Have you always wanted to visit Baltimore but don’t have any idea what to do when
you get there? With its amazing views, great seafood, sporting events, rich culture, and
vibrant art scene, you will have plenty of choices.
In this video, ViewCation presents the best things to do in Baltimore, Maryland.
1. Explore the Inner Harbor This seaside oasis located in the heart of
Baltimore is home to some of the city’s most amazing attractions like the Maryland
Science Center, National Aquarium, and the American Visionary Arts Museum. Since the
1700s, the Inner Harbor has been one of the most important seaports in the country, with
a key location alongside the Chesapeake Bay.
You can spend the day taking walks around the area, enjoying a street performance, or
exploring the shops and restaurants.
Although some residents and travelers may consider the Inner Harbor as somewhat of a
tourist trap, most agree that the picturesque stroll and convenient location make it a remarkable
experience for first-time visitors.
You can walk, bike, and cruise the 7-mile promenade from end to end or hop on a water
taxi and explore from offshore.
2. Learn All About African American Heritage and Culture
When visiting the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture,
you can sift through hundreds of years of art and culture and better appreciate the
outstanding contributions of Maryland’s African American community.
You can experience Frederick Douglass’s life as a Baltimore caulker, witness the re-creation
of the first African-American shipyard in North America and meet inspiring legends at
the Frederick Douglass- Isaac Myers Maritime Park.
There is so much more to explore at the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, where you will
be blown away by the 150 life-sized wax figures portraying important moments and contributions
in African American history. A life-sized slave ship replica will highlight the many
struggles that enslaved people experienced.
3. Attend Artscape, America’s Largest Free Arts Festival
If you love art and you happen to be in Baltimore in July, you should make sure you attend Artscape.
Artscape is the country’s largest arts festival. This unique event which happens to trace its
origins in Baltimore attracts thousands of attendees every year.
The first event was held in 1982, and over the years, Artscape has had several amazing
acts like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Matisyahu grace its stages.
During this quirky annual event, you can browse or buy local artworks, enjoy music from headlining
artists across multiple stages, and take a selfie with one of the decked-out 'art cars'
that line North Charles Street. One of the most amazing things about Artscape
is that the events are free and open to the public.
4. Visit the National Aquarium The National Aquarium is one of the most popular
attractions in Baltimore. This incredible edifice houses more than 20,000 animals. At
the aquarium, you get the opportunity to get up close and personal with animals from all
over the world, including crocodiles, sharks, jellyfish, and even two-toed sloths.
Besides the stunningly beautiful habitats, you can also enjoy the immersive 4D theater,
which features some truly incredible videos about marine life. Additionally, you can engage
with the aquarium's smaller animals like hyacinth macaws or tiger salamanders.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to see a stingray in person, you can spot some at
the aquarium’s Living Seashore Exhibit. You can also view or even touch more than
150 sea creatures from the Mid-Atlantic. Ever wondered what a pulsing moon jelly feels like?
Visit this fantastic exhibit to find out.
The National Aquarium has another breathtaking exhibit called the Black Reef Exhibit.
It gives you the experience of diving to the bottom of an Indo-Pacific reef. Follow the
walkways downward to get a multi-floor view of blacktip reef sharks, clown triggerfish,
and reticulated whiptail rays.
The aquarium is a major attraction, so brace yourself for thick crowds. For a little more
breathing room, visitors are advised to stop by on weekdays or before 11 a.m and after
3 p.m on weekends and holidays.
The aquarium is conveniently located on the Inner Harbor and is easily accessible with
the free Charm City Circulator. Adult admission costs $39.45; admission for
children costs $24.95, and entry for seniors costs $34.95.
The National Aquarium is so large that one trip may not be enough to see it all. It,
however, makes exploring our ocean planet a family-friendly outing.
5. Picnic at Fort McHenry: Birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner
While Francis Scott Key was being held captive on board a ship in the Chesapeake Bay, the
War of 1812 raged on. The lawyer, poet, and writer saw a flag of 15 stars and stripes
soaring high, signaling the Americans’ success in repelling the British. The sight inspired
Francis to write the country’s national anthem. Today, the site of the battle is a
National Monument and Historic Shrine.
Admission to the general park area fortunately is free, but there is a small fee for visitors
aged 16 and older to enter the historic star-shaped fort.
You can partake in a unique variety of programs, including Fort, Flag, and Fire! Ceremony at
2 p.m in July and August, which invites visitors to participate in guided tours and even participate
in the changing ceremony for the 42-foot flag. After the history tour, you can relax and
enjoy a picnic on the fort’s sprawling waterfront lawns and enjoy the view of Baltimore's skyline.
6. Try the Steamed Blue Crabs Practically no one comes to Baltimore without
trying these delicious crustaceans. The Maryland blue crab is some of the sweetest and most
succulent seafood you will ever sink your teeth into.
Whether you pick your own traditional crab feast, try a crab cake, or add some crab meat
to a simple dish, there are plenty of options for you to try.
Maryland crabs are at their most abundant during summer and early fall, and a local
steamed crab feast is best enjoyed outside accompanied with all the fixins such as Old
Bay seasoning, melted butter, corn on the cob, and. of course, ice-cold beer.
Some of the favorite local restaurants for steamed crabs include Captain James Landing,
Phillips Seafood, and Bo Brooks. You can enjoy your meal there or take your
crabs to go along with other add-ons like Maryland crab soup, crab cakes, or mussels.
If you are not a huge fan of crabs, there are still other seafood options you can explore.
Some of Baltimore's amazing seafood restaurants offer other Chesapeake Bay specialties like
rockfish, oysters, and mussels.
At Fell's Point, visit Bertha’s Restaurant and Bar for their delicious mussels. These
mussels come in a variety of flavors, from garlic butter to Old Bay and Guinness broth
and even spicy coconut milk.
Another place to enjoy the best cuisine in Charm City is Faidley’s Seafood.
Faidley’s Seafood was founded in 1886 and is famous for its jumbo lump crab cakes. Located
in the famous Lexington market, it also serves oysters, fried fish, classic Maryland crab
soup, and more.
7. Catch The Baltimore "Birds" in Action Whatever time of year, Marylanders are always
ready to support their ball-playing birds in and around Baltimore. So if you are a sports
fan, there is no wrong time for you to visit the city.
In the fall and winter, the parking lot of M&T Bank Stadium is filled with tailgate parties
for the Ravens football games.
The Baltimore Orioles baseball team has games at Camden Yards in the spring and summer.
The stadium is located a few blocks from the Inner Harbor, so it is easily accessible.
Camden Yards features a well-kept field, abundant restaurants, beer, pretzel, and hot dog stands,
and beautiful views overlooking the city from the stands.
Oriole Park also boasts of an Orioles Hall of Fame and museum located outside the stadium’s
front entrance. If your visit falls during the offseason, ask about getting a behind–the–scenes
tour.
The stadium offers 90-minute stadium tours where fans can learn plenty of interesting
tidbits of Baltimore's baseball legacy and historical figures like Babe Ruth (whose statue
greets visitors at the front of the stadium). During the regular season (April through September),
tours are available from Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Sundays between
noon and 3 p.m. During the offseason, tours are available Monday through Saturday between
10 a.m. and noon, and Sundays between noon and 2 p.m. While tours are available year-round,
keep in mind 2 p.m. tours do not stop at the dugout on game days. Tours cost $9 for adults,
$6 for seniors, and admission is free for children 3 and younger.
8. The Walters Art Museum This free Mount Vernon museum displays art
dating back to 5000 B.C. Since its opening in 1934, the museum has expanded into a total
of three distinctive buildings. Featuring Renaissance paintings, Asian art, Byzantine
and Ethiopian art, and an extensive Egyptian collection, among other works, the exhibitions
offer a diverse selection of art styles.
If you are traveling with family, then you are in luck!
The Walters Art Museum also offers a variety of family-focused programs, as well as free
drop-in art activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, which allows little
ones to participate in arts and crafts projects.
Free walk-in tours are available for those who want a more in-depth look at the galleries.
While the museum itself is free to the public, keep in mind special events and lectures may
require an admission fee for non-members.
The museum welcomes visitors Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; on Thursdays,
visiting hours are extended to 9 p.m.
9. Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Here we have yet another family favorite that is sure to make your vacation unforgettable.
It would be very difficult to find a more feature-filled play place for little ones
and older children alike to let their creative juices flow than the Port Discovery Children's
Museum. Featuring a myriad of interactive, indoor activities, this incredible museum,
located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, is the ideal place for families who enjoy participating
in inspirational and educational learning and play. You could literally spend all day
here getting lost in the museums interactive art studios and musical exhibits. Port Discovery
is an absolute must-visit destination for any family visiting Baltimore.
10. Maryland Science Center This 200-plus-year-old Maryland Science Center
is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the country. Boasting interactive exhibits
for children, a planetarium for astronomy lovers, and giant dinosaur replicas for budding
paleontologists, the museum offers plenty of activity for its visitors. This attraction
is fun for all ages and has something for everyone, from little kids to the young at
heart.
If this video has spurred you to take a trip to Baltimore, what will be first on your list
of things to do? Let us know in the comments below. Like and subscribe to ViewCation for
more awesome videos!