12 Best Things to Do in Baltimore: Top-Rated Attractions 2022

12 Best Things to Do in Baltimore: Top-Rated Attractions 2022

Baltimore, Maryland offers a variety of free attractions, great museums, parks, hotels, wedding venues, and great restaurants for couples and families planning a weekend getaway.

See vintage artwork at the Walters Art Museum and Baltimore Museum of Art, stroll through the beautiful Sherwood Gardens, and dine at fine seafood restaurants.

1. The Walters Art Museum

Founded in 1934, the Walters Art Museum, located on North Charles Street in Mount Baltimore. Vernon Cultural District is one of the main attractions in Baltimore, Maryland.

William Walters and his son Henry Walters organized the museum’s collection: the artwork was initially displayed in the family mansion, but a new palazzo-style building was constructed in the early 1900s to house the collection.

The Walters Art Museum contains works of art from ancient times to the 20th century, including Asian, Byzantine, Egyptian, Greek and Roman works of art. The museum offers free guided tours, as well as family and school tours led by trained volunteer teachers. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday.

Address: 600 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland

2. The Maryland Zoo

After a visit to the Maryland Zoo, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled the African savannas. In this incredible zoo, you have the opportunity to visit Samson the elephant or Hassan the lion and his cubs, Luke and Leia. Get to know the Panamanian jungle when you visit endangered Panamanian golden frogs in the chimpanzee forest.

If you’re bringing kids, take them to the giraffe feeding station, where the long-necked creatures will literally grab food from their hands.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Baltimore with kids, be sure to stop by the zoo. There are over 1,500 animals of 200 species at the zoo, and you can see many varieties of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles in environments that reproduce their natural habitats.

The Maryland Zoo is located in Druid Hill Park and sits on approximately 160 acres of land. It was established in 1876, and it is the third oldest zoo in the US.

Address: 1876 Mansion House Drive, Baltimore, Maryland

3. National Aquarium

Opened in 1981 as part of the Baltimore urban renewal project, the National Aquarium is located on East Pratt Street in the Inner Harbor. This huge aquarium contains over two million gallons of water and is home to over 17,000 aquatic animals representing over 750 species.

In addition to the aquarium, there is also a 4D immersion theater and several exhibits of interest, including the open ocean shark tank and the marine mammal pavilion. The National Aquarium offers several guided tours, such as the “Inside Tour” and the “Behind the Scenes Tour of the Sharks.”

It also offers programs such as “Dine and Discover” and “Sea and Tea”. If you’re wondering what to do in Baltimore on a rainy day, the aquarium is a great place to visit.

Address: 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland

4. Maryland Science Center

Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center helps visitors experience science as fun, exciting, and inspiring. The mission of the Center is to raise awareness of the important role science plays in everyday life and motivate young people to consider pursuing careers in science.

The Center features a large modern IMAX theater, the Ramsey Observatory, and many permanent and temporary exhibits.

The Maryland Science Center is one of the best things to do in Baltimore with kids. Kids can easily get hooked on science after looking through a telescope, playing with real lab equipment, or looking inside their own bodies on a special screen.

The Maryland Science Center is great fun for both children and adults. Its many outreach programs and interactive exhibits attract large numbers of teachers and students.

Address: 601 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland

5. Baltimore Inner Harbor

You may find it difficult to decide what is more fun to do in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor: people-watch from one of the many waterfront restaurants and outdoor cafes or visit one of the many attractions.

The Maritime Museum exhibits an impressive number of ships, the World Trade Center Observation Level offers a spectacular view of the city, and the National Aquarium is home to more than 17,000 fascinating underwater creatures.

You can also see the harbor while sailing on the Big Red Boat. When you are inevitably hungry, you may want to try some of the fabulous shrimp at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

6. B&O Railroad Museum

Located on West Pratt Street just west of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Baltimore B & O Railroad Museum displays historic railroad equipment that will appeal to all visitors.

When it opened in 1953, the museum was called the Baltimore and Ohio Museum of Transportation. Today, it is known for having one of the largest collections of locomotives and other railway related items in the world.

It is located at Mount Clare Station and Powerhouse, the birthplace of the American Railroad. There are several programs for children, including Kids Zone and Toddler Time, and the museum also hosts birthday parties from time to time.

Group tours are also offered for adults, seniors, and students, and a ride on the Mile One Express is included depending on the time of year. The museum is open every day.

Address: 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland

7. Logging Point

Feel’s Point is an excellent reminder of Baltimore’s British nautical roots. It is named after the English Mr. Fell, who founded a shipbuilding company at this location in 1726 and later became famous for his “Baltimore Schooners”.

The waterfront neighborhood is an exciting and lively place that hasn’t changed much from its glorious days of the past.

As you stroll through Fell’s Point, you can see many beautiful and charming houses and storefronts from the 18th and 19th centuries. Fell’s Point is also home to the Baltimore Farmers Market and some amazing restaurants.

If you’re hungry, try treats at the market, grab some oysters at one of the many bars, or grab a slice of pizza at Verde. If you are looking for things to do in Baltimore this weekend, there is always some musical performance, which really keeps the night going.

8. Oriole Park Tours

Located on West Camden Street, not far from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Oriole Park at Camden Yards is home to a professional baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles. Also known as Camden Yards, Oriole Park first opened in 1992 as a “retro-classic” ballpark; The architecture pays homage to the golden age of baseball and includes all the facilities of a modern baseball park.

Public tours last approximately one hour and 30 minutes and are held every day; Private group tours are also available. Tours include a shelter visit, press level, suite level, and much more. Visitors will also learn about Babe Ruth, the Inner Harbor, and the B&O Railroad along their journey.

Address: Oriole Park at Camden Yards. 333 West Camden Street, Baltimore, Maryland

9. Port Discovery Children’s Museum

If you don’t know what to do with your extremely energetic kids on a rainy day, take them to the Port Discovery Children’s Museum. The museum, housed in the historic and beautifully renovated Fish Market building on the Inner Harbor, is one of the top family attractions in Baltimore.

It has three floors of interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play, and offers an ever-changing series of programs for children. There is something for every child, from infants to 10-year-olds.

Young children can crawl on Tot Trails, and older children full of energy can spend some of it on Kick It Up! Everyone is welcome to splash to their hearts content at Wonders of Water.

For those who like to play house, they can spend time at the Royal Farms convenience store and filling station. They can also cook and sell food at Tiny’s Diner or climb and slide through KidWorks, a 3-story urban tree house.

Address: 35 Market Place, Baltimore, Maryland

10. Urban Pirates

Located on Ann Street Pier at Fells Point in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Urban Pirates creates an interactive pirate adventure for the young and young at heart.

The custom-built pirate ship, The Fearless, sails through the inner harbor as crew members teach guests how to lead the life of a pirate – you’ll learn to dance, sing, and talk. Shapewear, temporary tattoos, and vests are provided for family adventure.

Family Adventure cruises operate daily and BYOG (bring your own grog) adult cruises operate Thursday through Saturday. Urban Pirates also hosts special private events such as birthday parties, reunions, and corporate events.

Address: 911 South Ann Street, Baltimore, Maryland

11. Fort McHenry National Monument

Best known for its role in the War of 1812, Fort McHenry is a star-shaped fort that is part of the US National Park Service’s Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Sanctuary.

It is located on East Fort Avenue, just off south of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The fort successfully defended the port of Baltimore when the British navy attacked it.

It was this battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words of The Star-Spangled Banner, which later became the national anthem of the United States. The park welcomes field trip groups, and one of the park’s programs helps children earn a Junior Ranger badge. The park is open every day.

Address: 2400 East Fort Avenue

12. Carnation

Cheerful and bright, Clavel brings the festive atmosphere, small traditional plates and drinks of Mexico to the Remington neighborhood of Baltimore.

This small taqueria and mezcaleria, with open beams covered in cheery Christmas lights, serves unique versions of traditional Mexican snacks, such as seven different types of tacos, quesadillas, ceviche and tortas.

The modern crowd that congregates at this downtown restaurant washes its spicy delicacies with specialty mezcals or cold beer, filling the place to the rafters and spilling onto the few outdoor tables. Be prepared to wait for a table, but dishes like kidney beans and melted cheese make it all worth it.

Address: 225 West 23rd Street, Baltimore, MD 21211

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Things to Do in Baltimore

Is it safe to walk around downtown Baltimore?

Baltimore can be a good city for solo travelers that stick to the revitalized parts of town, but tourists, alone or in a group, should generally avoid walking around late at night. At night, you are more likely to be a victim of mugging. During the day, you should be wary of pickpockets.

Is Baltimore safe to visit?

Baltimore is generally safe for tourists, though some neighborhoods are best avoided. A crime that does occur is mainly between members of street gangs or individuals who know each other, and in areas that are of no interest to visitors. Avoid sketchy neighborhoods and take normal precaution measures.

Is Inner Harbor safe at night?

For example, after dark, don’t go near dim or deserted areas, and be aware that muggings and other types of theft are common in downtown Baltimore at night. Those include tourist-friendly, well-patrolled destinations like the Baltimore Inner Harbor, Little Italy, Fells Point, Federal Hill, and Mount Vernon.

Is Baltimore expensive?

Baltimore, Maryland’s cost of living is 17% higher than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, its average salary and the real estate market of that area.

Why is Baltimore called Charm city?

By the beginning of the 1970s, Baltimore’s downtown area, known as the Inner Harbor, had been neglected and was occupied by a collection of abandoned warehouses. The nickname “Charm City” came from a 1975 meeting of advertisers seeking to improve the city’s reputation.

Does Baltimore have beaches?

The beaches in Baltimore County, Maryland offer daily rates for seniors, children and adults. The beaches offer rental spaces for large groups and feature lifeguards for swimmers. Baltimore County has three state beaches, while nearby Calvert County also attracts visitors to its beach.