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1. National Aquarium

501 E Pratt St, Pier 3, Baltimore, MD 21202 · 410-576-3800

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INNER HARBOR. One of the best, if not THE best, aquariums in the country. Laid out perfectly, this museum actually lets you touch living creatures. Upon entering the large foyer, you will notice a four-story tank holding a multitude of marine life. Start on the fourth floor in the rainforest exhibit and then walk down a spiral ramp that intersects the doughnut-shaped tank. Don't forget to view the sea lion pool outside the aquarium or the Marine Mammal Pavilion, which houses bottle-nose dolphins. Located along the harbor, the seven-story glass structure is easy to spot.

2. Baltimore Museum of Art

10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218 · 410-396-7100

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NORTH BALTIMORE. Located near Johns Hopkins University, this museum is home to a number of impressive works by respected artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Monet, Cézanne, Gauguin and van Gogh. In addition to the extensive permanent collection of 18th and 19th century American art, a large area of 16 galleries is brimming with one of the country's best collections of 20th-century Post-Impressionistic pieces.

3. Fort McHenry

2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230-5393 · 410-962-4290

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BALTIMORE HARBOR. This patriotic attraction is best known for its role in the writing of our national anthem – Francis Scott Key watched the flag wave above this fort during the 1814 Battle of Baltimore and was moved to write his moving tribute to the Stars and Stripes. After that fateful day, when the American forces stood firm, the fort continued as a military base but it never again faced attack. A guided tour and a short film tell the fascinating stories behind the fort.

4. American Visionary Art Museum

800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230 · 410-244-1900

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FEDERAL HILL. This is a most interesting and unusual place thanks to its unique premise: It is the only museum in the country restricted to works by self-taught artists. Six interior galleries are organized by theme inside this renovated warehouse, and a stroll through a lovely sculpture garden dotted with wildflowers enhances your visit. The renowned Joy America Café is on-site.

5. Pride of Baltimore II

401 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202 · 410-539-1151

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INNER HARBOR. The original Pride of Baltimore, a topsail schooner modeled after ships used during the War of 1812, sailed from 1976 to 1986, when it sank during a storm. Its replica, Pride of Baltimore II has sailed the world as an ambassador of goodwill for the State of Maryland and the Port of Baltimore. A fun way to get to know the ship is to actually sail it – both day trips and overnights are available, and you can even rent the ship for special events.

6. Flag House and Star-Spangled Banner Museum

844 E Pratt St, Corner of Albemarle St, Baltimore, MD 21202 · 410-837-1793

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DOWNTOWN. Everyone knows about how Francis Scott Key wrote our National Anthem while watching the American flag fly during the War of 1812, but few people know the name of the woman who sewed that flag. Her name is Mary Pickersgill, and she made that historic banner by hand. Her Federal-style home is decorated in period furnishings, and an interesting museum next door tells the story of the War of 1812.

7. Oriole Park at Camden Yards

333 W Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201 · 410-685-9800

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CAMDEN YARDS. Baseball lovers will not want to miss a tour of this magnificent facility, which is considered one of the best in the country. The traditional design speaks to the nostalgia of America's Game, and a visit here is interesting even when there's no game. Visit the Orioles Hall of Fame, see where homers have flown over the back fence, tour the dugout, and buy a souvenir at the gift shop. The park offers ID bands that have seat information on them for parents with small children. There are also devices for the hearing impaired available.

8. Port Discovery

35 Market Pl, Corner of Market and Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21202 · 410-727-8120

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INNER HARBOR. All ages will enjoy this "kid-powered" museum, which has turned a spacious former fish market into a wonderland of activity and education. Designed in collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering, Port Discovery has tons of hands-on activities and exhibits focusing on everything from Egyptian history to modern technology. The KidWorks jungle gym is every kid's fantasy, with activities stretching all the way to the ceiling. A must for those traveling with children.

9. Baltimore Maritime Museum

802 S Caroline St, Pier 3, Baltimore, MD 21231 · 410-396-3453

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INNER HARBOR. Learn about Baltimore's fascinating maritime history at this intriguing museum, which is made up, not of buildings, but docked ships still afloat in the Chesapeake Bay. Start with the USS Torsk, nicknamed the "Galloping Ghost of the Japanese Coast" during WWII. Most experts say this submarine helped end the war by sinking Japan's last two warships. Then tour the Chesapeake, a floating lighthouse that is still fully functional. The last ship in the museum, the Taney, fought at Pearl Harbor and is the only ship from that battle that is still afloat. Ticket booth located next to Baltimore aquarium.

10. Washington Monument and Museum at Mount Vernon Place

600 N Charles St, Mount Vernon Pl, Baltimore, MD 21201 · 410-396-0929

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MT VERNON. The city of Baltimore was first in the nation to construct a large-scale monument to honor George Washington – Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Park, often referred to as the heart and soul of Baltimore. Designed by Robert Mills, creator of the better known Washington Monument in our nation's capital, it stands 178 feet tall and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 228-step spiral staircase to its top more than rewards intrepid visitors with lovely views of the city skyline.

Attractions & Activities

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You want quality attractions and activities for your lesiure time. To that end, we've researched a diverse list of options, ruled out the wastes of time, and delivered only the 10Best. We provide quality information about historical sites, theme parks, sporting events, and city parks that you won't want to miss. Peruse our lists, see what grabs your fancy, and then head out for some personal time!

 

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