Baltimore, Maryland Attractions

Baltimore Inner Harbor

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, the National Aquarium, the recently restored U.S. Frigate Constellation, the Maryland Science Museum and Davis Planetarium, and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.  Next to the National Aquarium, The Power Plant, a restored industrial building, houses a Hard Rock Cafe and the ESPN Zone restaurant and entertainment center.  The Baltimore harbor also hosts the Baltimore Maritime Museum, a 3 ship exhibit which includes the lightship Chesapeake, the World War II submarine USS Torsk, and the USS Taney, the only ship still afloat that survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 
 

A water taxi service is available to transport you to the many attractions around the harbor.  Or for a different experience, you can take a ride on the Baltimore Ducks.  These amphibious ducks take you on a tour of Baltimore from both land and sea as the expedition takes you through historic sites and neighborhoods then plunge you into the Inner Harbor for a water tour.

Another Baltimore Harbor cruise option is to cruise on the three level, climate controlled Bay Lady or Lady of Baltimore.  These boats offer lunch, brunch, dinner, and moonlight cruises in the Inner Harbor and down the Patapsco River.  Kid's Day features 90 minute cruises every Friday from May to August, providing a great family outing with the children.

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. 

Marriott Baltimore Waterfront

Rising 32 stories along the Inner Harbor, this hotel is within 6 blocks of the National Aquarium, Baltimore Maritime Museum, water excursions, shops, and restaurants.

Rates and Reservations

The Best Downtown/Inner Harbor Baltimore Hotels

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.  

Sailing cruises of the Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry and the marine terminals in the outer harbor are available aboard the Sailing Ship Clipper City.  The 158 foot gaff rigged topsail schooner  is a replica of one of the tall ships that carried lumber from 1854 to 1892.  The ship is located between the Light Street Harborplace pavilion and the Maryland Science Center.

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