neighborhood around it, you can join a walking tour that includes Fell’s Point food and facts.
If you are looking to have lots of fun, Fell’s point holds an annual Privateer festival in April with lots of music, food & drink, art, activities, history, and more.
9. Baltimore Basilica
The Basilica of the Assumption is the oldest and first built Roman Catholic Church in the US, and it’s one of the most important religious buildings in the city. This church’s beauty is breathtaking and a sight to behold. This Baltimore attraction is free to visit; they sometimes have daily tours to go around the church in detail.
10. Baltimore World Trade Center
This World Trade Center is the world’s tallest pentagonal-based skyscraper and houses the Top of the World Observation Level on the 27th floor. It’s one of the tallest buildings in the city, and one of my favorite things in Baltimore is enjoying the spectacular view of Maryland’s urban center.
11. Baltimore Museum of Industry
The Baltimore Museum of Industry is a fantastic place that exposes you to how Baltimore became a manufacturing powerhouse through the eyes of people and businesses that existed.
Some exhibits show the days of Baltimore as a trading port, Baltimore’s Sparrows Point steel mill, a communications gallery showing how telecommunications has changed over time, and more.
12. Enjoy a Picnic at one of the Parks and Gardens.
Baltimore has several parks and gardens to explore. One spot is Patterson Park which is a great place to have a picnic. There are playgrounds, sports fields, pavilions, and more. The park also has a historic carousel that dates back to 1908, the early 20th Century. Admission to the city park is free, but there is a parking charge.
Some other parks in Baltimore include Patapsco Valley State Park (named one of the best national parks in Maryland), with more than 32 miles of trails perfect for hiking. Federal Hill Park is another excellent stop that offers impressive views of the harbor and downtown Baltimore. You can also go hiking, bike riding, or take walks.
For a peaceful thing to do in Baltimore, check out Sherwood Gardens, where you can relax while taking in the spectacular scenery of this famous tulip garden. If you are into gardening, you can also learn how to plant and grow tulip bulbs and keep an eye on their website for annual events.
Talking about gardens in Baltimore, you can also visit Rawlings Garden, a grand conservatory and a botanical garden constructed in the 19th Century.
13. Take a Boat Tour
For a unique thing to do in Baltimore, take a boat tour to see Baltimore’s Inner Harbor from the water. Several companies offer tours and most last about an hour. Some of these boat tours include the signature lunch cruise, dinner cruise, sights, and sip cruise, Rock the Yacht, etc.
14. Visit the Maryland Zoo
The Maryland Zoo is located in Druid Hill Park and is home to more than two thousand animals. The zoo has penguins, lions, tigers, giraffes, and more. There are also several kid-friendly exhibits, including the Children’s Zoo and the African Journey Exhibit.
The zoo has a little train to ride around and catch quick shots of some of the animals. If you get hungry while going around the zoo, there are several places to get some lunch like fries, burgers, etc.
15. Check out the B&O Railroad Museum
If you are into trains, you will love the B&O Railroad Museum. A visit to this museum allows you to see how trains work and learn about the history of railroads.
Originally opened on July 4th, 1953, the B&O Railroad Museum is dedicated to preserving railroad history. The museum has an extensive collection of locomotives, cars, artifacts, and documents from the B&O Railroad.
The museum offers a variety of exhibits, programs, and special events for kids of all ages. There is also a model train display that is sure to impress you. Make sure to check out the website for hours and ticket pricing.
16. Take a tour of Camden Yards Baseball Stadium.
Touring the Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a great way to spend an afternoon if your family loves baseball. You can see the field, the locker rooms, and the press box. Each tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 min. Check online for available events and pricing. Then, maybe grab tickets to a game and make the most of your baseball experience.
For baseball lovers visiting during the baseball season, seeing an Orioles game is one of
the most amazing things to do in Baltimore. It is a top attraction in Baltimore, and you might get to see the Baltimore Orioles play.
If you are a fan of baseball, then you should also visit Boston and the fun things to do in Charlotte, NC.
17. Chessie Dragon Paddle Boats
Looking for a fun way to explore Baltimore, Maryland? Look no further than the Chessie paddle boats! These boats are perfect for relaxing with friends or family on the water. You can explore the Inner Harbor and all its attractions while enjoying the scenery.
More fun things to do in Baltimore
There you have it! Our list of fun things to do in Baltimore gives you some great ideas of activities to try when you are around. The list is, of course, not limited to these as there are many other great things to do and see in Baltimore, like roller skating, wineries, craft beer tasting, urban pirates experience, and more. Check out below the activities in Baltimore that we selected for you:
There are also a lot of great kid-friendly places in Baltimore if you are traveling with your kids. These include indoor and outdoor play areas, water parks, fruit picking, museums, and more.
If you are ever in Maryland for a few hours, a day, or even a weekend, check out this list to ensure you have a great Baltimore trip!
Where to stay in Baltimore?
Now that you know what to do in Baltimore let’s talk about accommodation. After enjoying all the fun things to do in Baltimore, you will need a good night of sleep, and you can be sure that the city will let you down in terms of good hotels and comfy beds.
Here is our list of the best hotels in Baltimore:
One of the best hotels in Baltimore, it’s rated as Superb, and you can choose between city or harbor views. It’s a 5-star hotel with all the amenities you can expect from a luxury property and a great pool facing the city’s harbor.
Named one of the best boutique hotels in Baltimore, Sagamore Pendry is a 5-star luxury hotel right on the water edge of Baltimore Harbor. The location is brilliant, close to Baltimore attractions, the best restaurants, and shops. It’s also near East Pratt Street, the Port Discovery Children’s Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Jewish Museum of Maryland. It’s truly one of the top places to stay in Baltimore for luxury, comfort, and location.
Stylish rooms in the heart of Baltimore offer good value for money. The Indigo Baltimore hotel is a 4-star property located close to the Walters Art Museum and easy to get around the city.
This hotel is perfect for those who want to have the feeling of having a home while visiting Baltimore. The rooms have a little kitchen giving you the freedom of preparing meals or snacks. It’s also a good option for families. The location is close to Maryland Science Center.
Its location is excellent, close to the Inner Harbor, Pratt Street, and it’s one of the good hotels near Baltimore Aquarium. The Tru by Hilton Baltimore hotel offers comfy rooms for a reasonable price, and breakfast is included in the rates.
These are just a few of the many hotels in Baltimore. For more options or to search for specific dates or facilities, use Booking.com or Agoda.
That’s how we end our guide to things to do in Baltimore, where to stay, and how to have fun. Follow our travel tips, and I’m sure you will have a great time in this exciting city. For more tips about traveling in the United States, click here on our US travel page.
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Author: Lola Akingbade
Lola is the founder of Deyewa, where she provides families with great vacation ideas and tips for planning activities and things to do in Maryland. She is a wife and mom of 3 young kids and loves to help others experience and explore the world around them.
