Visiting Federal Hill Park

About Federal Hill Park

A steep grassy hill above the south shore of the Inner Harbor gives a panoramic view of the skyline, the aquarium and the boats below. It has been a lookout since the 18th century and was occupied by Union troops in the Civil War, whose cannon are still here.

Tip: Climb the steps from Key Highway at sunset, then walk down for dinner on Cross Street or Light Street.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 30–45 minutes.
• Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: Federal Hill, hilltop park views over the harbour and a busy bar scene on Cross Street.

Best time to visit Federal Hill Park

Federal Hill Park is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:

• September: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• October: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.

For the view at golden hour: in mid-September the sun sets at about 19:15 local time (calculated for Baltimore).

When to visit Baltimore has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Our 3-day Baltimore itinerary visits Federal Hill Park on day 3, together with Walters Art Museum and Washington Monument, Mount Vernon Place.

• No. 7 of the 18 sights in our Baltimore things-to-do list.
• Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
• Listed in free things to do in Baltimore.

Near Federal Hill Park

Also in Federal Hill, so you can walk between them:

• American Visionary Art Museum — 2 hours, mid-priced

If you like Federal Hill Park

• Fells Point waterfront — Fells Point, 2–3 hours

Staying near Federal Hill Park

Stay in Federal Hill ($$) to walk here: hilltop park views over the harbour and a busy bar scene on Cross Street. All areas to stay in Baltimore.

Questions travellers ask