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Charm City Long Weekend

History, Harbor Views, and Hidden Gems in Baltimore

Trip Overview

This three-day Baltimore adventure perfectly balances the city's rich maritime heritage with world-class museums and vibrant waterfront culture. From exploring Fort McHenry where the Star-Spangled Banner was born to marveling at jellyfish at the National Aquarium, you'll experience Baltimore's unique character. The itinerary moves at a comfortable pace, allowing time to savor the Inner Harbor atmosphere, discover fascinating industrial history, and appreciate both classical and visionary art. Each day combines major attractions with opportunities to explore diverse neighborhoods, sample local seafood, and understand why Baltimore has been a crucial American port city for centuries. Perfect for a long weekend escape with a blend of indoor museums and outdoor harbor exploration.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$150-225 per day
Best Seasons
April-June and September-November for pleasant weather; summer offers longer days but can be hot and humid
Ideal For
First-time visitors, History enthusiasts, Couples, Culture lovers, Maritime history buffs

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Inner Harbor Icons & Maritime Heritage

Baltimore Inner Harbor
Begin your Baltimore journey at the stunning National Aquarium, then explore the city's maritime legacy through historic ships and monuments before enjoying harbor-side evening entertainment.
Morning
National Aquarium
Start your day at this world-renowned aquarium featuring over 20,000 animals across multiple levels. Don't miss the mesmerizing jellyfish invasion exhibit, the tropical rainforest with free-roaming birds and sloths, and the spectacular shark tank. The rooftop dolphin amphitheater offers both marine mammal viewing and harbor panoramas. Allow time to experience the multi-story Atlantic coral reef exhibit, which you spiral around as you descend through the building.
3-4 hours $40-45
Book tickets online at least one day in advance for timed entry and potential discounts. First entry slots (9-10 AM) offer smaller crowds.
Lunch
A waterfront seafood restaurant at the Inner Harbor specializing in Maryland blue crab
Chesapeake Bay seafood Mid-range
Afternoon
Historic Ships in Baltimore and Fort McHenry National Monument
Explore four floating National Historic Landmarks including the USS Constellation, a Civil War-era sloop-of-war, and the USCGC Taney, last surviving warship from Pearl Harbor. Then drive or taxi to Fort McHenry, the star-shaped fort where Francis Scott Key penned the Star-Spangled Banner during the War of 1812. Walk the ramparts, watch the flag ceremony, and explore exhibits about the fort's role in defending Baltimore Harbor.
3-4 hours combined $30-35
Fort McHenry flag ceremonies occur daily; check timing online. The fort is 15 minutes from Inner Harbor by car.
Evening
Dinner and harbor stroll
Dine at a contemporary American restaurant in the Fells Point neighborhood, then explore its cobblestone streets, historic pubs, and waterfront views. Alternatively, stay near Inner Harbor for evening harbor light views.

Where to Stay Tonight

Inner Harbor or Fells Point (Mid-range hotel with harbor or waterfront views)

Central location provides easy walking access to major attractions and waterfront dining, with excellent views and atmosphere for your first night in the city.

The National Aquarium offers discounted admission on Friday evenings after 5 PM, though crowds can be larger. The best photo opportunities at Fort McHenry are from the seawall facing the harbor.
Day 1 Budget: $180-220
2

Art, Industry, and American Icons

Central Baltimore & Mount Vernon
Immerse yourself in Baltimore's cultural treasures from classical art to quirky visionary works, then discover the city's industrial heritage and baseball legacy.
Morning
The Walters Art Museum
Explore this exceptional free museum housing 36,000 works spanning 7,000 years, from ancient Egyptian mummies to Art Nouveau jewelry. The collection includes medieval armor, Renaissance paintings, Asian ceramics, and ancient Roman sarcophagi. The palazzo-style building itself is architectural splendor. Highlights include the Chamber of Wonders and the museum's renowned manuscript collection. Located in the elegant Mount Vernon neighborhood, you can also view the Washington Monument nearby.
2-3 hours Free (suggested donation)
Lunch
A cafe in Mount Vernon neighborhood offering farm-to-table fare and artisan sandwiches
Contemporary American Mid-range
Afternoon
American Visionary Art Museum and Baltimore Museum of Industry
Visit the wildly creative American Visionary Art Museum celebrating self-taught artists and outsider art through whimsical, thought-provoking exhibits. The sculpture garden and mosaic-covered building exterior are attractions themselves. Then head to the Baltimore Museum of Industry to discover the city's working-class heritage through hands-on exhibits about oyster canning, garment manufacturing, and the industrial revolution. The museum occupies an authentic 1865 oyster cannery on the waterfront.
3-4 hours combined $25-30
Both museums are small enough to visit same day. The Visionary Art Museum is wonderfully unconventional—perfect for Instagram photos.
Evening
Dinner in Little Italy and Babe Ruth Birthplace visit
Enjoy authentic Italian-American cuisine in Baltimore's historic Little Italy neighborhood, then visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum if time permits (open until 5 PM, plan accordingly). Alternatively, save Babe Ruth for tomorrow morning.

Where to Stay Tonight

Inner Harbor or Mount Vernon (Boutique hotel or historic inn)

Mount Vernon offers elegant architecture and walkability to cultural sites, while Inner Harbor provides convenience and nightlife options.

The Washington Monument in Mount Vernon (not to be confused with DC's version) offers panoramic city views after climbing 228 steps. It's America's first monument to George Washington and free to climb.
Day 2 Budget: $150-200
3

Literary Legends & Railroad History

West Baltimore & Inner Harbor
Discover Baltimore's literary heritage at the Edgar Allan Poe House, explore America's railroad history at the B&O Railroad Museum, and conclude with harbor views and final attractions.
Morning
B&O Railroad Museum
Spend your morning at America's birthplace of railroading, housed in the historic Mount Clare Station. The massive roundhouse contains the most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere, including historic locomotives and elegant passenger cars. Climb aboard vintage trains, explore the turntable, and learn how the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad shaped American expansion. The outdoor train rides (seasonal) and model railroad displays delight all ages.
2-3 hours $20-22
Visit on weekends for train ride demonstrations. The museum is about 10 minutes from Inner Harbor by car.
Lunch
A gastropub or casual eatery in the Hollins Market area or return to Inner Harbor
American comfort food Budget to Mid-range
Afternoon
Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum and Maryland Science Center
Visit the tiny row house where Edgar Allan Poe lived from 1833-1835, writing some of his earliest works. The modest home offers insight into the writer's Baltimore years and his aunt's influence. Then head to the Maryland Science Center at Inner Harbor for interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and IMAX theater. The rooftop observatory and dinosaur mysteries exhibits are highlights. Alternatively, visit the Top of the World Observation Level for 360-degree city views from the 27th floor.
2-3 hours $25-35
Poe House requires advance reservations and has limited hours (typically weekends only). Check schedule before planning. Science Center offers combination tickets with IMAX.
Evening
Final harbor experience and departure dinner
Take a sunset stroll along the Inner Harbor promenade, visit the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse if time permits, and enjoy a farewell dinner at an upscale seafood restaurant with harbor views before departure.

Where to Stay Tonight

Not needed unless extending stay (N/A for departure day)

Most travelers will depart this evening or the following morning.

If you're a literary fan, the Edgar Allan Poe's grave at Westminster Hall is also worth visiting (separate from the house). A mysterious 'Poe Toaster' left cognac and roses there annually for decades.
Day 3 Budget: $140-180

Practical Information

Getting Around

Baltimore's Inner Harbor area is highly walkable, with most major attractions within 20 minutes on foot. For Fort McHenry, the B&O Railroad Museum, and Edgar Allan Poe House, use rideshare services, taxis, or rental car. The Charm City Circulator offers free bus service on several routes including the Harbor and Banner lines connecting major tourist sites. Water taxis provide scenic transportation around the harbor during warmer months. Baltimore is easily accessible from BWI Airport (15 minutes) and has Amtrak service to Washington DC, Philadelphia, and beyond. Parking at hotels can be expensive ($25-40/day), so consider relying on rideshares.

Book Ahead

National Aquarium tickets (1-2 days ahead for timed entry), Edgar Allan Poe House (reservations required, limited weekend hours), hotel accommodations especially during peak season and Orioles home games

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and museum exploring, layers for variable weather and air-conditioned museums, light rain jacket, sunscreen and hat for harbor walks, camera for architecture and harbor views, binoculars for Fort McHenry

Total Budget

$470-600 for 3 days (excluding accommodation and transportation to/from Baltimore)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Focus on free attractions like The Walters Art Museum, Washington Monument climb, and harbor-side walks. Pack picnic lunches to enjoy at waterfront parks. Stay in budget hotels outside Inner Harbor in neighborhoods like Canton or Federal Hill. Visit the Maryland Science Center on discounted evenings. Skip the National Aquarium or visit during Friday evening discount hours. Use the free Charm City Circulator exclusively for transportation.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at a premium waterfront hotel with spa services and harbor-view suites. Book private tours at Fort McHenry and behind-the-scenes experiences at the National Aquarium including animal encounters. Dine at upscale restaurants featuring innovative Chesapeake cuisine with wine pairings. Arrange private water taxi charters for harbor touring. Add a sunset cruise or helicopter tour over the harbor. Consider a day trip to nearby Annapolis via private car service.

Family-Friendly

Start with Port Discovery Children's Museum instead of art museums—it's one of America's top children's museums with interactive exhibits. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore offers full-day animal encounters. Maryland Science Center's hands-on exhibits and planetarium shows engage kids of all ages. National Aquarium's dolphin shows and touch pools are perfect for children. Choose casual family-friendly restaurants in Little Italy or Inner Harbor. Many hotels offer family suites and kids-stay-free packages.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Baltimore

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Baltimore

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Baltimore

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Baltimore

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Baltimore

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