Baltimore MarylandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Baltimore, Maryland.
1. National Aquarium
UNDERWATER MARINE ADVENTURE
The National Aquarium offers an underwater journey through diverse marine life displays, including a notable jellyfish exhibit and interactive touch pool. Visitors can explore Blacktip Reef and Shark Alley for an up-close view of fascinating shark species. Set against Baltimore's waterfront backdrop, the aquarium provides stunning views while educating visitors about marine conservation.
2. Inner Harbor
VIBRANT WATERFRONT DISTRICT
The Inner Harbor is a waterfront promenade featuring paddle boats, live music, and panoramic views from Federal Hill. This vibrant area is home to the National Aquarium, historical ships, and numerous family-friendly activities. Visitors can cruise around the harbor on a Baltimore Water Taxi to enjoy the views or reach their next destination.
3. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
HISTORIC BASEBALL STADIUM
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a beloved baseball stadium that serves as home to the Baltimore Orioles. The park features a classic, retro design that revolutionized baseball stadium architecture when it opened. Sports enthusiasts and casual visitors alike appreciate its intimate atmosphere and excellent sightlines for watching America's favorite pastime.
4. Fort McHenry National Monument
HISTORIC MILITARY FORTRESS
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is the birthplace of the United States national anthem. During the War of 1812, the fort successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from British attack, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Today, visitors can explore the star-shaped fort, watch historical demonstrations, and learn about this pivotal moment in American history.
5. The Walters Art Museum
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Walters Art Museum houses an impressive collection spanning more than seven millennia of art from around the world. Visitors can admire ancient artifacts, medieval manuscripts, Renaissance paintings, and decorative arts all under one roof. The museum offers free admission, making world-class art accessible to everyone who visits Baltimore.
6. Fell's Point
HISTORIC MARITIME DISTRICT
Fell's Point is a charming historic waterfront neighborhood known for its Belgian block streets and 18th-century buildings. Visitors can party like pirates in this former shipbuilding district now filled with boutiques, restaurants, and lively pubs. The area retains its maritime character while offering some of Baltimore's best dining, shopping, and nightlife experiences.
7. American Visionary Art Museum
OUTSIDER ART SHOWCASE
The American Visionary Art Museum celebrates the creative works of self-taught artists and intuitive geniuses. Its unique collection features everything from intricate embroidery to elaborate kinetic sculptures created by individuals without formal artistic training. The whimsical building itself, adorned with a mirrored mosaic exterior, reflects the unconventional spirit of the artwork displayed within.
8. B&O Railroad Museum
AMERICA'S RAILROAD EXPERIENCE
The B&O Railroad Museum showcases America's railroad heritage through its extensive collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock. Housed in the original 1884 roundhouse, this National Historic Landmark is considered the birthplace of American railroading. Visitors can explore vintage train cars, learn about railroad innovation, and even take rides on historic trains during special events.
9. Maryland Science Center
INTERACTIVE SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY
The Maryland Science Center features massive dinosaur replicas and hands-on exhibits that make science accessible and exciting for all ages. After exploring the main exhibits, visitors can stop by the Davis Planetarium for immersive space shows or head to the rooftop observatory. Located in the Inner Harbor, this interactive museum combines education and entertainment in a prime waterfront setting.
10. National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum portrays important moments and contributions in African American history through 150 life-sized wax figures. A life-sized slave ship replica emphasizes the scale of the difficult journeys that enslaved people experienced. This powerful educational institution preserves and presents African American heritage and culture in a uniquely immersive format.
11. Patterson Park Observatory
VICTORIAN URBAN OASIS
The Patterson Park Observatory is a stunning four-story observation tower built in the 1890s, constructed of iron, wood, and glass. The surrounding park offers a duck pond, an ice skating rink, dog parks, and plenty of open space to roam. This Victorian-era landmark provides a peaceful retreat within the city and panoramic views of the Baltimore skyline.
12. Basilica of the Assumption
HISTORIC CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL
The Basilica of the Assumption is one of the oldest Roman Catholic cathedrals in the United States, built in the time of Archbishop John Carroll. The crypt houses the tombs of Archbishop Carroll (1735-1815) and other significant religious figures from American history. This National Historic Landmark was fully restored to its original style between 2004 and 2006, preserving its architectural and historical significance.
13. Washington Monument
FIRST PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
The Washington Monument in Baltimore, surmounted by a statue of the nation's first President, is a landmark of the Mount Vernon neighborhood. A 228-foot spiral stairway leads to observation windows at the top, offering panoramic views of the city. The monument's ground floor houses a museum with displays on George Washington and the monument's history, making it both a historical site and scenic overlook.
14. Mount Vernon Cultural District
HISTORIC ARTS NEIGHBORHOOD
The Mount Vernon Cultural District features former mansions of Baltimore's 19th-century industrialists alongside museums, shops, and galleries. Notable landmarks include the Alexander Brown Bank with its impressive stained-glass dome and the historic Art Deco skyscraper at 10 Light Street with intricate bas reliefs. This elegant neighborhood showcases Baltimore's architectural heritage while serving as a center for arts and culture.
15. Hamilton Street
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
Hamilton Street historically housed the majority of free African Americans who lived and worked in Baltimore during the antebellum era. This neighborhood preserves an important chapter in the city's social history and the development of African American communities. Visitors today can explore the area to gain insights into the lives and contributions of free Black Baltimoreans before the Civil War.