 Baltimore At a Glance
Best Time to Go
Much like the rest of the Mid-Atlantic, Baltimore experiences all four seasons. Keep in
mind though that since it's on the water, the weather can change often. Spring is a great
time to visit Baltimore - not only for baseball games at Camden Yards, but for the
picturesque scenery.
Baltimore plays hosts to several festivals and events year-round. One of its major
tourist attractions is Preakness, a segment of the Triple Crown. This event takes place in
May and draws a huge crowd. The city holds many waterfront and neighborhood festivals
during the summer as well, including Artscape, a three-day event honoring the arts.
Average Weather
Average temperatures in the spring and fall are a mild 50 to 60 degrees. In winter,
temperatures aren't known to drop much lower than 30 degrees, but occasional snow is
possible. Summers tend to be very hot and humid, with average temperatures in the 80s and
90s.
Transportation
Most visitors to Baltimore choose to tour the city in a car. It's fairly easy to navigate,
given its many alternating one-way streets. Parking can be rather expensive, especially if
you're downtown. If you're planning to travel from the Inner Harbor to areas north, it's
wise to take a cab. You can find taxis at most major hotels, the train station and
scattered throughout the harbor. Depending on the distance you're traveling, fares range
from $5 to $10.
For those staying in downtown Baltimore, the Metro offers limited service. Don't depend
on it as your sole source of transportation. If you're heading into the suburbs or BWI
Airport, the Metro is great. It also makes stops at Camden Yards, Penn Station and Mount
Washington.
In-Season Costs
If you're staying in downtown Baltimore during the spring or summer, rates might be a
little higher. The Inner Harbor is slightly more expensive than other parts of Baltimore,
but you should be able to find some bargains. Less expensive than the nation's capital,
Baltimore won't break the bank.
Day Trips
Annapolis: Annapolis is one of the oldest cities in the country. The U.S. Naval Academy
was established here in 1845. Visitors to Annapolis will enjoy the waterfront festivals
that take place each summer. Annapolis is known as a boating community, and tour and
cruises are available much of the year. Annapolis is about one hour south of Baltimore by
car.
- Ocean City: If you have a little time to play while you're in Baltimore, head over to
Ocean City. Just three hours east of the city, this vacation spot is best suited for a
weekend getaway. The resort town is an escape for Baltimoreans. Deep-sea fishing,
windsurfing, sailing, cruising the boardwalk, or just lounging on the beach are favorite
pastimes here.
- Washington DC: The nation's capital is just 35 miles away, easily accessible by train or
by car via the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Take a day to explore the White House, the
Mall, the monuments and the Smithsonian museums. If you're planning to drive to D.C., keep
in mind that rush hour will tack on at least an hour to your commute.
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