Plan your Baltimore visit to include a day or two at the fascinating sites of the Inner Harbor neighborhood. Take in views of sailboats and other water craft as you stroll along the wide Baltimore Waterfront Promenade circling the port on the Patapsco River or stand on the Top of the World Observation Level. Admire large yachts at the Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina, hop on a ferry for a harbor cruise or propel yourself in a green Chessie dragon paddle boat. Enjoy local dining, tour museums on land and on the water and simply relax in the region’s sunshine and salt air.
The river connects to Chesapeake Bay, a source for tasty Maryland crabs. Stop for delicious meals at numerous seafood and other restaurants in this redeveloped area. Purchase souvenirs here. You can even buy Maryland’s famous crab cakes to be shipped in iced boxes to friends back home.
Besides the waterfront itself, the neighborhood is known for its many family attractions. The National Aquarium has 20,000 sea creatures from around the world. Plan in advance for a special sleepover visit. Kids will also enjoy the Maryland Science Center, with hands-on exhibits ranging from astronomy and anatomy to physics and paleontology.
Explore maritime history at the Historic Ships in Baltimore floating museums. Step aboard the USS Constellation, a sailing warship built in 1854. See the USS Torsk submarine, the LV116 Chesapeake lightship, the USCG Cutter 37 Coast Guard search and rescue vessel and the squat red Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse.
Have an intuitive art experience at the American Visionary Art Museum, which combines art, science, humor and philosophy to address social justice and betterment themes. Outside, Federal Hill Park offers views of the full harbor area in a historic setting visited by Captain John Smith in the 1600s.
Drive from Baltimore/Washington International Airport to the Inner Harbor neighborhood in about 20 minutes. While here visit the nearby Little Italy and Fells Point neighborhoods for additional memorable Baltimore experiences.
