one day in baltimore
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Baltimore may be known for its crab cakes and sports teams, but spend just one day exploring this historic harbor city and you’ll find a whole lot more. Whether you're traveling with kids, friends, or just looking for a memorable day trip, Baltimore offers a unique blend of waterfront adventure, hands-on museums, and fantastic food. Here's how to make the most of one full day in Charm City.
Start the Morning at the National Aquarium
Kick off your Baltimore adventure at one of the top aquariums in the country: the National Aquarium, located right on the Inner Harbor. Home to over 20,000 animals, this multi-level experience includes everything from a tropical rainforest to a shark-infested Atlantic reef.
Kids will love the playful dolphins and jellyfish tanks, and adults will appreciate the immersive design and conservation message. Pro tip: buy your tickets online ahead of time to skip the lines and get early entry.
Hop on the Baltimore Water Taxi
After the aquarium, don’t just walk — sail! The Baltimore Water Taxi is a fun, breezy way to get around the harbor while enjoying great views of the skyline and waterfront neighborhoods like Fells Point and Federal Hill.
You can hop on near the aquarium and take a ride across to the other side of the harbor, where the paddle boats await.
Ride the Paddle Boats in the Inner Harbor
One of the most iconic sights in Baltimore? Those dragon-shaped paddle boats floating in the harbor. Rent one for 30 minutes or an hour, and get ready for a little leg workout and a lot of laughs. Kids and adults alike will enjoy paddling around the harbor in these colorful boats while taking in the city from a whole new perspective. You can grab your paddle boat from Living Classrooms’ Paddle Boats docked right by the harbor.
Lunch at Little Havana
All that paddling calls for a hearty lunch, and Little Havana delivers. Located in the Riverside neighborhood, this Cuban-inspired spot has indoor and outdoor seating with harbor views and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Order the Cuban sandwich or fish tacos, and don’t miss their famous mango mojito if you’re not driving. For the kids, there’s a great grilled cheese and fries combo on the children’s menu.
Afternoon Choice #1: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
If you're looking to stretch your legs and see some amazing wildlife, head to The Maryland Zoo in Druid Hill Park. Home to more than 1,500 animals, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and penguins, it’s a fantastic afternoon destination. The penguin exhibit is a must-see and one of the best in the country.
There’s a tram to help tired little legs get around, and plenty of shaded areas and snack carts.
Afternoon Choice #2 (for little ones): Port Discovery Children's Museum
If your crew includes younger kids (ages 2–10), skip the zoo and head to the Port Discovery Children's Museum, just a few blocks from the aquarium. This museum is built for hands-on play, learning, and exploration, with climbing structures, a pretend grocery store, water play zones, and art areas.
Let the kids burn off some energy in the multi-story SkyClimber while you recharge for the evening ahead.
Evening: Catch a Game or Dine in Style
No visit to Baltimore is complete without cheering on the home team:
Summer: Head to Oriole Park at Camden Yards to catch an Orioles baseball game. It's one of the most beautiful stadiums in America and extremely family-friendly, with a kids zone and plenty of snacks.
Fall: If you're visiting in autumn, swap your baseball cap for purple gear and head to M&T Bank Stadium for a Baltimore Ravens football game. The energy is unmatched, and Ravens fans are some of the most passionate in the league.
If you’re looking for a more upscale evening out, head to The Bygone — a rooftop restaurant on the 29th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel. It’s elegant, dramatic, and absolutely worth the splurge for a romantic dinner or celebratory night out. With stunning panoramic views of the harbor, classic cocktails, and an upscale menu, this is the spot to watch the sunset in style.
Explore the Darker Side with a Ghost Tour
Baltimore is full of stories - and not all of them have a happy ending. Take a ghost tour through the city’s older neighborhoods and you’ll hear eerie tales of haunted pubs, restless spirits, and local legends that refuse to fade. It’s the perfect way to explore a darker side of Baltimore after sunset.
Bonus Stops (If You Have Time):
Top of the World Observation Level – 27 floors up inside the World Trade Center building, this gives you the best panoramic view of the city.
Fells Point – A cobblestone-lined historic district full of quirky shops, pubs, and live music.
Fort McHenry National Monument – Where the Star-Spangled Banner was born. A peaceful place for a walk, picnic, or quick dose of history.
Wrap Up the Day with Ice Cream or a Nighttime Walk
Finish your day with a sweet treat from Bmore Licks (with locations in Canton and Federal Hill), or just enjoy a slow stroll along the Harbor promenade. At night, the waterfront lights make for beautiful photos and a perfect wind-down.
Final Thoughts
Baltimore is a city that knows how to blend old and new, calm and chaos, kid-friendly fun and grown-up flavor. You can easily spend a day — or a week — exploring its diverse neighborhoods and waterfront attractions. Whether you’re a local looking for a staycation or a visitor stopping by, Baltimore delivers charm in every corner.
Have questions about your visit or want more itinerary ideas? Let me know in the comments below!
Would you like me to turn this into a Pinterest pin, travel PDF, Instagram carousel, or printable itinerary? I’d be happy to help!
