Are you looking for some unique and memorable experiences in Baltimore? If you want to avoid the crowds and discover the hidden gems of this charming city, here are 10 under-the-radar activities that will make your trip unforgettable.
Explore the American Visionary Art Museum
This museum is dedicated to showcasing the works of self-taught artists who express their creativity in unconventional ways. You’ll find everything from sculptures made of toothpicks and matchsticks, to paintings on prison bed sheets and toilet paper rolls. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, workshops and events that celebrate the power of imagination.
Visit the birthplace of the American national anthem
Did you know that the Star-Spangled Banner was inspired by a battle that took place in Baltimore? Fort McHenry was the site of a crucial victory against the British during the War of 1812, and it was here that Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of the anthem after witnessing the flag flying over the fort. You can learn more about this historic event and see the original flag at the visitor center, or take a guided tour of the fort and its surroundings.
Have fun at the Maryland Science Center
If you’re looking for a family-friendly attraction that will entertain and educate both kids and adults, look no further than the Maryland Science Center. This interactive museum features exhibits on topics such as dinosaurs, space, health and physics, as well as a planetarium, an IMAX theater and a rooftop observatory. You can also participate in hands-on activities, experiments and demonstrations that will spark your curiosity and make you feel like a scientist.
Discover the wonders of the underwater world at the National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Baltimore, and for good reason. It houses more than 20,000 animals from over 800 species, including sharks, dolphins, turtles, jellyfish and more. You can explore different habitats, such as coral reefs, rainforests, kelp forests and rivers, or join a behind-the-scenes tour to see how the aquarium operates. You can also watch live shows, feedings and animal encounters that will amaze you.
Pay tribute to a baseball legend at the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum
If you’re a fan of baseball or sports history, you’ll want to visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum. This museum is located in the house where George Herman “Babe” Ruth was born in 1895, and it showcases his life and career through memorabilia, artifacts and photos. You can see his childhood bedroom, his baseball contracts, his bats and gloves, and even his Hall of Fame plaque. The museum also tells the story of how Baltimore influenced the development of baseball and other sports.
Stroll around Fells Point
Fells Point is one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Baltimore. It was once a bustling port and a center of maritime trade and industry. Today, it’s a vibrant area full of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that reflect its diverse cultural heritage. You can admire the historic architecture, browse through antique stores and art galleries, sample local cuisine and craft beer, or enjoy live music and nightlife.
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Taste local delicacies at Lexington Market
Lexington Market is one of the oldest public markets in America, dating back to 1782. It’s also one of the best places to sample some of Baltimore’s signature dishes, such as crab cakes, oysters, pit beef sandwiches and Berger cookies. You can find more than 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods and more. You can also catch live performances and events that showcase local talent and culture.
Step into the world of Edgar Allan Poe
Baltimore is the final resting place of one of the most influential writers in American literature, Edgar Allan Poe. You can visit his grave at the Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, or explore his former home, which is now a museum. The museum displays some of his personal belongings, such as his writing desk, chair and trunk, as well as his original manuscripts, letters and poems. You can also learn more about his life, work and legacy in Baltimore and beyond.
Admire the art collection at the Baltimore Museum of Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art is the largest art museum in Maryland, and it boasts an impressive collection of more than 95,000 works from various periods and regions. You can see paintings by masters such as Monet, Picasso, Matisse and Warhol, as well as sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs and textiles. The museum also features the largest holding of works by Henri Matisse in the world. Don’t miss the sculpture garden, which displays more than 30 pieces of modern and contemporary art.
Travel through time at the Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum is another must-see for art lovers. It showcases the private collection of William and Henry Walters, who amassed a remarkable array of artworks from around the world. You can find ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts, medieval manuscripts and armor, Renaissance paintings and sculptures, Asian ceramics and ivory, and much more. The museum also offers free admission and hosts various programs and events for visitors of all ages.
