Baltimore’s Historic Charles Street

Story of the Byway

Follow along Charles Street, Baltimore’s grandest and best-known artery, and begin a journey that will take visitors through some of the city’s most fashionable cultural, residential, and commercial areas. Visitors will stop to shop, dine, and discover world-class institutions while being surrounded by several institutions whose influence extends beyond Baltimore's border to the nation and the world. Visitors will begin their journey in the beautifully tree-lined community of Lutherville before heading south into Towson, where visitors can enjoy a myriad of upscale stores sure to satisfy any shoppers needs and visit the Hampton National Historic Site, featuring an 18th century Georgian mansion, slave quarters, and gardens.

As visitors return to Charles Street, they will have the opportunity to discover pubs, restaurants, and art museums in an area famous for its educational institutions. Visitors should especially make note of Friends School, founded in 1784 and Baltimore’s oldest school, Notre Dame of Maryland University, founded in 1895 and the nation’s first Catholic women’s college, Loyola University Maryland, a Jesuit institution established in 1852, and Johns Hopkins University, a world renown research institution that offers a look into the life of 18th and 19th century Baltimoreans. As visitors pass by Johns Hopkins University, they will enjoy visiting the admission-free Baltimore Museum of Art, which includes the world’s largest collection of works by Henri Mattisse.

Continuing along Charles Street to Charles Village, visitors will explore one of Baltimore’s first suburban neighborhoods, and music and art enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, which tells the story of Baltimore’s creative community. As visitors travel through the Mount Vernon Place National Historic Landmark District, they won’t miss the 208 foot tall monument topped by a 16 foot statue of George Washington, the first major monument to honor George Washington, or the Maryland Center for History and Culture, which contains national treasures such as the original manuscript of Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner.” Art lovers will enjoy visits to Walters Art Museum, the Peabody Institute, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, America’s first Cathedral, while those in search of other forms of entertainment will enjoy cultural attractions such as the Royal Farms Arena and the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.

Visitors will then enter the Inner Harbor area, Baltimore’s main commercial center, which is a hub for restaurants, shopping and waterfront attractions. The National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and the American Visionary Art Museum offer fun for all ages. Guided Heritage Walking Tours are also offered, connecting 20 historic sites and museums. Professional sports fans will also want to visit Camden Yards, home to the Baltimore Orioles baseball team, and M&T Bank Stadium, home to football’s Baltimore Ravens. If visitors are looking for a bite to eat, they should explore Cross Street Market, which sells fresh seafood and produce alongside a variety of unusual products such as pigs’ ears, pickled eggs, and oxtails. Those in search of a more traditional dining experience will discover a multitude of taverns, restaurants, and pubs, which line the streets.Visitors should be sure to visit the Baltimore Visitors Center to pick up a Harbor Pass for discounted entry to many of these attractions.