Getaway Guide: Weekend Trip To Baltimore
Baltimore is known for its beautiful harbor, distinct neighborhoods and unique museums, making it a perfect vacation spot whether you're traveling with your family or looking for a romantic getaway. From world-famous crabs and seafood to professional football and baseball to an award-winning aquarium, you will find no shortage of activities in the largest city in Maryland. Stay in the Inner Harbor where you'll be close to everything, or explore one of the quirky neighborhoods such as Fell's Point for something with a lot of history.
It's about a two-hour drive from most parts of Philadelphia to Baltimore. To get there, take I-95 heading south toward Chester to exit 11. Merge onto I-495 south toward Port of Wilmington/Baltimore. Bring toll money for when I-495 south turns into I-95 south, and ride that into Baltimore. If you prefer to leave your car at home, Amtrak offers direct routes from 30th Street Station to Penn Station that take just more than an hour.
National Aquarium
501 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 576-3800
www.aqua.org
Price: $29.95 adults/$20.95 children 3 to 11/$26.95 seniors 60 and older
A visit to Baltimore wouldn't be complete without a trip to the National Aquarium, which was named one of the best aquariums in the United States by the Travel Channel. Allow roughly four hours to visit the more than 16,000 animals representing more than 660 species at the National Aquarium. With exhibits that showcase a rain forest, a coral reef, a shark tank and the beauty of Australia, it's no wonder that the National Aquarium is a hit with tourists.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
333 W. Camden St. #500
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 333-1560
baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/
Price: from $9 for games/$9 tours for adults/$6 children 14 and younger and seniors 55 and older/free children 3 and younger
If you're a fan of baseball, then you'll want to make sure to see a Baltimore Orioles game at Camden Yards. The park is one of the first "retro" major league ballparks and promises to be a place the whole family will enjoy. If you're not a fan of baseball, it's still worth visiting. Camden Yards offers public tours that last about 1.5 hours. During a tour, you'll get to see the park from a whole new perspective, including from the Orioles dugout, the press level, the scoreboard and control room, and exclusive suites. You'll also learn the history of the park and the surrounding neighborhood for a whole new perspective on America's favorite pasttime.
Four Seasons Baltimore
200 International Drive
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 576-5800
www.fourseasons.com/
Price: from $399
Opened in November 2011, Four Seasons Baltimore offers unprecedented luxury and spectacular views. If you are looking for an upscale experience, you will love this soaring glass tower on the Inner Harbor. Like any Four Seasons property, the hotel delights guests with world-class service. The Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore is ideally located near event-rich neighborhoods, from vibrant Harbor East to historic Fell's Point and the restaurant district of Little Italy.
Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast
637 Washington Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 752-0805
www.rachaelsdowrybedandbreakfast.com
Price: from $169
If you're a fan of a good B&B, you'll love Rachael's Dowry in the Ridgley's Delight historic district. This beautifully restored 1798 Federal home features five guest rooms equipped with working fireplaces and period antiques. Siblings Norman Finnance and Letitia Finnance Bohner now own and operate the B&B and delight visitors with a homemade breakfast, baked goods during afternoon tea and evening refreshments. All rooms feature private baths for guests' convenience. Rachael's provides easy access to the Convention Center, Camden Yards and Inner Harbor.
Rusty Scupper
402 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 727-3678
www.selectrestaurants.com/
If you're looking for excellent seafood, find your way to one of the many restaurants in the Inner Harbor. The Rusty Scupper sits located above the Inner Harbor Marina and boasts beautiful views from every table. It offers lunch, dinner and a Sunday live-jazz brunch. Take note, this is one of the more expensive restaurants in the area, so be prepared to throw down a little cash for the delectable fare here.
Chiapparelli's
237 S. High St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 837-0309
www.chiapparellis.com
Located between the Inner Harbor and Fell's Point, Little Italy offers endless opportunities to sample true Italian cuisine and activities. After dinner, take in a game of bocce ball on the public courts. This authentic Italian neighborhood houses more than 24 family owned Italian eateries, including Chiapparelli's, where you'll find the food and service are excellent. It also offers menu selections for bambinos if you are traveling with your children.
Related: Best Italian Food in Baltimore
