Inner Harbor, Baltimore

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A great way to learn aboutr the Inner Harbor, and all that it has offer, is to take one of these hour-long, narrated cruises. The Prince Charming has two decks, one for sightseeing and the other for refreshments. The views are great, and the crew is courteous and professional.

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Here are stores and restaurants of nearly every description. If you enjoy dining al fresco, on the edge of the Inner Harbor, then this is the place. There are three main sections: The Light St Pavilion, the Pratt St Pavilion, and the Gallery.

On the day of my first visit, the Swedish sailing ship Gunilla was tied up in front of the Light St Pavilion. A South American-style band called the Mystic Warriors was performing along the old waterfront. So be sure to check out whatever's going on at the time.

Nearby is the Visitors Center, the perfect place to obtain all the information you need about the city.

See the Inner Harbor in the most fun and exciting way.....aboard one of the vessels that coast through our beautiful waters.

The Prince Charming provides a short 60 minute tour of the Inner Harbor for very reasonable rates ($10 per adult, $6 per child). This relaxing, narrated tour will provide information on our Inner Harbor and is perfect for all ages.

Want something more? How about the Moonlight Party Cruise, which runs on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dancing, a cash bar, and appetizers complete this adults-only evening on the Harbor.

Are you looking for a Sunday afternoon getaway? Hop aboard the Champagne Brunch Cruise from noon to 3 p.m. and enjoy the buffet while listening to a live DJ as you sail through the Harbor.

Regardless of which cruise you choose, you are sure to be rewarded with wonderful photo opportunities, amazing service, and a view of the Inner Harbor you certainly will never forget.

O.K., I realize the Inner Harbor area is probably the most "touristy" area in Baltimore, but it definately is worth a visit!

The Harbor is surrounded by the Aquarium, World Trade Center, the Gallery Mall, and many waterfront restaurants.

Grab a beer at Hooters and enjoy the outdoor balcony that overlooks the Harbor, or try one of the many signature brews at the Capital City Brewing Company, which boasts equally great views.

Chow down at any of of the many waterfront restaurants, then walk off that meal by taking a stroll to the other side of the Harbor and visit our amazing Aquarium.

When you've had your fill of the Inner Harbor, hop aboard the Water Taxi and enjoy the peaceful cruise which will take you to Fells Point, yet another bar and restaurant hot spot.

A visit to Baltimore wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Inner Harbor. Come see why so many of us are proud to call Baltimore home.

A fun and relatively inexpensive activity is to buy a pass on the taxi boats and tour Baltimore harbor ($6 for an all-day pass). Ride out to the American Visionary Art Museum across from the inner harbor, Fells Point for dinner or pubcrawling, or just enjoy the skyline. Especially nice at sunset, during a full moon, or in summer to cool off. For a great sunset, take the taxi boat to the Rusty Scupper and head for the balcony for drinks. For sunset and good food, head for the landing near the Pier 6 concert tent and hit McCormick and Schmick's seafood restaurant and get a table outside to bask while you munch.

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Despite its decidedly touristy image, Inner Harbor is a great way to be lost in (not literally, actually) and with a camera on hand, have fun taking snaps. The place is filled with great photo opportunities from the historic boats anchored in the harbor (pictures 1 and 2), to colorful bollards (picture 3), and a flashy-red lighthouse (see tip above on Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse).

Some of the quieter areas away from the main tourist drag - that part of the harbor near Eden Apartments on the way to Fells Point - have some of the most interesting subjects if you like boats and their reflection against the silky water (pictures 4 and 5). And this is amidst an industrial zone.

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Strictly speaking, Federal Hill is not part of the Inner Harbor, and is its own district, but since it is easily accessible from and overlooks the harbor, I have included it as one of the points of interest within Inner Harbor.

What is a plain-looking hill that serves as a good vantage point for taking in the views of the Inner Harbor, the area has a rich historical importance. Nearby Fort McHenry, now a national monument, served as a bastion of patriotic opposition against the British Navy in the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812. Foremost, this is the birthplace of the country's national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, interesting sang to the tune of a popular drinking song.

Today, Federal Hill has been transformed into a leafy park with facilities for a children's playground and jogging paths and lots of benches to relax on.

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The National Aquarium is arguably the city's top tourism draw - for kids and the young at heart - at least. Housed in a futuristic buildings across two piers at the Inner Harbor, it is regarded as one of the finest aquariums in the United States, with over 16,500 species on display.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to visit the aquarium, perhaps conscious of the expectation that I'll be coming back to Baltimore soon. But if you are not a frequent visitor to the city, you should grab any chance to see the aquarium.