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December 11, 2024
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Take a Walk Outdoors Day: Our Favorite Strolls in Downtown Baltimore

January 20, 2022
Man walking alongside historic architecture. Header image for Favorite Downtown Baltimore Walks story.

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

Outdoor dining at Marie Louise Bistro on Historic Charles Street with view of Washington Monument in the background. Baltimore, Maryland.

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

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

Birdseye view of Rash Field at the south side of the nner Harbor in Baltimore, MD.

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

Ending Point

Baltimore Visitor Center

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

Baltimore's National Aquarium taken from the Waterfront Promenade at the Inner Harbor.

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

Baltimore Visitors Center

Key Points of interest

Ending Point

Phoenix Shot Tower

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

Jazz mural featuring Billie Holiday and Cab Calloway in Baltimore's Pennsylvania Ave 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

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

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.