Things for Sailors To Do in Baltimore Now
We at SpinSheet support Baltimore sailors and businesses, and with the hopes that our sailing readers will, too, here are some suggestions for visiting Charm City this spring.
Start the day at a coffee shop.
Daily Grind. The Inner Harbor water taxi can drop you at the doorstep of this waterfront coffee house in the Fells Point neighborhood. Pick up a pastry to go with your java or sit down for sandwiches and soup.
Order and Chaos. Another great coffee shop located on the waterfront, this one is on Key Highway, across the street from the Baltimore Museum of Industry and the Downtown Sailing Center. With large glass windows, it is sleekly urban and dedicated to delicious brews.
Visit a museum.
Baltimore Museum of Industry (BMI). Galleries, guided tours, and programs tell the stories of the people, businesses, and inventions that forged the Industrial Revolution and propelled Maryland into the 21st century.
The National Aquarium. Located in the heart of downtown Baltimore next to the Inner Harbor, this family-friendly museum offers daily Dolphin Tours, a Shark Talk, 4D theater experience, and much, much more. You could spend a whole day here. A favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA). The sculpture garden, education center for all ages, and exhibits of Asian, African, and Indigenous Arts of the Ancient Americas are just a few of the exhibits at this beautiful museum. Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen, located inside, serves delicious locally sourced, Chesapeake-inspired food.
B&O Railroad Museum. Known as the birthplace of the American Railway, this museum, with its iconic roundhouse, is well worth experiencing. Even if your crew are not railroad buffs, visitors of all ages will find the exhibits to be fascinating—located approximately one mile west of the Inner Harbor.
Maryland Science Center. Along the Inner Harbor waterfront promenade, the Science Center is packed with amazing exhibits for all ages. Don’t miss the planetarium showings, IMAX movies, and the Sci Lab (where visitors can conduct 10-minute experiments). Closed on Mondays.
Who’s on the water? Sailing programs to consider:
Check out the Downtown Sailing Center’s (DSC) programs. They have great opportunities to get on the water for all sailing skill levels, including accessible sailing programs. There are also many volunteer opportunities if you’d like to give back to this vibrant sailing community.
If you’re near the Baltimore Harbor on a Tuesday evening, keep your eyes open for sailboats racing. The Baltimore City Yacht Association (BCYA) sponsors a Tuesday evening summer racing series in Baltimore Harbor. New members are always welcome.
Cruise the Inner Harbor on OPBs! Try the water taxi, Chessie paddle boats, sightseeing tours, kayak opportunities, or boat rentals. Learn more at Visit Baltimore.
Attention, sports fans.
For baseball fans: The O’s. There are 15 different home ball games to choose from in the month of May at Oriole Park at Camden Yards! Three blocks west of the ballpark is the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. From the Babe Ruth statue at the ballpark, just follow the 60 baseballs painted on the sidewalk to arrive at the museum.
For golf fans: Practice your swing at Top Golf in one of the 90-plus climate-controlled hitting bays, each with an HDTV. Use the complimentary golf clubs or bring your own. There is a bar, restaurant, and even a rooftop terrace with firepits, all located near M&T Bank Stadium, where the Ravens play.
When you’re hungry.
Peter’s Inn is a hidden gem located in Fells Point. Open Thursday through Saturday, the owners, Bud and Karin Tiffany, have been hands-on operators since 1995. It’s a tiny place with a huge heart, and a beautiful and delicious menu—so very Baltimore.
Thames Street Oyster House is a must for oyster lovers. In fact, one of our SpinSheet staffers learned all about oysters and came to love them right here. She tells us that they also have one of the best lobster rolls ever.
Kneads Bakeshop is a great new restaurant and bakery located by the historic and family-run H&S Bakery in Harbor East. The next generation is serving up amazing pastries, of course, but also breakfast, sandwiches, soups, pizza, and more.
Little Havana has a super fun vibe and is right on the water in Federal Hill and has become a landmark in South Baltimore. It is situated in a building that was once a feed supply warehouse before being transformed into a Cuban-themed restaurant. They have a great Cuban sandwich.
Ekiben is a great spot for lunch or a casual dinner. Asian influences are used to create unique dishes. The Neighborhood Bird, Taiwanese curry fried chicken, is so very good! Three locations: Fells Point, Federal Hill, and Hampden. Closed on Sundays and every day from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Puerto 511, located less than a mile northwest of the Inner Harbor, serves delicious Peruvian fare that is SpinSheet editor-approved. When you’re ready for a memorable dining experience, bring your own bottle(s) of wine (BYOB) and get ready to enjoy the five- or six-course tasting menu. (Parking nearby.)
Find more Chesapeake Bay destination articles for sailors here.
