Most sites below are walkable or a short rideshare from the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. Mid-December is a lovely time to see the city – expect brisk evenings and the possibility of holiday markets and neighborhood lights. Plan visits around conference sessions – many museums have late afternoons or evening programming on selected days.
National Aquarium – Inner Harbor
One of the country’s top aquariums with immersive exhibits and a focus on conservation. Timed-entry tickets help manage crowds and make it easy to fit a visit between sessions.
Estimated visit: 1.5 – 3 hours
Address: 501 E Pratt St – official site.
Inner Harbor
The city’s waterfront gathering place – promenades, public art, food stalls, and great views. Ideal for a short walk, casual dinner, or to access several nearby museums.
Estimated visit: 30 minutes – 2 hours
Address: Pratt and Light Streets – visitor info.
Tip: Evening lights and holiday market stalls make the harbor especially atmospheric in December.
Fort McHenry National Monument
Historic fort that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner – engaging exhibits, short trails and panoramic views of the harbor. Best for history lovers and photographers.
Estimated visit: 1.5 – 3 hours
Address: 2400 E Fort Ave – NPS site.
Tip: Allow transit time from downtown – it makes an excellent half-day outing combined with Federal Hill views.
Walters Art Museum
World-class collections spanning antiquity through the 19th century – quiet galleries well suited to a reflective visit between panels.
Estimated visit: 1 – 2 hours
Address: 600 N Charles St – official site.
Tip: Admission is free – check the calendar for short talks and guided tours.
B&O Railroad Museum
Historic roundhouse and an extensive collection of locomotives – a must for engineering-minded visitors and anyone curious about America’s rail heritage.
Estimated visit: 1 – 2 hours
Address: 901 W Pratt St – visit the B&O.
Tip: Check for scheduled demonstrations and special exhibits on weekends.
National Cryptologic Museum (Fort Meade)
Collections of historic cipher machines, Enigma displays and exhibits about cryptology and signals intelligence – highly relevant to security and research audiences.
Estimated visit: 1 – 2 hours (plus travel time from downtown)
Address: 8290 Colony Seven Rd, Fort Meade – official museum page.
Tip: Fort Meade is outside central Baltimore – allow at least 45 – 60 minutes each way, depending on traffic.
Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA)
Home to an outstanding modern and contemporary collection – excellent for a quiet afternoon and scholarly conversation.
Estimated visit: 1 – 2 hours
Address: 10 Art Museum Dr – the BMA.
Tip: allow time for the sculpture garden and the museum café.
American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM)
A singular museum focused on self-taught and visionary artists – surprising, playful, and often thought-provoking exhibits that spark conversation.
Estimated visit: 1 – 2 hours
Address: 800 Key Hwy – visit AVAM.
Tip: Pair with a walk in Federal Hill or a harbor-side meal.
George Peabody Library
A stunning historic reading room at Johns Hopkins – widely regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Estimated visit: 20 – 45 minutes
Address: 17 E Mount Vernon Pl – visitor info.
Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum
A National Historic Landmark dedicated to Poe’s life in Baltimore – small, atmospheric museum with guided tours and literary displays.
Estimated visit: 30 – 60 minutes
Address: 203 N Amity St – visit the Poe House.
Tip: Reservations are often required for small-group tours – check the site before visiting.
Patterson Park
A large, historic city park with walking paths, a pagoda lookout, and open lawns – perfect for short walks or an outdoor break.
Estimated visit: 30 – 90 minutes
Address: 27 S Patterson Park Ave – park info.
Tip: The Pagoda offers skyline views – a short climb rewards with good city photos.
Historic Ships – USS Constellation and more
A cluster of historic vessels on the Inner Harbor – board the USS Constellation, visit a historic lightship and explore a World War II submarine for a hands-on maritime experience.
Estimated visit: 1 – 2 hours
Info: historicships.org.
Tip: Combine with an aquarium or harbor walk for a full Inner Harbor afternoon.
Sherwood Gardens
A beloved community garden known for dramatic spring tulip displays and peaceful residential surroundings – a relaxing stop for a short stroll.
Estimated visit: 20 – 45 minutes
Info: sherwoodgardens.org.
Tip: Best in spring for tulips; year-round charm for a quiet walk.
Ministry Brewing
A local craft brewery housed in a converted church building with a lively taproom and rotating food-truck schedule – a fun, local spot to relax after a day of sessions.
Estimated visit: 45 – 90 minutes
Address & info: 1900 E Lombard St – ministryofbrewing.com.
Tip: Check the events page – the taproom often hosts community nights and special pours.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery – Baltimore
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery in the Baltimore area offers tours, a taproom and seasonal events – a notable stop for beer enthusiasts and those curious about brewing at scale.
Estimated visit: 1 – 2 hours
Address & info: 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe – brewery site.
Tip: Book guided tours in advance if available – check transportation options as the site is outside central downtown.
Christmas Village – German Market (Inner Harbor)
Seasonal wooden stalls, artisan gifts, mulled wine and festive music – a warm, convivial atmosphere by the water during mid-late December.
Estimated visit: 30 minutes – 2 hours
Info: baltimore-christmas.com.
Tip: Evenings are most festive – consider group photos at the Glühwein Pyramid or the illuminated stalls.
Miracle on 34th Street – Hampden
Hampden’s famed block-by-block holiday light extravaganza – quirky, community-driven and a local favorite for evening strolls.
Estimated visit: 30 – 90 minutes
Tip: Evenings are prime; traffic and parking can be busy – consider rideshare.
Fell’s Point
Historic waterfront neighborhood with cobblestone streets, pubs, and seafood restaurants – ideal for small-group dinners and evening strolls.
Estimated visit: 1 – 3 hours
Tip: Make reservations for popular dinner spots on weekend nights.
Federal Hill
A compact hill-top park with one of the best skyline views of the Inner Harbor – great for quick photos and an early-evening walk.
Estimated visit: 20 – 45 minutes
Tip: Combine with a visit to AVAM or dinner in Harbor East.
H.P. Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens
Historic conservatory with indoor plant displays, seasonal shows and a serene winter-greenhouse experience – a calm retreat from conference bustle.
Estimated visit: 30 – 75 minutes
Info: rawlingsconservatory.org.
Tip: An excellent warm, plant-filled stop in cold months.
Little Italy
Intimate Italian restaurants and bakeries – perfect for relaxed dinners and after-dinner pastries.
Estimated visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tip: Look for family-run tables and book ahead for groups.
Practical tips and suggested itineraries
– Short visits: Inner Harbor walk, Peabody Library, Patterson Park lookout, Federal Hill viewpoint.
– Half-day: National Aquarium + Historic Ships + harbor dinner.
– Half- to full-day: Fort McHenry or B&O Railroad Museum (combine with nearby museums).
– Specialty interest: National Cryptologic Museum – allow travel time to Fort Meade.
– Travel notes: most Inner Harbor activities are close to the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. For sites outside downtown (Fort Meade, Guinness brewery, Sherwood Gardens), allow 30 – 60 minutes travel each way, depending on traffic.
– Accessibility: major museums list ADA info on their sites – check individual pages for mobility services and group accommodations.