Inner Harbor

Question

Hi there! My boyfriend and I, early 40s, are spending one day in the Inner Harbor before we go to Ocean City Maryland in June. On a Thursday. Booked the Residence Inn. Was planning on getting there mid morning (from Pennsylvania) walk around, have lunch, do the aquarium check in then maybe take an Uber over to Live Casino or to the medieval dinner theater. Now I can’t decide if we should do that or get in the morning do those things and park and stay either at the casino or closer to the mall area. Was at Inner Harbor 6 years ago and it was fine and I’m assuming it will be safe in the day but just looking for suggestions. Thanks.

Answer

Spending a day at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor can be a very enjoyable experience, especially for a couple in their 40s looking for a mix of sightseeing, dining, and entertainment. Since you’re arriving mid-morning and staying at the Residence Inn, you have a convenient base to explore the main attractions on foot or via short rideshares.

The Inner Harbor area is generally safe during daytime hours, with plenty of tourists, families, and local workers around. Usual city precautions apply—keep your belongings secure, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas, which are rare in the heart of the Inner Harbor.

Here’s a suggested way to structure your day:

Morning: Arrive mid-morning, park (or use your hotel’s parking if available), and walk around the Inner Harbor. Enjoy the waterfront, take photos, and check out attractions like the historic ships or the Harborplace shops.
Lunch: There are plenty of options in the Inner Harbor. Some good choices include seafood at Phillips Seafood, casual dining at the Rusty Scupper, or lighter fare at the Harborplace food court.
Aquarium: Head to the National Aquarium in the early afternoon. Booking tickets online ahead of time is recommended to skip lines.
Afternoon/Evening Options: After the aquarium, you have a couple of options depending on your energy and interests:

Take an Uber or Lyft to Live! Casino & Hotel for some gaming or casual dinner.
Consider the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament for a fun, interactive dinner experience.
If you prefer staying in the Inner Harbor area, you could walk over to nearby attractions or relax at your hotel, then have dinner at one of the local restaurants or a rooftop bar with views of the harbor.

If you’re weighing whether to stay near the Inner Harbor versus moving closer to the casino or mall area, it depends on your priorities. Staying near the Inner Harbor allows you to enjoy the waterfront at your own pace without additional rides. Shifting hotels mid-day isn’t usually necessary unless you prefer the convenience of being close to your evening activity.

Pros of staying at the Residence Inn / Inner Harbor area: Easy access to sights, walking distance to shops and restaurants, central location for Uber/Lyft to evening activities.
Pros of staying near Live! Casino or Mall area: Very convenient if you plan to spend the evening there, less walking if tired, access to casino amenities or dinner theater close by.

Overall, for a one-day visit, staying at your current hotel and using rideshares in the afternoon or evening is the simplest and most efficient plan. You’ll be able to enjoy the Inner Harbor experience fully while keeping travel stress-free.

Inner Harbor

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