Situated on the harbor near the Chesapeake, Baltimore is best known for its bountiful fresh crabs, scenic views and sparkling waterfront attractions. Visitors frequently flock to the city's Inner Harbor to see National Aquarium, the Baltimore Maritime Museum, the family-friendly Port Discovery museum and the Pride of Baltimore II. However, there's much more to the city than just these marine based attractions. Brimming with intellectual vigor and cultural refinement, Baltimore enriches the lives of tourists and locals with a wealth of museums, historic sites, educational institutions and more. The city's home to Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of nation's top research hospitals, and together, the Johns Hopkins Hospital and University (Baltimore's top employers) have helped create a strong academic community. In addition, there's a strong focus on educational organizations such the Baltimore Museum of Art and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra help foster a passion for the arts.

Spring and autumn are the most temperate and scenic seasons throughout the Capital Region, but travel is eminently possible in other months. The Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean give the eastern part of Maryland fairly mild winters and humid summers. Rainfall is pretty steady throughout the year, but you're most likely to be reaching for the umbrella in July and August.