Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is all about the scenic waterfront, iconic sports museums and paddle-worthy water trails. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANDREW HORNE
RADAR
10 Things to Do in Baltimore
Grab your baseball glove and come explore this walkable city on Chesapeake Bay.
By Claudia Laroye
A HISTORIC MARITIME PAST, local attractions centred on the revitalized waterfront, the thriving community of artists, a wealth of memorable baseball experiences — there’s plenty to like about Baltimore, Maryland, as a destination. The star of the show is Camden Yards, the home of Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles.
Camden, which opened in 1992, borrowed its look from storied old baseball stadiums, like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, and incorporated modern amenities — wider rows, wider seats and wider concourses. From its inspired architecture to top-notch ballpark snacks and fun in-game activities, Camden sits atop USA Today’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards as Best Major League Baseball Stadium.
And if you slot in time beyond the baseball diamond, Baltimore boasts one-of-a-kind museums and libraries to round out your visit.
“Camden, which opened in 1992, borrowed its look from storied old baseball stadiums, like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, and incorporated modern amenities — wider rows, wider seats and wider concourses.”
An aerial view of Baltimore Orioles Oriole Park at Camden Yards, located at 333 West Camden Street Baltimore, Maryland. | BACKGROUND VIDEO: AMAZINGAERIALAGENCY/ENVATO
EXPERIENCE CAMDEN YARDS
The brick-and-steel construction, asymmetrical dimensions and downtown location set the tone for Camden Yards as the modern baseball stadium. All of the 22 ballparks built after Camden owe their style in part to its design. The stadium’s two-tiered bullpen, which has a picnic area located above and behind it, was a first in major league parks.
PRE-GAME PRIMER
Across from Camden Yards is Pickles Pub, which has been around since Paddy’s Day 1988 and is a popular game-day destination for locals. Try the Crabby Patty, a burger topped with crab dip, or the Crab Pretzel, rolled fresh daily and also crowned with crab dip, then covered with cheddar and baked.
GAME DAY DELIGHTS
Follow fan tradition. Shout “O” during the first stanza of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” and dance to “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” during the seventh inning stretch.
SAVOUR BALLPARK FAVOURITES
Skip the peanuts and Cracker Jack. Grab classic Chesapeake-style crab cakes at SuperBook Bar, a Stuggy’s Crab Mac and Cheese Hot Dog, or a Boog’s BBQ Pit Beef Sandwich of sliced top round charcoal-grilled roast beef.
VISIT ORIOLES LEGENDS PARK
Stroll past larger-than-life bronze statues of six Orioles Hall of Famers at Camden Yards — Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, Earl Weaver, Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken Jr.
CHECK OUT THE WAREHOUSE
An icon of the city’s railway heritage, Baltimore & Ohio Warehouse is the longest brick building on the East Coast and home to the Orioles’ team store and offices.
MARVEL AT THE MUSEUM
The boyhood home of Baltimore’s most famous baseball player, George Herman “Babe” Ruth, is now the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum, featuring memorabilia from his childhood and career.
Beyond Baseball...
The interior of George Peabody library; the docked USS Constellation; Chesapeake Bay. | PHOTOS: PATRICK GILLESPIE/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; 350Z33/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS; PGIAM/iSTOCK
VISIT THE GEORGE PEABODY LIBRARY
Completed in 1878, this “Cathedral of Books” is one of the most beautiful public libraries in the world, its large atrium framed by five tiers of ornate ironwork soaring to the glass-panelled ceiling.
TOUR THE INNER HARBOR
Board one of several historic ships that celebrate Baltimore’s maritime heritage, including the USS Constellation, constructed in 1854 and the last Civil War–era ship still afloat.
PADDLE THE BALTIMORE BLUEWAY
Experience the city’s waterfront by kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard along a network of eight curated water trails in scenic Chesapeake Bay.
magna aliqua
Do velit occaecat ut pariatur consectetur sit. Culpa laboris ipsum sit eu. Mollit cillum nulla sint non voluptate nulla ex.
magna aliqua
Do velit occaecat ut pariatur consectetur sit. Culpa laboris ipsum sit eu. Mollit cillum nulla sint non voluptate nulla ex.
magna aliqua
Do velit occaecat ut pariatur consectetur sit. Culpa laboris ipsum sit eu. Mollit cillum nulla sint non voluptate nulla ex.
Baltimore Orioles Oriole Park at Camden Yards is located at 333 West Camden Street Baltimore, Maryland. | AMAZINGAERIALAGENCY/ENVATO