Most people when they travel to a place for the first time generally want to know what’s there to see and do. If you are heading to a big city, answering that question can lead to so many possibilities your head will start spinning. Nevertheless, almost every city has a Top 10 list of tourist attractions. Baltimore is no different, except that this is a Top 15 list with ideas for other places nearby you will also want to check out. What can I say, when it comes to Baltimore City’s top tourist attractions, it is just so darn hard to decide what to include.
Below is my list of Baltimore City’s top tourist attractions in no particular order. Maebh and Moose like hanging out in front of these places looking for pets (really treats). Many of these places are accessible via Baltimore’s free Circulator. As you probably already know, the first two hours of parking is the most expensive. The circulator lets you keep your car in one place and still get around. Better yet, take the lightrail from the airport and just use the circulator while you are in town. Links to all attraction websites are at the bottom. If you have something that should have been included, let me know in the comments.
- Baltimore’s Big 5 Tourist Attractions
- Baltimore’s Big Boats
- Baltimore’s Art Museums
- Baltimore’s History and Culture Museums
- Attraction Information
Baltimore’s Big 5 Tourist Attractions
Fort McHenry National Historic Site and Shrine
First on the list of Baltimore City’s top tourist attractions is Fort McHenry. This national historic site is the only one of the 421 national park units designated a National Shrine. Fort McHenry, which has had many uses over the years, is best known for its role during the War of 1812. The fort kept the British fleet from landing and burning Baltimore.
The fort also inspired Francis Scott Key to pen that “Oh can you see…” song. Or, if you prefer, the National Anthem. During the Civil war, the Fort was a garrison and prison. In World War I, it was a hospital that treated returning soldiers. In World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard turned it into a training facility. Today, it is a great place to spend the day soaking up some history followed by a picnic along the water. Don’t forget to get your Junior Ranger Badge!
While you are there: Check out the Immigration Museum in Locus Point. This free museum tells the story of the people who immigrated to the U.S. through our port. Back in the day, Baltimore was the 3rd busiest immigration port in the nation. The museum has digital records of everyone who came through Baltimore. Why not do a little genealogy research while you are there?
Maryland Science Center
With the slogan, “Let’s Do Science,” the Maryland Science Center is a great hands-on roll-up your sleeves and start figuring things out kind of place. Newton Alley is a blast for learning about forces and physics. The dinosaur area lets young diggers try out their archeological skills. The Your Body exhibit offers a fascinating look into how you work on the inside. The Shed is the learn a new skill area and there is always something bubbling up on the Demo Stage.
You do not need to be a kid to go. If you are at all curious about the world around you, this is the place. Additionally, there is an IMAX theatre with a new show every couple of months. Finally, the planetarium features themed presentations of what is happening in the night sky. Pro tip: Join your local science center so you can see this one for free. Or, if ours is cheaper, wait to get here and then buy a membership. Most of the science centers in the U.S. are reciprocal. Many around the world are too. Click here to see the list of places participating in the ASTC Travel Passport program.
While you are there: Take a stroll along the harbor promenade. It is a fantastic place to people-watch. Be sure to drop into the Visitor’s Center to get an update on the latest happenings around the harbor and throughout the city.
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor has gone through several iterations over the years, but the current configuration is perfect. Sea life is grouped by theme. The rainforest is packed with birds and monkeys. The shark tank is eerie and mesmerizing. The coral reef is the perfect place to chill out and watch the beauty of the oceans. If you are lucky, you can spot a diver working with the sharks or feeding the massive turtles. A word of caution: In order to get a better view of what is on display, much of the place is a bit dark. Therefore, it is super easy to trip over a little one running off to check out the next neat thing. Pay attention to who is at your feet and you should be fine.
While you are there: If being around all that water has made you thirsty, head east to Baltimore’s infamous Fells Point where beverages abound. On your way back, you might want to drop into the Baltimore’s Civil War Museum. It may look small on the outside, but the inside is jammed packed with the stories that made this City such a pivotal player in the war.
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Much has changed at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore over the years, but one thing has remained constant. Its dedication to providing the best environment for the critters in its care. Go visit, you will see what I mean. The children’s zoo includes a secret tree house, playful otters, and a working farm where kids of all ages can get up close and personal with the animals. There are keeper talks, penguin feedings, and “natural animal behavior” on full display.
While you are there: Head over to the Rawlings Conservatory (it is the Victorian era glass building). Inside, you can explore the five themed gardens, including one on succulents and another on orchids. Spring through Fall you can explore the outdoor gardens for free, but they do ask for a $5 donation. If you happen to have a Frisbee on hand, you might want to play a round of Frisbee golf. The course is on the other side of the zoo.
Port Discovery
Port Discovery is Baltimore’s Children’s museum and is geared to the 10 and under crowd. There are specialty areas for babies and toddlers to explore without the older kids hogging all the stuff. Parents will have fun helping their kids through the climbing gym, playing the drums, making art, or splashing in the water course. Although waterproof gear is provided, you may want to plan on bringing a second set of clothes just in case you have a Scooby “ruh roh” moment. Your ticket allows for all day re-entry on the day of purchase so come early and keep heading back.
While you are there
- Head over to the winter home of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, “the last living and only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence.” For some reason, this extra verbiage is required. At the house, you will get a feel for how the richest man in America at the time lived. You will also discover the post-Carroll years when the house was transformed into a saloon, an immigration center, and several other uses before being restored.
- A couple of blocks north you will find the Phoenix Shot Tower. Here you learn about the process of making mini cannon balls. Hint: molten blobs of metal are dropped from 200+ feet up into a bucket of water below.
- Finally, about a quarter mile east of the shot tower is the Jewish Museum of Maryland. The museum celebrates the Jewish experience and contribution through interactive stories of the past and the present. Here you will find out what life was like for Baltimore’s early Jewish immigrants, as well as thematic stories like the Jewish connection to space and astronomy. New stories are on display all the time making this more than a one and done place to visit.
Baltimore’s Big Boats
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is home to four historic ships. One ticket gives you a whole year to see them all!
U.S.S. Constellation
The U.S.S. Constellation is a war frigate that dates to the Revolutionary War era. Onboard, visitors can experience life on the ship. There are five decks to check out and if you time it right, you will be able to watch them fire off one of the canons on the top deck. Hold your ears it is loud!
While you are there: Head over to the Top of the World in the World Trade Center building (it is the tall one on the promenade). Check out the magnificent views and learn something about the buildings you are seeing on the skyline. A permanent memorial exhibition honoring those who perished in the 9/11 attacks dovetails with the memorial in the plaza below.
The U.S.S. Torsk
The U.S.S. Torsk plays neighbor to the Aquarium. The submarine has the distinction of sinking the last enemy ship during World War II. However, if you have claustrophobia issues, this may not be your thing. The cramped interior does promote an appreciation for the crew’s living conditions. Do not forget to read up on how the sub worked, firing the torpedoes, and the only crew member with daily shower privileges (it is not who you think). I highly advise taking the tour but if you choose to go it alone, please adhere to the warning signs. Most importantly, be careful around the well-marked live electrical panels.
The Lightship Chesapeake
Located behind the U.S.S. Torsk is the red-hulled Lightship Chesapeake. If you are wondering just what a lightship is, it is basically a floating lighthouse. Why a lightship? Well, back in the day, land-based lighthouses could not be built any old place. Enter the Lightship. On board, you learn how these ships kept boats from running aground. The stories about the sailors who served on this ship are also fascinating.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (U.S.C.G.C.) Taney
The Tawney is located two piers over from the Aquarium on the other side of the ESPN Zone. The Tawney has the distinction of being the last ship still afloat that survived the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Below deck is the story of the ship’s and her crew’s service during World War II, the Vietnam War, and her life in the Coast Guard. Tawney tales include, Soogie escapades and Pollywog trials.
Baltimore’s Art Museums
We have three world-class art museums in Baltimore. Each collection has a different focus so between the three, you are bound to at least find one to your liking.
Baltimore Museum of Art
The first of Baltimore’s art museums in the Baltimore Museum of Art, which sits next to the campus of Johns Hopkins University. The museum has an extensive collection and includes pieces from all the major periods from antiquity to today. Above all, the museum houses the Cone Collection, one of the most important art collections anywhere. These pieces where collected by Baltimore sisters Etta and Claribel Cone and include works by Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Degas, and more. The museum also has an outdoor sculpture garden that features work from the famous and the less well known. The garden sits in an idyllic wooded dell, making it a great place for a picnic lunch on a sunny day. Forgot to bring you lunch? No problem. The museum’s café is also a great place to grab a tasty bite if you get hungry.
While you are there: Take a stroll through the campus of Johns Hopkins University and stop by the Homewood Mansion. This extravagant home was owned by Charles Carroll, Jr. Jr. was the ne’er-do-well son of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the only Catholic and last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. While there, you will learn about Jr.’s wife, Harriet Chew, and the enslaved Conner and Ross families who took care of them.
Walters Art Museum
The Walters is a free museum that houses the collections of William Thompson Walters (1819-1894) and his son Henry Walters (1848-1931). The collection includes works from antiquity through the mid-eighteenth century. Moreover, displays showcase art and artifacts from the peoples of the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Frequent rotation of the pieces on display means there is usually something new to see. New works are conveniently labeled as “new.” If you start feeling creative, head to the family art room and have at it.
While you are there: Head over to the Peabody Library, a truly magnificent space, or the Washington Monument, where for $6 you can climb to the top. The climb consists of 227 marble steps that spiral through nine rotations. For you vertigo sufferers, check out the nifty displays for free in the lobby. Tell your friends to leave room in the picture for you to be Photoshopped in. No one will be the wiser.
American Visionary Arts Museum
The American Visionary Arts Museum or AVAM as we like to call it, sits behind the Rusty Scupper in the Inner Harbor. The museum is dedicated to showing the works of “self-taught” artists, which is a change of pace from that “stuffy” stuff (just kidding) at the Walters or the BMA. Exhibits at the MVA change often so there is every reason to keep going back. As a bonus, a giant whirly-gig sits in the courtyard and is great to watch as you chill-ax after being blown away by what you have just seen. As even more of a bonus, the barn holds entries from AVAM’s Kinetic Sculpture Race. These crazy “vehicles” are a hoot to see.
While you are there: Climb to the top of Federal Hill for a spectacular view of the harbor. As an added bonus, you can channel your inner Mark Walberg as he checks out potential Presidential assassination spots in the movie “The Shooter.”
Baltimore’s History and Culture Museums
Baltimore has a niche museum for just about anything that may interest you. I have included many of Baltimore’s history and cultural museums throughout the “While you are there” suggestions. While I would certainly recommend visiting these smaller attractions, these three should be on everyone’s must see list.
Museum of Industry
The Museum of Industry celebrates Baltimore’s industrial and manufacturing past, as well as the drivers of our current economy. For instance, visitors can learn about making motors, smiting iron, and typesetting, as well as many other Baltimore born technological innovations. Did you know that the umbrella was invented in Baltimore? The museum even has a gaming exhibit that will help you learn how to develop your own web-based game.
While you are there: Head over to Little Havana one of the filming locations for the movie “The Replacements.” While you are waiting for your nosh, play a round of foosball, pool, or indoor shuffleboard. You might also try a personal favorite Southside Diner just up the hill.
Reginald L. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American Culture and History
The Reginald L. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American Culture and History is the newest kid on the block, relatively speaking. The museum tells the stories of Maryland’s more famous African American citizens including, famed North Pole explorer Matthew Henson and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, as well as a whole lot of other women and men who made significant contributions to the city, the state, the country, and the world. Additionally, the museum hosts changing exhibitions highlighting African American artists and various cultural themes.
While you are there: Head next door to the Flag House where you will learn about the making of the famous flag that inspired our national anthem. You can also check out the home of Mary Pickersgill, the woman who brought the flag to life.
B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore can lay claim to many firsts, but arguably one of the most important “firsts” is the railroad. The B&O Railroad, now CSX, is not only the oldest railroad in the nation but also the first common carrier. Our railroad played a major role in developing the country beyond the Appalachian Mountains and was a key player in the Civil War. Best of all, that infamous Tom Thumb race took place on these tracks. Who remembers that old film from school?
While you are there: Head one block north and check out the Irish Railroad Workers Museum or the Edgar Alan Poe House. Along the way, go check out the Babe Ruth Museum, the Nursing Museum, the Museum of Dentistry, and the spooky catacombs in the Westminster burial grounds.
Want to know more about Baltimore? Check out the Baltimore and Beyond article series here.
Baltimore has so much for everyone that finding the right fit for your interests can be challenging. I can help.
Attraction Information
| Name & Address | Contact |
| American Visionary Arts Museum 800 Key Highway Baltimore, MD 21230 | Phone: 410.244.1900 Website: AVAM.org Map: ? Location: Inner Harbor |
| Babe Ruth Museum 216 Emory Street Baltimore, MD 21230 | Phone: 410.727.1539 Website: BabeRuthMuseum.org Map: ? Location: West Harbor |
| Baltimore Museum of Art 10 Art Museum Drive Baltimore, MD 21218 | Phone: 443.573.1700 Website: ArtBMA.org Map: ? Location: Charles Village |
| Baltimore Museum of Industry 1415 Key Highway Baltimore, MD 21230 | Phone: 410.727.4808 Website: TheBMI.org Map: ? Location: South Harbor |
| Carroll Mansion 800 E. Lombard Street Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 410.605.2964 Website: CarrollMuseums.org Map: ? Location: East Harbor |
| Civil War Museum 601 S. President Street Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 443.220.0290 Website: PresidentStreetStation.org Map: ? Location: East Harbor |
| Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry 31 S. Greene Street Baltimore, MD 21201 | Phone: 410.706.0600 Website: dental.umaryland.edu/museum Map: ? Location: University of Maryland |
| Edgar Allan Poe House 203 N. Amity Street Baltimore, MD 21223 | Phone: 410.462.1763 Website: PoeinBaltimore.org Map: ? Location: West Baltimore |
| Federal Hill 300 Warren Avenue Baltimore, MD 21230 | Website: Federal Hill Map: ? Location: Inner Harbor |
| Fort McHenry National Historic Site and Shrine 2400 East Fort Avenue Baltimore, MD 21230 | Phone: 410.962.4290 x250 Website: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm Map: ? Location: Locust Point |
| Frisbee Golf Crow’s Nest Road Baltimore, MD 21217 | Website: Frisbee Golf Map: ? Location: Druid Hill Park |
| George Peabody Library 17 E. Mount Vernon Place Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 667.208.6715 Website: Library Map: ? Location: Mount Vernon |
| Homewood Museum 3400 N. Charles Street The Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD 21218 | Phone: 410.516.5589 Website: https://museums.jhu.edu/homewood-museum/ Map: ? Location: Charles Village |
| Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory 3100 Swann Dr. Baltimore, MD 21217 | Phone: 410.396.0008 Website: RawlingsConservatory.org Map: ? Location: Druid Hill Park |
| Immigration Museum 1308 Beason Street Baltimore, MD 21230 | Phone: 443.542.2263 Website: ImmigrationBaltimoe.org Map: ? Location: Locust Point |
| Irish Railroad Workers Museum 918 Lemmon Street Baltimore, MD 21223 | Phone: 410.347.4747 Website: IrishShrine.org Map: ? Location: West Baltimore |
| Jewish Museum of Maryland 15 Lloyd Street Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 410.732.6400 Website: JewishMuseumMD.org Map: ? Location: East Baltimore |
| Lightship 116 Chesapeake Pier 3 501 E. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 410.539.1797 Website: HistoricShips.org Map: ? Location: Inner Harbor |
| Little Havana 1325 Key Highway Baltimore, MD 21230 | Phone: 410.837.9903 Website: LittleHavanas.com Map: ? Location: South Harbor |
| Maryland Science Center 601 Light Street Baltimore MD 21230 | Phone: 410.685.5225 Website: MdSci.org Map: ? Location: Inner Harbor |
| Maryland Zoo 1 Safari Place Baltimore, MD 21217 | Phone: 410.396.7102 Website: MarylandZoo.org Map: ? Location: Druid Hill Park |
| National Aquarium 501 E. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 410.576.3800 Website: Aqua.org Map: ? Location: Inner Harbor |
| School of Nursing Living History Museum 655 W. Lombard Street Baltimore, MD 21201 | Phone: 410.576.3800 Website: nursing.umaryland.edu/museum/ Map: ? Location: University of Maryland |
| Phoenix Shot Tower 801 E. Fayette Street Baltimore, MD 21201 | Phone: 410.605.2964 Website CarrollMuseums.org Map: ? Location: North Harbor |
| Port Discovery 35 Market Place Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 410.727.8120 Website: PortDiscovery.org Map: ? Location: North Harbor |
| Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture 830 W. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 443.263.1800 Website: LewisMuseum.org Map: ? Location: North Harbor |
| Southside Diner 893 E. Fort Avenue Baltimore, MD 21230 | Phone: 410.727.7067 Website: EatatSouthside.com Map: ? Location: South Harbor |
| Star Spangled Banner Flag House 844 E. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 410.837.1793 Website: Flaghouse.org Map: ? Location: East Harbor |
| Top of the World 401 E. Pratt Street, 27th Floor Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 410.837.8439 Website: ViewBaltimore.org Map: ? Location: Inner Harbor |
| USCGC Taney Pier 5 501 E. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 410.539.1797 Website: HistoricShips.org Map: ? Location: Inner Harbor |
| USS Constellation Pier 1 501 E. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 410.539.1797 Website: HistoricShips.org Map: ? Location: Inner Harbor |
| USS Torsk Pier 3 501 E. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 410.539.1797 Website: HistoricShips.org Map: ? Location: Inner Harbor |
| Visitor’s Center 401 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21202 | Phone: 1.877.Baltimore Website: Baltimore.org Map: ? Location: Inner Harbor |
| Walters Art Museum 600 N. Howard Street Baltimore, MD 21201 | Phone: 410.547.9000 Website: TheWalters.org Map: ? Location: Mount Vernon |
| Washington Monument 699 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21201 | Website: mvpconservancy.org Map: ? Location: Mount Vernon |
| Westminster Catacombs 515 W. Fayette Street Baltimore, MD 21201 | Phone: 410.706.2072 Website: WestminsterHall.org/tours Map: ? Location: Mount Vernon |
