If you’re looking for a great long weekend getaway you’ll find plenty to do at one of America’s oldest seaports, right in the heart of a bustling city. Like being by the water? Local seafood? A lively nightlife in an historic neighborhood? Getting around by water taxi? Great venues for sports? Its all here: check out our top picks in Baltimore.

The Inner Harbor The central hub for the city’s attractions, this revitalized waterfront has brought a new energy to the city. One of America’s oldest seaports, Baltimore’s renewed Inner Harbor is home to some of the city’s best attractions, including the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery Children’s Museum and Harborplace. The neighborhood is also an excellent blend of Maryland’s new and old history, with historic ships in the harbor and modern attractions like Baltimore’s World Trade Center, with a 27th-floor viewing deck overlooking the city. Drawing tourists to the restaurants, shops and attractions it is filled with sights and sounds.

Two prominent buildings line the harbor, full of restaurants and shops to explore. Though recently it seems the more popular chain restaurants have taken over, the tableside views of everything from maritime museums to street performers and musicians is the starting point for fun.

The National Aquarium This is truly a gem, requiring nearly a full day to explore. Climb into a tropical rainforest, and spot exotic birds and neon colored tree frogs. With a collection of more than 20,000 specimens representing more than 700 species, Baltimore’s National Aquarium is the city’s most-visited attraction.

Other attractions include a multi-story Atlantic coral reef, an open ocean shark tank, a 4-D immersion theater, a glass pavilion with Australian wildlife, Blacktip Reef and many other wonders of land and sea.

Grab a Water Taxi This is the way to to get around and enjoy the ride. The routes are easy to follow, and the views are magnificent.

The Baltimore Water Taxi is the oldest of its kind in the country, offering one price for all-day, unlimited on-off service to more than 30 attractions and neighborhoods. Why go any other way?

Fells Point My absolute favorite part of Baltimore…founded in 1763, known for its hip pubs and taverns, many with live music (rock, jazz and blues) as well as seafood joints serving Chesapeake Bay crab and oysters.

Small galleries, record stores, fashion boutiques and eclectic restaurants line the cobblestone streets along the harbor and main square. And don’t miss Max’s Taphouse, one America’s top 100 beer bars…102 beers on tap, over 1000 bottles and 5 casks. Need I say more?

The ultra-chic Sagamore Pendry is the place to stay in Fells Point.

‘Poised in the storied 1914 property on Baltimore’s historic Recreation Pier – the extensive renovation embodies the city’s rich history, vibrant personality and idyllic harbor setting with character, inspiration and style. Rooted in tradition but reimagined, the pier’s extensive renovation has honored the historic essence of the property and restored it to its former glory, reflecting a bygone era, impeccable service, unparalleled quality and travel that inspires, but with a modern-day sensibility and aesthetic that speaks to today’s guest.’ – www.pendry.com/baltimore/

Camden Yards No matter who you root for, this is one of America’s best ballparks to take in our National Pastime. The unique design blends with the urban context of downtown Baltimore while taking its image from baseball parks built in the early 20th century. Steel, rather than concrete trusses, an arched brick facade, a sun roof over the gentle slope of the upper deck, an asymmetrical playing field, and natural grass turf are just some of the features that tie it to those magnificent big league ballparks built in the early 1900’s.

See Orioles history at the Sports Legends Museum. And the architectural centerpiece is the impeccably preserved B&O Warehouse, built between 1898-1905, adds a character unlike any other. The ballpark and warehouse are separated by a 60′ wide promenade, an extension of Eutaw Street.

The Pratt Street Power Plant — is a historic former power plant located in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, USA. It has undergone significant repurposing development since retirement and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. adjacent to the Inner Harbor, attractions include Phillips Seafood, a Hard Rock Cafe and the largest Barnes and Noble I’ve ever seen, set inside the massive industrial structure built in 1900.

We stayed at historic Lord Baltimore Hotel, just a three blocks from the Inner Harbor. We enjoyed an elegant rooms in the circa-1928 hotel with dining and drinking options including a rooftop bar with awesome views.

Honorably mentions that are on our list for return visits include the B & O Railroad Museum, Fort McHenry, The Edgar Allen Poe House and the more of best Crabs ever…we did pay a visit to Captain James Landing and the ship-shaped restaurant for a feast of the local delicacy, highly recommended, though just one of many famous crab houses that we intend to continue exploring!

What’s old is new again…great food, great fun in America’s historic seaport. Day or night. Enjoy!

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