Local Attractions for Seniors in Baltimore, MD

Baltimore, Maryland, is a working-class city known for its diverse neighborhoods, unique accents, and – of course – crabs. However, there’s more to Baltimore than seafood. When you check out these ideas for things to do, you’ll still be sure that there’s a good restaurant nearby.

Sail on the harbor

Experience Baltimore from the water. Whether you take a dinner cruise, a pirate cruise, or the water taxi, you’ll see the city skyline from a new point of view. Admire the unique architecture of the National Aquarium. View the world’s tallest 5-sided building in the World Trade Center. See what ships and boats are visiting in the Harbor. It’s a relaxing way to see much of the city! There are several companies that operate cruises around the harbor. Contact them directly for information regarding mobility.

Visit an Art Museum

Baltimore has several art museums for you to choose from. The Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art are the more traditional museum options. For something revolutionary, visit the American Visionary Art Museum, where you’ll find art made from recycled materials, paintings on window screens, and mosaics created by students from a nearby high school. All three museums are wheel-chair accessible and have assistive devices for individuals who have low vision or are hard-of-hearing.

Experience History First Hand

Take a tour of the birthplace of our National Anthem, Fort McHenry. Watch the short movie in the visitors’ center and take pride in our nation as you step out and see the Star-Spangled Banner flying over the fort. See how soldiers lived during the War of 1812 and imagine yourself as Francis Scott Key, watching the battle from afar, and being relieved that the American flag was still flying after the exchange. While some parts of the fort are not accessible for wheelchairs, you can still experience the Visitor and Education Center, as well as walking trails and picnic areas.

For more ideas on what to do in Baltimore, Maryland, go to https://baltimore.org. 

Local Attractions for Seniors in Annapolis, MD

Annapolis, Maryland is a beautiful state capital located on the Chesapeake Bay. Visiting the historic district feels like a step back in time, as you wander among buildings that are as old as the United States itself. There’s a lot to do and explore in this picturesque community on the water.

Meet a Midshipman

As home to the United States Naval Academy, it’s not hard to find a midshipman when you visit Annapolis. Go to the Visitors Center to take a guided tour. You can learn about US maritime history, dating back to tall ships like the USS Constitution in Boston or the USS Constellation in Baltimore. You can choose from a walking tour of campus or a riding tour in an electric vehicle. If you plan a trip during the autumn, check the team’s football schedule. As with any college campus, gameday is an event that shouldn’t be missed.

As a US Government installation, visitors will need to provide government photo identification such as a driver’s license or passport. For more information on visiting the US Naval Academy, go to: https://www.usna.edu/Visit/. 

Eat Your Way through the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer’s Market

Experience the delicious tastes of the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer’s Market. An Amish market, where most of the products and food sold there originate in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. Pick up your fresh produce, enjoy some homemade cheeses, or delight your taste buds at the bakery. Then, check out the beautiful handcrafted furniture and meet the furniture makers.  Visit https://www.padutchfarmmarket.com/ for more information. 

Maryland State House

While there may be other older state houses, the Maryland State House is the only one that has been in continuous legislative use since 1772. Home to the Maryland General Assembly and the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the Maryland State House was also once the nation’s capital, housing the Continental Congress. Walk in the footsteps of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. 

Take a free, self-guided tour to experience history in the place it occurred. As a government installation, visitors will need government photo identification such as a driver’s license or passport. For more information, visit https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/html/home.html.

For more ideas on what to do in Annapolis, Maryland, go to https://www.visitannapolis.org

Local Attractions for Seniors in Washington, D.C.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Washington, D.C. The best part is that many government installations, like the Smithsonian Institution are free, ADA compliant, and diverse in activities. You can visit the African Art Museum one day, the Air and Space Museum the next, and the National Zoo the next. Here are a few other ideas on things to do in Washington D.C.

Take a food tour

Washington, D.C. is a foodie’s paradise. As home to diplomats from all over the world, almost any type of international cuisine can be found here. Most tours are walking tours, based in individual neighborhoods, like Georgetown, Capitol Hill, or Old Town Alexandria. Or, create your own food tour and select one of the thousands of restaurants to try. Experience the tastes of Ethiopia, Lebanon, Indian, Cambodian, Greece, France and more.  There are several companies that offer food tours around the DC area. Choose one that fits your taste buds!

Sit with Albert Einstein 

Most people visit the National Mall when they come to Washington, D.C. Not everyone knows that just across from Constitution Avenue is the National Academy of Sciences and the Albert Einstein memorial. This 12-foot tall, 4-ton bronze statue commemorates the mathematician and scientist. On the ground at his feet is a map of the stars, as they were positioned on the date the memorial was dedicated. It’s a quiet place to rest after a long day of exploring the more popular  parts of the city. To learn more, visit www.nasonline.org/einstein-memorial/ 

Sail the River

As the convergence point of the Potomac and the Anacostia Rivers, there is no shortage of boating activities in Washington, D.C. Take a dining cruise, a sight-seeing cruise, and even a crab-feast cruise. Sail on a schooner, motorboat, or paddleboat. It’s up to you! There are several companies that operate cruises around Washington, D.C. Contact them directly for information regarding mobility.

For more ideas on what to do in Washington, D.C. go to https://washington.org