Baltimore's Rich Maritime History: 7 Must-Visit Historical Harbor Sites

The Historic Ships collection is the crown jewel of Baltimore's maritime heritage. Four vessels—the USS Constellation (the last sail-only warship built by the U.S. Navy), the submarine USS Torsk, the Coast Guard Cutter Taney (the last surviving warship from Pearl Harbor), and the Lightship Chesapeake—offer incredible windows into different eras of maritime history.

As a kid, I'd race up and down the narrow passageways of these vessels, but returning as an adult, I'm struck by the craftsmanship. The hand-carved wooden elements of the Constellation showcase shipbuilding techniques that have largely disappeared. The sailors' quarters are particularly fascinating—imagine sleeping in hammocks stacked three-high in spaces barely tall enough to stand!

I recommend purchasing the Four-Ship Pass, which saves about 50% compared to individual tickets. Before boarding, I always make sure to grab a water bottle as there's limited shade while waiting in line during spring months. The ships can get warm inside, especially the submarine, which is essentially a metal tube baking in the sun.

Just a short water taxi ride from the Inner Harbor sits Fort McHenry, the star-shaped fort that inspired our national anthem during the War of 1812. While technically not in the harbor itself, no maritime history tour of Baltimore would be complete without it.

I still get goosebumps standing on the same ramparts where Francis Scott Key witnessed the American flag still waving after a night of British bombardment. The fort offers daily flag-changing ceremonies and cannon demonstrations that are especially thrilling for kids.

The visitor center features an emotional film that concludes with a curtain rising to reveal the actual fort with the American flag flying—I've seen grown men tear up at this moment. The fort's pentagonal design showcases early American military engineering, while the barracks display the living conditions of 19th-century soldiers.

For the best experience, I recommend bringing a portable picnic blanket to spread on the grassy areas surrounding the fort. It's perfect for enjoying the harbor views while having a family lunch break between exploring the battlements.

This lesser-known gem celebrates African American maritime history and Baltimore's shipbuilding heritage. Located in Fells Point, the museum occupies the site of the first shipyard owned by African Americans in the United States. Isaac Myers, a free Black man, established the shipyard in 1868, creating jobs for Black caulkers who were being forced out of the industry.

What I love about this museum is how it connects craftsmanship to social justice. The exhibits demonstrate traditional shipbuilding techniques—from caulking to sail-making—while telling the story of Frederick Douglass, who worked as a caulker in Baltimore's shipyards before escaping slavery.

The hands-on workshop area lets kids (and adults!) try traditional maritime crafts. My nephew spent nearly an hour learning to tie sailor's knots during our last visit. The museum also features a working boatyard where restoration projects happen in full view of visitors.

For families with younger children, I recommend bringing a travel activity kit for moments when little ones need a break while older family members finish exploring the exhibits.

Most tourists never discover one of Baltimore's most fascinating maritime features: its network of tunnels and hidden waterways. As someone obsessed with underground spaces (I've explored tunnels across Southeast Asia), I'm always drawn to the engineering marvel that is the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel.

While you can't tour the tunnel itself on foot, the Maryland Transportation Authority occasionally offers behind-the-scenes tours of the ventilation buildings—massive structures that look like Art Deco castles rising from the water. These tours are rare but worth watching for on the MTA website.

For a more accessible underground water experience, check out Jones Falls, a stream that runs partially underneath downtown Baltimore. The waterway that once powered mills is now mostly covered, but you can see portions of it on the Jones Falls Trail. During heavy rains, watching the water surge through the remaining exposed sections is a powerful reminder of the forces that shaped the city's development.

If you're planning to explore some of Baltimore's underground history, a reliable headlamp is essential for seeing details in dimly lit areas of the Jones Falls Trail's tunnel sections. I never visit underground sites without mine.

My passion for traditional crafts was first sparked right here in Baltimore, long before my apprenticeship with Vietnamese weavers. The Baltimore Museum of Industry, housed in an old cannery building on the harbor's south side, preserves the city's industrial and maritime crafting heritage in a way that speaks deeply to my soul.

The museum's working print shop demonstrates letterpress techniques that once produced shipping manifests and maritime documents. The blacksmith shop shows how metal parts for ships were forged by hand. What fascinates me most is how these seemingly different crafts all connected to support Baltimore's maritime economy.

Don't miss the recreation of a 1910 pharmacy where medicinal supplies for long voyages were prepared, or the garment loft where sailmakers once worked. The museum also houses the 1906 steam tug Baltimore, the oldest operating steam-powered tugboat in the country.

For families with budding crafters, I recommend picking up a beginner's knot tying kit from the museum gift shop. Learning these traditional sailor's knots connects kids to maritime history in a hands-on way that they'll remember long after the visit.

The sleek black hull and distinctive topsail schooner rig of the Pride of Baltimore II never fails to make my heart race when I spot her in the harbor. Built as a memorial to the original Pride (lost at sea in 1986), this beautiful vessel serves as Maryland's goodwill ambassador and a living link to Baltimore's privateering past.

The Pride II is a recreation of the Baltimore Clippers—fast, maneuverable vessels that helped America win the War of 1812. These ships were built right here in Baltimore's shipyards, and their design revolutionized naval warfare and trade.

While the Pride II often sails to ports around the world, when she's home, you can tour the deck and sometimes even book a day sail on the Chesapeake Bay. Standing on her deck, feeling the same wooden construction techniques that shipwrights used two centuries ago, is a profound connection to maritime history.

Before visiting, check the Pride's schedule on their website—it changes seasonally. If you're planning a sailing experience, I recommend bringing a waterproof phone case to protect your electronics while still allowing you to capture amazing photos of your sailing adventure.

My favorite way to end a day exploring Baltimore's maritime history is in Fells Point, the historic neighborhood that was once the center of shipbuilding in the city. While today it's known for its restaurants and nightlife, the cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings tell a deeper story.

The Fells Point Visitor Center offers self-guided walking tour maps that highlight the maritime heritage of the area. You'll see former shipyards where the famous Baltimore Clippers were built, sailors' boarding houses, and chandleries (ship supply stores). The Robert Long House, Baltimore's oldest surviving residence, offers a glimpse into the life of a merchant in this bustling port.

What I find most fascinating are the small details—look for the wide doors on buildings that once allowed ship materials to be moved in and out, or the maritime symbols carved into doorways. Many of the pubs here have been serving sailors since the 1700s, and some still display traditional maritime crafts like scrimshaw or knotwork.

For a truly immersive experience, I recommend taking a guided audio tour that explains the hidden maritime history behind the buildings. The stories of shipwrights, sailors, and the maritime trades that once dominated this neighborhood bring a whole new dimension to what might otherwise seem like just a pretty historic district.