Baltimore Vacations

This modern museum on the Baltimore Bay is the only national gallery to show self-taught art. The collection includes works by visionary artists like Ho Baron, Leo Sewell and Ben Wilson, over 40 pieces from the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre of London, and a groovy outdoor kinetic sculpture garden.

Baltimore's most photographed zone, this major 18th century seaport is now as a cultural hub. Dine aboard the Spirit of Baltimore, gaze at aquatic life at the National Aquarium, or ride a water taxi to Fort Henry.

Starting off small in 1914 with a single painting, the BMA now has 90,000 works of art, including the largest holding of works by Henri Matisse -- thanks to Baltimore's famous Cone sisters. See works by Picasso, Cézanne, Manet, Degas, Gauguin, van Gogh and Renoir.

With the cannons to prove it, this two-time lookout saw a lot of action during the Civil War and the War of 1812. This lush, green meeting point is also home to the American Visionary Art Museum, Maryland Science Center and the Cross Street Market, a renovated 19th-century marketplace with great people watching.

Visit US history at this Baltimore treasure made famous for its successful defense of Baltimore Harbor from British naval attack and Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner." An exhibit features the first official 49 and 50 star American flags.

Spend an afternoon with dinosaurs, hands-on physics exhibits, and learn about the famous Chesapeake Bay native Blue Crab. Experience three levels of exhibits, including a planetarium, IMAX theatre and observatory.

Easily recognized by its pyramid, this water world features dolphin shows, a rooftop rainforest, multi-story shark tank, plus frogs, Atlantic puffins, rays and an impressive Australian animal exhibit.

The two-tier design of this major-league baseball stadium features great views of the Baltimore skyline. Spectators get standing room tickets to hang on Eutaw Street for an eye-level view of the game. Baseball history fans swing by the Sports Legend Museum and Babe Ruth Museum.

Visit the first wax museum of African American history in the nation. View over 100 wax figures and scenes, a full model slave ship and exhibitions highlighting outstanding Marylanders. An auditorium hosts lectures, films and dramatic presentations.

Get a taste of ancient Egypt, view Greek sculpture and Roman sarcophagi at this free museum in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. Housed in a stately palazzo building, highlights also include medieval ivories, Chinese ceramics and Art Deco jewelry.

Known for Chesapeake Bay seafood, Orioles baseball and big hair (think John Waters’ Hairspray), Baltimore is as colorful as it is charming. No trip to Baltimore is complete without a visit to its Inner Harbor, where live entertainment, dining and shopping abounds, complete with a water view. The historic Inner Harbor is the largest seaport in the mid-Atlantic, but its biggest impact in recent times has been as the standard-bearer for urban renewal projects; since it was revitalized in the 1970s, it’s become the city’s biggest attraction, and has influenced the renovation of urban waterfronts up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is also a fun-filled launching point for a cruise vacation to Bermuda or the Caribbean. But there’s more to Baltimore than its famous harbor--a Baltimore vacation offers the opportunity to visit Fort McHenry, birthplace of The National Anthem, The Babe Ruth Museum, The National Aquarium, The Baltimore Art Museum, and The Great Blacks in Wax Museum. Take in some Baltimore Orioles baseball or Ravens football, have a Maryland blue crab feast, and stroll down cobblestone streets in the city’s quaint Fells Point neighborhood. You’ll understand natives call Baltimore “The Charm City.”

AOL Travel’s Baltimore Guide

AOL Travel's Best Baltimore Hotels