Baltimore is one of the most interesting cities in the world and for good reason. The city boasts everything from some of the best sports teams around to a thriving arts scene and delicious food options that can’t be beat. With so much to do, it’s easy to fall in love with Baltimore and want to call it home if you live nearby or are just visiting from out of town. If you’re looking for a family-friendly weekend adventure or just want to relax with some live music on your night off, check out these 10 fantastic places to visit in Baltimore today!
10. Historical Society of Baltimore
The Historical Society of Baltimore is a natural place to begin your trip. Its fascinating museum is an excellent primer on Baltimore’s past and tells its story from Colonial times through The Great War. Plan extra time to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee at The Barn, an antique structure built in 1804 that now functions as a dining hall for society members and visitors alike. Visitors must purchase a ticket for entry into both The Museum at Fells Point and The Barn; tickets are $7 adults, $5 seniors and students (ID required), free for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone.
9. Flag House Square
This building is built on a triangular lot and has three sides, of which two are streets. These streets are called North Calvert Street and East Pratt Street. The original house is not open for tours, but is part of an office complex where people work today. Visitors can look at it from outside and walk around it when it’s open on special occasions like Christmas or other holidays. It’s really neat because you can get right up next to it and see how small it really is! Some people say that you can’t tell how tall something is until you stand right next to it, so Flag House Square would be a good place for that! There are lots of little shops around there too, if you get hungry or want something else to do while you’re there!
8. Patterson Park
Patterson Park is a public park that covers an impressive 200 acres, making it one of Maryland’s largest green spaces. It’s home to more than 100 species of birds as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park is also on Maryland’s Important Bird Area list and offers a quiet getaway from everyday city life. No cars are allowed here, so you can enjoy peaceful walks or bike rides through grassy fields, surrounded by mature trees like maple, walnut and oak. The best time for bird-watching is from mid-April through July.
7. Charles Street
Often called Baltimore’s Main Street, Charles Street runs east and west through downtown Baltimore, parallel to (and about a mile south of) it’s bigger sibling, historic Pennsylvania Avenue. Along with being famous for its shopping opportunities, Charles Street is also popular for its strip clubs and less-than-desirable after dark activities. It can be an interesting place for those who have never seen it—but it is a strange one. However, many find that on another level it also has an otherworldly charm; as author Tom Clancy said: I don’t know why I like it so much there…It’s like nowhere else I know. It’s some kind of magic—it gives me shivers up my spine.
6. American Visionary Art Museum
This fun museum on Key Highway has something for everyone—from a giant chess board and mind-bending mirror maze to a variety of eclectic arts exhibits. Be sure to grab lunch or dinner at Faidley’s Seafood, or stop by Clipper Mill coffee shop. TheAVAM is open daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., except January 1, Thanksgiving Day, December 24 and December 25. Admission is $15 adults; $12 seniors/college students with ID; $9 children (3–17); free children 2 and under; members are always free. Prices subject to change without notice; phone ahead if possible before visiting.
5. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
When Francis Scott Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner during a nighttime battle here between British troops and Fort McHenry, he was inspired by America’s success at defending itself from invasion. Today, visitors can tour fortifications that existed between 1813 and 1821. The park features exhibits on Key’s life and writing of our national anthem, along with sweeping views of Baltimore Harbor and a self-guided tour of an area where British troops shelled Fort McHenry. (Fort McHenry is part of the National Park Service’s National Network of Historic Sites.)
4. Clipper Mill Village
Located at 1600 Clipper Road, Clipper Mill Village is a fantastic place for families and couples. This area features gorgeous tree-lined streets, cobblestone walkways, cute shops and eateries along a sparkling stream. If you’re an artist, you’ll fall in love with its unique architecture, as it was once home to one of America’s most prominent industrial complexes. There are also a number of quaint cafes perfect for family dining. Whether you’re looking for some history or just want a fresh cup of coffee on your way through town, be sure to stop by. Don’t forget about the Great Blacks In Wax Museum, which is located within walking distance from many other great Baltimore attractions; it’s definitely worth visiting if you have time during your trip.
3. B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting railroad history, focusing specifically on Maryland’s rich history of railroads. The museum features a collection of artifacts, period rooms and vintage train equipment as well as a working roundhouse with locomotives and cars. Outside, visitors can walk through miles of historic rail lines along which historic trains once traveled and which are now used by steam-powered excursion trains that visit from locations all over North America. Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad Museum is located at 901 West Pratt Street in the Mount Clare section of Baltimore City (between downtown and northern neighborhoods). Admission is $9 for adults; $7 for seniors 65+; $5 for children 5-11; free for children under 5 years old.
2. Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
As a boy, Poe attended boarding school near his birthplace. Upon returning home, he reconnected with a childhood friend who’d moved away. They formed a secret society called Fidèle that held seances and engaged in other activities you might expect from two teenage boys interested in such things. The group also included some of Poe’s brothers and sisters. Today, much of Poe’s original home has been restored and houses exhibits detailing his life as well as examples of his work including manuscripts and letters. Be sure to visit after sundown when costumed actors offer theatrical reenactments of historical events involving Edgar Allan Poe.
1. Inner Harbor
In terms of must-see destinations, it doesn’t get much better than Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. This historic area, located on land once occupied by The Statue of Liberty, has been renovated and modernized into a beautiful and lively area that is home to dozens of shops, restaurants and museums. Whether you’re looking for an elegant place for lunch or something sweet for dessert, there’s no shortage of culinary options near Inner Harbor. If seafood is your thing, skip past Crabs Harry’s (which is great) and try Blue Water Baltimore Seafood Restaurant instead; if you want to avoid tourist traps, hit up Jack’s Bistro rather than Rams Head Tavern.
