Baltimore Harbor

Marinas near Baltimore Harbor

Introduction:

Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, is a bustling commercial port and business center about 25 miles north of the state capital in Annapolis, and 35 mile northeast of the nation’s capital, Washington D.C.

The crown jewel of Baltimore is the Inner Harbor, a scenic and popular waterfront area with dozens of retail stores, restaurants and attractions. This, combined with Baltimore's easy accessibility, makes the city unique. What most people don't realize is that most sites and neighborhoods are within walking distance of each other, and this makes Charm City an ideal place for business as well as pleasure.

But there's more to Baltimore than is seen at first glance. Charming historic neighborhoods surround the Inner Harbor, each offering their own character, history and cuisine. Little Italy is a pasta lover's paradise with outdoor movies on summer weekends, festivals of San Gabriel and St. Anthony, and two bocce ball courts. Fells Point is the oldest section of Baltimore and still has the feel of an old English neighborhood with cobblestone streets, unique shops and plentiful pubs and restaurants. And, there's Harbor East, a bustling waterfront stop with its own attractions, retail shops, and restaurants.

The best view of the city is from the top of Federal Hill on the south side of the Inner Harbor. The surrounding neighborhood has a variety of boutiques and restaurants and one of the city's most popular markets. Mount Vernon, the cultural center of the city, was the address for the rich and famous during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their legacies include the first architectural monument to George Washington; Peabody Conservatory of Music; The Walters Art Museum; and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption, the first Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States. And don't forget about Canton to the east. There you will find one of the city's hottest neighborhoods, where old factories have been converted into a thriving retail and entertainment hub.

[i]Information Courtesy Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Bureau[/i]

History:

Baltimore is a dynamic city that continues to evolve while holding on to its maritime heritage. Since 1600, Baltimore waterways have been a passage for ships carrying commercial cargo and new citizens. It lies farther west than any other major Atlantic port, a point that endeared its harbors to shippers. More than 30 million tons of cargo pass through the port of Baltimore every year.

Established in 1729 to serve the economic needs of 18th century Maryland farmers, the town of Baltimore gradually began to take on a life of its own. Baltimore played a crucial role in the War of 1812, when soldiers, stationed at Fort McHenry, successfully held off a British attack on Baltimore. That victory for Baltimore was commemorated in a poem by Francis Scott Key and is now our national anthem.

Much to everyone's delight, the city began to come back strong in the 1970s. The city encouraged a redoubling of efforts from the municipal, business and volunteer partnerships, and tapped into ambitious federal programs for urban renewal. The municipality managed to revitalize the downtown area, where dilapidated wharves and warehouses were torn down and replaced by restaurants, attractions such as the Maryland Science Center, and retail in the form of Harborplace, which opened in 1980 to tremendous fanfare.

[i]Information Courtesy Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Bureau[/i]

Navigating the Water:

Use Chart Number 12278.

Baltimore is a bustling commercial port, and as such, a close watch for tugs, tugs with tows and large freighters is always warranted.

Brewerton and Craghill channels lead the way into Baltimore. Brewerton Channel breaks off from the main Chesapeake Bay Channel near Tolchester on the Eastern Shore, and Craighill Channel leads up from the south, starting at Baltimore light off of the Magothy River, just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

The two channels converge at the North Point Shoal to become Bewerton Channel, which leads in toward the Francis Scott Key Bridge (fixed vertical clearance 185 feet). Once clear of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Fort McHenry Channel bends to the northwest into Northwest Harbor, and then to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Things To Do/Local Events:

The Inner Harbor of Baltimore and the surrounding areas have enough activities available to keep a visiting boater busy for a month. The National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, U.S.S. Constellation and Harbor Place are among the top attractions downtown, and Fort McHenry, Little Italy and Fells Point are all only a short bus or cab ride away from the water.

Baltimore has its own baseball and football teams, and the playing stadiums are both within walking distance of downtown. Also within walking distance on Labor Day Weekend, the brand new Baltimore Grand Prix. Baltimore has joined a very select and exclusive group of only about 15 cities in the world that host a street race of this kind. For game and race schedules, check the “Helpful Links” section below.

Baltimore is famous for its seafood dishes, and with over 20 full-service restaurants in and around the waterfront, there is no excuse not to try out a famous Maryland Crab Cake or dig into a pile of hot steamed Maryland Blue Crabs.

Transportation:

Bus service is available throughout the city with connecting service to light rail trains and Washington’s Metro System. Baltimore Washington International Airport is only a 20-minute drive south of the city, and is reachable via bus or private shuttle service.

Bus schedules and flight information are available below in the “Helpful Links” section.

Helpful Links:

City of Baltimore

Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

BWI Airport

Maryland Mass Transit

Fort McHenry

National Aquarium in Baltimore

Maryland Science Center

Baltimore Orioles Baseball

Baltimore Ravens Football

Baltimore Grand Prix