Cool Things to Do in Baltimore

Don’t miss out on these cool things to do in Baltimore! This port city has excellent seafood, quirky art, and great views perfect for a day trip if you’re visiting Washington, DC or worthy of a weekend getaway.

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A Little About Baltimore

Baltimore was founded in 1729. During the American Revolution (1861–65), it was a thriving seaport and shipbuilding center. You can still visit the U.S. Navy’s first ship, the Constellation, and other massive ships docked at the port. There were forts in and around Baltimore that protected the city against the British, many which you can still visit today.

Now, Baltimore is Maryland’s largest city and has changed a lot over the years. The port on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay makes it a perfect spot to eat Maryland’s favorite food: crab cakes. Actually, anything crab will do for a Marylander (especially with a heavy dose of the classic Old Bay seafood seasoning). It’s also quite a quirky city from its old neighborhoods to unique landmarks.

How to Get to Baltimore

You can get to Baltimore by bus or train from DC. The MARC train and Amtrak run between Union Station in DC and Penn Station in North Baltimore. From there, you can take a bus to the Inner Harbor or Uber. The free Charm City Circulator is also available.

If you’re driving, I’ve got two options for you.

Fleet & Eden Garage Parking is between Fells Point and Inner Harbor, which makes it a perfect in-between spot. It is just $4 on the weekends and I’ve been using this garage for years when I bring visitors to Baltimore.
Another good option I just passed in May 2021 is 1530 Thames St Garage. It is closer to Fells Point and is $10 all-day parking on weekdays.

Street parking is also available around Fells Point. Parking by the Inner Harbor is really expensive and I only have done it once by mistake… I don’t recommend it.

Fells Point and Seafood Towers

Fells Point in Baltimore is a historic area on the waterfront. A former pier warehouse was recently converted into a stunning boutique hotel, The Sagamore Pendry. There are small shops in the area as well as a colonial-era home you can pop into. You can also go on a tour to get the most out of your trip.

There are several seafood restaurants along the water. My favorite is Thames Street Oyster House. The oysters are fresh and the cocktails are tasty. The seafood platter is a splurge but worth it! If you’re a foodie, this walking tour may be right for you to explore the best of Fells Point.

Spot Mr. Trash Wheel

The walk between Fells Point and Inner Harbor is really nice. Just follow Google Maps. Look out for Mr. Trash Wheel on the way. I think this is one of the coolest things in Baltimore. He’s just so cute.

Explore Baltimore’s Historic Ships

Tour the historic ships at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. You can get tickets online or at the kiosk in the harbor. The two most popular ships are the USS Constellation and the USS Torsk (a World War II-era submarine). Wanna get on a boat yourself? Then check out this history sailing tour on a classic ship. If you wanna grab lunch at the same time, check out this buffet brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise option too.

Under the Sea

The National Aquarium opened in 1981, as part of the Inner Harbor’s 1980’s restoration phase. I’ve been going to the National Aquarium since I was a child with my grandparents. There are dozens of exhibits to explore. The jellyfish exhibit is my favorite. Tickets are around $40.

Quirky Art

The American Visionary Art Museum hosts bizarre and quirky art from all over the US. It’s definitely a cool thing to do in Baltimore. The museum has two buildings with permanent and rotating exhibitions. Tickets are around $16. Beware that the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Ouija Board Headstone

Say hi to the inventor of the Ouija board and President Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth, at Green Mount Cemetery. People put pennies that feature Lincoln’s head on them onto Booth’s grave to show that Lincoln has the last word.

There is free street parking along the E Hoffman St.

Bonus: If you’re up for a walk, head the mile walk to Graffiti Alley after the Cemetery for some cool art!

Crab Cakes

My grandparents used to take me and my siblings to get crab cakes at the far back stalls in Lexington Market when we were kids. The market had (and still does have!) fresh fish piled on heaps of ice along with stalls of food and veggies. We were really amused by all the fish varieties while walking through as kids.

Now, I still enjoy going to get the same crab cakes. The market has since undergone renovations and new food stalls have opened with Cajun, Chinese, and Malaysian dishes.

Italian Subs

Head into Little Italy and grab a sub at one of the cute Italian delis.

The Raven’s Grave

Edgar Allen Poe’s grave is just around the corner from Lexington Market. This famous American author is best known for his works “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” (and my favorite) “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Fans of gothic literature must make this detour!

Maryland Guide