There are many awesome weekend getaway spots in the DMV but few are as diverse as Charm City.
If you are looking for the perfect place for a weekend away in Maryland, look no further than Baltimore. I know what you’re thinking – negative stereotypes often come to mind when most people hear ‘Baltimore.’
Not every place in the city looks like a scene out of “The Wire” so broaden your mind and experience some of its historic rich culture with me.
DAY 1 (Friday)
Start with the most important meal of the day.
I like to start every morning with a meal. Since we’re going to be doing a lot, I’d stick to a lighter breakfast so you’re energized and won’t get hungry again quickly. A bagel or a breakfast sandwich is the best way to go, and a few popular options are:
Sam’s Bagels
One of the best bagel shops in Baltimore, Sam’s Bagels has a menu full of bagels, sandwiches, and coffee – the perfect combo!
THB Bagels & Deli of Canton
Made from scratch daily, you’ll want to try one of their specialties like The Show-Off which is stuffed with grilled chicken salad, bacon, and melted mozzarella.
Get your most popular activity out of the way.
Baltimore is filled with lots of popular attractions, most of which are packed with people on evenings and weekends. Being in the city on a weekday morning gives you the benefit of experiencing these places with significantly fewer crowds. Some of the city’s top sites are:
The National Aquarium
The largest tourist attraction in the state, this aquarium houses several exhibits like an open ocean shark tank and a tropical rainforest.
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
The Maryland Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and is a guaranteed fun time for kids and adults alike.
You can grab lunch at either one of those places; the National Aquarium has a food court where you can get an actual meal, but I’d like to point out that their popcorn is delicious and the perfect snack midway. My favorite place to grab lunch at The Maryland Zoo is at the Whistle Stop Grille; you’ll find everything from hamburgers and hotdogs to salads and wraps.
Spend your evening at the Inner Harbor
Again, because it can get so crowded during the weekend, I suggest spending your Friday evening exploring the Inner Harbor. The views of the water are stunning, and you can spend your time doing things like:
- Taking a walk on the Inner Harbor promenade
- Going on a paddle boat ride on the water; Baltimore Paddle also rents canoes and kayaks
- Head to the Top of the World Observation Level at the World Trade Center for 360-degree views of the harbor and city
- Take in some live entertainment on the promenade (mostly during the summer months)
You can also combine your evening at the Inner Harbor with dinner plans and opt for a Signature Spirit of Baltimore Dinner Cruise. You’ll see views of the city from the water, feast on a delicious meal, and enjoy onboard entertainment such as live music or magic shows.
Or you can dine at one of the many restaurants on or within walking distance of the promenade such as Shake Shack, Hard Rock Cafe, and Fogo de Chao.
DAY 2 (Saturday)
Dine and shop in Baltimore’s upscale Harbor East neighborhood
Within walking distance of some of Baltimore’s nicest hotels, the Harbor East neighborhood is a wonderful place to spend your Saturday morning.
Saturday Morning Cafe
The name says it all! This casual nook has an all-day breakfast menu with favorites like the Seafood Benedict or the Peach Bourbon Waffles.
Kneads Bakeshop & Cafe
With a wide selection of breakfast entrees and coffee always served hot, you can’t go wrong with Kneads Bakeshop & Cafe.
You can then work off your meal and get some retail therapy in by spending the rest of your day shopping at Harbor East’s high-end boutiques. You’ll find everything from J. Crew and Lululemon to Free People and Anthropologie.
South Moon Under has some funky dresses and jewelry to pick from while Curiosity is the place to go for perfectly-curated little gifts and souvenirs. Shopping at Harbor East is not complete without stopping by the Baltimore-based Under Armour Brand House.
Other ways to spend your day in Harbor East
If you are all shopped out, here are a few other ways you can spend your day in Harbor East.
Four Seasons Spa
A spa treatment from the in-house spa at the Four Seasons Hotel has everything from therapeutic treatments to advanced medical-grade treatments.
Inspire Nail Bar
Have a serene self-care moment with a manicure or pedicure at this local favorite.
Harbor East Marina
Take a walk on the waterfront promenade, take in the stunning sights, or rent out a duffy boat for some fun on the water.
Harbor East’s Landmark Theater
This movie-going experience is out of this world; think gourmet concessions, wines and cocktails, and an array of independent and foreign films to choose from.
End the day with some fine dining
Harbor East is renowned for its collection of fine dining establishments.
- The Capital Grille
- Charleston
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room
- Cinghiale
- Ouzo Bay
- Azumi
- McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
- Tagliata
DAY 3 (Sunday)
Start your day a bit later than usual with a meal from one of Charm City’s many brunch spots. Check out the brunch menu at the Iron Rooster in Canton or the Sunday brunch at Johnny’s in Roland Park. These brunch spots in Baltimore usually have bottomless mimosas on the menu so be sure to have a designated driver!
Have a calm and quiet Sunday to finish off your weekend in Baltimore by visiting some of the city’s finest museums. If you’ve already spent more than you anticipated this weekend, rest assured that entry to many of these museums is free.
- Baltimore Museum of Art
- The Walters Art Museum
- American Visionary Art Museum
- Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum
- B&O Railroad Museum
- Port Discovery Children’s Museum
- Baltimore Museum of Industry
- Reginald F. Lewis Museum
And as you leave the city, know that Baltimore is constantly evolving. There are new things to see and do every season so you should always plan to come back.
