Things to do in Baltimore, Maryland

Things to do in Baltimore include visiting any number of top rated attractions and enjoying time out on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, and much more. The part of the downtown area that meets the waters of the bay is known as the Inner Harbor, and this is where most tourists end up spending the bulk of their time. Many of the best attractions in town can be found in the Inner Harbor district, and it's also a good place to look for hotels. When you're not spending time in the Inner Harbor area or exploring the rest of the city on a trip to Baltimore, nearby cities such as Aberdeen and Washington D.C. can make excellent side trip destinations.

Boating and Cruises

Thanks to Baltimore's position on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, boating is one of the top all around pursuits. A number of companies offer various boating experiences, including narrated harbor cruises. If you are bringing your own boat, there are a number of marinas that you can take advantage of when looking to dock. Some of the marinas are found in the Inner Harbor, with others being found at other waterfront destinations in the general area, such as Havre de Grace. The summer months are the best time to go boating in Baltimore, and in case you are interested, they are also the best months for fishing.

Crabs

Baltimore, and Maryland in general, is renowned for its blue crabs. Dining on these tasty creatures of the sea is one of the best things to do in Baltimore, with the city's crab houses being the most ideal places to go. You don't have to go to a crab house to indulge in crab cakes, steamed crab, or other crab dishes, however. Other seafood restaurants and markets such as the Lexington Market are also known to serve up their fair share of crab-based foods.

Oriole Park

The Camden Yards district on the fringes of the Inner Harbor is where you will find Oriole Park. Home of the Baltimore Orioles Major League Baseball team, this ballpark is one of the best in the country. For baseball fans, seeing the Orioles play at Oriole Park is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Baltimore, even more so if you are an Orioles fan. Late spring, summer, and early fall are when the baseball season is under way. Right next to Oriole Park is the M&T Bank Stadium should you be in town for a Baltimore Ravens NFL game instead.

National Aquarium

When looking for things to do in Baltimore, you might consider a trip to the National Aquarium. This is one of the best attractions in the Inner Harbor and has been a major hit with locals and tourists alike since it opened on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay back in 1981. There are five floors to explore at the renowned National Aquarium, and among the animals here are sharks, rays, green sea turtles, and various kinds of fish that are native to Maryland. After you visit the National Aquarium, you might head to the Baltimore Zoo to see what it has to offer. Both attractions complement one another well.

Museums

Baltimore has a great array of museums. Since most of these museums are of considerable quality, museum-hopping is one of the best things to do in Baltimore. The Baltimore Museum of Art, Babe Ruth Museum, and the Port Discovery Museum are just some of the excellent museums that beg a visit, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. A number of historic landmarks and sites, such as Fort McHenry and the Edgar Allan Poe House, essentially double as museums and are also worth adding to the agenda when looking for cultural things to do in Baltimore.

Tours

Baltimore tours offer something to suit most tastes and preferences. A tour of the Inner Harbor is one of the most popular options, and if you like ghost stories, a haunted tour of the historic Fells Point neighborhood shouldn't fail to please. You can book a duck tour that involves spending some time on land and some time on the water. More comprehensive tours include visits to Baltimore and nearby Washington D.C., giving area visitors the chance to enjoy an extremely impressive variety of regional attractions.

Nightlife

Baltimore boasts a healthy nightlife scene, especially during the warmer summer months. Many of the best bars and clubs can be found at Power Plant Live, which is just a short walk from the waters of the Inner Harbor, and you might also venture over to the Fells Point neighborhood when looking to party until the wee hours. There are a bunch of fantastic restaurants spread throughout Baltimore, so you can always add a dining experience to your night out on the town.

Shopping

Shopping is one of the most rewarding things to do in Baltimore, as this city boasts a variety of inviting shops that sell anything from antiques to artwork. The Harborplace marketplace at the Inner Harbor is one of the top places to shop while in town, as it features more than 150 shops, and should you be hunting for antiques, downtown's Antique Row and the nearby city of Ellicott City have you covered. Complementing the shops and shopping centers are a few dandy markets where food is the main focus. These markets include the Lexington Market, the Broadway Market, and the Cross Street Market.