There is so much more to see and do in Baltimore, apart from the boat show. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to spend top dollar on a seafood dinner, we’ve got you covered. Several of these places are within walking distance of the Harbor and Convention Center. For destinations farther away, think about parking downtown and using the Charm City Circulator or UBER to get around.
To Save Some $
Hike to the top of Federal Hill and take in the gorgeous views of the Inner Harbor. Once a lookout point during the War of 1812, the top of this hill now houses a playground and benches, perfect for a quiet respite from the bustling city below.
Just three miles southeast of the Inner Harbor is
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The entrance fee is $10 for adults (free for children 15 and under) and is good for seven days. Make sure to start at the visitor center and plan to tour the fort (self-guided) for about an hour. Don’t leave the city without exploring the birthplace of the National Anthem!
For a truly panoramic view of the city, head to the
Top of the World Observation Level, located on the 27th Floor of the World Trade Center. Admission is only $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-12 (under three free).
If it is museums you seek, head to the
Baltimore Museum of Art or the
Walters Art Museum, both free, world-class art museums. The BMA is located three miles north of the Inner Harbor, in Charles Village, and is home to 90,000 works of art. The Walters is located in historic Mount Vernon, just one mile north of downtown. For a truly unique experience, visit on Thursday night to experience the Walters after dark. Wine and beer are for sale in the café and there are far less visitors.
Winter admission to the
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore only costs $10! The zoo is open Friday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is about a 10 minute drive from downtown. There may be a few less animals this time of year but you can’t beat that price. Be sure to visit the brand-new Penguin Coast Exhibit.
For some fresh air and exercise, visit the
Cylburn Aboretum, only about a 12 minute drive from the Convention Center. The arboretum spans about 207 acres in the heart of Baltimore City and features over 20 gardens and more than three miles of hiking trails. Best of all? It’s free.
Worth the $
The
National Aquarium in Baltimore is a must-see, even if you have already been 10 times before. Adult tickets cost $40, children aged 3-11 cost $25, and if you stop by on a Friday, you can get half-off admission after 5 p.m. 4-D Immersion films cost an extra $5.
Also conveniently located downtown are the
Historic Ships of Baltimore, featuring the USS Constellation, USS Torsk, Lightship116 Chesapeake, USCG Taney, and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. The lighthouse is free to enter, but for the other ships, guests can elect to visit one ship, any two, or all four. To visit all four, admission is $18 for adults and $7 for children ages 6-14 (under six free).
On the other side of the Harbor is the
Maryland Science Center. There are several permanent and traveling exhibits, as well as 12 IMAX films shown daily. Current films include Humpback Whales 3D, Everest, and the Human Body, among others. Admission is $20 for adults ($25 with an IMAX film) and $17 for children ages 3-12 ($20 with film). Every Friday after 5 p.m., the Observatory is open to the public for stargazing. Admission is free but does not include access to the museum.
Live music at
Rams Head Live. There are two bands playing during boat show weekend: Moon Taxi on Thursday night at 8 p.m. (tickets $23 at the door) and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack on Friday at 8 p.m. (tickets $16).
Step back in time to the early days of a bustling port city at the
Baltimore Museum of Industry. Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for students and children ages 7-18 (under seven free), and guests can choose between a self-guided, guided, or iPod tour.
The
American Visionary Art Museum, located at the base of Federal Hill is a truly immersive experience, from the moment you spot the glittering exterior of the building. Admission is $16 for adults, $10 for children and students. The museum showcases art produced by self-taught individuals with over 4000 pieces in the collection.
Eats
According to Zagat, Baltimore was just ranked the number two food city in America, behind Pittsburgh, so there are plenty of options to eat out. Here are some of our staff favorites:
Little Havana on Key Highway. “Awesome, casual dinner on the water. Try the Cubana sandwich or a quesadilla with a Dark n’ Stormy.”
~Molly
Pazo on Aliceanna Street. “The fun cocktails were our favorite part.”
~Mary
The Wharf Rat on Ann St in Fells Point. “Awesome burgers, great pub atmosphere, plus craft beer and a pool table.”
~Kaylie
Abbey Burger Bistro on Marshall St in Federal Hill. “Build your own burger. Kangaroo meat - yep, fried egg - got it, habanero pickles - sure thing... whatever you want!”
~Zach
Sip & Bite on Boston St. “Local landmark since 1948, great crab cakes and rice pudding, and it’s open 24/7.”
~Chris
Corner Bakery on Pratt Street. “Nice, cozy place for lunch.”
~Lucy
Bertha’s Mussels on S. Broadway St in Fells Point. “HUGE plates of steaming mussels with eight different dipping sauces.”
~ Duffy
Fork and Wrench on Boston Street in Canton. “Stellar brunch.”
~Allison
Nick’s Fish House on Insulator Drive (10 min. drive from downtown). “Great place on the water. The oysters, crab soup, and fish n’ chips were all fabulous!”
~Holly
Vaccaro’s Italian Pastries on Albermarle St in Little Italy. “Amazing desserts, especially the cannolis.”
~Beth
Worth the $
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a must-see, even if you have already been 10 times before. Adult tickets cost $40, children aged 3-11 cost $25, and if you stop by on a Friday, you can get half-off admission after 5 p.m. 4-D Immersion films cost an extra $5.
Also conveniently located downtown are the Historic Ships of Baltimore, featuring the USS Constellation, USS Torsk, Lightship116 Chesapeake, USCG Taney, and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. The lighthouse is free to enter, but for the other ships, guests can elect to visit one ship, any two, or all four. To visit all four, admission is $18 for adults and $7 for children ages 6-14 (under six free).
On the other side of the Harbor is the Maryland Science Center. There are several permanent and traveling exhibits, as well as 12 IMAX films shown daily. Current films include Humpback Whales 3D, Everest, and the Human Body, among others. Admission is $20 for adults ($25 with an IMAX film) and $17 for children ages 3-12 ($20 with film). Every Friday after 5 p.m., the Observatory is open to the public for stargazing. Admission is free but does not include access to the museum.
Live music at Rams Head Live. There are two bands playing during boat show weekend: Moon Taxi on Thursday night at 8 p.m. (tickets $23 at the door) and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack on Friday at 8 p.m. (tickets $16).
Step back in time to the early days of a bustling port city at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for students and children ages 7-18 (under seven free), and guests can choose between a self-guided, guided, or iPod tour.
The American Visionary Art Museum, located at the base of Federal Hill is a truly immersive experience, from the moment you spot the glittering exterior of the building. Admission is $16 for adults, $10 for children and students. The museum showcases art produced by self-taught individuals with over 4000 pieces in the collection.
Eats
According to Zagat, Baltimore was just ranked the number two food city in America, behind Pittsburgh, so there are plenty of options to eat out. Here are some of our staff favorites: