Things to Do in Baltimore
Things to Do in Baltimore
As you prepare for your trip to Baltimore for the Outdoor Professional Conference make sure you are prepared to enjoy the local area! While we know you will be learning and networking, we encourage you to get out and explore. We recommend traveling in groups for safety, so gather your friends and check out some of these places.Parks / Hiking Trails
If you want to get out and enjoy nature, here are some parks to visit:
Inner Harbor Promenade
Distance from the Baltimore Convention Center: .2 milesThis paved promenade winds around the Inner Harbor, from the south in Locust Point to Fell’s Point. It is just shy of 7 miles and the perfect place to check out local neighborhoods and waterfront views on a walk or run. Be sure to check out a map to see the route.
Federal Hill Park
Federal Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21230Distance from the Baltimore Convention Center: .7 miles
Just south of downtown and a short walk from the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill offers great views of Baltimore. The big green hillside is perfect for picnic lunches, stargazing, and checking the sites. The multi-level park also is a perfect place to work on challenging sprints!
According to the City of Baltimore, the hill on which Federal Hill Park resides has several tunnels and passageways beneath its present parklike setting. In the 1800’s the cool tunnels and passageways provided excellent storage for the wooden kegs of beer crafted by the many local brewers that once operated nearby.
Rash Field
300 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MDDistance from the Baltimore Convention Center: .5 miles
Located near Federal Hill, this park was designed for the community and by the community. While the park has been around since 1976, it has recently been redesigned and reimagined with the Waterfront Partnership. At Rash Field there are sand volleyball courts available for a quick game, a skatepark, nature park, and a playground with wooden climbing towers.
Canton Waterfront Park
Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St, Baltimore, MD 21224Distance from the Baltimore Convention Center: 2.6 miles (on the other side of the harbor)
This waterfront park has eight acres to explore, including a mile of waterfront promenade, and plenty of green space, it's the place to be for picnics, festivals, and just having a relaxing good time.It is a popular spot for area events such as the WTMD First Thursday concerts and the Baltimore Seafood Festival.
Fort McHenry
2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MarylandDistance from the Baltimore Convention Center: 3 miles
If you love history, this is a must see! The ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ fort is ocated out on the peninsula south of the Baltimore Convention Center, where you’ll find views of the harbor and a .9 mile paved walkway around the fort. Surrounding areas are free to explore, but to learn more and visit the historic area you’ll need a National Parks Pass.
Druid Hill Park
900 Druid Park Lake Drive, BaltimoreDistance from Baltimore Convention Center: 4.2 miles (10 minutes)
Druid Hill Park is a 745-acre urban park a little further from the convention center. It was Baltimore’s first municipal park. The park features shady lawns, rolling hills, water features, and a forest. Hiking is an option at the park, with a distance of 4.9 miles and is rated easy.
Stony Run Walking Path
Location: 3100 block of Remington Avenue, BaltimoreDistance from Baltimore Convention Center: 8 miles (10 minutes)
Also a bit out from downtown and the convention center, Stony Run Trail, within Wyman Park, is a great place to head out hiking. There is an in and out trail that is 5.5 miles and is rated easy.
Water Activities
If you enjoy water activities, here are a few things to check out:
Kayaking
The Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks organizes regular group paddles launching from the Baltimore Rowing Center at Middle Branch Park. Please be sure to check availability!
Paddleboat
If you’re looking for a leisurely activity, head over to Pier 1 in the Inner Harbor and climb aboard a Chessie dragon paddle boat, managed by Living Classrooms Foundation, which uses the enterprise to support its job training programs for local youth. If you’re not into paddling, try the electric-powered pirate ships just down the dock.
Water Taxi
Hop aboard the Baltimore Water Taxi that connects neighborhoods like the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, Fell’s Point and Harbor East. Sit back and enjoy the view as you head to your next destination.
Sailing
Check out the Downtown Sailing Center (DSC), located at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, DSC provides quality educational and life enriching programs that promote self-esteem and teamwork through the joy of sailing. Through the DSC you can participate in classes, open sails, races and cruising. They also offer youth summer camps and educational opportunities.
Other Outdoor Adventures
Get to know Edgar Allan Poe
Follow in Edgar Allan Poe’s Baltimore footsteps by visiting his one-time home (now a museum), statue, favorite pub, gravesite and more.
Take a Selfie
Motor House, 120 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201Distance from Baltimore Convention Center: 2.1 miles
Get inspired (and take some selfies) by the colorful, large-scale — and legal — graffiti in Graffiti Alley behind the Motor House creative incubator. The colors and images are constantly changing, so no two visits are the same. Motor House is a creative crossroads rooted in the culture of Baltimore. A non-profit arts hub, gallery, and performance space that encourages new visions, bold experiments, and emerging voices to celebrate the artistry of Baltimore.
Indoor Activities
November in Baltimore will be hit or miss on weather. If it is too cold to get out in the water or hike, check out some of these indoor activities.
National Aquarium
National Aquarium, 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202Distance from the Baltimore Convention Center: .4 miles
Get an up-close view of the sharks at the National Aquarium while visiting Blacktip Reef and Shark Alley.
National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
Distance from the Baltimore Convention Center: 2.5 milesExplore history at the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, where 150 life-sized wax figures portray important moments and contributions in African American history. A life-sized slave ship replica will emphasize the scale of the many difficult journeys that enslaved people experienced.
Find Famous Maryland Blue Crabs at Lexington Market
Lexington Market, 112 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201Distance from Baltimore Convention Center: .6 miles
Try some of Maryland’s famous steamed blue crabs or jumbo lump crab cakes at Faidley’s Seafood in the historic Lexington Market. Not a fan of crabs? They have other seafood too!
Maryland Science Center
Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230Distance from Baltimore Convention Center: .4 miles
See the massive dinosaur replicas on display at the Maryland Science Center in the Inner Harbor. When it’s over, stop by the Davis Planetarium or rooftop observatory to experience the stars.
Convention Center Location
The Baltimore Convention Center is located within a superblock bounded by Charles Street, Pratt Street, Conway Street, and Howard Streets. The east and west halves of the Baltimore Convention Center are linked by an enclosed skywalk bridge over Sharp Street. The west end of the facility—corner of Pratt and Howard Street—is served by the Convention Center/Pratt Street Station of the Maryland Transit Administration's light rail system, providing direct links to both BWI Airport and Baltimore Penn Station (MARC Penn Line and Amtrak Northeast Corridor trains).
A major Maryland Transit Administration bus stop is located at the intersection of Pratt & Sharp Streets in front of the Baltimore Convention Center, near the western half of the Baltimore Convention Center (Pratt Street Entrance). The Camden Yards Light Rail Stop and Camden Line (MARC) station are also within walking distance of the facility.