Here are a couple of ways to spend your day as the weather becomes cooler and the leaves change color.
Baltimore is beautiful for most of the year (I don’t like the icy sidewalks and slushie excuse for snow), but it really thrives in the fall. The leaves change color, the weather loses its humidity, and let’s not forget the layers of cozy sweaters and scarves. Here are a couple of my favorite things to do in Baltimore in the fall.
Take a fall foliage drive
I’m not going to lie – driving through Baltimore can be a nightmare in the bustling downtown streets. While the traffic is a part of the city’s charm, you’ll find some quieter spaces to explore just a short drive away.
Some of my favorites are the Falls Road Scenic Byway and the Charles Street National Scenic Byway. During the drive, you can check out the leaves changing color, some historic architecture, and the gorgeous fall decor that Baltimoreans have decorated their entryway with.
Attend a Ravens football game
The Baltimore Ravens Opening Day celebration is sometime around September and is a non-stop party. Adults can get the fun started while tailgating outside of the stadium, or if you’re with little ones, head straight to the field for some family-friendly fun.
The official Baltimore Ravens mascot, Poe, is there to liven things up with dancing, music, and more. So get your face painted, meet and greet with some of the players, fill up on delicious stadium food, and have a good time all around.
Read our full guide to a Baltimore Ravens game
Go apple picking at an orchard
What says fall more than apple picking at an orchard? Gather your friends and family, take advantage of the cool weather, and spend the day outdoors picking delicious apples. Most orchards even have local specialties available such as homemade apple pie, apple cider, and more.
Some of my favorite apple orchards are Baugher’s Orchards & Farm Market, Larriland Farm, Lohr’s Orchard, Shaw Orchards, and Weber’s Pick-Your-Own Peachberry Farm. This is a wonderful thing to do in Baltimore during the fall.
More Apple Picking in Maryland
Visit vineyards and wineries
The adult variation of apple picking is to lounge at vineyards and wineries. You can sip on a delicious white or red, while picking fruit and cheese off a charcuterie board.
And that’s one of the things to do in Baltimore that is perfect for a beautiful autumn day. Many of these places even offer specially concocted picnic baskets – you just have to bring a blanket and get relaxed!
A few popular vineyards and wineries in and around Baltimore are Boordy Vineyards, Basignani Winery, Black Ankle Vineyards, and the award-winning Elk Run Vineyard and Winery.
Go to a farmers’ market
Many of the farmers’ markets in Baltimore are open year-round but the choice of fresh fruits and vegetables you’ll find in fall are incomparable. It’s a wonderful way to spend the morning; you can pick up some produce, have breakfast at one of the stalls operated by local establishments (savory pies by Dangerously Delicious Pies!), pick up a bouquet for yourself or someone special, and have an all-around good day.
Popular Baltimore-based farmers’ markets are the 32nd Street Farmers’ Market, Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar, and the Fell’s Point Farmers’ Market.
Go to a fall festival/ pumpkin patch
Going to a fall festival is a must-do fall activity for people of all ages. Yes, pictures of chubby toddlers sitting among tons of pumpkins are adorable but it’s just as cute with chubby adults – I think. The fall festivals in Maryland are on another level, offering pumpkin patches, pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, hayrides, straw mazes, and so many other games and activities.
Hike and get some fresh air
I find summer to be too hot for hiking and winter too cold, but fall is just the right temperature to go on an adventure. Fortunately, there are tons of trails winding throughout Baltimore, from walking paths starting at the Inner Harbor to Lake Montebello.
But if you want to get away from the city and enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, head on over to Loch Raven Reservoir Park, Cunningham Falls State Park or Oregon Ridge Park.
Love waterfalls? Check out our guide to the best waterfalls in Maryland.
Spend a day at the zoo
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is a wonderful way to spend a crisp fall day, especially if you have little ones on board. Not only will you get to meet all the adorable animals that are housed there, but they also have their annual ZooBooo! event. There’s live entertainment, costumed characters, crafts, and trick or treating!
HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS
Fall is time for all things spooky and there is certainly no shortage of haunted houses in and around Baltimore. Check some of these out for an eerily good time.
Bennett’s Curse
Extremely popular, highly-ranked haunted house that has different sections such as Inferno 3D, Legends of Halloween, Krampus in the City, and even a torture dungeon.
The Nevermore Haunt
Not only is there a haunted house full of monsters and demons, but they also have a bizarre sideshow performance that will give you nightmares.
Field of Screams
Field of Screams has been rated the number one haunted attraction by the Washington Post. There is a horror-filled manor, a trail of terror, and even a hayride led by Hades himself.
Need more Halloween fun? Check out the best pumpkin patches in Baltimore.
Check out an annual Baltimore Fall Festivals
Fleet Week
Early September sees the fleet come to down, particularly to celebrate Baltimore’s naval history.
Baltimore Craft Beer Festival
Nearly 50 Maryland-based breweries come together to create a good time for the entire family. There’s live music, beer fleets, a homebrew competition, and tons of homemade small batches to try out.
Das Best Oktoberfest
This enormous annual German festival in Baltimore is all about bratwurst and beer.
Great Baltimore Oyster Festival
Baltimore is known for its seafood. While our crabs take the cake, you’ll come to find that our oysters are equally delicious. Generally hosted at the Inner Harbor, the festival is full of fresh food and family fun.
If you really love oysters, also check out Ryleigh’s Oysterfest, and Oysterfest at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Additionally, the U.S. Oyster Festival has been going on for over 50 years.
Honey Harvest Festival
Finally, to finish off the list of things to do in Baltimore, celebrate the bees at the Honey Harvest Festival in Cockeysville. There is beeswax candle dripping, hive demonstrations, and so much more.
