Baltimore Weekend Itinerary
Baltimore is home to countless restaurants, shops, museums, and attractions. In fact, there’s so much to do that if you only have a few days in town, deciding how to spend them can be difficult. Which is why we’ve created an itinerary for those wondering what to do in Baltimore with limited time. Here is the ultimate guide to a weekend trip in Baltimore.
Traveling to Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is a very accessible city. Between major area roadways, Baltimore Washington International Airport, public transportation options, and Penn Station, getting to and from this Maryland town couldn’t be easier.
What To Do on Day 1
Get Breakfast at Blue Moon Too
Blue Moon Café is known for its rock-n-roll vibe and delicious breakfast. With menu items such as Captain Crunch French toast, gingerbread pancakes, and some of the best biscuits and gravy in Baltimore, everyone loves Miss Shirley’s. While the original Blue Moon Café is located in another part of the city, their second location, Blue Moon Too, is just down the street from your next stop on our Baltimore weekend itinerary.
Tour the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry is one of Maryland’s most beloved historic sites, so there’s no way we couldn’t send you here. This is where the Battle of Baltimore took place during the War of 1812 and, after witnessing the defense of Fort McHenry during that battle, where Francis Scott Key wrote the words that would become our National Anthem. While the fort’s claim to fame is all about the Star-Spangled Banner, its history holds stories that date to the Civil War. Today the Ft. McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine are open for self-guided tours, artillery demonstrations, and special events throughout the year.
Visit the American Visionary Art Museum
Art lovers wondering what to do in Baltimore need look no further than the American Visionary Arts Museum. Exhibits combine arts, science, philosophy and more into themed displays that make statements on important topics in American Culture. The outdoor, 1.1-acre campus is a museum unto itself and contains more exhibits, a sculpture barn, and a wildflower garden. The AVAM is among the many hidden gems in Baltimore, and is a must for anyone who wants a true Charm City experience.
Grab Lunch at Little Havana
When it’s time to grab another bite, Little Havana is the perfect spot! This South Baltimore landmark has been serving up delicious food for over 20 years and is a favorite among both locals and visitors. The Cuban-inspired menu includes entrees like Birria Tacos with Oaxaca cheese and pickled onions, classic seafood paella, and garlic mojo marinated chicken breast with black beans and plantains. They also offer all-day brunch on the weekends, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Visit the National Aquarium
With behind-the-scenes tours, a 4D theater, and thousands of aquatic animals, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is a must. Depending on when you arrive, you could catch a shark talk, tour a coral reef, or watch a dolphin training session. And you definitely don’t want to miss the Jellyfish Invasion, which lets you get up close to nine species of some of the most fascinating creatures on earth.
Explore the Inner Harbor
Beginning in the early 1900’s, the Inner Harbor and the surrounding buildings were slowly abandoned – until a revitalization in the 1950’s, that is. Today, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is at the heart of the city. It’s full of family-friendly attractions to visit such as the USS Constellation and Baltimore Museum of Industry. Once you’ve explored everything you want, you can hop on a Water Taxi and head across the harbor for the final stop on your Baltimore weekend itinerary, day one.
Down Some Oysters at Mama’s on the Half Shell
Seafood fanatics never have to question what to do in Baltimore, as restaurants serving up the day’s catch are all over town. Mama’s on the Half Shell, or simply Mama’s for short, is one of the best. Guests have the option of sitting at the beautiful raw bar made of warm, polished wood, stocked with the variety of oysters for which Mama’s is known. Start your meal with a dozen fresh shucked oysters and an Orange Crush and finish with their famous fried crab cake before turning in for the evening.
What To Do on Day 2
Breakfast at Miss Shirley’s Café in Roland Park
You’ll be heading uptown for a bit today. And there’s no place better for a classic Baltimore breakfast than Miss Shirley’s Café in the Roland Park neighborhood. Roland Park was developed roughly 130 years ago as an upper-class streetcar suburb. Today, it’s a beautiful area full of historic charm and of course, one of the most well-known breakfast joints in town: Miss Shirley’s. We recommend digging into one of the house specialties (Chicken ‘n Cheddar Green Onion Waffles, anyone?) before heading out for the day.
Tour the Baltimore Museum of Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) is a welcoming museum that “connects art to Baltimore, and Baltimore to the world.” Located in the neighborhood of Charles Village, the BMA focuses on acquiring art of the present moment while maintaining a collection of classics. With over 90,000 works of art including the world’s largest holding of works by Henri Matisse and two beautifully landscaped sculpture gardens, the BMA is the perfect place to view classic masterpieces while learning something new.
Explore the Walter’s Art Museum
Located in the heart of another charming neighborhood – the Mount Vernon Historic District – the Walters Art Museum hosts exhibits and installations, lectures, celebrations, performances, family activities, and more. The Walters aims to bring the beauty of art and excitement of discovering something unique to the Baltimore community. A tour of this free museum is sure to be a highlight of the day.
Visit the Edgar Allen Poe House
This town is very proud to claim Poe as one of its own, so no Baltimore weekend itinerary would be complete without a visit to the Edgar Allen Poe House, the former residence of the famous poet. It is said he wrote nearly 25 stories, poems, and reviews while living in a small attic room at 203 Amity Street. The house itself is the primary item on display, and located throughout are artifacts relating to Poe’s life and various informational exhibits describing his experiences in Baltimore. A bonus for the true Poe fans: stop by his gravesite, which is another classic attraction with a unique story.
Grab Lunch and Drinks at Max’s Taphouse
It’s time to head to another historic neighborhood and another classic Baltimore restaurant. Max’s Taphouse has the largest selection of local beer you’ll find in the city, possibly in the entire state. This no-frills restaurant and bar can claim great drinks, excellent food, and a laid-back atmosphere year-round. Don’t let the small menu filled with classic pub fare fool you. Max’s Beer Chili is a local favorite for good reason, and the pulled pork sandwich is to die for.
Explore and Shop Around Fells Point
Historic Fell’s Point is a dynamic neighborhood that embodies the true spirit of Baltimore. Along it’s cobblestone streets and nestled between waterways you’ll find nearly 100 small businesses to explore. There’s truly something for everyone from the avid knitter (A Good Yarn) to the avid athlete (Charm City Run), and everyone in between.
Catch a Game
Whether cheering for the Orioles from the nosebleeds or the Ravens from the 50-yard line, the amount of pride Baltimore fans have for their hometown teams is unrivaled. O’s games are played from mid-spring through early fall, just as the Ravens season kicks into high gear. The swell of energy can be felt from outside the stadiums on game days, so if you have a chance to experience it from within, we say jump at it!
Eat Dinner at Phillips Seafood
Baltimore is full of waterfront dining establishments, and it was hard to choose one for the final stop on your Baltimore weekend itinerary. That said, Phillips Seafood will not disappoint! What started as a seafood shack in Ocean City, MD has turned into one of the most well-known restaurants in Baltimore. Their cream of crab and Maryland crab soups are both delicious in their own right, but if you want to eat like a local, consider combining a cup of each! For those looking for a heartier meal, try the Hooper’s Island crab cake, which is made using Phillip’s original family recipe.
And there you have it. A Baltimore weekend itinerary that covers a little bit of everything. If you have more time in the area and need great activities to fill your days, you could explore a few famous historical sites, check out the local wine and beer scene, or even visit some of Maryland’s Civil War sites, all of which are within driving distance of downtown Baltimore.
Book Your Stay at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve
The Hotel at Arundel Preserve is conveniently located just outside of downtown Baltimore, making it the perfect place to unwind after visiting the attractions on your Baltimore weekend itinerary. Our luxurious guest rooms and suites and top-notch amenities make it easy to get out of the city and relax after your adventures. Contact us today for details on our getaway packages or to book your stay.
