The city has developed into a modern, quirky and entertaining destination, with plenty of historic and artsy attractions perfect for any student trip.
Down by the Sea: Student Attractions in Baltimore
There’s no denying that one of Baltimore’s biggest attractions is the harbor, housing all the seafaring history that made this city what it is today. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor has become the heart of the city’s entertainment, featuring numerous attractions and museums for all to enjoy. Student tour groups can learn about the early days of Baltimore when they take a water taxi over to Fort McHenry, acclaimed most for its role in the Battle of Baltimore when it staved off the British fleets and Francis Scott Key penned the Star Spangled Banner. The Baltimore Maritime Museum, located at Pier 3 and 5, showcases some of the treasures of the city’s nautical past. Student travel groups can tour the USS Torsk, the USCGC Taney and many more impressive vessels. Also, when your group visits the museum, you can receive a discount for the USS Constellation, the only Civil War ship still afloat.
Baltimore
An important stop on your student trip around Baltimore is the Maryland Science Center, one of the oldest scientific institutions in the country. This museum has educational student tours that feature hands-on exhibits and eye-opening demonstrations. Another attraction in the Inner Harbor is the National Aquarium, Maryland’s largest tourist attraction. This world-renowned aquarium houses over 16,000 creatures, including dolphins, sharks, sting rays and tropical fish galore. Student tour groups will enjoy movies at the aquarium’s 4-D Immersion Theater.
American Visionary Art Museum
The American Visionary Art Museum bursts with incomparable pieces that come to life—literally. Some of the masterpieces can physically move, giving students an art experience they won’t find anywhere else. Geppi’s Entertainment Museum dedicates its exhibits to the preservation of pop culture icons from Superman and Mickey Mouse to Howdy Doody and G.I. Joe. The museum staff is available to give specially-designed tours to school field trips and will cater to each groups’ educational objectives.
More of Baltimore’s history can be seen at the B&O Railroad Museum, the birthplace of American railroading. Student travel groups can tour the facility full of historic locomotives or take a ride on the first commercial railroad track. Student tours can get an excellent view of Baltimore when they climb the 228 steps of the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon, the first monument to honor the first president.
Baltimore provides student tour groups with some truly unique experiences, including opportunities to go behind the scenes at some of the popular area attractions. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra lets student performers get a hands-on session with talented musicians followed by viewing an actual concert. Students interested in learning more about the inner workings of a production can take part in an open dress rehearsal with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra along with a question-and-answer session. Many Inner Harbor attractions take part in the Sleepover Immersion Program, where students can spend the night on the decks of an historic ship or with a thousand fish at the aquarium. Baltimore’s Convention and Visitors Bureau can help make arrangements for your student tour group.
Student Sightseeing Tours in Baltimore
Some of the best sightseeing tours for students in Baltimore are the ones on the water. Inner Harbor and Fell’s Point both have cruises that leave from their ports. Spirit of Baltimore offers hour sightseeing tours through Chesapeake Bay and along the shorelines of the city. Inner Harbor Cruises has daily public cruises perfect for any school tour group. The company works with all the charter boats and yachts in the bay, so your group can choose which vessel is right for them. Spirit Cruises offer narrated harbor cruises as well as lunch and dinner cruises with a full buffet.
For a swashbuckling adventure, take your student tour group to Fell’s Point and have them climb aboard the Fearless, the Charm City’s only pirate ship. Urban Pirates caters to each school field trip, creating exciting and educational cruises.
Bring the Charm: Student Performance Venues in Baltimore
Cylburn Mansion
There is no better place for your student performance group to have a concert than the heart of Baltimore. The Inner Harbor offers ideal venues for students to showcase their talent. Harborplace Amphitheater and the Gallery at Harborplace are available for any groups visiting Baltimore.
Cylburn Arboretum, a 207-acre urban park, is located within the city, but student performance groups will feel like they’re singing in the rolling countryside. The park’s mansion and surrounding gardens are available for rentals by visiting groups wanting to put on a show. Patterson Park is one of the largest public parks in Baltimore, featuring pavilions and a mansion where student performance groups can play.
Student Dining, Baltimore Style
With its proximity to the ocean, it’s no surprise that Baltimore boasts delicious seafood, with an emphasis on the city’s beloved crab cakes. Your student travel group cannot leave without tasting one of these local delicacies. Nick’s Seafood in Federal Hill at the Cross Street Market serves up acclaimed seafood dishes every day. Or wonder down to Inner Harbor where there are a number of restaurants to choose from, including Phillips Harborplace Restaurant. This popular chain offers quaint waterfront views and a comfortable dining atmosphere. Some of the main dishes can be pricey, so stick with the lunch menu, which offers more economic fare. The Mount Washington Tavern is a local favorite and has been around for over 30 years. Student tour groups will enjoy the wide variety of menu options as well as the historical décor.
Student Accommodations in Baltimore
With over 200 hotels in the Baltimore area, you are sure to locate one that works for your student trip. There are a number of hotels around Inner Harbor, but most are pretty expensive. One exception is the Days Inn Inner Harbor, which has decently priced rooms and is located close to all major attractions. A little further outside the city center you will find Quality Inn Harbor South, a perfect student accommodation, with more economical rates and complimentary breakfast. There are some great options closer to the airport, such as Hilton Garden Inn and Sleep Inn & Suites.
Baltimore’s rich, dynamic history mixes well with its urban, contemporary atmosphere. The world-class attractions, bustling harbor and friendly people make Baltimore the perfect student travel destination.
