Things to See and Do in Baltimore, by Boat or Otherwise
Despite the winter chill, there are still plenty of things to see and do throughout Charm City (many of them free). Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or offbeat excursions, we’ve got you covered. For maps of the city, public transit schedules, and parking information, click to baltimore.org.
Free!
Hike to the top of Federal Hill and take in the sweeping Inner Harbor views.
Visit Mr. Trash Wheel near Pier Six Pavilion or the new Professor Trash Wheel in Canton near Harris Creek Park.
Cylburn Arboretum is a nature preserve and city park spanning about 207 acres, all within city limits.
Druid Hill Park boasts miles of trails and is home to the Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens ($5 per person donation encouraged) where you can escape the winter chill.
Stargazing Fridays at the Maryland Science Center – every Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. the open-air, rooftop conservatory is open to the public for free stargazing (admission to the museum not included).
The Walters Art Museum in Mount Vernon is open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays – take advantage of the later hours and explore the museum after dark when the crowds are down. Check the museum website for a schedule of free events.
Every Sunday the Baltimore Museum of Art hosts hands-on workshops, interactive gallery tours, and activities for families. The museum houses the largest collection of works by Henri Matisse in the world. (Located near the Johns Hopkins University campus.)
Baltimore on a Budget
Winter admission to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is only $10! Open Fridays through Mondays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To save some money, visit the National Aquarium, Baltimore on a Friday night after 5 p.m. for half price admission.
Carroll Mansion/Phoenix Shot Tower Tours –$5 general admission includes a guided tour at one or both sites.
The Patterson Park Ice Rink is equipped with a warm-up room, fireplace, concession stand, and skate shop. $5 admission, $3 skate rental.
Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower – a 45-minute history talk presents the colorful Baltimore figure behind the iconic clock tower, followed by a climb to the 16th floor via a “ships’ ladder” into the clock room. $5. The 15 floors to the top are lined with works by local artists.
For a truly panoramic view of the city, head to the Top of the World Observation Level, located on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center. Admission is $6 adults, $4 children ages 3-12.
History
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine ($10 adults, 15 and younger free)
Historic Ships of Baltimore (adults can tour four ships, including the USS Constellation, and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse for $18, children ages 6-14 for $7)
Baltimore Museum of Industry (adults $12, $7 ages 7-18)
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture ($8 adults, $6 ages 7-17)
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum (Adults $10, $5 ages 5-16)
B&O Railroad Museum (adults $18, $12 ages 2-12)
The Star Spangled Banner Flag House ($8 adults, children 6 and under free)
Watering Holes
Thames Street Oyster House, Fells Point
Max’s Taphouse, Fells Point
The Annabel Lee Tavern, Canton
Brewer’s Art, Mount Vernon
James Joyce Pub, Harbor East
Good Eats
Abbey Burger Bistro, Federal Hill
Café Hon, Hampden
Woodberry Kitchen, Clipper Mill
Owl Bar, Mount Vernon
Café Gia, Little Italy
Iron Rooster, Canton
Getting Around
Charm City Circulator – four routes link critical parts of the city; the buses run every 10 minutes, and best of all, it’s free!
Water Taxi – 17 landings throughout the city, from Fort McHenry to the Inner Harbor and everything in between. Ride all day for the discounted winter price of $8.
UBER – Consider parking at a garage downtown for the day and using UBER to get around. (You can often find discounted garages around Fells Point and Little Italy.)
Visiting Baltimore by Boat
We realize that it may be a little too wintry in February to visit by boat, but why not start thinking about a spring trip?
Harbor East Marina: a 200-slip marina with 500 feet of alongside dockage within walking distance of the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Little Italy.
Baltimore Marine Centers: several marinas around the Inner Harbor from its innermost point (near the Rusty Scupper) to Sparrows Point.
Nabbs Creek Marina: a newly renovated, full-service marina with a new restaurant; on the way to the city along the Patapsco.
Snag-A-Slip: Click and search to find an open slip for the night.
For more articles about cruising, including destinations on the Bay, click here!
