Scenic Photo Spots in Baltimore

American Visionary Art Museum

One of Baltimore’s most popular art destinations is the American Visionary Art Museum, which celebrates the work of self-taught artists, and is brimming with photo opps. Some of the top shots are of the larger-than-life statue of drag legend Divine, pink poodle Fifi and the sparkling mirrored external wall.

Local poet Mecca Verdell in front of the AVAM’s sparkly exterior.

Baltimore Murals

The vibrant murals that adorn Baltimore businesses and street corners make for one-of-a-kind photo backdrops. Can’t-miss murals include:

• All You Need is Love by Marshall Adams – 5230 Harford Rd.
• Divine by Gaia – 106 E Preston St.
• “Long Live the Rose that Grew from Concrete” by Lyle Kissack, Cindy Garcia and Russell Vander Veen – Greenmount Ave. and E. 27th St.
• “Overjoyed” by Gaia – 3011 Greenmount Ave.
• Rep. Elijah Cummings by Adam Stab – 1219 Druid Hill Ave.
• Billie Holiday murals by various artists on the 200 block of South Durham St.
• “Sankofa” by Ernest Shaw Jr. – 2426 Pennsylvania Ave.
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Will Brown – 2801 Huntingdon Ave.
• “Bauhaus Blue” by Jaz Erenberg – 1733 Maryland Ave.
• “Portals and Passageways” by Jaz Erenberg – 1919 N. Charles St.

You can also see “love” all over the city, spelled out on the side of buildings as murals by Michael Owen. This local artist has painted 20 murals of silhouetted hands spelling “L-O-V-E” in neighborhoods from Mount Washington to Carroll Park. Favorite spots include the mural across from the historic Senator Theatre in Belvedere Square and one on The Avenue in Hampden.

Follow @baltimurals on Instagram to discover more Baltimore street art.

Baltimore Museum of Art

A couple explores the airy halls of the Baltimore Museum of Art. Photograph by Jason Varney.

With more than 95,000 works of art (including the world’s largest collection of Henri Matisse pieces) that occupy every corner of the bright, airy museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art offers lots of creative inspiration. Don’t miss the gorgeous 2.7-acre sculpture garden with works by Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson, Auguste Rodin and other modern masters. Best of all, general admission is free for all, every day.

Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower

The Bromo Tower in Bromo Arts and Entertainment District, modeled after Palazzo Vecchio in Italy, has been an iconic part of Baltimore’s skyline since 1911 and now serves as a creative hub for artists, architects, writers and other makers to engage with the public. In addition to offering unparalleled views of Baltimore at its top, the tower also has new treasures on each floor, from the “Sounds of the Tower” performance space on floor three to the Emerson/Maryland Glass Museum on floor fifteen. Book a history tour to get a glimpse of the original pendulum and clock space, which features the largest four-dial gravity-driven non-chiming clock in the world.

There are artist studios on every floor of the Bromo Arts Tower, so you can glean some creative inspiration while supporting local makers. Photo courtesy of the Bromo Arts District.

Domino Sugars Sign

Snap a pick of the Domino Sugars sign from historic Fell’s Point, or get out on the water for a closer view.

The iconic neon sign of the Domino Sugars factory has long been a fixture of the Baltimore skyline. The best places to get shots of it are from Locust Point, Harbor East, Fell’s Point and Canton along the water. The Domino Sugar factory has been in continual operation since 1922 and produces more than 6.6 million pounds of sugar every day.

Graffiti Alley

A departure from the graffiti you see in most urban cities, Graffiti Alley is a designated corridor that artists can paint and decorate without repercussion. It also makes a great photo spot!

Tucked behind Motor House, a performance venue in Station North Arts & Entertainment District, Graffiti Alley is the only space in the city where street artists can legally create their work. It’s an ever-changing gallery that’s ideal for capturing the city’s colorful vibe.

Federal Hill Park

Federal Hill offers one of the most picturesque Inner Harbor views, and has long been a Baltimore landmark. It was a defensive stronghold during the War of 1812 because of its panoramic view of the city. Today, that view makes it ideal for IG-worthy pics.

The top of Federal Hill Park offers sweeping views of some of Baltimore’s top attractions, including the National Aquarium and the Patapsco River.

Howard Peter Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens

Built in 1888, the Rawlings Conservatory features five greenhouse rooms and a half-acre garden. Capture pictures of exotic flora in the Victorian glass and iron greenhouse, feed the koi at the indoor pond or wander outside to take pictures in its exterior gardens in Druid Hill Park.

Jacob Marley is a Baltimore-based visual artist who focuses on representation. He poses here at The Rawlings Conservatory in Baltimore. Photograph by Devin Allen.

Patterson Park Observatory

The Patterson Park Pagoda provides plenty of good Instagram material.

The Patterson Park Observatory is a must-stop photo op, not only for the views from atop a hill in Patterson Park, but also for its oriental-style iron, wood and glass exterior. Constructed in the 1890s, the four-story building continues to serve its original purpose as an observation tower. It’s best accessed via the entrance to the park at East Lombard Street and South Patterson Park Avenue.

Cylburn Arboretum

Tucked along the Jones Falls waterway, Cylburn Arboretum offers three miles of woodland trails, plus lush gardens and a jaw-dropping historic mansion that begs to be photographed. The park is devoid of courts and recreational activities, so you won’t have to worry too much about background noise or fly balls when trying to shoot some content—just be sure to respect the abundance of plant life that occupies the 200-acre urban oasis.

Get outside and explore three miles of natural trails at Cylburn Arboretum.

Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine

Travel back in time and explore the 42-acre birthplace of the National Anthem!

Surrounded by the Patapsco River, Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner, is as picturesque as it is historic. This is especially true during the fall or spring; nearly 1500 cherry blossom trees were planted in Fort McHenry by Baltimore school children in 1931 and they continue to flourish thanks to replanting and landscaping efforts. While you need to pay a small fee to enter the main fort itself, the surrounding grounds and waterfront are free to explore. For the ultimate scenic experience, travel to and from the fort via Water Taxi.

The George Peabody Library

As the inspiration for the library in the Disney film “Beauty and the Beast,” the George Peabody Library in Mount Vernon is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world by the likes of Architectural Digest. This iconic, 19th-century space holds more than 300,000 books and features five tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies as well as a magnificent skylight.

The Peabody Library, which opened its doors in 1878, stands six stories tall and houses more than 300,000 books.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Camden Yards was the first modern MLB park to be designed in the retro-classic style, setting an industry trend.

Consistently named the most beautiful ballpark in America, Oriole Park at Camden Yards is the home of the Baltimore’s Major League Baseball team, the Orioles. The park is picture-perfect, especially against the backdrop of the historic B&O Warehouse along Eutaw Street.

Washington Monument

Constructed shortly after the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, the 178-foot-tall monument was designed by Robert Mills, who went on to design the Washington Monument on the National Mall in D.C. While the Washington Monument looks pretty from any of the four grassy squares surrounding it—especially during the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom—you can get also amazing views of the city by climbing to the top.

Lush green squares surround the Washington Monument, making it the perfect place to picnic on a warm summer day!

Bloom’s

Bloom’s, located within Hotel Ulysses, describes itself as a “late-night drinking parlor.” The palatial pink sofas, warm accent lighting and reflective wrap-around bar evoke the campy, rebellious artistry of Baltimore icon John Waters, and the cocktail menu is just as playful. Create your own Old Fashioned by choosing from a selection of spirit bases and bitters, or try the “Jungle Bird,” composed of blackstrap rum, cappelletti aperitivo, pineapple, lime and demerara syrup.

Enjoy swanky sips at Bloom’s bar & lounge, ornamented in plush pink seats and shimmering metal accents.

The Bluebird Cocktail Room

Stylish and inviting, this second-story cocktail bar in Hampden pairs a sophisticated setting with a literary theme. The name comes from a Charles Bukowski poem and drink offerings change seasonally and take thematic inspiration from literature. As a bonus, head to the building’s basement level to check out the Pub, featuring the same level of craft cocktails alongside a global whiskey menu.

Clavel

Before you even take a bite, this Remington mezcaleria and taqueria’s clean white walls, warm wood furniture, incandescent string lights and gorgeous greenery will have you dying to snap a picture worthy of Instagram’s Explore page. And the food is just as eye-catching. Standouts include the lamb tacos with barbacoa braised in Mexican coffee and ceviche with lime-cured shrimp, spicy cilantro pesto and cucumber. Clavel’s cocktail menu is full of colorful tequila and mezcal-forward concoctions, plus ample non-alcoholic options.

Papermoon Diner

This longtime favorite Remington breakfast spot can’t be missed—literally. Papermoon Diner’s colorful exterior and collection of mannequins on the lawn are nothing compared to the inside. A cornucopia of kitsch awaits with thousands of Pez dispensers, Barbie dolls and other pop culture figurines hanging from the ceiling and adorning the walls.

Papermoon Diner is known for its eclectic decor, both outside and inside.

Prima Dopo

With a name that means “before and after” in Italian, this charming Fell’s Point eatery strives to make every meal an unforgettable experience. Lunch and happy hour get just as much love as dinner, and the cocktails are in a league of their own. The interior offers many photo opportunities, from the cozy swinging chairs in the front to the gingham wallpaper and bright orb lights. Even the entrees are served on dainty blue and white China—just one small way that the restaurant transports you the Mediterranean for your meal.

Sally O’s

Located within the Highlandtown Arts & Entertainment District, it’s no surprise that Sally O’s boasts its own original aesthetic, which is excitingly campy, tropical and sophisticated all at once. “Top Chef” alum Jesse Sandlin has breathed new life into the neighborhood’s late-night dining scene with elevated bar eats and a fun cocktail menu. Try Sally’s Old Fashioned with marshmallow syrup or the Star Tropics with a secret blend of tropical flavors.

Sally O’s has quickly become known for its colorful, flavorful dishes and cocktails that match the restaurant’s playful spirit.

Topside

Customers at Topside brunch in Baltimore. Photograph by Jason Varney.

Located down the street from Baltimore’s historic Washington Monument and the Walters Art Museum, Hotel Revival’s rooftop restaurant Topside offers unparalleled views of historic Mount Vernon, thanks to large windows sprawled across the walls, in a relaxed, upscale environment. The attached Garden Room designed by local plant shop B. Willow is a refreshing oasis from the city below, and plush seats invite you to settle into conversation with loved ones. Topside is known for its artistic cocktails, and they also have a full zero-proof menu “made with love but not the buzz” courtesy of Bar Manager Anna Welker.