Best Places In Baltimore To Watch The Sunset
Federal Hill Park
300 Warren Ave.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 396-5828
www.federalhillonline.com
In 1608, during an exploration of discovery, Capt. John Smith sailed from Jamestown, Va., north into the Chesapeake Bay, and then up the Patapsco River where he observed a red bank of clay in an area of Baltimore now known as Federal Hill. The view from Federal Hill is legendary. In 1795, a maritime signal and observation tower was built to provide a view up and down the Patapsco. In 1880, Baltimore purchased Federal Hill and converted it into a park. The top of Federal Hill is an excellent spot to view a sunrise over the Inner Harbor or watch the sun set on the western horizon.
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World Trade Center
Observation Level
401 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 837-8439
www.viewbaltimore.org
No matter which way you face, the observation level of the World Trade Center on the Inner Harbor offers spectacular views of the city and the bay. Located on the 27th floor of one of the tallest buildings in the city, the observation level is a great place to watch the sun rise or set. Built in 1977 at a cost of $22 million, the 405-foot pentagonal tower is the home to a number of business firms. While there, take advantage of special tours offered by the World Trade Center.
Cloisters Castle
10440 Falls Road
Pikesville, Md. 21093
(410) 821-7448
www.cloisterscastle.com
The Cloisters was donated to the city of Baltimore by Sumner and G. Dudtrea Parker, both born in the city and both graduates of Johns Hopkins University. Located on top of a hill in Lutherville, the Cloisters Castle sits in the center of 60 acres of woodlands and is surrounded by gardens. Built in 1932, the Cloisters incorporates Gothic and Medieval architectural styles. The castle has been featured on a number of TV shows, including "Homicide: Life on the Streets," "Ace of Cakes," "The Wire" and also featured in a number of movies, including, "Cry Baby" by John Waters. The site often hosts sunset weddings.
Lantern Queen Riverboat
100 Congress Ave.
Havre de Grace, Md. 21708
(410) 939-1468
www.lanternqueen.com
For a romantic experience, the Lantern Queen Riverboat, which departs from Hutchins Park, Havre de Grace, offers a great platform to view a sunset. A replica of a Mississippi paddlewheel riverboat, public dinner cruises are offered, as well as charter cruises. Boarding begins a half an hour before the cruise departs. The upper deck offers an excellent panoramic view.
Gunpowder Falls State Park
2813 Jerusalem Road
Kingsville, Md. 21087
(410) 592-2897
www.dnr.state.md.us
A wildlife and nature area, Gunpowder Falls State Park was established in 1959 to preserve Gunpowder River and Big and Little Gunpowder valleys. With more than 18,000 acres, the park includes mountains, valleys, streams and wetlands. It features more than 120 miles of trails. The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail follows a former railroad bed from Ashland, north to the Mason-Dixon Line. Along the 21-mile trail, there are a number of places to stop and watch the sunset. While there, visit the Sparks Bank Nature Center.
Jeffrey B. Roth has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.