Baltimore Inner Harbor: 17 Incredible Things to Do For All Ages (2025)

Hello, I’m Alexandra! A slow-travel enthusiast with 6+ years exploring America’s historic cities. After spending three weeks exploring Baltimore’s waterfront last summer, I’ve gathered all my insights to help you discover the magic of the Inner Harbor. From iconic museums to hidden local gems, this guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable visit!

Jump to section:

• 🏛️ Must-See Inner Harbor Attractions
• 🚢 Waterfront Activities
• 🦀 Best Places to Eat
• 🛍️ Shopping Experiences
• 🎭 Local Events and Festivals
• 🚶 Exploring Beyond the Harbor
• 📝 Planning Tips
• ❓ FAQs

National Aquarium

20,000+ Animals 700+ Species

The National Aquarium is the crown jewel of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and for good reason! Housing over 20,000 animals from more than 700 species, it’s a marine paradise that will leave you mesmerized. During my last visit, I spent nearly four hours exploring every exhibit and still felt like I could have stayed longer.

Price Range: $39.95 for adults, $29.95 for children

BOOK NATIONAL AQUARIUM TICKETS (SKIP THE LINE!)

💡 Pro Tip: Visit the National Aquarium on Friday evenings after 5pm for half-price admission—I saved nearly $20 per person on my last visit! The aquarium stays open until 8pm, giving you plenty of time to explore without the daytime crowds.

Historic Ships in Baltimore

Civil War Era Maritime History

History buffs won’t want to miss the impressive collection of Historic Ships in Baltimore. This floating museum gives you access to four historic vessels and one lighthouse, each with its own fascinating story. The star attraction is the USS Constellation, the only Civil War-era naval vessel still afloat in America. Walking its wooden decks transported me back in time, and the knowledgeable guides share fascinating tales about life at sea.

Price Range: $25 for adults, $15 for children

RESERVE HISTORIC SHIPS TICKETS (10% ONLINE DISCOUNT)

🌟 My Experience: The USS Torsk submarine was the highlight for me. Squeezing through the narrow passageways gave me a real appreciation for the cramped conditions submariners endured. The volunteer guide was a former Navy serviceman who shared incredible stories about submarine operations that you won’t find in any history book!

Maryland Science Center

Interactive Exhibits IMAX Theater

The Maryland Science Center makes science fun for all ages with three floors of interactive exhibits. From dinosaurs to outer space and the human body, there’s something to spark everyone’s curiosity. Kids will love the hands-on experiments in the Newton’s Alley section, while adults can geek out over the rooftop observatory. The Science Center also houses an IMAX theater showing spectacular educational films.

Price Range: $26.95 for adults, $19.95 for children

GET SCIENCE CENTER TICKETS (15% ONLINE DISCOUNT)

💡 Pro Tip: The Science Center is less crowded on weekday afternoons. During my Wednesday visit, we practically had the planetarium to ourselves for the 2pm show!

Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Kid-Friendly Interactive Play

If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Located in a former fish market, this four-story adventure zone is every child’s dream. The highlight is undoubtedly the three-story SkyClimber, where kids can navigate a vertical maze of nets and platforms. My nephew spent nearly two hours here alone!

Price Range: $19.95 for visitors over age 1

BOOK THE FAMILY FOUR-PACK SPECIAL ($15 SAVINGS!)

⚠️ Warning: Port Discovery can get extremely crowded on rainy weekends and school holidays. If possible, plan your visit for a weekday morning when the museum first opens for the best experience.

How to Save Money on Inner Harbor Attractions:

• Purchase the Baltimore Harbor Pass to save up to 40% on admission to multiple attractions
• Visit the National Aquarium on Friday evenings after 5pm for half-price admission
• Check Groupon for last-minute deals on harbor cruises and tours
• Use AAA, military, student, or senior discounts where applicable
• Book tickets online in advance for 10-15% off regular admission prices

Water Taxi and Harbor Cruises

Scenic Views Harbor Transportation

One of my favorite ways to experience the Inner Harbor is from the water. Baltimore’s water taxis aren’t just transportation—they’re an attraction in themselves! The water taxi system connects all the major waterfront neighborhoods, making it easy to hop between attractions while enjoying spectacular views. A day pass costs around $15 and gives you unlimited rides.

Price Range: $15 for water taxi day pass, $25-75 for harbor cruises

BOOK YOUR HARBOR CRUISE (FREE CANCELLATION)

🌟 My Experience: I splurged on the Spirit of Baltimore dinner cruise for my anniversary, and it was worth every penny. Watching the sunset as the city lights began to sparkle on the water, all while enjoying Maryland crab cakes on the open deck—pure magic!

Paddle Boating and Kayaking

Family Fun Water Activity

For a more active adventure, rent a paddle boat or kayak to explore the harbor at your own pace. The famous Chessie dragon paddle boats are a hit with families—they’re shaped like sea monsters and are perfect for Instagram-worthy photos! Rental kiosks are located near the National Aquarium, with rates starting at $15 per hour. Kayaking offers a more athletic option, and the calm waters of the harbor are perfect for beginners.

Price Range: $15-25 per hour depending on boat type

RESERVE YOUR WATER ADVENTURE (FREE SOUVENIR PHOTO)

💡 Pro Tip: The harbor water is calmest in the morning hours before 11am. When I rented a kayak at 9am, I had smooth paddling and got some incredible photos of the morning light reflecting off the downtown buildings.

Scenic Views

Instagram-Worthy Photography Spots

For breathtaking views of the harbor skyline, head to these picture-perfect spots. Federal Hill Park offers perhaps the most iconic vista of the Inner Harbor. The elevated position provides a dramatic backdrop for photos, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle on the water. Top of the World Observation Level at the World Trade Center provides 360-degree views from 27 floors up. Telescopes help you spot landmarks, and informational panels explain the history of what you’re seeing.

Price Range: Free to $8 depending on location

🌟 My Experience: Visit Federal Hill around dusk for that perfect golden hour lighting on the harbor—it’s when I captured my most-liked Instagram photo of Baltimore! The walk up the hill is short but steep, so wear comfortable shoes.

Phillips Seafood

Iconic Restaurant Famous Crab Cakes

Phillips Seafood has been an institution for over a century, and their Inner Harbor location offers some of the freshest catches around. Their outdoor crab deck provides a quintessential Maryland experience—nothing beats picking crabs while overlooking the water! Don’t leave without trying their award-winning crab cakes, made with jumbo lump crabmeat and minimal filler. My tip: splurge on the combo platter to sample multiple seafood specialties.

Price Range: $30-50 per entrée

RESERVE A TABLE AT PHILLIPS SEAFOOD

💡 Pro Tip: Many harbor restaurants offer happy hour specials on weekdays from 4-7pm. I saved almost 50% on appetizers and drinks at McCormick & Schmick’s by arriving at 5:30pm on a Tuesday!

Harborplace

Central Location Souvenir Shopping

Harborplace has long been the central shopping destination at the Inner Harbor. While it’s undergone changes over the years, it still houses shops selling Baltimore souvenirs, local foods, and clothing. It’s the perfect place to pick up crab-themed merchandise, Old Bay seasoning gifts, or Baltimore sports team apparel.

Price Range: $ to $$$ depending on location

🌟 My Experience: For unique souvenirs, skip the chain stores at Harborplace and head to Fells Point. I found the most beautiful handmade Baltimore-themed prints at a small gallery on Thames Street that now hang in my home office!

Annual Festivals

Cultural Events Entertainment

Feastival for a Cure is a must-attend food and drink event supporting cystic fibrosis research. Featuring local chefs and mixologists, it’s a highlight among harbor events. Scheduled for April 12, 2025, at West Shore Park, tickets are $125 per person.

The Kinetic Sculpture Race hosted by the American Visionary Art Museum is a quirky event where human-powered sculptures race through the city and harbor. It’s equal parts art, engineering, and absurdity—and absolutely delightful to watch.

Light City transforms the harbor with dazzling light installations, music, and performances each spring. Walking through the illuminated sculptures along the promenade was one of my most magical Baltimore experiences.

CHECK UPCOMING HARBOR EVENTS

Live Music

Entertainment Nightlife

Power Plant Live! is an entertainment complex near the harbor featuring multiple venues, bars, and restaurants. They host year-round concerts ranging from local acts to national touring artists. The outdoor plaza often features free concerts during summer weekends.

Pier Six Pavilion offers a spectacular outdoor concert experience right on the waterfront during summer months. I caught a sunset show here last July, and the combination of live music with the harbor backdrop was unforgettable.

Price Range: Free to $75+ depending on artist/venue

BROWSE UPCOMING CONCERTS & EVENTS

💡 Pro Tip: Check the official Waterfront Partnership calendar before your trip to see what events coincide with your visit. During my last trip, I accidentally timed my visit with a free outdoor movie night at West Shore Park—a wonderful surprise!

Fells Point

Historic District Nightlife

This historic waterfront neighborhood features cobblestone streets, maritime history, and some of the city’s best nightlife. Once a shipbuilding center, Fells Point now houses boutiques, bars, and restaurants in preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings. The Broadway Market offers local food vendors under one historic roof—perfect for a casual lunch. For evening entertainment, check out The Horse You Came In On Saloon, reputed to be the oldest continuously operating saloon in America (and supposedly Edgar Allan Poe’s last stop before his mysterious death).

BOOK THE FELLS POINT FOOD & HISTORY TOUR

🌟 My Experience: I joined a ghost tour of Fells Point on my second night in Baltimore, and it was surprisingly one of the highlights of my trip! Our guide mixed fascinating historical stories with spooky legends, all while leading us through atmospheric cobblestone streets lit by gas lamps.

Federal Hill

Historic Neighborhood Panoramic Views

Just a quick walk across the harbor, Federal Hill combines historic charm with trendy restaurants and bars. The neighborhood is named for the hill that provides those iconic harbor views I mentioned earlier. Federal Hill’s main street (South Charles) is lined with restaurants, from casual pizza joints to upscale dining. It’s a favorite among locals for its lively yet laid-back atmosphere.

Getting There: 15-minute walk from Inner Harbor

💡 Pro Tip: Take the free #3 water connector on weekdays from pier 5 for the most scenic route to Federal Hill. It’s a little-known service that locals use to commute, but tourists are welcome too!

Getting Around

The Inner Harbor area is extremely walkable, with a 7-mile brick promenade connecting major attractions. For those with mobility concerns or to cover more ground quickly, consider these options:

• Water Taxi: Download the Baltimore Water Taxi app for real-time updates and to purchase tickets digitally
• Charm City Circulator: Free bus service with routes covering downtown and surrounding neighborhoods
• Lime and Bird: Electric scooters available throughout the harbor area (download their apps to access)
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Baltimore

Water Taxi Day Pass: $15 per person

GET THE HARBOR PASS WITH UNLIMITED WATER TAXI

Money-Saving Tips:

• Attraction Passes: The Baltimore Explorer Pass offers access to multiple attractions at a significant discount
• Half-Price Admissions: The National Aquarium offers half-price admission on Friday evenings after 5pm
• Free Museums: The Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum both offer free admission
• Happy Hours: Many harbor restaurants offer excellent happy hour specials, particularly on weekdays
• Discount Sites: Check Groupon and LivingSocial for last-minute deals on harbor attractions

Best Time to Visit

The Inner Harbor is enjoyable year-round, but these seasonal considerations might help you plan:

• Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures and blooming gardens make this a delightful time to visit, though spring break periods can bring crowds.
• Summer (June-August): Peak tourist season brings warm weather and numerous events, but also larger crowds and higher hotel rates.
• Fall (September-November): My personal favorite time to visit, with comfortable temperatures, beautiful foliage, and fewer tourists after Labor Day.
• Winter (December-February): The harbor is less crowded, and holiday decorations create a festive atmosphere. Some outdoor activities may be limited, but indoor attractions remain fully operational.

Crowd Avoidance: Visit on weekdays and arrive at opening time

💡 Pro Tip: Visit major attractions right at opening time or in the late afternoon (after 3pm) for shorter lines, especially during summer months. I walked straight into the National Aquarium at 9am on a Thursday, but saw a 45-minute wait line when I left at noon!

Is Baltimore Inner Harbor worth visiting?

Absolutely! With world-class attractions like the National Aquarium, historic ships, vibrant dining, and beautiful waterfront views, the Inner Harbor offers something for every type of traveler. It’s consistently rated among the top urban waterfront destinations in the U.S.

Is there anything fun to do in Baltimore?

Beyond the Inner Harbor’s many attractions, Baltimore offers diverse neighborhoods to explore, a thriving arts scene, professional sports, and unique cultural experiences. From Orioles games at Camden Yards to the quirky charm of Hampden, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in this underrated city.

How do you spend a day in Baltimore?

For the perfect day in Baltimore, I recommend:

1. Start with breakfast at Miss Shirley’s Cafe
2. Spend the morning at the National Aquarium
3. Grab lunch at Phillips Seafood
4. Take a water taxi to Fells Point for afternoon shopping and historic sites
5. Return to the harbor for a sunset cruise
6. Enjoy dinner at Rusty Scupper
7. Cap the night with live music at Power Plant Live!

Is Baltimore Inner Harbor walkable?

Yes, the Inner Harbor is extremely walkable! A 7-mile brick promenade connects all the major attractions, making it easy to navigate on foot. The flat terrain and well-maintained walkways make it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs as well.

Ready for Your Baltimore Adventure?

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and waterfront fun. From world-class attractions to fresh seafood and scenic cruises, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to experience this vibrant destination in 2025!

BOOK YOUR BALTIMORE GETAWAY TODAY!

About Alexandra

Alexandra is a slow-travel enthusiast and freelance travel writer with over 6 years of experience exploring America’s historic cities. With a background in urban planning and a passion for local cuisine, she specializes in uncovering authentic experiences beyond typical tourist attractions. Her work has been featured in Travel + Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, and Condé Nast Traveler.