Location: Baltimore
Top Things to do in Baltimore
What to do and see in Baltimore, Maryland (MD): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. The Walters Art Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,445 reviews
The Walters Art Museum is a cultural hub in the heart of Baltimore. Located in the city’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, the Walters is free for all. The museum’s collection spans more than seven millennia, from 5,000 BCE to the 21st century, and encompasses 36,000 objects from around the world. Walking through the museum’s historic buildings, visitors encounter a stunning panorama of thousands of years of art, from romantic 19th-century images of French gardens to mesmerizing Ethiopian icons, richly illuminated Qur’ans and Gospel books, ancient Roman sarcophagi, and serene images of the Buddha. The Walters' mission has been to bring art and people together and to create a place where people of every background can be touched by art. Admission to the museum and special exhibitions is always free.
Reviewed By davisellu
My most recent trip here was to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow School exhibit. It was great-- informative, interactive, and you could get so close to the many items on display. I love the medieval items and many other parts of the collection as well. The museum is free (but I encourage you to become a member to support the work going on here!) and just a few blocks north of the main downtown part of Baltimore. The main building is lovely and the overall floor plan twists around a bit. The gift shop and cafe are worth checking out-- some nice things in the first, and just enjoying the pretty room and ambiance in the second.
2. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,031 reviews
One of major league baseball's newest stadiums, the Orioles' home field has the intimate feel and charm of an old-fashioned park.
Reviewed By 975aprile - Mathews, United States
Traveled to Baltimore to see the Yankees play the Orioles and what a GREAT game it was! Very impressed with the absolute beauty of this stadium!! Excellent seats behind home plate, awesome food and would LOVE to visit again!
3. S.S. John W. Brown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
One of three remaining Liberty Ships, the S.S. John Brown is open for tours by advance reservation.
Reviewed By G6820QBjamesm - Lake Norman, United States
This ship on the other side of the harbor in Baltimore is one of two World War II liberty ships that can be visited (out of almost 2700 built during the war)! The story behind the Liberty Ships is amazing-America pulled together to build the vehicles to get supplies and troops to Europe. As Americans age, the interest in the history of WWII is diminishing-a reason for us to stop and visit this example of American genius. Take the time to go under the harbor to the other side and support the fine volunteers who are keeping this history alive (at least for the time being). Thank them by showing up and admiring the American spirit in its unique form. Without our support, this ship may disappear for future generations . . .
4. Sagamore Spirit Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 854 reviews
Committed to putting Maryland back on the map as the premier distiller of Rye Whiskey. Sagamore Spirit's award-winning Straight Rye Whiskey is cut to proof with unique spring-fed water from Sagamore Farm. We are currently open for whiskey tastings and other guided experiences. Visit SagamoreSpirit.com to book your experience today. We also have curbside pickup for those shopping our online store!
Reviewed By viclaureano - Worcester, United States
Great tour guide, extremely clean facility, fun, informative, pleasantly short, and a great tasting at end.
5. 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.
6. Maryland Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 740 reviews
This popular museum is located in Harborplace.
Reviewed By 840gabrielh - Bellaire, United States
This museum is clearly focused on activities attractive for kids and those that might entice children to become interested in science. It is located in the center of town, on the inner harbor, in a large, modern, three-story building with plenty of natural light. There are two large wings and multiple exhibits that promise a lot of hands-on activity for children (and adults). Several times a day, there are shows, conferences and interactive programs focused on making scientific principles understandable to the uninitiated. There are sections dedicated to the very young, to early teens, late teens and adults. The dinosaur exhibit is quite attractive and, in general, the displays are very well done. Consider a family membership: it helps the museum and it reduces you costs substantially.
7. Top of the World Observation Level
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 566 reviews
Observation tower at the top of the World Trade Center offering audio-visual presentations about the history of Baltimore.
Reviewed By jktmrose - Connecticut, United States
We have to thank Groupon for this one. $7.25 for two people could not be beat! The observatory is on the 27th floor and the elevator was a quick trip. The views were amazing and they had nice tribute to victims of the 9/11 tragedy. There was plenty to read for each view (N-S-E-W) and it was cool to see all the places we visited. There was a neat photo exhibit of bridge infrastructures. We really enjoyed our visit here and highly recommend it. If you do not have Groupon it was only $6 per person but the discount was perfect.
8. 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!!
9. Fell's Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,779 reviews
This charming national historic district, dating back to the 18 century, has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, craft and antique stores, coffee houses and street fairs. Stop by the Art Gallery of Fells Point to see some fine work by local artists.
Reviewed By scraphollie27 - Comox, Canada
Fell’s Point is such a quaint, historic area and you definitely won’t be disappointed with the fabulous food and drink you find down here!
10. B&O Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 825 reviews
The B&O Railroad Museum, a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the birthplace of American Railroading, is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment. You’ll enjoy exploring our expansive Museum campus, known as the Mount Clare Shops and Station and was the original railroading complex of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O). Founded in 1827, the B&O had a dramatic economic, social, and cultural impact on our society. Its nearly 200-year history is deeply intertwined with the story of America and helped shaped our nation through invention, innovation, and ingenuity. Experience two centuries of American railroading history throughout our campus of historic buildings, exhibitions, interactive displays, and our world-class collection of rolling stock —locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and maintenance vehicles. All Aboard!
Reviewed By MarkM4418 - Frederick, United States
One of the best train museums I've every seen. Well worth the admission. Plan on at least 1 - 2 hours. Beautifully restored trains and cars - from the very earliest, horse-pulled rail cars to rudimentary steam engines, to modern diesel engines. Beautiful museum.
