ATTRACTIONS

Some of the major attractions located in and around Baltimore include:

National Aquarium, a fixture in the Inner Harbor since 1981, is one of the most attractive and intriguing structures on the east coast, as water was and is an essential element in Maryland culture. It continues to grow each year, adding new and exciting attractions.

Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland’s largest art museum housing more than 90,000 works of art.

B&O Railroad Museum, featuring unique historic artifacts and weekend train rides.

Baltimore Zoo, located in the Druid Hill Park area is acclaimed as being among the nation's best.

Maryland Science Center, a three level center which features the Davis Planetarium, and the IMAX Theater.

Pimlico Race Course is the second oldest horse racing facility in the country, and hosts the annual running of the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, in mid-May. Pimlico opened in 1870, and since has undergone many innovations and continues to set records in attendance.

Fells Point, a popular night spot for Towson students, is an historic district listed in the National Register and contains 18th and 19th century residential, commercial and light industrial buildings on Baltimore's harbor. The district was home to both seaman, sailmakers, prosperous merchants and sea captains.

Fort McHenry is where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write “The Star Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812. Fort McHenry, which overlooks the Baltimore harbor, is open to the public and receives thousands of visitors each year who relive the events leading up to this historic moment in American history.

Dozens of dining possibilities cater to everyone’s tastes at the Inner Harbor, from the classic seafood restaurants, such as Phillips and the Rusty Scupper, to Hard Rock Cafe and ESPN Zone..

Other draws to Baltimore are The Convention Center, the Baltimore City Life Museums, the Maryland Historical Society, Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum, the Shot Tower, the Holocaust Museum, the Walters Art Gallery, the Meyerhoff (home to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra), the Lyric Operahouse, Little Italy and the USS Constellation which is the most famous battleship in US Naval history.

Towson itself represents a hub of entertainment possibilities with its theaters and restaurants. Within walking distance of campus are hundreds of shops and the Towsontowne Center, a four level shopping mall that includes department stores, an array of fine eateries and many specialty shops. Baltimore boasts several professional sports franchises including the Orioles (baseball), Ravens (football), and Blast (soccer).

Oriole Park at Camden Yards, which has been the home of the Orioles since 1992, is located in the heart of the Harbor, and is easily accessible from the Light Rail, mass transit buses, and Amtrak trains. In addition, the Sports Legends at Camden Yards Museum and Babe Ruth Museum are havens for every sports enthusiast. The Ravens play at M&T Bank Stadium at Camden Yards. Hailed as the most modern facility of its kind in the National Football League, it is adjacent to Oriole Park, which is hailed as the number one baseball stadium in the country.

The First Mariner Arena houses soccer and other sporting events, exhibits and concerts.