Location: Baltimore
Top Things to do in Baltimore
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Baltimore, Maryland (MD)
Since the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor in the late 1970s, Baltimore has set the standard for urban renewal. While a good part of the city's action centers around the fun and festive Harbor area, where street entertainers, open-air concerts, fireworks and parades abound, the surrounding neighborhoods offer all sorts of interesting landmarks, unique shops and delicious restaurants. Wander around Fells Point, the oldest section of Baltimore, reminiscent of an old English village, complete with pubs and cobblestone streets. Take the kids to the aquarium and check out the imaginative creations at the American Visionary Art Museum. Or stop by the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum for an in-depth look at the Great Bambino's life. Baltimore is also renowned for its African-American heritage sites, plus festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the year. From historic places and harbor cruises to family friendly attractions and fabulous neighborhoods, Charm City is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States.
Restaurants in Baltimore
1. Wurtzburger Sculpture Garden
2. Leakin Park
3. Harbor East Marina
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Harbor East Marina in Baltimore, MD is a 200 slip marina with up to 500ft of alongside dockage. Located in the heart of the city, the Harbor East area of Baltimore boasts 12 square blocks of fine dining restaurants, world-class hotels, hip lounges, quaint pubs, and the best of national and local shops. In addition to all that Harbor East has to offer, guests can walk to all the major attractions at the Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point and Little Italy including the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center. A quick cab ride will take sports fans to Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium.
4. Pierce's Park
5. Winan's Meadow
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
An early, and often overlooked, part of the Crimea Estate in Baltimore is called Winan's Meadow in Leakin Park. This meadow was the site of an early milling operation along the Gwynns Falls River. An iron water wheel still remains that pumped water to the mansion. Miles of trails (paved and path) connect the meadow with the Leakin Park trails. The Friends of Gwynns Falls advocate for the park.
6. National Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,050 reviews
Considered one of the world's best aquariums, the National Aquarium's mission is to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures. It champions environmental initiatives by engaging with visitors, volunteers, education groups and schools to actively participate in the preservation of the world's natural resources and living systems. The National Aquarium delivers meaningful experiences through its living collection of more than 20,000 animals from more than 800 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, marine mammals and sharks, as well as through exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences like sleepovers and tours, science-based education programs and hands-on experiences in the field.
Reviewed By marleneb140 - Canton, United States
This wonderful aquarium contains a myriad of sea creatures along with a tropical rainforest and Australian exhibit. Although the building is quite large, it is easy to get around and there is plenty of room for viewing the displays. There were several school groups going through during my visit and some students were outside looking at items brought out by the aquarium workers. One worker also brought a milk snake into a lobby area and explained its behaviors. There are many displays to show ways of saving the oceans from litter and damage to the environment. Very educational and informative ! There is a wonderful cafe on the premises as well.
7. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,361 reviews
A unit of the National Park Service. Site of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner" in September of 1814.
Reviewed By Y1591GWamyl - Simpsonville, United States
Great trip for students of any age. Mr. Raymond wats very helpful as we made plans for our trip. He got us the paperwork needed for the Dept. of Interior to apply for a Fee Waiver, making the trip free to our 100 students and 12 chaperones. He sent schedules for activities and talks on the grounds, information for teachers to use prior to trip, and maps of the fort to plan. And despite the extreme heat wave we experienced during our trip, this was a great opportunity to share the history of the War of 1812 with our kids and the penning of the National Anthem by Francis Scott Key!!
8. Inner Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,540 reviews
One of America's oldest seaports dating from the 1600s is today an important landmark and popular tourist destination. Park your car and follow the brick promenade through this bustling complex of eateries, stores, museums, entertainment and children's attractions. Sample the fresh seafood right out of Chesapeake Bay.
Reviewed By S5848RAwendyr - Macungie, United States
There is so much to do at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. There are so many great places to eat at with beautiful views of the harbor. These include The Rusty Scupper, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, and The Cheesecake Factory. There are lots of places for shopping. There are many attractions, including the National Aquarium, The Science Center, The Spirit of Baltimore sightseeing ship, pirate ship electric boats and paddle boats, and Top of the World Observation level. There are many hotels, too, near the Inner Harbor. It is especially enjoyable to walk around the Inner Harbor on a nice day.
9. Federal Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 559 reviews
Former lookout during the Civil War and the War of 1812 is now a scenic park overlooking the Inner Harbor.
Reviewed By 703BillB703 - Bel Air, United States
Historic Federal Hill offers the best view of the Inner Harbor and even close ups of unique places like the Visionary Arts Musuem. There is a large fences play area for children and families as well as plenty if benches overviewibg the city. One appreciates why the spot was lookout for ships both commercial and was in the early years of Baltimore and the USA. The grounds are well maintained and beautiful this autumn season. Two monuments and two plaques provide historical information, otherwise it's a do-it-yourself tour. Street parking was available. Definitely worth a walk through the narrow streets of the Federal Hill community.
10. Little Italy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 471 reviews
Reviewed By Room-in-my-suitcase - Ottawa, Canada
I just finished an almost all day stint at the Baltimore National Aquarium and I was famished, but I did not want to eat fish. Meandering around the surrounding area, a short walk from The Big Fish House, I stumbled upon the warm and inviting neighbourhood of Little Italy, nestled nicely between the Inner Harbour and historic Fells Point. This community is small, full of vintage houses, fragrant bakeries, charming cafes and a bevy of fine Italian restaurants. Italian immigrants settled here, and not only brought over their bodies, but their culinary skills as is reflected in the reputation of the cluster of eateries that are here. What better place to seek out a meal. To accomplish this task, I needed to get the lay of the land , so I decided to explore Little Italy a little further. As I strolled through the narrow streets I noticed this area is embraced by the gentrification efforts in the revitalization of Baltimore. Buildings here seem almost bolted together, but each exhibited their own unique personality. Restaurant facades showcased like the neat row houses that flanked the streets. Peeking inside a few restaurants, I discovered that the decor generally followed the standard Italian eatery pattern, much like the restaurant depicted in the Godfather movie where Al Pacino whacks his fathers arch gangster enemy along with a NYC police captain. The building footprints are not over spacious and on entry to these establishments you are usually greeted with a substantial display case sporting all kinds of Italian desserts: cannolis, napoleons and the like, accompanied by signs that display quips like 'Eat Desserts First Or Perish' or some such. Lots of exposed brick, painted and unpainted, candles, large salami, pastrami and pepperoni sticks hang around as well as an assortment of shelved cheese rounds and walls are usually profusely adorned with a collection of photos of the old country ...Italia. The tables are squashed closely together and to wiggle your way to your chair you have to suck your belly in only to worry that after you eat you may not be able to accomplish this manoeuvre. The table cloths are predominately a matrix of 1" x 1" squares that could sub for a chess or checker board. These restaurants are usually a mom and pop or intergenerational operation reflecting lots of pride in ownership, strong customer relations and exemplary Italian culinary delights. The range of restaurants is outlandish, from casual to fine dining, all aimed at tickling your taste buds. I passed Amicci's, touting it's 'Build Your Own Pasta" plate by selecting your favourite pasta type and smothering it with your sauce of choice, and then there was Sabatino's with its signature, tongue tingling Penne with vodka sauce. Don't forget La Tavola, renowned for its home-made ravioli avalanched with cream sauce or Gambino's, ( a mafia sounding name), serving up authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The sheer number of eateries in Little Italy causes pandemonium when it comes time for restaurant selection. So I decided to just meander down the streets and randomly, , walk into Little Italy restaurants to consume a different portion of my meal at each....sort of a game of Italian restaurant 'roulette'. All the restaurants in Little Italy are worthy of going too.....so what did I have to lose..I'm like a blind monkey playing darts and can't help but hit the bullseye. First up was was a Moretti beer and an appetizer in the form of Spicy Bruschetta..nicely diced Romano tomatoes with a zesty sprinkling of herbs on a bed of Italian baguette.. that altogether sparkled like a firecracker.....takes the nip out of your belly. Next stop, another beer, Peroni this time with Italian wedding soup....beef broth packed with pingpong sized meatballs, kale, micro sized pasta spheres and lightly sprinkled with mozzarella cheese.......this was a slam dunk. Continuing on, I opted for a 50-50 pizza, half Garlic BLT Cauliflower and because we are in Maryland, the other half was a Blue Crab. I ordered an extra large since I wanted leftovers for tomorrow. Both parts were tasty, but the more savoury Cauliflower side won the taste test. Now for my sweet tooth, the piece de resistance, a 1/2 orange with its innards scooped out and filled with Italian gelato with a smidgen of limoncello over the top...ooh so good. Winding down at a bakery/bar, a cappuccino was in order, not the ones made with a high tech appliance but custom-crafted with goats milk froth and mildly capped with shaved chocolate...the real McCoy. As an ending, I opted for a shot of grappa. This stuff can come almost 100% proof making it nearly a fire accelerant. I spilled a drop or two on my shirt and it burnt a hole in it and after a drink of this stuff, your lips pucker up like you just kissed your mother-in-law. All of the 4, on a wim restaurants I haphazardly visited provided savoury food, well presented, in comfortable surroundings and with great service, sometimes even from the owners of the establishment, a rarity these days. So, if you would like to visit the essentially Italian community of Baltimore, with its cadre of Italian eateries amped up to provided authentic hand-crafted Italian food.....try Little Italy......to Tickle Your Taste Buds.
