Plotting your crab cake vacation: What to see and do in Baltimore

Baltimore, located along the Chesapeake Bay, north of Washington D.C., makes an affordable and fun weekend getaway destination. In addition to featuring fresh seafood right from the Bay, Maryland's largest city offers a myriad of fun and interesting things to see and do. Below are a few of our favorites:

1. Inner Harbor. One of the best designed and most thriving waterfront developments in the United States, Baltimore's Inner Harbor combines shopping and restaurants with historic ships and a variety of maritime and other museums. Visitors to the city could spend an entire weekend at the Harbor and not come close to running out of things to do.
2. National Aquarium. Located at the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium has been rated the number one aquarium in the United States by several publications, including Coastal Living magazine. The facility, which sits at the water's edge, houses more than 11,000 sea creatures of 660 species. The aquarium is open daily and offers a discount to visitors age 60 and older.
3. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Site. Fort McHenry, located in Baltimore Harbor, was the site that inspired the writing of the "Star Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812. Today, the star-shaped fort is open to the public and visitors can take a water taxi from the Inner Harbor and walk the fort's ramparts and see where that fateful flag flew. The site is open daily, except for major holidays.
4. The Walters Art Museum. Located in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood (north of downtown), the Walters Art Museum features art from periods spanning 55 centuries. Highlights include Egyptian mummies, art nouveau jewelry, Medieval armor, 19th century Impressionist paintings and Faberge eggs. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and admission is free.

No matter where your interests lie, Baltimore offers something of fun to do. Perhaps it's time to add this vibrant, coastal city to your summer plans?

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