Situated just a mile South of Baltimore’s bustling downtown, you’ll find a historic and scenic seaside neighborhood. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is jam-packed with fun things to do and guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment. From taking a relaxing paddle boat ride around the harbor to exploring the historic ships, your time at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor will surely be the highlight of this east coast trip.
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Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
How Do I Get to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor?
After flying into Baltimore’s Airport (BWI) you have several options as to how to get to the Inner Harbor. The Inner Harbor is located just 10 miles from the airport.
Your first option is to rent a car, I recommend checking out the DiscoverCars search engine to find the best deal on car rentals in Baltimore.
If you do not want to rent a car, you can hop on the MTA Light Rail. It’s located right outside the lower level of the airport. The closest stop would be the Convention Center/Camden Yards stop and then would leave you with a 0.6-mile walk to the Inner Harbor.
Finally, rideshares are abundant throughout Baltimore. You could grab one from the airport to Inner Harbor. Expect to spend around 30 dollars for this one-way trip.
When is the Best Time to Visit Inner Harbor?
The best time to visit Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is between the months of May-October. You can expect temperatures to be between 60-90 during these months which is great for exploring by the water.
Where Should I Stay While Visiting?
If you are hoping to make the most out of your time at the Inner Harbor, I recommend grabbing a hotel that is close to all the action. Below are some of the best options to fit every budget.
- Luxurious Option: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront: A 4-star hotel with unparalleled views of the harbor.
- Mid-range Option: Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore/Inner Harbor: A pet-friendly stay nearby all Inner Harbor’s best attractions.
- Budget-friendly Option: Days Inn by Wyndham Baltimore Inner Harbor: Although not waterfront, this no-frills hotel has everything you could need and can typically be found for less than $100 per night.
Things to Do at the Harbor in Baltimore
Now that you have a bit of background into the Inner Harbor, it’s time to get to the good stuff. Here are the best things to do during your visit to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Brunch at Shirley’s
Start your adventures off with a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch at the world-famous Miss Shirley’s. Fun fact, this restaurant was also featured on the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network.
I recommend ordering one of their succulent items such as the Crab Hash and Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict. To go with this dish, try one of their unique morning cocktails. I mean…does it get any more East Coast than ordering crab for breakfast?! Honestly though, you can’t go wrong with whatever you decide to order. Pictured below is their scrambled eggs, biscuit, grits, and bacon.
Inner Harbor Paddle Boats
What’s a better way to explore the harbor than via a dragon paddle boat? These historic Chessie Dragon paddle boats have been around since 1975 and have now become an icon to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
You (and up to 3 other friends) are able to rent a paddle boat between the months of April-November. By doing so, you’ll also be supporting a great cause as proceeds go towards Living Classrooms’ hands-on education and job training programs.
If you aren’t up for the workout of pedaling, you can also rent one of the new(er) electric pirate boats! Tickets are sold on-site on a first-come-first–serve basis.
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Explore the Historic Ships at Inner Harbor
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is home to many historic boats that will give you a glimpse into the past 200 years of Maryland’s naval and maritime history.
After paying for your “boarding pass” (adult tickets are just 19.95), you will have access to all open museum ships and exhibits. You’ll even be able to walk on the decks of some of the ships!
Although you can explore on your own, there are also a variety of guided tours available. This way, you’ll be able to deepen your understanding with the help of a museum educator.
Learn About Marine Life at the National Aquarium
Whether you are visiting Baltimore’s Inner Harbor with or without kids, the National Aquarium is a great stop to add to your itinerary. While visiting, you’ll see hundreds of different species of marine life through dozens of unique aquatic habitats.
There are even 4-D movies to check out, dolphin training sessions, and the opportunity to be a guest diver! General admission tickets start at $50 per adult with additional experiences at an additional cost. Check out this video for a visual of the aquarium.
More Inner Harbor Things To Do
Have I convinced you to visit Baltimore’s Inner Harbor yet? There are so many things to do at the harbor that you may just have to extend your Baltimore vacation. Keep reading for more fun things to do in Inner Harbor Baltimore!
Watch a Magic Show at Illusions Bar and Theater
Every Friday (at 8) and Saturday (at 3 and 8), this unique bar hosts an exciting magic/comedy show. The 90-minute show, performed by the famous magician Spencer Horsman, includes aspects of magic, comedy, mentalism, and a bit of danger.
It is recommended that you purchase your ticket in advance as they likely sell out. Each show is 13+ and tickets start at $60 (with two drink tickets included). Look here for a more in depth view of the experience. FYI: The hours of operation are no longer at 9pm as depicted in the picture below and has been updated at the time of this blog post.
Picnic at Federal Hill Park
Just a short walk from the Inner Harbor, you’ll find the historic Federal Hill Park (yes…there’s a lot of history in the Inner Harbor).
In addition to being home to some of the best views in the entire city, the park actually served as a defensive stronghold during the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
It’s a great place for a picnic while you relax and take in the views!
Explore the Maryland Science Center
After you have your history fix in the Inner Harbor, head to the Maryland Science Center. It’s great for kids and kids-at-heart as there are 12 different exhibits with countless interactive experiences. There’s also live shows, a planetarium, a theater, and daily science encounters. You can definitely spend an entire day here exploring. Adult admission starts at $26.95.
Take in the View at the Top of the World Observation Deck
Once you’ve explored the decks and docks of the Inner Harbor, it’s time to get a birds-eye-view! For just $8, you can ride the elevator to the 27th floor of Baltimore’s World Trade Center. It’s actually the world’s tallest pentagonal building and home to amazing 360-views of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor!
Play at Port Discovery Children’s Museum
For those traveling to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor with the kiddos, a stop at the Port Discovery Children’s Museum is a must.
Immediately after entering, your children will be in awe of the massive twisty slide. Once you manage to pull them away from this, you’ll be met with 3 floors of interactive activities that are meant to incite creativity.
The museum hours vary depending on the day and season and admission starts at $21.95 per person.
Take a Cruise of the Harbor
Viator offers numerous different options of cruises around the Harbor. If you are hungry, you can take a dinner cruise. However, they also have sightseeing, dance parties, and sailing cruises. No matter which cruise you choose, it will be a great time! I was able to get footage that you can also watch here. If you’re feeling more adventurous you can opt for a helicopter tour instead or in addition to a cruise.
Dinner at Locust Point Steamers
Once you have worked up an appetite, head to Locust Point Steamers for a delicious seafood dinner! It’s a laid back, yet high-quality choice if you are looking for some fresh seafood. There’s even a rooftop patio so you can enjoy the best views of the harbor while you eat.
Attend a Concert at Pier 6 Pavillion
If you time your visit to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor right, you may be able to catch a concert at the beautiful Pier 6 Pavilion. It’s an epic waterfront venue that has a variety of live concerts and shows. There are stadium style seats up front, but also ample room for lawn seating.
Things to Do in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor Recap
I could not believe how many exciting things there were to do at the Inner Harbor! From paddle-boating to magic shows the options were truly endless. Here’s a quick recap of all the best things to do while visiting the Inner Harbor Baltimore.
- Brunch at Shirleys
- Pedal the Harbor via a Dragon Paddle Boat
- Explore the historic ships at the Inner Harbor
- Learn about Marine Life at the National Aquarium
- Watch a magic show at Illusions Bar and Theater
- Picnic at Federal Hill Park
- Explore the Maryland Science Center
- Take in the Views at the Top of the World Observation Deck
- Play at Port Discovery Children’s Museum
- Take a cruise of the harbor
- Dinner at Locust Point Steamers
- Attend a concert at the Pier 6 Pavillion
There you have it, 12 of the very best things to do in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor! Which one are you heading to first? Would you like more suggestions on things to do? Click below.
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Final Thoughts on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
I hope this blog post peaked your interest on visiting Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. As always, thank you for reading. Did you learn anything new or have any feedback? Let me know. Please comment below and don’t forget to subscribe here.
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Buy me a coffeePhoto Credit
Thank you to Brendan Beale, David Adorno, and Colin Lloyd for the Baltimore Inner Harbor photos. I discovered their work on Unsplash.com. Check them out!
Disclosure
This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling.
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I’ve never heard of Baltimore before reading this! Looks like a fun place to visit for the restaurants and the view. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! It’s such an awesome travel destination that’s often overlooked.
I’ve not been to Baltimore before but this makes me want to add to the list. Great post!
Thank you! I hope you’re able to go.
I’m just down the road in DC but almost never get up to Baltimore, though the aquarium was one of my favorite places when I was a kid! I hear there are tons of great new restaurants there now though, so I need to check those out.
D.C., is also a location I love to visit. Hopefully you can check it out not only for the nostalgia and delicious restaurants, but to learn something new at the aquarium!
Baltimore is a US city I haven’t had the chance to visit yet, but now I’m intrigued. The harbour looks quite cute!
It’s definitely worth the visit, check it out if you can!
We have travelled all around the area but never made it to the heart of Baltimore. It looks like we need to plan a road trip to visit the Inner Harbour. A good spot to use our Marriott status! We definitely would try to get out on the water and the paddle boats look like so much fun. Definitely worth several days visiting the Baltimore Inner Harbour.
Yes, it’s a visit that’s well worth it for a few days and paddle boating on the water is a must! Thanks for reading.
While I loved on the East Coast for several years, I never had the opportunity to visit Baltimore. This is a perfect guide to explore the historic inner harbor.
Thank you so much! I hope you’re able to pay Baltimore a visit soon.