10 Amazing Things to do in Baltimore

We've talked about the wonderful things to do on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, which is perfect for those days when you want to be out of the city. As remarkable as the Eastern Shore is, there are plenty of great things to do in Baltimore, Maryland, and plenty of reasons to make the city a destination. 

City-based getaways offer a significant change of pace and the opportunity to explore vast cross-sections of our country's cultural diversity. Though it may not be on your radar as a great place to get away, we think Baltimore has what it takes to surprise you!  Baltimore is a major food city, and thanks to recent improvements in the tourism industry, it's a city worth revisiting. 

Among the list of top things to do in Baltimore are the National Aquarium and the Lexington Market, the oldest public market in America.  Add plenty of eco-friendly endeavors and new ways to have fun in this older American city, and you have the recipe for an exceptional getaway. 

Just as there are many great things to do in Baltimore, so, too, are there plenty of places to stay in Baltimore. None of them compare to the offerings at our Select Registry partner, though. Like all Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts, our Baltimore Bed and Breakfast offers superb hospitality and a dedication to excellence that can be felt throughout your stay.

Now is the perfect time to get out and explore what makes America so special and unique. Partner with Select Registry, and let's get to know our unique destinations, starting with this fantastic list of things to do in Baltimore!

Visit the National Aquarium!

At the top of our list of things to do in Baltimore is something that may surprise you. It's a visit to the National Aquarium! Baltimore's National Aquarium is located on the Inner Harbor of Baltimore and showcases more than 20,000 animals throughout a vast array of world-class exhibits. Even if you're just marginally interested in sea creatures, we think you'll leave here with a renewed fascination with what lies beneath the sea, and you'll understand why it ranks as one of the best things to do in Baltimore!

In fact, the exhibits at the National Aquarium in Baltimore extend beyond just what you'd find underwater. You'll also learn about Rainforests and how integrally all ecosystems are connected to water. There are several exhibits and habitats at the Aquarium, including the following: 

• Amazon River Forest, which showcases an Amazon tributary with incredible & colorful biodiversity. 
• Atlantic Coral Reef, showcasing a diverse array of tropical fish.
• Australia: Wild Extremes, showcasing a variety of species only found in Australia. 
• Blacktip Reef is like what you'd find off the Indo-Pacific coast.  
• Dolphin Discovery, one of the most popular exhibits (and things to do in Baltimore!), features the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. 
• Maryland: Mountains to the Sea, showcasing the diverse ecosystems you'll find in the state of Maryland alone. 
• North Atlantic to the Pacific, featuring puffins, penguins, and more!
• Get up close to the ocean's top predators in Shark Alley!
• TheUpland Tropical Rainforest takes you on a journey into the heart of a South American rainforest with its colorful biodiversity. 

If you want to elevate your visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, consider adding one of these unique tours or experiences to your visit: 

• Watch the dolphins in action during an afternoon session with their trainers, or take a slimmed-down Dolphin Tour and earn more about these popular marine mammals. 
• Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Shark Alley, and walk across the top of the tank, where you can join in some feeding!

It's easy to see why a visit to the National Aquarium comes in at the top of the list of things to do in Baltimore. The aquarium is open daily, and tickets can be purchased in advance. 

More Things to Do in Baltimore

Now that we've fully embraced the inner child in us and emerged from the exciting underwater world at the National Aquarium, let's talk about all the other wonderful things to do in Baltimore! Baltimore is actively shepherding in a new wave of its long and storied history, and what is emerging is an exciting destination that should be near the top of your list of places to visit. 

There's a broad array of things to do in Baltimore, including exploring the city's African American history and culture, stunning art displays, budget-friendly experiences, vibrant neighborhoods, exquisite restaurants, etc. Keep learning below, and learn about the top things to do in Baltimore that have us excited to rediscover this city!

1. If you're new to Charm City, one of the best things to do in Baltimore is to take a sightseeing tour. There are several different ones, including those that travel by foot, trolley, or sea!
2. Once you have a good overview of the city, it's time to branch out and explore Baltimore's neighborhoods. This is arguably one of the best things to do in Baltimore, as it's a way to truly get to know the diverse cultural fabric that weaves throughout the city. 
3. Visit the Baltimore Museum of Art, which is home to the largest collection of Matisse paintings in the world. And it's all yours to explore for free! Other great art museums include The Walters Art Museum and the American Visionary Art Museum. 
4. Celebrate Baltimore's rich African American history and culture at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, which features objects and art dating from 1784 to the present day.
5. An exciting development in Baltimore this year is the reopening of the Lexington Market. This market is the oldest public market in America and is a wonderful place to browse.
6. Check out Baltimore's craft brew scene!  It's thriving. Arguably one of the hottest spots in town is the Ministry of Brewing, located in the former St. Michael's church.
7. Baltimore is home to some excellent museums, including the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of this once-vital American industry. If you find this exciting, add to your list of fun things to do in Baltimore the Baltimore Museum of Industry.
8. If you love maritime history, don't miss visiting the historic ships in Baltimore. Many of the top things to do in Baltimore center around this city's vast history, and this is no different. 
9. Visit Fort McHenry, which inspired the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner. It's one of many historic things to do in Baltimore. 
10. While you're enjoying all of the top things to do in Baltimore, don't forget to eat!  The city is one of the hottest food markets in the country, and they take their food seriously.  Learn more about some of the best Baltimore restaurants here.  

Are you ready to get out and enjoy all of these great things to do in Baltimore? This list is just the beginning. Partner with Select Registry, offering the #1 best place to stay in Baltimore, and let's get ready for some fun!

The Best Place to Stay in Baltimore

Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast

The restored 18th century home of a prominent early American family, Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast is located in a quiet, safe residential neighborhood within easy walking distance to Baltimore's acclaimed Inner Harbor, Camden Yards and Ravens Stadium. True to the elegance of a home that hosted George and Martha Washington, Rachael's Dowry is beautifully restored and updated.

With heritage awards and membership in the National Registry of Historic Places, Rachael's has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, and in Baltimore's annual showcase for historic architecture, "Doors Open Baltimore". It features six spacious rooms and suites with private baths, a beautiful shaded courtyard and several comfortable spaces where guests can relax. A 2-course gourmet breakfast kickstarts your day, while homemade snacks, teas and a beautiful sipping brandy help you wind down in the evening. You'll definitely feel at home here at Rachael's Dowry.

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