Planning a road trip to Baltimore? Make sure you book your Baltimore city parking spots in advance. Save yourself from the hassle of finding last-minute parking spaces around this popular tourist destination on the East Coast.
Touring Baltimore by car is a great option, especially if you are traveling with friends or family. Baltimore, the largest independent city in the US and home to more than 70 historic districts, is known as the ‘City of Neighborhoods.’ In downtown Baltimore, the Inner Harbor area is always packed with visitors exploring its promenades, museums, shops, and restaurants. The National Aquarium, one of the top tourist attractions in the United States, is also located here. For those who enjoy gastronomy, Little Italy, Inner Harbor, and Harbor East are ready to serve local delicacies such as the Maryland Blue Crabs. Beer brewing has been a part of the city’s culture since the 1800s, and the 100-year-old breweries are an intrinsic part of Baltimore’s main attractions.
With so much to see and do in Baltimore, you must be wondering where to begin. Let’s tell you a bit about the must-visit places in Baltimore.
National Aquarium
Baltimore’s top tourist attraction houses around 20,000 animals from 800 species – dolphins, sharks, turtles, jellyfish, stingrays, and more swim around in the 2,200,000 gallons of water the aquarium holds. Upland Tropical Rainforest, the multistoried Atlantic Coral Reef, the award-winning Australia: Wild Extremes, Shark Alley, and Jelly Invasion are just a few must-see exhibits here. Don’t forget to check out the 4D Immersion Theatre, enjoy dolphin shows, and pet jellyfish.
One of the best aquariums in the country and a top tourist destination, the National Aquarium can get pretty busy – keep aside couple of hours ,at least, to explore it well. It is located at East Pratt Street on Pier 3 in the Inner Harbor. Baltimore city parking in this area is in high demand and could be expensive. You can book a parking space at one of the cheaper Baltimore parking lots nearby on Albemarle Street or Point Street.
Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry is best known for its role in defending the Baltimore Harbor from the British Navy’s attack in 1812. The flag hoisted at the fort signaling American victory inspired Francis Scott Key’s poem and national anthem ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ Apart from the history, the park surrounding the fort will also catch your interest. The pentagonal bastion fort sits on Locust Point, overlooking the Baltimore Harbor – you can take a stroll around the seawall or explore the grounds for hours. The park is open to the public for free, and the scenic trails are a favorite among locals too.
Expect to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the fort and the park. Parking is available on-site. However, if you are looking to book premium Baltimore parking spots nearby, there are great options at low rates on East Fort Avenue or South Wolfe Street.
Washington Monument
The Baltimore landmark predates the better-known Washington Monument in the US capital. The column, surmounted by a statue of the nation’s first president, is situated in the historic Mount Vernon-Belvedere neighborhood. A spiral stairway inside the monument leads to the top, where observation windows open out to views of Mount Vernon Place and Washington Place. Other monuments, 19th-century mansions, parks, fountains, museums, galleries, and shops make this area a hotspot for sightseeing in Baltimore.
You can spend hours around the Mount Vernon neighborhood, exploring the rich history and culture. Premium Baltimore parking in the vicinity is available on Calvert Street and Market Place. For Baltimore city parking at cheaper rates, you can book a spot at one of the parking lots on Howard Street.
Baltimore Basilica
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is situated on Baltimore’s Cathedral Street. Considered a masterpiece by the “Father of American Architecture” Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the Basilica was built in the neo-classical style in the 1800s. It features a double-shell dome with 24 skylights and plaster rosettes on its coffered ceilings. As the first Roman Catholic church built in the United States, it is a national historic landmark and was restored between 2004-2006.
Entry to the cathedral is free and tour guides are available for groups. While paid street parking is available nearby, if you visit the cathedral during busy hours, park your car at one of the downtown Baltimore parking lots on Calvert Street or Albemarle Street for cheaper rates.
Baltimore–Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Planning to fly out of Baltimore? Then, you’ll be adding the BWI airport to your list of places to visit in Baltimore. The airport is located about 10-miles south of the city and is accessible by Baltimore–Washington Parkway via Interstate 195. It is one of the busiest airports in the US and has a high volume of travelers any time during the year. BWI parking is available on-site with valet and pick-up options. For long-term or short-term BWI Airport parking at lower rates, consider booking a spot in advance at one of the BWI Parking lots or garages at Linthicum Heights.
Baltimore has a wide variety of tourist attractions that can turn your road trip into an enriching experience. Parking in Baltimore becomes easier when you plan it in advance. While free street parking might tempt you, beware of the time limitations and other restrictions. Paid self-parking lots tend to be cheaper and are a better option for a hassle-free Baltimore city tour.
