Fireworks displays will be seen all over Baltimore, MD this Fourth of July. Here is my choice for the best place in Baltimore to see the fireworks- at the Inner Harbor!…
July 4th is a great day to celebrate! First of all, it’s a day off of work, anyway you look at it. Second, its patriotic. You get a chance to show off your American spirit by wearing red, white and blue clothes and making patriotic themed decorations. And, the best part of this historically significant day is the fireworks that take place in the evening. Every town in America has fireworks– they’re everywhere! You can find them in lake resorts, by the beach, out in fields, at festivals, and just about anywhere else families and children gather.
With all of these choices, how do you decide which ones to watch? If you live in Baltimore, or in the surrounding area to include Washington, DC, you will have a decision to make. Will you pick some remote location or will you go where the action is? I personally would pick where the action is.
The Inner Harbor is definitely the place to be for the July 4th celebration of fireworks each year. This event attracts crowds into the millions! Live music takes place with live radio broadcasting. The fireworks can be viewed from many different areas. And, you’re in the Inner Harbor! This location has great restaurants, and there are plenty of places to stay overnight if you come from a distance….
What’s happening this year for July 4th in the Inner Harbor
The Independence Day celebration begins at noon and lasts until the fireworks are over at 10 pm. Live music will take place all day! The music will be played at the Inner Harbor Ampitheatre, which is found at the corner of Light Street and Pratt Street in Baltimore. From noon to four pm, street performers will perform. Then, at four pm,Almost Recess takes the stage, followed by jazz musician David Bach at 7 pm.
The fireworks will start at about 9:30 pm, which is when it officially gets dark in downtown Baltimore, setting stage for a spectacular show of lights. The fireworks display is broadcast live over MIX 106.5 FM radio, with music. The event is hosted by the Mayor of Baltimore, and organized by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts. The sponsor of the event is PNC bank.
You will be able to view the fireworks from many different areas near the Inner Harbor. You could choose to watch directly from the harbor, which will allow you to see the fireworks as they seem to cascade over the waters of the harbor. Or, you could watch them further out in the area, which could help you avoid the traffic and congestion at Inner Harbor. For instance, you could watch them from Canton, Fell’s Point, or Federal Hill, three surrounding areas.
The best thing about this event is that it is free. No matter where you chose to view the fireworks at the Inner Harbor, you won’t have to pay any type of admission charge. And, you can make a day of it or even a week, and enjoy the rest of what the Inner Harbor has to offer….
What else does the Inner Harbor have to offer?
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor has been a major seaport since the 1700’s, and has blossomed into the cultural mecca it is today. I recommend taking a visit to the top of Baltimore’s World Trade Center and looking at the skyline from the Observation Level. The view is incredible and lets you see firsthand what the rest of the city and harbor look like.
There are some fabulous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, as well as fascinating night-life. One restaurant that you can’t miss is Phillip’s Seafood. Try the cream of crab soup- I think it’s the best I have ever had. You might also wish to try City Lights restaurant. I had some spaghetti there with a tomato sauce that tasted like it had been freshly made from scratch. As for nightlife, check out the Hard Rock Cafe and ESPN Sport Zone. In the Hard Rock, you will find all sorts of rockstar memorabilia!
For some great shopping, visit the Harborplace and Gallery. Other attractions in the Inner Harbor include the Maryland Science Center, Baltimore Aquarium and Baltimore Maritime Museum. I love visiting the Baltimore Aquarium. It costs about $20 per ticket and you can see a dolphin show as well as watch sharks swim around in murky waters….
For those who love the water, water taxis will transport you from one side of the harbor to the other. There are also harbor cruises for brunch, lunch and dinner. These can also be privately chartered. For those who love baseball, you can check out an Orioles game if they happen to be in town during your visit! Tickets range from $10 up. Go to the scalp free zone, and bargain for better prices on tickets an hour before the game with fans who have extra tickets.
Accommodations
There is an endless variety of hotels for your overnight stay in the Inner Harbor and surrounding area. My first choice is the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, located at 202 East Pratt Street. From this hotel, many of the rooms have a view onto the Inner Harbor- it’s that close! A second choice is the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront. This hotel is located at 700 Aliceanna Street, and you get a direct view of the harbor with some rooms. Water taxis take you across the harbor to the action, such as the shopping and restaurants.
Directions
Visit www.mapquest.com to find directions to the Inner Harbor.
Sources: www.bop.org and www.baltimore.org .
