Arts, Attractions and Recreation in Baltimore.

Most of the sightseeing and attractions for visitors to Baltimore are conveniently located in one area around the Inner Harbor, with most of the other attractions spreading out east and north from there. Baltimore is a vibrant and modern city offering many arts, attractions and recreations for visitors to sample. Whilst the modern waterfront is undeniably a major attraction in the city, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Baltimore is also one of the cities that shaped America, is the birthplace of the USA national anthem and is full of history. So here are just some of the attractions you might consider visiting whilst in Baltimore.

Starting at the Inner Harbor, at Harborplace, is probably the single largest attraction in the city - theBaltimore National Aquarium. The building in which it is housed is easily spotted amongst the Baltimore skyline by its distinctive pyramid shaped roof. There are three main areas to visit inside the National Aquarium Museum the: Aquarium itself, the 4D Immersion Theater and a Dolphin Show. For the sake of a few, and I do mean a few, extra dollars buy the ‘Total Experience’ ticket for all three areas inside the museum, compared to the other tickets on offer it really is great value.  The museum itself isn’t just tank after tank showing off something like 10,000 well known and rarer sea-life creatures - which does of course include sharks. There are also several ‘touchy-feely’ exhibitions and plenty of information and advice on sea-life conservation. The 4D Theater shows a 15 minute film in which you will feel as if you are literally swimming with the sea-life, or possibly hastily away from the sharks! The Dolphin show is twice daily - and is of course great fun. Be prepared to get wet watching this and, if time is at a premium for you, make sure the show times are convenient for you when buying your tickets.

Historical attractions in Baltimore include the Baltimore Civil War Museum. Located on President Street in what was a train station, not only does the museum show exhibitions about the American Civil War - but the building was actually part of the history itself. The first bloodshed of the civil war was spilled as Massachusetts militia moved from this station to the nearby B&O Camden station - they were attacked by southern sympathizers, resulting in the deaths of four militia men and twelve Baltimore citizens. Somewhat apart from the other attractions, on Fort Avenue, is the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Celebrated for saving Baltimore from British attack in 1812, this event is only slightly less well known than the ‘Boston Tea Party’!  Associated with Fort McHenry is the Star Spangled Banner Flag House and Museum attraction, on East Pratt Street. This is in fact the home of Mary Pickersgill - who sewed the flag that inspired the poem/anthem by Francis Scott Key. If you fancy a breath of fresh air after visiting indoors attractions go to the Baltimore Maritime Museum on South Caroline Street. Here you can have a tour aboard a Coast Guard Cutter, a lightship and even a sub-marine. The last remaining civil war sail ship, the USS Constellation is also docked nearby as an added attraction. Baltimore is also the home of Babe Ruth and Edgar Allan Poe, both of whom have museums where they were born and worked.

The Mount Vernon district, north of the Inner Harbor, has two major attractions. One is the Washington Monument, the first civic monument to George Washington in the country. If you’re willing to climb the 288 steps to the top you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the city. Also in this area is the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore’s premier arts attraction. Located on North Charles Street it houses art and artifacts dating back to 3000 BC from Egypt, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Its art gallery specializes in 18th and 19th century works. Located in the Murphy Fine Arts Center, which is part of Morgan State University, is the James E. Lewis Museum of Art. This displays modern 19th and 20th century arts works by American, European and African artists.
Sports and recreational facilities abound in this city. If walking in the woods is your idea of recreation then a visit to the Cylburn Arboretum on Greenspring Avenue is a must. The arboretum also has a natural history museum displaying items and artifacts collected locally. Baltimore has teams playing in the major football, baseball and basketball leagues; so sports watching is a major recreation for many Baltimore residents. Major league baseball team The Orioles are, of course, forever associated with Babe Ruth. The place that Babe Ruth was born in is now a museum to his life and the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore Ravens play in the National Football League and the Baltimore Bay Lions, who will be rejoining the American Basketball Association, are also favorites for recreational sports fans; Baltimore also has a successful indoor soccer team - the Baltimore Blast. Baltimore has several municipal golf courses ideal for a recreational game of golf; there are also plenty of privately owned ones around Baltimore if you fancy taking up golf as a physical and social recreation. Baltimore City Council also organizes various recreation and other activities in its parks; all of which are open to resident and visitors alike.