John Candy and Steve Martin gave us plenty of reasons to avoid planes, trains and automobiles in their 1987 comedy. But they never tried arriving by boat. Cruising into a city by water is often more relaxed—and more scenic—than sitting in traffic or waiting in long airport lines. Instead of staring up between concrete canyons, you can enjoy a city skyline as it unfolds, glide along at a steady pace and avoid a single red light. For boaters, entering a city by water can be less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
Not all waterfront cities are the same, and Baltimore—proudly nicknamed Charm City—has a distinctive appeal. Like many urban centers, Baltimore has faced challenges in recent years, but its Inner Harbor and nearby Fells Point waterfront remain vibrant destinations for boaters. These areas blend maritime history, cultural attractions and family-friendly entertainment in a compact, walkable waterfront setting.
From marinas in the Inner Harbor, you can step off your boat and walk to a Major League Baseball game, visit a world-class aquarium, explore visionary folk art, or spend hours in an interactive science museum. The harbor also showcases a remarkable collection of historic ships that span two centuries of American maritime history—vessels that are easily accessible on foot from downtown slips.
Getting There
The roughly 8-mile run up the Patapsco River from the Chesapeake Bay offers a changing mix of industrial waterfronts and historic sites. After passing beneath the Francis Scott Key Bridge and alongside the Port of Baltimore’s marine terminals, Fort McHenry comes into view—the star-spangled landmark that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Water taxis from the downtown waterfront provide an easy way to visit the fort.
Rounding Fort McHenry, you’ll find marinas in the Canton and Fells Point neighborhoods on your starboard side. A mile or two further upriver brings you into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where modern marinas sit amid the city’s top attractions: the Historic Ships of Baltimore, the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center and the Top of the World Observation Level. Within walking distance are Port Discovery Children’s Museum, the American Visionary Art Museum and Oriole Park at Camden Yards—home to the Baltimore Orioles.
A History of Shipbuilding
Baltimore’s shipbuilding legacy dates back to the late 18th century with the construction of Baltimore Clippers—fast topsail schooners prized for their speed and maneuverability. These vessels proved decisive during the War of 1812 by out-sailing larger square-rigged warships. Although commerce eventually favored larger cargo carriers, the clippers remain beloved by wooden-ship enthusiasts.
To honor that heritage, the replica Pride of Baltimore was built in 1977 and became a symbol of the city’s downtown renewal. After a tragic sinking in 1986 that claimed several lives, a larger and more modernized successor, Pride of Baltimore II, was constructed and now calls Baltimore’s Inner Harbor home. The ship offers tours and sails internationally to promote Maryland’s maritime history.
Shipbuilding and maritime industries expanded through the 19th and 20th centuries, fueled by wartime needs and commercial growth. By the late 20th century, traditional large-scale shipbuilding had largely faded, replaced by modern marine terminals, industrial parks and service yards. While some repair facilities remain—General Ship Repair, established in 1924, is one of the area’s long-standing yards—the massive shipyards of the past are gone. For those interested in historic wooden ship construction, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels remains a nearby resource where traditional techniques are preserved.
One of the most popular draws in the Inner Harbor is the lineup of historic vessels. The 1854 sloop-of-war USS Constellation is a majestic centerpiece that saw diverse service—intercepting slavers during the Civil War, carrying U.S. exhibits to the Paris Exposition, and later serving as a training ship. Nearby, the Lightship Chesapeake offers insight into life on station at the mouth of the bay, while the USS Torsk submarine reveals wartime patrol life with exhibits in its torpedo rooms, engine compartment and crew quarters.
The 327-foot USCG Cutter 37, a National Historic Landmark that served from 1936 to 1986, survived Pearl Harbor and later supported operations during the Vietnam era. Exhibits and interactive programs aboard the cutter help visitors understand life at sea on a Coast Guard vessel. Close by, the relocated Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse (built in 1856) now sits on land in the Inner Harbor, offering a glimpse into the challenging life of lighthouse keepers and a fine vantage point over the waterfront.
Don’t Miss Colorful Fells Point
If you need a break from the busy tourist circuit in the Inner Harbor, head to the nearby waterfront neighborhood of Fells Point. You can walk along the paved waterfront promenade in about 30 minutes, take a short water taxi ride, or secure a slip at one of the local marinas. Fells Point is known for lively pubs, cafés, bakeries, antique shops, indoor markets and an eclectic mix of restaurants—its own distinctive, historic charm.
Wander the cobblestone streets of Fells Point and experience a blend of residential and commercial life with constant harbor activity across the water: tugboats, freighters, water taxis and pleasure craft keep the scene animated. As evening falls, the iconic Domino Sugars sign illuminates the skyline, a familiar landmark for more than a century. Live music, galleries, theaters, street performers and seasonal festivals provide entertainment for all tastes, from upscale hotel experiences to casual waterfront dining with locally brewed beers and steamed mussels.
Like many cities, Baltimore has neighborhoods that experience higher crime rates, but the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are generally well-patrolled and busy with visitors, making them among the safer parts of the city. As with any urban destination, remain aware of your surroundings and use common-sense precautions.
There are many compelling reasons to visit Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Fells Point by boat. Cruise up the Patapsco River, tie up at a downtown marina and discover the maritime history, cultural attractions and waterfront energy that make Charm City a memorable destination for boaters and visitors alike.
This article was originally published in the April 2022 issue.