Baltimore Travel Guide

Situated right on the harbor and along the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore, MD is one of the northeast’s greatest offerings. A little over 30 minutes away from Washington DC, Baltimore is a great place to visit on a trip to the nation’s capitol but also has unique sites to see that belong to Baltimore alone. Known for it’s fresh crabs and scenic views, Baltimore is a great place to enjoy an oceanfront dinner consisting of some of the freshest seafood in the northeast. But the food isn’t the only reason to visit Baltimore. 

Things to Do in BaltimoreBaltimore offers many waterfront attractions like the National Aquarium, Baltimore Maritime Museum, the Port Discovery Museum and the Pride of Baltimore II. Each of these attractions offers a detailed history of life near (or on) the water and the history of Baltimore. Pride II, as the ship is affectionately called, is a unique museum that sites right on the water and was designed as an exact replica of the original Pride of Baltimore ship. The ship is not always available to tourists as she has been commissioned as a Goodwill Ambassador and occasionally travels to other countries.

When visiting Baltimore, make sure to stop by Mt. Vernon Park where Baltimore has housed its very own Washington Monument since 1897. Created by Robert Mills, the same man who designed the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, both the park and the monument are a great tribute to America’s first president. Those looking to experience some of Baltimore’s cultural flare should be sure to visit Little Italy where authentic Italian food and traditions can be sampled by all.

The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and 1812 Museum is where Mary Pickersgill sewed the American flag that inspired Francis Scott Key’s song during the War of 1812. Because of the rich history behind it, it is also a popular attraction among visitors to Baltimore.  

Sports fans can enjoy both baseball and football in Baltimore as it is home to MLB’s Orioles and the NFL’s Ravens. Fans can also tour the stadiums even if the teams are not at home. 

Peak Seasons and Best Times to VisitSummers tend to be extremely hot and humid in Baltimore making it less than an ideal time to visit. Winters can be extremely cold, although temperatures don’t typically drop below 30 degrees. The spring and fall are the best times to visit since temperatures are usually moderate, fluctuating between 50 and 60 degrees.

Ground Transportation and AirfareBaltimore is fairly easy to navigate and many people prefer to travel around the city by car. If you don’t plan to leave your hotel often, if you will be on business, taking a taxi might be the best option. The public metro system only offers limited service—so do not count on it as your primary means of transportation. Travelers arriving at Baltimore Washington International Airport can opt to take shared ride shuttles to their final destinations if they won’t be renting cars.

Cheap flights to Baltimore are fairly easy to find as most airlines fly to Baltimore Washington International Airport. Discount airfare to Baltimore begins at $176 from JFK, $257 from ORD, $362 from SFO and $397 from LAX. But cheap flights to Baltimore can be found from almost any destination.

Hotels and Lodging in BaltimoreMany visitors prefer to stay on the waterfront along the harbor while in Baltimore. Offering both popular hotel chains (like Marriott) and smaller boutique hotels (like the Pier 5 Hotel), the waterfront has a lot to offer visitors in terms of hotels and restaurants. But the Fells Point neighborhood also has many appealing offerings for those looking for a more unique experience. Fells Point is known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture that date back to the 18th century.