Tourism in Greater Baltimore, MD Shaped By Arts, Culture, Sports
Learn how the Inner Harbor, cultural attractions, arts and sporting venues help Greater Baltimore draw millions of travelers each year.
With its array of waterfront and water recreation attractions, world-class arts and culture scene, vibrant and diverse entertainment offerings and renowned cuisine, Greater Baltimore has much to offer as a place to visit in addition to being a great place to live and work.
In 2014, the region welcomed 24.5 million domestic visitors who generated $5.2 billion in visitor spending. Hospitality and tourism-supported employment also grew 2 percent to reach 82,000 jobs, according to Visit Baltimore, the region’s chief tourism organization.
The region is gaining popularity as a conference and meeting destination, with a lower price point than many major East Coat markets, but a stable of amenities and nearly 70 meeting/conference hotels and more than 10,500 meeting/conference hotel rooms.
Located at the crossroads of the northeast and mid-Atlantic states, Greater Baltimore is a world-class waterfront destination that is both easy to get to and easy to get around.
Travel site Fodor’s named Baltimore one of the top 15 waterfront cities in the world. The region’s culinary scene is also well recognized. Zagat ranked it the No. 2 restaurant city in the U.S. in 2015. Restaurants noted by Zagat included Woodberry Kitchen, where chef Spike Gjerde won a James Beard Award in 2015.
Baltimore is home to internationally renowned museums, including the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Museum and the American Visionary Art Museum.
The Baltimore Museum of Art reopened in 2015 to mark its 100th anniversary following a $28 million renovation.
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History & Culture, named for the noted Baltimore attorney, business executive and philanthropist, highlights African American history and accomplishments, with a special focus on Maryland.
Waterfront Gems
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, home to the Maryland Science Center and the National Aquarium, is one of the most popular destinations for visitors and a short walk from the Baltimore Convention Center and downtown hotels.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, a popular tourist destination, is where a key battle in the War of 1812 took place that inspired what became the U.S. National Anthem.
“Baltimore’s combination of affordable, top-notch hotels and amenities, along with world-class attractions and museums; the allure of the Inner Harbor and waterfront activities all within walking distance of award-winning restaurants make the city a top visitor destination,” says Sam Rogers, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Baltimore.
Greater Baltimore hosts more than 500,000 convention and meeting attendees a year.
“Accessibility, walkability, affordability and unique, authentic experiences are just one part of the value equation of why Baltimore is a top meeting destination,” says Amy Calvert, Senior Vice President, Convention Sales and Services for Visit Baltimore.
The Baltimore Convention Center, noted for its open spaces and convenient location, has enough space to offer a complete range of meetings and convention venues. The 1.2-million-square-foot center has 300,000 square feet of exhibit halls, 85,000 square feet of meeting rooms and a 36,000-square-foot ballroom.
Baltimore is competitive compared to its peer group of cities across the country, says Peggy Daidakis, executive director of the Baltimore Convention Center.
“A selling point is the growing number of people living downtown now,” Daidakis says. “Convention visitors see this vitality downtown and they want to be a part of its vibrancy.”
The Bard and Baltimore
Greater Baltimore is also making its mark as a strong cultural center.
The Hippodrome Theatre at The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in downtown Baltimore is housed in a historic movie palace and Vaudeville stop that opened in 1914. A major renovation in 2004 gave birth to the France-Merrick Center, an anchor of the city’s Bromo Tower Arts & Entertainment District.
The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (CSC) presents high-quality Shakespearean theater, producing shows that allow the audience to connect to these classic works in new ways. CSC serves more than 12,000 patrons annually.
The indoor cultural center located near the Inner Harbor opened in 2014 with the transformation of a 19th-century landmark bank building into a modern 260-seat theater inspired by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The theater also has become a sought-after event venue. CSC also performs outdoor theater every summer.
“Greater Baltimore is a community with a deep history in the performing and visual arts,” says Lesley Malin, CSC’s Managing Director. “Our location right downtown is a major advantage.”