Baltimore Area Code Map
Introduction
Baltimore, located in Maryland, is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and a wide range of attractions for visitors of all ages. From historical landmarks to outdoor adventures, from natural wonders to a lively nightlife, Baltimore has something for everyone.
In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take a closer look at the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in the area.
Top Attractions
Inner Harbor
The Inner Harbor is the heart and soul of Baltimore. This historic seaport is home to a wide range of attractions, including the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, the USS Constellation, and the American Visionary Art Museum. Visitors can also take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes, or hop on a water taxi to explore the harbor from a different perspective.
Fell’s Point
Fell’s Point is a charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and an eclectic mix of shops, bars, and restaurants. Visitors can take a guided walking tour to learn about the area’s rich history, explore the vibrant nightlife, or simply soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the views of the harbor.
Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry is a historic fort that played a crucial role in the War of 1812. It is best known for inspiring Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort, watch a reenactment of the battle, or attend a special event or concert.
Hidden Gems
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is a historic neighborhood with a mix of architectural styles, from grand mansions to charming row houses. It is also home to a variety of cultural institutions, including the Walters Art Museum, the Peabody Institute, and the George Peabody Library. Visitors can take a walking tour of the neighborhood, admire the stunning architecture, or attend a concert or performance at one of the cultural venues.
Green Mount Cemetery
Green Mount Cemetery is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. It is home to the graves of many famous Baltimoreans, including Johns Hopkins, Enoch Pratt, and John Wilkes Booth. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cemetery, admire the beautiful monuments and sculptures, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Food Scene
Crisfield Seafood
Crisfield Seafood is a Baltimore institution that has been serving up fresh seafood since 1945. Visitors can sample local favorites like crab cakes, oysters, and steamed shrimp, or try something more adventurous like frog legs or alligator bites.
Lexington Market
Lexington Market is a historic market that has been serving the city for over 230 years. It is home to a wide range of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to prepared foods. Visitors can sample local specialties like pit beef, crab cakes, and Berger cookies, or browse the shops for unique souvenirs and gifts.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Museum Admission
Many of Baltimore’s museums offer free admission on certain days or at certain times. Visitors can check the websites of their favorite museums for more information on free admission days and times.
Public Transportation
Baltimore has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and light rail. Visitors can save money by using public transportation instead of renting a car or taking taxis.
Outdoor Adventures
Patapsco Valley State Park
Patapsco Valley State Park is a beautiful park with over 200 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and bald eagles. Visitors can explore the park’s waterfalls, streams, and forests, or enjoy a picnic or barbecue in one of the many picnic areas.
Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can rent a sailboat or powerboat, take a guided fishing tour, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the views of the bay.
Family-Friendly Activities
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is a must-see attraction for families with kids. It is home to over 20,000 animals, including dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. Visitors can also attend special events and programs, like behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
The Port Discovery Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum that encourages kids to learn through play. It is home to a wide range of interactive exhibits, including a three-story climbing structure, a pretend diner, and a kid-sized construction site.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum is a must-see attraction for fans of the famous writer. Poe lived in the house for a few years in the 1830s, and it is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. Visitors can see the room where Poe wrote “The Tell-Tale Heart” and other famous works, as well as a collection of his personal belongings and artifacts.
Great Blacks in Wax Museum
The Great Blacks in Wax Museum is a unique museum that celebrates the contributions of African Americans throughout history. It is home to a wide range of exhibits, including a replica of a slave ship, a recreation of a Harriet Tubman safe house, and a display of wax figures of famous African Americans like Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama.
Natural Wonders
Gunpowder Falls State Park
Gunpowder Falls State Park is a beautiful park with over 18,000 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including bald eagles, beavers, and river otters. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride on the park’s many trails, or enjoy a picnic or barbecue in one of the many picnic areas.
Cromwell Valley Park
Cromwell Valley Park is a hidden gem in the heart of Baltimore County. It is home to a wide range of habitats, from meadows to woodlands to wetlands. Visitors can explore the park’s trails, attend a nature program or workshop, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Vibrant Nightlife
Power Plant Live!
Power Plant Live! is a lively entertainment complex in the heart of the city. It is home to a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as a concert venue and a comedy club. Visitors can enjoy live music, dance the night away, or simply people-watch and soak up the atmosphere.
Mount Vernon Marketplace
Mount Vernon Marketplace is a food hall with a lively atmosphere and a wide range of food and drink options. Visitors can sample local specialties like crab cakes and pit beef, or try international cuisines like Korean BBQ and Mexican street food. The marketplace also hosts special events and live music performances.
Local Markets
32nd Street Farmers Market
The 32nd Street Farmers Market is a popular weekend destination for locals and visitors alike. It is home to a wide range of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. Visitors can sample local specialties, attend cooking demonstrations, or simply browse the stalls and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Hampden Farmers Market
The Hampden Farmers Market is a smaller market with a focus on local and organic products. It is a great place to stock up on fresh produce, meat, and dairy products, or to enjoy a meal from one of the food vendors. Visitors can also attend special events and workshops, like yoga classes and gardening workshops.
Beaches and Mountains
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore is a beautiful barrier island with over 37 miles of beaches and dunes. It is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including wild horses, deer, and migratory birds. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or fish on the beach, or explore the island’s many hiking and biking trails.
Catoctin Mountain Park
Catoctin Mountain Park is a beautiful park with over 25 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and historic sites. It is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.