There are lots of fun things to do in Baltimore! From strolling through the best neighborhoods and sampling local cuisine to learning about the city’s storied past at renowned museums and landmarks, anyone living in Baltimore will have plenty of ways to stay busy. Whether you’re seeking relaxation in nature, culinary delights, or cultural enrichment, Baltimore is home to tons of fun attractions.
5 Fun Things to Do in Baltimore
- Explore Baltimore’s parks, such as Patterson Park and Druid Hill Park, for picnics, scenic views, and outdoor activities.
- Enjoy water recreation in the Inner Harbor with water taxis, paddleboarding, and harbor cruises.
- Discover hiking and biking trails at Gwynns Falls Trail and Patapsco Valley State Park.
- Play a round of golf at Mount Pleasant Golf Course or Forest Park Golf Course.
- Explore Baltimore’s arts and culture with museums, art galleries, and theaters showcasing local talent.
Baltimore Outdoor Adventures
The city of Baltimore is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its parks, water recreation options, hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the city’s green spaces and engage in various outdoor pursuits. The city’s outdoor offerings cater to individuals seeking nature, adventure, and relaxation in a vibrant urban setting.
Explore the Parks in Baltimore
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore beautiful parks such as Patterson Park, which features a historic pagoda and panoramic views of the city skyline.
Druid Hill Park offers the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, the Maryland Zoo, and scenic walking trails for nature lovers. Federal Hill Park provides stunning views of the Inner Harbor and is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
Visit Canton Waterfront Park to enjoy waterfront activities, with a green space, a promenade, and access to the harbor. Nature enthusiasts can explore the 200-acre urban oasis of Cylburn Arboretum, which boasts gardens, trails, and a historic mansion.
Get Out on the Water: Explore the Inner Harbor
Visitors can enjoy various water recreation opportunities, including paddleboarding and harbor cruises. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers a unique experience with water taxis taking visitors on scenic rides along the waterfront. For those looking for a more active adventure, paddleboarding and kayaking are popular ways to explore the harbor up close. Paddle boats are also available for a leisurely cruise around the Inner Harbor, perfect for families or couples looking for a relaxing time on the water. For even more water fun, venture out to some of the beaches near Baltimore.
Hiking & Biking Trails
For outdoor enthusiasts in Baltimore, the city offers scenic hiking and biking trails that cater to various preferences and skill levels.
The Gwynns Falls Trail is a popular choice, spanning 22 miles through parks, neighborhoods, and historic sites, providing a diverse and immersive outdoor experience.
Patapsco Valley State Park spans 16,000 acres and features hiking and biking trails, offering stunning river views and the chance to explore historic ruins. Loch Raven Reservoir provides a serene setting with trails meandering around the reservoir and through the surrounding forest, ideal for a peaceful outdoor adventure.
Visit North Point State Park to hike trails along the Chesapeake Bay, showcasing historic sites such as the War of 1812 battlefield, blending nature with history seamlessly. Gunpowder Falls State Park caters to a wide range of enthusiasts with diverse trails, from leisurely strolls to challenging routes through woodlands and along the river.
Golf Courses
Baltimore’s golf courses cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy a round of golf in natural surroundings. Among these options, Mount Pleasant Golf Course stands out for its 18-hole layout, offering a challenging experience with breathtaking scenic views. Golfers can experience the beauty of the course while enjoying a day on the links in Baltimore.
Forest Park Golf Course provides a historic setting for golfers seeking a traditional yet enjoyable round of golf. This course, nestled in a picturesque park, offers a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, catering to golfers of all skill levels.
Baltimore Shopping
With a diverse range of shopping options, Baltimore offers visitors a unique and vibrant shopping experience.
Start in neighborhoods such as Fells Point and Hampden, renowned for their distinct shops, vintage stores, and eclectic boutiques. Fells Point exudes historic charm and is perfect for those seeking unique finds. Meanwhile, Hampden’s The Avenue showcases quirky shops, art galleries, and specialty stores, providing shoppers with a one-of-a-kind experience.
For those interested in local markets, Baltimore has plenty to offer. Lexington Market, one of the oldest markets in the country, is a must-visit for those looking to experience Baltimore’s culinary scene. Here, visitors can shop for fresh produce, seafood, and artisanal goods while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Cross Street Market is another local spot that offers a mix of food vendors, merchants, and community events. These markets not only offer shopping opportunities but also a glimpse into the heart of Baltimore’s culture and heritage.
Baltimore Restaurants
Exploring Baltimore’s culinary landscape reveals dining options that cater to various tastes and preferences. The city is home to a vibrant restaurant scene with a mix of eateries, making it a special place for food enthusiasts to visit. From cozy cafes to upscale dining establishments, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
From Maryland blue crabs to unique dining experiences, the city’s restaurants appeal to all tastes.
Some of the best restaurants in Baltimore include:
- Locust Point Steamers
- Nick’s Fish House
- Next Phaze Cafe
- Papi Cuisine
- The Corner Pantry
- Ethel’s Creole Kitchen
- Chiyo Sushi
- Petit Louis Bistro
Arts & Culture in Baltimore
Baltimore boasts an array of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, dance performances, and theaters. Visitors can experience the vibrant arts scene and learn more about the fun facts that Baltimore is known for. Art and culture enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy in Baltimore, from exploring historical museums to attending live performances.
Museums
The museums in Baltimore’s arts and culture scene offer diverse insights into the city’s history and heritage. Visitors can explore the rich African American heritage at museums like the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum, which showcases Baltimore’s maritime history within the African American community. The B&O Railroad Museum explores the impact of rail travel with historical locomotives and interactive exhibits.
Baseball enthusiasts can learn about Babe Ruth’s life and career at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. For a literary experience, the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum explores the works and life of the famous writer who once called Baltimore home.
Additionally, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum focuses on African American art, history, and culture in Maryland, highlighting significant contributions to the state’s heritage. These museums collectively paint a vivid picture of Baltimore’s culture.
Art Galleries
Baltimore boasts a vibrant art scene with notable galleries, including the Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters Art Museum, showcasing a mix of traditional and unconventional works. They’re also among the best things to do with kids in Baltimore, especially for the artistic-minded ones.
The Baltimore Museum of Art, famous for its Cone Collection of masterpieces, features an impressive array of art pieces. Meanwhile, The Walters Art Museum stands out with its diverse collection spanning ancient artifacts to contemporary art, providing a rich cultural experience. For those seeking a more unconventional art experience, the American Visionary Art Museum celebrates outsider art through whimsical exhibits.
Dance and Theater
With a vibrant arts and culture scene, Baltimore offers dance and theater performances for locals and visitors to enjoy. The city is home to renowned theaters such as Everyman Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, and the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, showcasing a diverse range of shows catering to different tastes. Baltimore’s Station North Arts District is a focal point for contemporary dance, experimental theater, and cutting-edge performances, attracting art enthusiasts looking for innovative experiences.
Visitors can enjoy ballet, modern dance, Broadway shows, and local productions at various venues in the city. For those seeking a more classical experience, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera Baltimore offer a rich array of dance and theater experiences that showcase the city’s deep-rooted artistic heritage. Whether it’s a night of elegant opera or a cutting-edge contemporary dance performance, Baltimore’s dance and theater scene promises unforgettable cultural encounters.
Baltimore Nightlife
Baltimore’s dynamic nightlife scene pulsates with bars, clubs, and live music venues to cater to different tastes. Popular nightlife spots can be found in many of Baltiomre’s most walkable neighborhoods, such as Federal Hill, Fells Point, and Canton, and offer unique atmospheres and entertainment options. Craft breweries, speakeasies, rooftop bars, and dance clubs contribute to the diverse and vibrant nightlife experience in the city.
In Federal Hill, visitors can find trendy bars and cozy pubs, perfect for enjoying craft cocktails and local brews. Fells Point boasts historic charm with its waterfront bars, live music venues, and bustling dance clubs where patrons can groove to the beats late into the night. Canton offers a laid-back yet lively nightlife scene with rooftop bars providing stunning views of the city skyline.
From sipping on handcrafted beers at local breweries to discovering hidden speakeasies serving inventive cocktails, Baltimore’s nightlife caters to all preferences. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, enjoy live music performances, or unwind at a chic rooftop bar, the city offers many options to guarantee a memorable night out.
Stay Busy in Baltimore
Baltimore offers a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from outdoor adventures to shopping, dining, arts and culture, and vibrant nightlife. Whether exploring the city’s parks, indulging in a shopping spree, savoring delicious cuisine, checking out local arts, or admiring historic homes in the richest neighborhoods of Baltimore, you’ll always have something fun to do. Don’t miss out on all that this dynamic city has to offer.