Baltimore City may get a bad rap sometimes, but I’m here to assure you that Charm City does indeed live up to its nickname. So if you’ve ever been talked out of visiting by naysayers and wet blankets, defy them and go experience a day here for yourself. This Maryland city is packed with fun for all ages and a visit here never disappoints. With tons of restaurants and shops, an aquarium, bars, and an amazing nightlife venue all within walking distance of downtown, you will be planning your next trip before you’ve even left.
Hang by the Harbor
– Check out the National Aquarium located right on the water in Inner Harbor. Formerly known as the Baltimore aquarium, this 250,000 sq ft building is home to more than 750 species and over 17,000 animals. This aquarium has gained several titles over the years including being named one of the best aquariums in the United States by the Travel Channel in 2012 and trust me, it’s only gotten better.
– Docked in the Harbor are some historic vessels with a history. The now decommissioned USS Constellation for example, was the last sail-only warship designed and built in the United States and spends it’s days in Inner Harbor where guests are invited to tour it. Two slips over, floats the USS Torsk, a WWII submarine turned museum that is responsible for the sinking of one cargo vessel and two coastal defense frigates, the third vessel being the last ship the United States Navy sunk during the war. For more info on these ships and available tours, click here.
– Check out some museums – Aleah grew up visiting the Maryland Science Center and Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Both serve up interactive exhibits and provide fun for all ages.
– Eat some Maryland seafood, preferably Maryland blue crabs. The best way to indulge in this local activity is outdoors, with a Natty Boh in hand at Phillips Seafood Restaurant.
– Walk off your meal with a stroll through Pierce’s Park. This green space was beautifully designed with winding paths, interactive sculptures, native plants, bio-retention facilities to filter stormwater, and interpretative signs to educate the public on the importance of capturing runoff.
Play Ball
– Depending on when you visit Charm City, you should plan to catch an Oriel’s game at Camden Yards or a Baltimore Raven’s game at M&T Bank Stadium. These stadiums are walking distance from the water and have a plethora bars nearby where you can either celebrate or drown your post-game sorrows. Three of our favorites are Pickles Pub (make sure to take a pickle shot), The Bullpen Sports Bar and Grill, and Sliders Bar and Grill.
Rock out at Power Plant Live
– Power Plant Live! is literally an adult playground. The self-acclaimed “premier dinning & entertaining destination” hosts bars of all styles, restaurants, concerts and more. Check the link above for a list of upcoming events and all things relevant to the venue itself.
Fall for Fell’s Point
– If you pop over to Fells Point, which is Baltimore’s oldest neighborhood, you can find tons of restaurants, bars, and little shops situated on cobblestone streets that will keep you busy for hours. Pay a visit to Frederick Douglass- Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum and school yourself on the contributions of Black Baltimoreons to the area’s maritime industry. After, hang out near Broadway Square and get some lunch or dinner at the surrounding restaurants. Be sure to visit The Horse You Came In On, which is known for being Baltimore’s oldest saloon (dating all the way back to 1775) and Edgar Allen Poe’s last stop before his mysterious death.
Pro tip for getting there: Parking downtown can be a hassle, so if you are visiting from a location north of Baltimore, consider parking your car outside of the city limits and hopping on the Light Rail which will drop you off right downtown. If you are visiting from DC, hop on a MARC train from Union Station.
