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Here are some best tips on places to stay, things to eat, and places to visit in Baltimore, Maryland.

A Guide to Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland  is also known as “Charm City,” and I can see why. It is similar to New Orleans as it has so much potential to be so much more. Visiting Baltimore was just one more check off our bucket list to seeing all 50 states! See how many we have visited here.

Best Time to Visit:

The best months to visit weather-wise is from May to June and the month of September, where the highs average between 75-85 and the lows are between 55-65.  The hottest months are July and August with the temperature rising to 90 degrees. Precipitation is fairly consistent average 3 inches each month. The most popular time to travel to Baltimore is June- August, so expect it to be more crowded for all the attractions and the hotel prices to be a bit higher.

Where to stay:

Airbnb

This is one of my favorite ways to travel. You can find some great deals when it comes to traveling on a budget. You can also meet locals along the way and find places that are more cozy than a typical hotel. I put together my top tips for finding the perfect airbnb along with a whole a post dedicated to reviewing places I’ve stayed with Airbnb.

Lord Baltimore Hotel

Lord Baltimore hotel is absolutely gorgeous! The detail on the columns, and gold revolving doors, it is truly a site to see. One of the top historic hotels in Baltimore. Established in 1928, it is clean, stylish, and elegant. Located in downtown Baltimore, there’s no need for a car. Most attactions within walking distance which makes this an ideal hotel. For more info, go here.

VRBO

This is the perfect site for traveling in groups. When you need a place that will fit tons of people. VRBO is the way to go. You can rent a whole house or condo for a great price. Are you looking for a whole place- try this 3 bedroom 3 bath house from VRBO. Right now its ($120/night)  Amazing deal considering its 3 bedrooms.

Related: A Guide to Portland, Oregon

What to eat:

Seafood is the thing to get here. Being a state right up on the water, it’s perfect for getting fresh seafood. But it’s not the only things that you can get here that are delicious. Here are some great restaurants below.

Nick’s Fish House

A bright, upbeat atmosphere right on the water. You have the choice to sit inside or outside and both  provide a  great view to the water. We went for lunch a it wasn’t too crowded and were seated right away. A nice variety on the menu and the price and portion size were perfect. I had the catch of the day and my husband got the burger. You can check out their menu here.

Mama’s on the Half Shell

Mama’s on the Half Shell has an opposite atmosphere of Nick’s Fish House. The setting is more like a pub with dark walls, low lit lighting and tons of picture frames covering the walls, but the food is amazing. To see the menu, go here.

Angie’s Seafood

Angie’s offers a casual atmosphere with friendly staff. They have an extensive menu with a variety of seafood and chicken items on the menu including pastas, and surf & turfs. It priced very decent and is rated highly. You can check out their menu here.

But if you are craving something besides seafood, similar to Boston, they have Little Italy part of town. These few blocks are packed with restaurants to satsify your little bellies.

Chiapperelli’s Restaurant:

A family owned restaurant where you can meet the owners right there. The atmosphere is nice, with big open windows and ample seating. We were seated by a window where we could look out the window to see colored milk jug lanterns and people coming and going down the street. You are given water and bread with butter while waiting for your food.  Food portions were a great size and very filling. I ordered the lasagna and my husband ordered the ravoili. For other menu items and information, go here.

**Don’t forget to check GROUPON for discounted rates on some of these attractions! **

I have found tons of great deals for all our trips we’ve taken by simply taking the time to browse Groupon. They offer discounts on all sorts of things, including food, attractions, beauty, spas, and even home services. Tons of my date ideas exploring my own city came from Groupon. So seriously, head on over there, I’m sure you’ll find something for you.

Related: A Guide to Seattle, Washington

Where to visit:

Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry was here the Battle of Baltimore was fought in September of 1814. It was the same place that Francis Scott Key sat and wrote the “Star Spangled Banner.” There is a museum before you get to the fort that you can explore and see a short film.

After, take a short hike towards the fort, where you can do a self guided tour and see all the different rooms. As you walk towards the fort, you see the American flag flying high. A replica flag of 15 stars and 15 stripes still flies over the fort.

There is also ranger talks at certain times of the day. You and your family can also participate in different activities there, including helping the rangers change the flag.

For more information, Go here.

Historical Ships:

There are four historical ships that you can tour in Baltimore. You can choose to tour just 1, 2 or all 4! We decided to just tour two and it took up a good couple of hours of our day. However, I don’t recommed these for anyone who has trouble walking or back problem. All of them have steep stairs and small openings to climb in and out, so please be mindful of this.

Tickets:

Adults: $15 for 2 ships     $18 for all 4 ships

Teens/ Student: (14-20 or valid student ID) $13.00 for 2   $16 for 4

Youth: (6-14)  $7 for 2 ships    $9 for all 4 ships

Children 5 & under FREE

USS Torsk

The USS Torsk is one of the ships we toured. Commissioned in December 1944 to serve in WWII. It was credited with sinking 3 Japanese ships before peace was achieved. It was used for trainings before becoming a memorial and museum in 1972.

This submarine just looked gnarly and we decided to give it a go! It’s definitely the most cramped quarters of living obviously, but super cool to explore. It definitely make you grateful for all the little things about your own home that you’ve come to enjoy.

Related: 10 Tips for Planning an Alaskan Cruise

USCGC Taney

The USCGC Taney has an amazing story to tell. The ship was first commissioned in 1936 and stationed in Honolulu. At the time of the Pearl Harbor attack, it was outside of Pearl Harbor and was able to return fire to some of the Japanese planes. When the attack was over, they were sent for search and rescue.  When WWII started, the USCGC Taney was refitted with armament to prepare for war. Their duties consisted of anti-submarine patroling of the Pacific.

Over the years, it narrowly missed torpedoes and fought of a German attack. It was reconfigured one more time in 1945 and was credited for destroying 4 kamikaze planes and 1 other bomber during 119 separate engagments the crew stood at their battle stations. When the war was over,  it entered Japanese waters to retrieve our prisoners of war. Shortly after, it was reconfigured back to peace time  duties and was stationed in California from 1946-1972. Taney participated in every peace time Coast Guard duties. It also participated in the Korean War and by the late 1960’s it was the last floating warships still in commission from the Pearl Harbor attack.

On December 7, 1986, after more than 50 years of service, the USCGC Taney was decommissioned and set as a memorial and museum. I really enjoyed touring this one. There was so much to see and tons of information and fascinating facts about our history.

There are two other ships that you can tour, the USS Constellation and Chesapeake Lightship. Both of these have unique stories to tell as well. But I’ll leave some mystery and let you experience them for yourselves 🙂

For more information, Go here.

National Visionary Art Museum

Photo via Expedia

“American Visionary Art Museum refers to art produced by self-taught individuals, usually without formal training, whose works arise from an innate personal vision that revels foremost in the creative act itself.”

The creativity and the vibrance of this place is unreal. I love art, so it’s no surprise I would love it. Just looking at the outside of this museum would intrigue anyone, because it’s different.

The museum is open Tuesday thru Sunday (Closed Mondays) from 10am-6pm.

Tickets:

Adults are $15.95

Seniors: $13.95

Children/ Students/ Veterans: $9.95

Children 6 & under: FREE

For more info, go here.

National Aquarium

Photo via Pinterest

Although this is the largest tourist attraction in the state of Maryland, it’s definitely a must see! There’s over 750 species to see including wonderfuly exhibits like the Rainforest and the Austrailian exhibits. You can also go to the 4D immersion theater which is amazing as well. There’s tons of tours including insiders tour, close encounters, and even overnight tours.

The aquarium is open 7 days a week

Hours usually 9-5 and open longer on weekends till 8pm.

Tickets: (You can choose the time of day you want to explore via morning, afternoon, evening when ordering online)

Adults: $39.95

Child 3-11 $24.95

Seniors (65+) $34.95

For more information, go here.

**Don’t forget to check GROUPON for discounted rates on some of these attractions! **

Transportation:

We rented a car as we were going to three different states in 7 days. If you stay in downtown Baltimore, you really won’t need a car, as most things are walking distance.

Whats your favorite city to explore?

Need more adventures? Go here.

Want date night ideas? Go here.

Like to cook? Go here.

Feeling crafty? Go here.

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