Articles
Baltimore Inner Harbor
August 8, 2024
Compiled and photographed by Sarah Einhorn of BeenThereDoneThatTrips.com
I found the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland, to be an intriguing place. On the one hand, it’s a touristy area with many activities that draw visitors from all over with a selection of hotels nearby; on the other hand, the neighborhood is quite low-class with many homeless people roaming around and collecting at intersections.
We visited the harbor for two days. There was a lot to do, and we didn’t get to do everything. We went on the Water Taxi, to the Top of the World Observatory, the National Aquarium, War Ships, and Fort McHenry. We didn’t have time for the Maryland Science Center.
Baltimore Inner Harbor is approximately 20 minutes from the Jewish area in Baltimore. My husband drove in for minyan, we went to the famous Seven Mile Market to get some groceries, and we ate a delicious dinner at David Chu’s China Bistro. We really enjoyed the Jewish infrastructure that was so close by.
Approximate distance from Lakewood: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Accommodations
Every brand hotel can be found in the area. There’s Hilton, Hyatt, Hampton Inn, Sheraton, Marriot, Comfort Inn, Staybridge, Candlewood Suites, and many more options.
Agudath Israel has many minyanim throughout the day.
Agudath Israel of Baltimore
6200 Park Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Seven Mile Market is a tremendous grocery with lots of prepared food options.
Seven Mile Market
201 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
410-653-2000
sevenmilemarket.com
Food options
Tov Pizza
6313 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-358-5238
tovpizza.com
Goldberg’s Bagels
1500 Reisterstown Road #211
Pikesville, MD 21208
410-415-7001
KB Grill & Wok
6309 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-358-6349
kosher-bite.com
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is large and modernly designed. The aquarium is divided into three sections: the Australian Exhibit, the Dolphin Discovery, and the main exhibition area.
The Australian exhibit is very grand. The 35-foot waterfall in the exhibit is visible from the outside of the building through the glass windows. The waterfall is only the beginning of the genuine-looking Australian exhibit. There are many interesting animals, including the Australian freshwater crocodile, the broad-shelled turtle, the Gouldian finch and many other animals.
The Dolphin Discovery area houses seven bottlenose dolphins. Visitors can watch training sessions and enjoy the playful mammals.
In the main section, visitors can touch jellyfish in the touch tank and view many other types of fish. The shark alley is interesting, and the rain forest has a genuine feel.
The aquarium is one of the main attractions in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. It’s a lovely place to visit but a little pricey.
Address:
501 E Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone number:
410-576-3800
July and August hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.– 9 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Last aquarium entry is 60 minutes before closing.
Price:
Adults (21–69): $49.95
Youth (5–20): $39.95
Seniors (70+): $39.95
Children (4 and under): free
Website:
Historic Ships of Baltimore
The Historic Ships of Baltimore consist of three war ships, a submarine, and a seven-foot lighthouse. The war ships—USS Constellation, Lightship 116 Chesapeake, and USCGC Taney—the Torsk submarine and the Knoll Lighthouse are all national landmarks. There are many demonstrations and activities on board the ships.
The ships are docked between Pier 1 and Pier 5 at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. The tickets include entry to all boats. They don’t need to be used the same day; they can be used on different days.
We were told that the USS Constellation and the Torsk submarine are the two best ships. We got to walk through all levels of the USS Constellation and see how the ship was used and what it would look like if it was used.
The USS Torsk can be seen from end to end. It’s also set up the way it was used. The ships seemed to be very crowded with low ceilings. We often had to bend our heads to walk through certain parts.
Address:
301 E Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone number:
(410) 539-1797
Memorial Day–Labor Day hours:
Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse: Friday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
All ships: daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Last boarding for all ships: 4:30 p.m. Ships remain open to onboard visitors until 5 p.m.
Price:
Adults (21–59): $21.95
Senior (60+)/military: $19.95
Student (15–20 or with valid student ID): $19.95
Youth (6–14): $9.95
Child (under 5): free
Website:
Top of the World
I love checking out the local observation buildings. Doing so always offers another view of an area. Top of the World observation level is on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center, a pentagon-shaped building. Since there aren’t many (if any) tall buildings in the vicinity, Top of The World offers views of Baltimore’s urban center as well as views of the beautiful Inner Harbor.
The World Trade Center also houses a memorial for the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in Manhattan. There are remains of the Manhattan World Trade Center outside the Baltimore building and there’s also a display memorializing the attacks and the victims on the observation level.
The World Trade Center is located right in the Inner Harbor and is in close proximity to many other attractions.
Address:
401 E Pratt Street
27th floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone number:
410-837-8439
Hours:
Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Price:
Adults: $8
Seniors (60+) or military with ID: $6
Children (3–12): $5
Under 3: free
The last ticket is sold a half hour before closing.
Website:
Paddle Boat and Electric Pirate Boat Rentals
The electric pirate boats and the two types of paddle boats are popular attractions for families, especially those with children, although we saw many adults enjoying the ride as well. The boats can be rented at the Baltimore Inner Harbor near the USS Constellation and the World Trade Center. Boats aren’t in danger of going too far because there’s a roped-in area that the boats can use.
The Chessie Paddle Boats are more popular than the traditional paddle boats, as their dragon shape makes them exciting. For those who do want a more relaxing ride and don’t want to pedal, the Pirate Boats are driven with a motor. Both types of boats are very popular and lots of fun.
Children under two or under 35 pounds aren’t allowed on the boats. All passengers are required to wear life vests on all boats.
Address:
201 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Floor 1 Harborplace
Phone number:
410-528-1060
Hours:
Open daily April through Labor Day. Open weekends in September and October.
Weekday hours: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Weekend hours: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Price:
The Chessie Dragon Paddle Boats hold up to four passengers and cost $25 for 30 minutes.
The Electric Pirate Ships hold up to six passengers and cost $40 for 30 minutes.
Website:
livingclassrooms.org/programs/paddle-electric-boats
Baltimore Water Taxi
The Baltimore Water Taxi is a fun and convenient way to get from one attraction to another at the Inner Harbor. It’s also an enjoyable way to just relax on the water. The water taxi system has changed since we visited.
Now, there are two types of water taxis: the Harbor Connector, which is free, goes back and forth between key waterfront locations in the Inner Harbor.
The Harbor Trolley offers scenic boat rides from one area to the next. We took the Harbor Trolley to Fort McHenry. We enjoyed the boat ride and then visited the museum, where we learned about the history of the Star-Spangled Banner. When we were done, we took a boat back to where we had parked.
The Harbor Connector can be boarded at:
Fell’s Point, Canton Park, Locust Point, Pier 5—National Aquarium, Federal Hill
The Harbor Trolley can be boarded at:
Fells Point-Broadway Pier, Harbor East, Inner Harbor—Harborplace, Federal Hill, Locust Point, Lighthouse Point, Fort McHenry.
Phone number:
Harbor Connector hours:
Open all year.
Monday–Friday: 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Departs every 15 minutes.
Harbor Trolley hours:
Different routes have different hours. Check online for hours.
Harbor Trolley price:
$11–$19
There’s an option of all-day tickets, which allow you to ride as much as you want all day long.
Website:
Fort McHenry
We took the Inner Harbor water taxi to Fort McHenry. In addition to its historical significance, Fort McHenry is set on a beautiful green area with walking paths alongside the water. The grounds and the museum building are free to visit, while the historic area of the park, the fort, has a $15 charge for anyone over the age of 15.
We didn’t have a lot of time to spend there. We only visited the museum and saw the outside of the fort. The museum was interesting and educational. The displays explained the history of Fort McHenry and how it played a big role in the battle against the British in 1812. Fort McHenry is especially well known for inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem—The Star-Spangled Banner—originally entitled “Defense of Fort McHenry.” The video shown in the museum gives visitors a feel of what went on during that famous battle.
Address:
2400 E Fort Ave
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone number:
(410) 962-4290
Hours:
Monday–Friday:
Park grounds: 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Last entry at 4:45 p.m.
The Visitor Center: 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Park exhibits and restrooms in the Star Fort: 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Sunday:
Park grounds: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Last entry at 5:45 p.m.
The Visitor Center: 9 a.m.–5:45 p.m.
Price:
Adults (16+): $15
Children (under 15): free
This fee provides the visitor with a seven-day entrance permit to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Since Fort McHenry is a National Park. Fourth graders and their families are free (at every national park) if they’re signed up for the Every Kid in a Park program: everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm.
Website: