Baltimore Attractions

"Dedicated to self-taught artists", this "small", "off-the-wall" museum at the base of Federal Hill is "a breath of fresh air", featuring "unusual" rotating exhibits in its three buildings, two sculpture plazas and garden; the works are "understandably uneven in quality but quite interesting to explore", especially those found in the 45-ft.-tall 'sculpture barn'; P.S. there's also an on-site gift shop just brimming with "cute trinkets."

"The Cone Collection of Matisses and Picassos alone is worth the trip" to this "lovely" Homewood museum featuring a "stupendous" array of Impressionist works; it's a regional "must-see" for pieces "from all over the world" as well as "winning special exhibits", and there's also a "terrific", "upscale" restaurant "overlooking the sculpture garden" – so "go for the Sunday jazz brunch and stay" for the art; N.B. admission is now free.

Just "a few blocks from the Inner Harbor" is the Orioles' "squeaky-clean" home, the "place that initiated the retro-stadium craze"; there's "an interesting sight line from every seat" (which "they'll dust before you sit"), and visitors just "love the walkway behind the outfield" with "plaques scattered" "where home-run balls have landed"; P.S. if "the crab cakes are pricey", be happy the food is "not your typical beer and dogs."

"The rockets' red glare comes to life" at this "piece of American history" in South Baltimore; after the "short video" in the "great visitors' center", take the "awe-inspiring" self-guided tour to learn about "how our flag was still there" – "you can just imagine the raging battle" that "inspired Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner'" – or let "helpful" rangers and reenactors "teach you about the War of 1812"; P.S. a "breathtaking waterside" setting also makes this a "relaxing spot" for "a walk or a picnic."

"There's always something going on" at this slightly "cheesy", but "still attractive, multilevel mall in a vibrant Inner Harbor setting"; whether you opt to "watch the boats coming and going", check out "entertaining" street performers or shop at "interesting", "local flavor" stores, be sure you "don't pass up those crab cakes" at the indoor/outdoor eateries; plus, those who feel "crushed" by summer's "milling millions" can always take a breather by visiting one of the "historic sailing and Naval vessels" or "great museums nearby."

"Tons of interactive exhibits" – a 2004 expansion added three floors of "engaging" displays – bring out the Einstein in everyone at this "refreshing" science museum across the harbor from the National Aquarium; good for "an enjoyable afternoon", it boasts an "awesome IMAX" that's "fun for all ages", shows at the Davis Planetarium and a rooftop observatory that offers after-hours stargazing every Friday night; N.B. closed Mondays in winter.

This "perfect adventure" may be "nestled in the heart" of the city's Druid Hill Park, but "you'll feel like you're in the country" as you stroll "lush" "grounds that are just large enough to spend a day without feeling overwhelmed"; from a "stellar" aviary to a "polar bear area" where you can "get right next to" the big guys, there's "something for everyone" here, and the "enthusiastic staff enhances the visit"; N.B. it can be hard to find, so call ahead for directions.

Visitors are "spellbound" by this "jewel" of the Inner Harbor, a "gorgeous multilevel aquarium that gives you a scuba diver's perspective without getting you wet"; there's "tons to do" – from the "outstanding dolphin show" to the "walk-through rainforest" to the "impressive shark tank" viewed from "spiral walkways" – but it can get "jammed" and there's "annoying timed ticketing"; P.S. be sure to "plan for a whole day", especially now that they've added a 4D movie theater that uses sensory effects like wind, mist and seat vibrations.

"Could our early sailors really have fought wars in such a tiny space?" – aye-aye, and you can learn all about it when you visit this masted sloop docked at the Inner Harbor's Pier 1: "volunteer reenactors" provide "a realistic look" "at what Naval service was like" "during this ship's tour of duty" in the Civil War era; interactive activities like turning the capstan make the self-guided tour both "historical and interesting", especially "when they fire the cannon."

"Take a long stroll through many eras" at this scholarly Mt. Vernon museum displaying "an eclectic mix of art and artifacts" from the past 55 centuries, all housed in three "gorgeous, classic" buildings; there are also "great visiting exhibits" as well as regular lectures, films and music performances, making this "Baltimore gem" "an excellent way to spend the day"; N.B. general admission is now free.