Baltimore and Annapolis

Baltimore is Maryland’s largest city and one of the oldest ports on the East Coast, located at the end of an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. The old downtown pier, the Inner Harbor, was redeveloped from the 1970s into a waterfront promenade with the National Aquarium, historic ships moored there, and museums; the adjacent neighborhoods preserve row brick houses and cobblestone streets.

The nation’s history passes through the port: in 1814, during the war with the United Kingdom, the bombardment of Fort McHenry inspired the lines of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which became the national anthem. The star-shaped fort can be visited, and a water taxi runs there from the Inner Harbor.

Annapolis, about 45 km to the south, is Maryland’s capital. The colonial center slopes down to the City Dock, a harbor full of sailboats, and the state capitol, from the 18th century, served as the United States Congress for a few months after independence. Next to downtown are the lawns and piers of the Naval Academy, which admits visitors with ID.

The two cities combine well on an itinerary through the Washington–Philadelphia region, with trains linking Baltimore to the major cities of the Northeast Corridor.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Baltimore, Annapolis.