Take a Walk Outdoors Day: Our Favorite Strolls in Downtown Baltimore
Everyday seems to bring a new, obscure national holiday. And today just so happens to be Take A Walk Outdoors Day. So in honor of the holiday, we’re highlighting our five favorite walks to take in Downtown Baltimore.
1. Historic Charles Street Thoroughfare
Photo taken during Charles Street Promenade by Nicole Rohrer
Explore the historic architecture, renowned institutions, and wide variety of local shops and restaurants along the Charles Street National Scenic Byway.
Starting Point
Charles & Baltimore Street
Key Points of Interest
- B&O Railroad Building (Hotel Monaco)
- One Center Plaza
- The Grand Masonic Temple
- The Baltimore Basilica
- Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch
- The Walters Art Museum
- Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Place
- The Peabody Institute
- The Belvedere Hotel
Ending Point
University of Baltimore at Charles and Mt. Royal Streets
Enjoy These Shops & Restaurants Along the Way
Café Poupon, The Peanut Shoppe, Lumbini, Viva Books, Stem & Vine, Mick O’Sheas, Sporty Dog Creations, Bella Bridesmaids, Elite Secrets, Sotto Sopra, Lumiere Candle Studio. Darker than Blue Grille, Gian Marco Menswear, Doll House Boutique, Different Regard, C. Grimaldis Gallery, Dooby’s, Sugarvale, The Helmand, Marie Louise, Spirits of Mount Vernon, Kumari, The Manor, Allora, Baby’s on Fire, ADORN Vintage Furniture & Designs, Minato, Indochine, The Brewer’s Art, Sammy’s Trattoria, Dodah’s Kitchen, and many more!
2. The Waterfront Promenade (Southside), Federal Hill Park & Federal Hill Main Street
Photo from Waterfront Partnership, courtesy of Mahan Rykiel Associates Inc.
Baltimore’s Waterfront Promenade represents a unique public and private partnership that has ensured public access to the city’s most cherished natural asset – its harbor. It is a public pedestrian walkway/shared use bicycle path that functions as a waterfront sidewalk for development sites and public spaces that have emerged from the former industrial waterfront.
Starting Point
Harborview Towers
Key Points of Interest
- America Visionary Art Museum
- Federal Hill Park
- The Rusty Scupper
- Rash Field
- Maryland Science Center
- West Shore Park
Ending Point
Alternative Route
After visiting West Shore Park, cut across Conway Street and head south on Charles Street to explore the many shops and restaurants of the Federal Hill Main Street: Plantacea, Hard Water Bar and Grill, Phina’s Fine Linens & Gifts, Afters Café, Zaatar, Illusions Bar & Theatre, Mi & Yu Noodle Bar, Brothers Sushi, Cloudy Donuts, Sweet Peaz Southern Kitchen, Dan Brothers Shoes, Midnite Confections Cupcakery, Cross Street Market, Brightside Boutique, Dulceology Bakery, and many more!
Alternative Ending Point
Ropewalk & Charles Streets
3. BNHA’s Heritage Walk
National Aquarium at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Photo from Waterfront Partnership.
Considered the city’s oldest urban trail. Explore three distinct areas of Baltimore: the Inner Harbor, Little Italy, and historic Jonestown. The route passes by the USS Constellation, Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, the Carroll Mansion, and the Jewish Museum of Maryland.
Starting Point
Key Points of interest
- USS Constellation
- Maryland World Trade Center Building and Top of the World Observation Deck
- Visit Baltimore Sign
- USCG Lightship Chesapeake
- USS Torsk WWII Submarine
- The National Aquarium
- Acoustic Park
- Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
- Mr. Trash Wheel
- Historic President Street Station (FKA Baltimore Civil War Museum)
- Reginald F. Lewis Museum
- Historic Jonestown and Little Italy
- 1840’s Plaza
- Jewish Museum of Maryland
Ending Point
Pro Tip
You can also take guided tour with Baltimore National Heritage Area to learn more about the historical landmarks and their significance along this route.
4. Pennsylvania Ave Heritage Trail & The Black Arts District
Photo from Visit Baltimore
Explore the city’s rich African American history. Visit key sites in Baltimore’s civil rights legacy, marvel at historic architecture, and learn about the newest Baltimore Arts & Entertainment District — The Pennsylvania Avenue Arts & Entertainment District (the first of its kind in the nation).
Starting Point
Eutaw Place & W. Lafayette Ave
Key Points of Interest
- Lillie Carol Jackson Civil Rights Museum
- Booker T. Washington Middle: This historic school taught an array of illustrious alumni, from Thurgood Marshall to Cab Calloway to Kweisi Mfume.
- Union Baptist Church: This church was influential in the march for civil rights in both the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church: This landmark in Old West Baltimore descends from the first black congregation in Baltimore.
- Billie Holiday Plaza : Memorial in Old West Baltimore to the legendary “Lady Day”
- Shake & Bake Family Fun Center
- Masjid Al Haqq: An important landmark for Baltimore’s Muslims
- Jubilee Arts
- Pennsylvania Triangle Park
- The Avenue Bakery
- The Arch Social Club
Ending Point
Everyone’s Place African Cultural Center
Pro Tip
Take a guided tour with Baltimore National Heritage Area to learn more about the rich history and culture of this neighborhood.
5. Market Center & The Bromo Arts District
Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
Home to many artists and arts institutions, the Bromo Arts District is Downtown Baltimore’s premiere Arts & Entertainment District, and also houses the oldest public market in the United States — Lexington Market.
Starting Point
Camden Yards’ Babe’s Dream Memorial & Head North on Eutaw Street
Key Points of Interest
- Bromo Seltzer Tower
- Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Preforming Arts Center
- Everyman Theatre
- Lexington Market
- G. Krug and Son Iron Works : This Ironwork company has been in business for over 200 years.
- Four Ten Lofts
- Howard Street Dog Park
- Directional change: Take a Right on MLK, and the a right to Head South on Howard
- Eubie Blake National Jazz and Cultural Center
- Antique Row
- Maryland Center for History and Culture
- Mt. Vernon Marketplace
- Current Space Gallery
- Howard Row: Newly revived row of Black-owned businesses: Cajou Creamery, Vegan Juiceology, Cuples Tea House, Unique Beauty Blends.
- Le Mondo
- Hutzler Brothers Palace Building
- Royal Farms Arena
Ending Point
Baltimore Convention Center
Enjoy These Shops & Restaurants Along the Way
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, BricknFire Pizza, Thai Elephant Wok, Jano Ethiopian Cuisine & Bar, The Red Board Asian Fusion, Forno, Maiwand Grill, the Land of Kush, Xtract Juicebar, Refocused Vegan, Linden Deli, The Bun Shop, Central Bar, Restaurant and Nightclub, Aunt Kelly’s Cookies, Sandra’s Indian Cuisine.
