Baltimore’s Inner Harbor – 8 Fun Things to Do
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Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers exploration and entertainment for all ages. Tourists and locals alike enjoy the exciting attractions and variety of dining options that are situated around this historic seaport. From history buffs to science geeks to foodies, there’s something interesting for just about everyone. Check out these 8 fun things to do at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor:
Take a Tour of Historic Ships
Historic Ships in Baltimore is an impressive collection of 4 former military vessels and one lighthouse. Visitors can choose to tour 1, 2, or all 4 ships, and admission to the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse is free for everyone. The ships are located on Piers 1, 3, and 5, and they include the USS Constellation, which was built before the Civil War. Tours are self-guided, and you may find yourself surprised at how colorful and fascinating the history of these vessels really is.
Experiment at the Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center boasts a variety of interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium. Families can spend all day with the engaging exhibits, watching live experiments on the Demo Stage, and exploring the stars from the observatory. With special events always going on, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Explore Aquatic Life at the National Aquarium
The National Aquarium draws visitors from all over the world. It is home to more than 17,000 living creatures, including jellyfish, sharks, dolphins, and an impressive variety of birds and amphibians. You could easily spend a few hours immersed in the beautiful exhibits. The aquarium is truly a must-see when visiting the Inner Harbor.
Dine in Little Italy
Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood is just a few blocks from the Inner Harbor, making it a quick walk. Choose from dozens of family owned and operated restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, specializing in delicious Italian dishes. It’s the perfect place to have a glass of wine and a big plate of fresh pasta. You definitely won’t leave the neighborhood hungry.
See a Concert at Power Plant Live
Power Plant Live is a collection of dining and entertainment venues situated a block away from the Inner Harbor. On any given day (or night!), you can catch concerts, comedy performances, and throw back a few drinks. The combination of indoor and outdoor areas makes it an ideal place to hang out when the weather is nice.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Families have to make a stop at the Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Here, kids can get hands-on with playful exhibits like Harvest Hill, Adventure Expeditions, and Tiny’s Diner. Not only do the little ones get to play, but they also learn at the same time. Forbes magazine has ranked it among the top children’s museums in the country, so if you have kids, you know you can’t wrong with this place.
Catch a Game at Camden Yards
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is the home turf of the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles. It’s conveniently located within walking distance to numerous hotels, the convention center, and the Inner Harbor. When baseball season is in full swing, you can get tickets to a game at this classic stadium. You can also stop in to the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards in any season, where admission is only $8.00.
Step Back in Time at Fort McHenry
History buffs will want to see Fort McHenry National Monument and park. It was this fort, involved in the Battle of Baltimore in September of 1814, which inspired the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key. A self-guided tour will only take a few hours.
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a great place to visit in any season. There’s always something fun going on by the water. Be sure to plan on doing a lot of eating, drinking, and exploring as you check out the Charm City.
