Baltimore advice

[becalubob]

Have a cruise booked leaving Baltimore in September. This will be my first time visiting. I'll have a day before the cruise, and the day we get back to explore.

First, I need some suggestions for hotels. I've been watching YouTube videos of Inner Harbor and it looks like there's plenty to do there. I'm up for just walking around, exploring. I do have an Orioles game planned the night we get back. So far, that's the only thing set.

Other things that interested me were Fort McHenry and getting some seafood - good crab cakes and lobster rolls! So hotels within walking distance would be nice for most things. I can Uber anything else.

Flying into BWI; I don't know if there are any good recommendations for hotels with shuttles?

I'll take any tips! We are a couple in our 40s, good stamina for walking, and huge foodies. Thanks!!

 

[Stratman50th]

I've been gone from MD for several years so I'll let the current residents provide detail, but by the time I left Baltimore wasn't a safe walk around place any longer. Inner Harbor used to be ok, but now even that isn't so good. If it were me and I wasn't committed to a hotel yet I'd stay in/near Annapolis and drive to the terminal day of. Lots of history, good seafood and stuff to do downtown around City Dock and it's a lot safer. Just an opinion.

 

[CynBeth]

I would not walk around at night. There is a Hilton right by the ballpark and is not too bad a walk to the Inner Harbor. Would suggest visiting the National Aquarium and the ship the Constellation plus a few others to explore.

 

[becalubob]

Thanks for the replies. I'll look into the Hilton as well as the other suggestions.

 

[wabbott]

Ft. McHenry is a must see. We visited in Nov 2019, and timed the visit for the flag change ceremony at 10 AM. On days with a good breeze, they put up a replica of the 30' x 42' Star Spangled Banner. Visitors are encouraged to help fold the overnight flag with instructions from the ranges. Also, while the day flag is raised, drummers and fife players do "Yankee Doodle Dandy," which is the tune played when the original flag was raised on 9/14/1814. It will bring chill bumps.

https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/flag-change-programs.htm

 

[rwdavis2]

I've been gone from MD for several years so I'll let the current residents provide detail, but by the time I left Baltimore wasn't a safe walk around place any longer. Inner Harbor used to be ok, but now even that isn't so good. If it were me and I wasn't committed to a hotel yet I'd stay in/near Annapolis and drive to the terminal day of. Lots of history, good seafood and stuff to do downtown around City Dock and it's a lot safer. Just an opinion.

This ^^^

 

[SueInBoston]

I've been gone from MD for several years so I'll let the current residents provide detail, but by the time I left Baltimore wasn't a safe walk around place any longer. Inner Harbor used to be ok, but now even that isn't so good. If it were me and I wasn't committed to a hotel yet I'd stay in/near Annapolis and drive to the terminal day of. Lots of history, good seafood and stuff to do downtown around City Dock and it's a lot safer. Just an opinion.

This is sad to hear. I visited about 8 years ago on way to dropping daughter off for an intern program in DC and had a great time staying and walking around inner harbor area.

 

[rwdavis2]

Plus, many Inner Harbor shops are empty.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I agree with all of the posts so far. I used to live in Baltimore, but quickly moved out of the city due to how dangerous it was. The Inner Harbor was really hit hard during Covid and that has contributed to it feeling less safe than before. One of my family members works in Baltimore and it's gotten so bad that she has to be escorted by security from her car to the office building and back. Annapolis is a nicer area if you're looking for places to stay/sightsee in. I also enjoy downtown Frederick for it's large variety of shops and restaurants.

 

[becalubob]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

 

[Stratman50th]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

I hate to burst your bubble, but I figure it's better to be forewarned. It just isn't all that safe any longer. If you like seafood, I'd suggest a hole in the wall restaurant called Edgewater Restaurant.
https://edgewaterrestaurant.blogspot.com/
They have the best crab cakes in the area which they are famous for. Lots of nice waterfront restaurants in Annapolis, most are very good but on the touristy side.
We also like Mike's crab house in Riva for steamed crabs and other seafood dishes. Nice on the water/pier restaurant. It's really not much different than all the others but we've been going there for years.
One thing we've missed in Florida is steamed crabs!
Good luck in whatever you decide!

 

[becalubob]

Nope, I'd rather hear all about this now! I'm from the midwest, and have no knowledge of Baltimore!

 

[Stratman50th]

Nope, I'd rather hear all about this now! I'm from the midwest, and have no knowledge of Baltimore!

Well, my opinion of MD, and this is mine alone...
Best view of MD was in my rear view mirror!

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

You will not likely run into any problems walking in any of the tourist spots. There have been a few noteworthy incidents the last few years and as a result they have supposedly increased police presence at the Inner Harbor. It's true there isn't much to see shop-wise at the harbor anymore, but the harbor is flanked by all the sightseeing so it's a good base and any of the hotels around there are fine. There are few boutique/more luxury hotels down on the piers as well. Just use common sense and city/travel instincts and you will be fine.

Baltimore is not a lobster roll place. We have crab cakes, steamed crabs, and soft shell crab sandwiches. Crabs are pricey but worth it imo.

 

[disney4us2002]

Hi there. When we cruised we chose Hilton Baltimore BWI because they had a stay and cruise so we were able to leave our car there for the week free (in the cost of the hotel room really) and they had a shuttle to the airport or pier. We made reservations at G & M restaurant which is close to the hotel and they claim to have Maryland's best crab cake. I've never tried the Edgewater restaurant mentioned although I've been a resident of Maryland all my life, lol. I believe it is not uncommon for Maryland restaurants to claim they are the best!

We did not walk around Baltimore even when we stayed downtown for the Garth Brooks concert. It just isn't a safe area sadly. That time we stayed downtown at the Embassy Suites which is a nice hotel but again, I don't suggest walking around.

Have a great cruise!

 

[easyas123]

Another MD resident chiming in....I wouldn't go to Baltimore if you paid me. Recommendations for skipping it and heading to Annapolis are spot on.

 

[rwdavis2]

This happened today:

#breaking police: driver got into a confrontation with squeegee workers at conway and light st. Driver got out and swung a bat at squeegee worker. A squeegee worker pulled out a gun, shooting and killing the driver. Police still searching for at least one squeegee suspect #wbal

 

[Stratman50th]

This happened today:

#breaking police: driver got into a confrontation with squeegee workers at conway and light st. Driver got out and swung a bat at squeegee worker. A squeegee worker pulled out a gun, shooting and killing the driver. Police still searching for at least one squeegee suspect #wbal

Bout right......

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

I assume OP isn't planning on attacking anyone with a bat

 

[rwdavis2]

I assume OP isn't planning on attacking anyone with a bat

Quite true, but these guys are obviously armed and best avoided. If we go to Baltimore we avoid the corners where they congregate sometimes going miles out of our way.