There are few more popular areas to visit in the U.S. during mid-May than Baltimore, with visitors from across the world flocking to the location in order to see the middle leg of the Triple Crown series.

The Preakness Stakes is one of the most famous races in the United States, and it is staged two weeks after the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. As a horse racing event, it is regularly the second-most attended on the calendar behind the Triple Crown opener, with racing fans able to see history made at Pimlico Racecourse.

But, what are some of the best things to do in Baltimore if you’re visiting the city in Maryland this year after enjoying all the excitement that comes with celebrating a horse getting into Preakness winners history?

National Aquarium

There are few more popular sites to visit in Maryland than the National Aquarium. It is located on East Pratt Street on Pier 3, and it is one of the most visited aquariums in the world. Stats show that over 1.5 million visitors pass through the doors at the location to learn more about sea creatures and get up close and personal with some of the animals.

Over 2.2 million gallons of water made up the Aquarium, and it is home to over 17,000 specimens of animals. As well as welcoming visitors to learn more about some of the animals that call the location home, it is also keen to press home its mission of inspiring conservation to wildlife in the rivers and seas across the world.

The Aquarium has houses several exhibits throughout recent history, which includes the Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit, which was award winning at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2008.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Camden Yards is one of the most historic baseball stadiums in the United States, and is the first of the retro ballparks in the U.S. This site was established in 1990s, with the first official event being staged at the location in 1992 to replace Memorial Stadium.

Oriole Park is located in downtown Baltimore, and it is widely considered to be one of the best baseball stadiums in the world. Taxpayers in the state have paid over $1.3 billion throughout history to cover the costs of the stadium, and it has played host to no shortage of memorable events. Aside from baseball, Oriole Park has played host to just two concerns in history.

The first of those was Billy Joel in July 2019, before Paul McCartney had the highest-grossing event at the stadium in June 2022 as he played his first solo gig in the city away from The Beatles.

Fort McHenry

One of the most historic sites that should be visited on a trip to Baltimore is the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The location was vitally important during the War of 1812, and it played a pioneering role to defend Baltimore Harbor from an attack from the British Navy in September 1814.

Fort McHenry was built in 1798 and was used throughout the two World Wars by the U.S. armed forces. It was designated as a National Monument in 1939, with visitors having been welcomed to the landmark since 1986. It also has an important role in U.S. history.

The poem titled ‘Defence of Fort McHenry’ by Francis Scott Key was later a pioneering factor behind the music used in the U.S. national anthem. In modern history, it has also played the backdrop to significant moments in the nation’s history, with Mike Pence holding his acceptance speech at the monument in August 2020.

Fell’s Point

Fell’s Point remains one of the most picturesque locations in Baltimore, with all visitors to the city able to take in the beauty of the area from the river-bank location. The historic waterfront area was established in 1763, and it is located just over a mile east from the downtown area.

It is most famously visited by tourists looking to learn more about its maritime history, and the charming character of the neighbourhood. It is a perfect location to relax after a day at the racing, with a number of music, stores, and coffees bars located on the river-front. Fell’s Point is also widely famous across the city for being welcoming toward immigrants moving to Baltimore, with Irish, Ukrainian, and Russian settlers calling the borough home.

It is also home to some of the most expensive properties in the state of Maryland, with many of the first rate hotels and houses found within walking distance of Inner Harbor. This is also a good location to visit for tourists, as you will need to take a water taxi or barges to get up close and personal with the expensive region of the city.