Short getaways in Baltimore – 48 hours of art, aquariums and American history

Although you can’t see it all on a short getaway in Baltimore, you can certainly try. Pack in the best experiences with just a few nights in a Baltimore hotel by following our fun-filled itinerary.

Baltimore short getaway day one, morning

Start your stay in Baltimore in the city’s blue-green heart, the Inner Harbor. After a quick breakfast in your hotel, head directly to the National Aquarium to beat the crowds. The 35,000-square-foot space is filled with aquatic wonders from around the globe. Plan on spending the morning here, although you could easily spend the entire day. And don’t miss the rain forest on the roof.

Start: Inner Harbor, National Aquarium

Afternoon

Once you’ve had your fill of the life aquatic, have lunch at a Baltimore institution, Phillips seafood restaurant in the Inner Harbor, known for its crab cakes made from local Maryland blue crabs, fresh from the Chesapeake Bay. After lunch, catch a water taxi to Fell’s Point and walk off your lunch by exploring the charming 18th-century cobblestone streets.

Start:Inner Harbor, Phillips

Evening

Head back to the Inner Harbor area and, during the season, devote the night to Oriole Park in Camden Yards, where the Baltimore Orioles play baseball. Wander over a bit early to see the baseball memorabilia at the Babe Ruth Museum, and then enjoy an outdoor dinner of local foods, such as crab-seasoning doused French fries at a picnic table in the concourse before the game begins.

Start: Inner Harbor, Camden Yards

Baltimore short getaway day two, morning

Start your second day in Baltimore strolling along ritzy North Charles Avenue just north of the Mount Vernon section of town. Sip a latte at one of the chic cafés, then visit the Baltimore Museum of Art to see its impressive fine arts collection, including numerous paintings by Matisse.

Start: North Charles Avenue 

Afternoon

Take a taxi to Fort McHenry National Monument for a look back at the American Revolution. It was here that Baltimore’s armed guard held back the British during the War of 1812, immortalized in the eye-witness, Francis Scott Key anthem “The Star Spangled Banner.” The flag is on display at the Star-Spangled Flag House in Little Italy. Take a water taxi to the museum from the Fort, and then, after your visit, treat yourself to a cannoli at Vaccaros’ Italian Pastry Shop. 

Start: Fort McHenry National Monument 

Evening

Conclude your tour of Baltimore with a night at the theater back in the Mount Vernon neighborhood at the Lyric Opera House or Centerstage theater complex. After your show , enjoy a nightcap at the cozy Prohibition-era Owl Bar, tucked into the elegant 1903 Belvedere Building. 

Start: North Charles Avenue