City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Baltimore, Maryland
Famous for Old Bay, blue crabs and historic happenings, Baltimore, Maryland offers a wide variety of sites and attractions for adventurous boaters and travelers. The historic seaport is located just south of Towson and north of Annapolis on the Patapsco River, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you’re visiting from a private boat dock rental or a liveaboard boat, we think you’ll find something for your whole crew to do in Baltimore. Let’s take a look.
Inner Harbor
Photo: Bruce Emmerling (via Pixabay)
Baltimore's Inner Harbor is home to shopping, dining, museums and the USS Constellation, one of those famous ships every fan of maritime history needs to visit at least once. Built in 1854, this National Historic Landmark is now a museum with exhibits, tours and historic photographs. It’s 200 feet long and has 22 guns, three masts and four decks that are open for exploration.
The National Aquarium – home to dolphins, sharks, exotic birds and more - is also part of the Inner Harbor area and makes a nice day trip from a private boat slip for rent. Other Inner Harbor ideas include a boat tour on the Bay, the Maryland Science Center or live music events at Power Plant Live!
The Maryland Zoo
Photo: Maryland Zoo Facebook
Located in Druid Hill Park, the 135-acre Maryland Zoo is home to lemurs, lions, cheetahs, bears, monkeys and more. Learn about wildlife conservation and participate in experiences like penguin training and giraffe feeding. There’s even a train and a carousel. We just think it’s a really wild spot to visit from a private boat lift for rent.
Fort McHenry National Monument
Photo: Fort McHenry National Monument Facebook
The inspiration site for Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Fort McHenry National Monument retells stories from the 1814 Battle of Baltimore as well as the Civil War and World War II. Check out the visitor center and take a self-guided tour of the waterfront star fort from a nearby private boat dock rental to add a historic perspective to your trip.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Photo: Baltimore Museum of Art Facebook
The Baltimore Museum of Art has more than 1,200 pieces of contemporary, African and European art, photographs and drawings as well as a sculpture garden. It’s also home to the largest and most comprehensive Henri Matisse collection in a public museum (more than 600 of his works that include paintings, sculptures, drawings and illustrated books).
Sports
Photo: Oriole Park at Camden Park (Wikimedia)
Baseball and football fans can’t miss can take in a Baltimore Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium or enjoy a Baltimore Orioles baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Park. The two stadiums are adjacent to each other and less than a mile from the Inner Harbor, making them easily accessible from a private boat dock rental, yacht center or docks at Harbor East Marina or Baltimore Marine Centers.
B & O Railroad Museum
Photo: B & O Railroad Museum Facebook
The actual site of the 40-acre B & O Railroad Museum is a National Historic Landmark. Widely considered the birthplace of American railroading, you’ll find the oldest and most historic American railroad collection in the world. Exhibits include locomotives, historic buildings and other objects such as dining car china and silver, textiles, lanterns and fine art. Check out steam, electric and diesel trains and freight and passenger cars.
Hopefully you’ve found some new sites to visit the next time you’re in the Baltimore area. Whether you’re looking for art, history, sports or nature (or even a great waterfront restaurant), Baltimore is a great place to visit from private boat dock rentals or as a stopover on a Great Loop excursion.
