Baltimore's Inner Harbor has thrived following a massive urban renewal project that began in the 1970's. The result is a vibrant, active, waterfront area featuring the glass enclosed market of Harborplace, theNational Aquarium, the recently restored U.S. FrigateConstellation, the Maryland Science Museum and Davis Planetarium, and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The Baltimore Convention Center is located downtown, between the Inner Harbor and the Orioles Park baseball stadium. The address is One Pratt Street. Click here for a good map that shows where the convention center is located in relation to hotels and other downtown Baltimore features.
The Fells Point neighborhood, one of the nation's oldest maritime communities, has been designated as a National Historic District. Fells Point was the hub of the nation's shipbuilding industry in the late 1700's and early 1800's. As you walk the cobble stoned streets today, you will find some 350 original structures housing shops, galleries, pubs, and restaurants. The Little Italy neighborhood is located between the Inner Harbor and Fells Point and is the place to find great Italian food at one of its many restaurants.
The Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore's Major League baseball team, plays in downtown Baltimore at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Oriole Park is one of the best stadiums in baseball, with great seats, a retro design, and lots of great food. Plan to see a game when the O's are in town. You can order tickets in advance from the team's website, or get them at the stadium box office. If you can't make it to a game, Orioles ballpark tours are available. Tours include the Orioles dugout, press level, scoreboard control room, and suite level.
The Water Taxiconnects Baltimore's attractions and is a great way to get around. The Water Taxi stops at the Aquarium, Harborplace, the Maryland Science Center, Little Italy, Fells Point, and Fort McHenry.
Fort McHenry was constructed in 1803 to defend Baltimore's Harbor. The site of the flag flying over the fort during a War of 1812 attack, inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to the Star Spangled Banner. The fort is open for visitation and is accessible by water taxi and by car.
Harbor Court Hotel. Harbor Court Hotel is Maryland's only Five Star/Diamond Award winner as determined by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. From its opening in 1986, Harbor Court has been considered one of Baltimore's finest luxury hotels. The hotel sits along Baltimore's Inner Harbor, half a block from Maryland Science Center and within three blocks from the National Aquarium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Traveler Reviews and Rate Comparison
Abacrombie Fine Food and Accommodations. Historic Bed & Breakfast with award winning restaurant. Located in the heart of the cultural center, close to public transportation. The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall is across the street and Lyric Opera House is two blocks away. 58 West Biddle St., Baltimore, MD 21201. www.abacrombie.net Phone: 410-244-7227 FAX: 410-244-8415.
HarborView Marina. Located on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Harborview offers floating piers, pool, fitness center, ample parking, two restaurants on site, and easy access to Baltimore's many attractions. Located on the Patapsco River, at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. 500 Harbor View Drive, Baltimore, MD. Phone: 410-752-1122 FAX: 410-576-8509. www.coastal-properties.com/harborview.html
Reel Diamond Charters. We have competitive fishing rates and fish the whole Chesapeake Bay to put you on the fish at all times of the year. We depart from Deale, MD (April & May), Baltimore, MD (June-November) & Cape Charles, VA (December). Phone: 443-520-8977. www.reeldiamond.com
Teaser Charter Fishing. Parties of up to six can enjoy striped bass and bottom fishing trips aboard Teaser with Capt. Chris. Departing from Baltimore County June through November. Just minutes from downtown and I-95, and from Chesapeake Beach mid-April through May. Phone: 443-986-3048. www.teasersportfishing.com
Baltimore Entertainment:
Pier 6 Pavilion.The Pier Six Concert Pavilion is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful outdoor concert venues in the United States. Located directly on Baltimore's world famous Inner Harbor, Pier Six offers some of the biggest names in the business, from rock to jazz and from R&B to classical, while providing its guests with a view that is second to none. The Pier Six Concert Pavilion runs from June through late September.
The Baltimore Hippodrome, at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of first class entertainment. The Center encompasses three newly restored historic structures, including the Hippodrome Theatre. The Hippodrome is located on Eutaw Street, in Baltimore's west side. Click here for a map and directions to the Hippodrome Theater. Hippodrome calendar of shows and events.
Baltimore City Paper is the free weekly guide to music and entertainment in Baltimore. Check out their online version.
Center Stage. Center Stage, considered one of the top 10 regional theaters in the country, is honored as the State Theater of Maryland. This professional theater presents a variety of plays, from Shakespeare to August Wilson, in two state-of-the-art theaters.
Harborplace and the Gallery. Facing each other across Pratt Street, the Harborplace and The Gallery are home to a wide variety of popular and fun retail shops and restaurants. It's also a great place to sit and enjoy beautiful Harbor views.
Lexington Market.At Lexington and Eutaw Streets. Established in 1782, this Baltimore landmark claims to be the oldest continuously operating market in the United States. Lexington Market has more than 130 vendors selling fresh meat, produce, seafood, baked goods, delicatessen items, poultry, and food products from around the world. Faidley's Seafood's world famous crab cakes are available here.
Art Gallery of Fells Point. This cooperative gallery features works by Maryland and regional artists, from oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, sculpture, photography, pastels, and fibers, to jewelry. Closed on Mondays.
Dining in Baltimore:
Baltimore has lots of good restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine. Here are some online resources to help you find something to suite your tastes.
Visit Fodor's Online Travel Guide for a listing of Baltimore restaurants, with restaurant descriptions, price guide and user ratings.
City Guide's Baltimore Restaurants page includes a restaurant finder, information on new restaurants, and a top 10 Baltimore restaurants list.
2008 Baltimore Events
If you have a Baltimore event you would like to submit, please email us.
January 28 - February 2 -- Baltimore Winter Restaurant Week. Over 80 restaurants downtown. Participating restaurants offer special three course dinner prix fixe menus for $30.08. More Information.
Sundays, May 8 - December 21 -- Baltimore's Farmers' Market. Fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, organic foods, smoked meats, cheeses, artwork, crafts, and more fill the state's largest producer-only market. 8:00am till sellout (usually noon). Located underneath the Jones Falls Expressway, at Holliday and Saratoga Streets. More information.
May 3 -- Day Cruise on the Liberty Ship John W. Brown. Voyage into history on the John W. Brown. Featuring music of the 40's by a live big band. Re-enactors demonstrate equipments and vehicles. Air show with flybys of WWII aircraft, continental breakfast and all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Tour the ship including engine room, museums, cargo holds, crew's quarters, and bridge. Cruise profits maintain this Liberty Ship Memorial. Departs from Baltimore, MD. More Information.
May 10 --Preakness Parade. 11:00am. Downtown Baltimore. Floats, bands, giant balloons, equestrian units and more. Starts at Conway and Howard Streets and procedures east along Pratt and Light Streets.
May 16 -- The Constellation Blast. Annual fundraising event for the U.S.S. Constellation includes a catered dinner, dockside party, special tours, cannon firings, and live and silent auctions. Call for tickets. 410-539-1797. More Information.
June 14 -- Liberty Ship Cruise. The historic Liberty Ship, John W. Brown, will cruise Baltimore Harbor while guests enjoy a live band, wartime era aircraft fly-bys, ship tours, food, and more. Purchase tickets in advance. More Information.
July 4 -- Baltimore's Fourth of July Celebration. Baltimore's July Fourth Celebration features an array of entertainment throughout the day culminating with a fireworks show at 9:30pm over Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
August 8 -- USS Constellation Turn-Around Cruise. USS Constellation will get underway for her annual Turn-Around Cruise on Friday, August 8th, at 6:00 p.m. The ship will be moved from her berth on Pier 1 to the Locust Point Cruise Ship Terminal to participate in the commissioning ceremonies for USS Sterett, DDG 104. Spectators may view this event from the Inner Harbor Promenade, Federal Hill, Fells Point and Ft. McHenry.
October 4-5 -- Fells Point Fun Festival. Annual street festival with five stages of live music, plus arts and crafts, food, games, flea market, and more. 11:00am to 7:00pm. More Information.
October 11 -- U.S.S. Constellation Cup and Bull Roast. Classic sailboat regatta followed by a post race bull roast from 5:00 to 8:00pm. More Information.
December 4 -- A Monumental Occasion. Mount Vernon Place celebrates the holiday season with the 37th annual lighting of the Washington Monument. Pre-event festivities at 5:30pm. Ceremony begins at 6:00, official lighting is at about 6:50. Event ends with a fireworks finale choreographed to music. More Information.
