Baltimore is a popular tourist destination in Maryland. But if you’re planning on visiting Maryland this Halloween, there’s a nearby city you should consider visiting as well: Annapolis. Both Baltimore and Annapolis have plenty to offer, but which is better for Halloween? Join us as we take a deeper look at these two cities and help you decide which one is best for you.
Baltimore
Baltimore is a large city with a population of around 600,000. It has many neighborhoods, offering you a lot of flexibility in where you stay, but one thing remains certain: Baltimore is for those who like the hustle and bustle of a big city.
On Halloween, there will be a lot going on. The Fells Point neighborhood comes alive, with various bars and eateries hosting Halloween-themed events, including costume contests and special Halloween-themed drinks. For the best experience, I recommend going on a haunted Baltimore pub crawl, which will take you to local haunts and joints like Max’s Taphouse and The Horse You Came In On Saloon for some boos and booze.
However, if you are looking for family-friendly events for the kids, you have plenty of options as well. The Maryland Zoo holds an annual ZooBoo festival for several weeks leading up to Halloween. From hay rides to moon bounces to trick and treating, your kids will have a blast.
In short, Baltimore is probably better for you if you enjoy vibrant city vibes and thrive in large crowds. It’s also a great choice if you plan on a night out this Halloween!
Annapolis
The Maryland Inn, Annapolis – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
Annapolis is located just 45 minutes from Baltimore, but it offers an entirely different atmosphere. It has a more relaxed vibe and small-city charm. If you’re looking for a quieter place to spend Halloween, it might just be for you. You’ll be able to escape the crowds of Baltimore while enjoying the scenic colonial architecture and waterfront walks.
Although Baltimore does offer experiences for families, Annapolis tends to be more family-oriented in general, especially around Halloween. If you love history, especially American history, Annapolis is a great place to get that old-world feel for yourself.
As with Baltimore, though, Annapolis offers plenty to do on Halloween. An Annapolis ghost tour is a great way to gear up for the Halloween spirit and learn all about the haunted past of this town. Of course, you can take a ghost tour on Halloween itself, but you might have to book in advance.
Annapolis features the oldest continually operating hotel in the US – the Maryland Inn, which is also one of the most haunted hotels in the nation. Built in 1772, it is haunted by the ghost of a bride who killed herself at the hotel after seeing her returning husband-to-be get into an accident right in front of the hotel.
Annapolis is for you if you want to enjoy a relaxed Halloween without heavy crowds, soak in some colonial history, and if you prefer those mall-town vibes over a large city.
Main image: The Horse You Came In On Saloon, Baltimore – Copyright US Ghost Adventures