Sight guide · Baltimore · United States
Visiting Historic Ships in Baltimore
Four ships and a lighthouse form this floating museum: the USS Constellation, an 1854 sloop-of-war and the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy; the Second World War submarine USS Torsk; the Coast Guard cutter Taney, a survivor of Pearl Harbor; and the Lightship Chesapeake.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 350z33 at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Historic Ships in Baltimore is a historic site in Inner Harbor, Baltimore. Allow 2–3 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Inner Harbor
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history and kids
- Best months
- March, September and November
About Historic Ships in Baltimore
Four ships and a lighthouse form this floating museum: the USS Constellation, an 1854 sloop-of-war and the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy; the Second World War submarine USS Torsk; the Coast Guard cutter Taney, a survivor of Pearl Harbor; and the Lightship Chesapeake. The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse stands on Pier 5.
Tip: Buy a pass that covers several ships; the Torsk submarine's tight bunks are the highlight for children.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Inner Harbor, waterfront promenade with the aquarium, historic ships and big chain hotels.
Best time to visit Historic Ships in Baltimore
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- March: 13°C (55°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- September: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Baltimore has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Baltimore itinerary visits Historic Ships in Baltimore on day 1, together with National Aquarium, Port Discovery Children's Museum and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
- No. 2 of the 18 sights in our Baltimore things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Baltimore.
- A family favourite in Baltimore with kids.
Near Historic Ships in Baltimore
Also in Inner Harbor, so you can walk between them:
- National Aquarium — 3 hours, expensive
- Port Discovery Children's Museum — 2–3 hours, mid-priced
- Maryland Science Center — 2–3 hours, mid-priced
If you like Historic Ships in Baltimore
- Fort McHenry National Monument — Locust Point, 2 hours
- B&O Railroad Museum — Southwest Baltimore, 2–3 hours
- Edgar Allan Poe House and Poe's grave — Poppleton, 1.5 hours for both
Staying near Historic Ships in Baltimore
Stay in Inner Harbor ($$$) to walk here: waterfront promenade with the aquarium, historic ships and big chain hotels. All areas to stay in Baltimore.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Historic Ships in Baltimore?
Plan 2–3 hours. With National Aquarium nearby, it fits a half-day in Inner Harbor.
+Is Historic Ships in Baltimore free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Historic Ships in Baltimore?
March, September and November, the quietest of the good months. Buy a pass that covers several ships; the Torsk submarine's tight bunks are the highlight for children.
+Do I need to book Historic Ships in Baltimore in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Historic Ships in Baltimore good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Baltimore. Baltimore's Inner Harbor is built for families, with the aquarium, the science centre, Port Discovery and historic ships all within a short walk.