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Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore, MD

Photo: Fort McHenry Social Media Team, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingIconicHistory Buff

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

2400 East Fort Avenue · Baltimore, MD

Why you should go…

Fort McHenry is a bastioned pentagon surrounded by a dry moat on Locust Point in Baltimore. British ships bombarded it for 25 hours in September 1814, and the flag still flying at dawn moved Francis Scott Key to write what became "The Star-Spangled Banner." The fort tour is self-guided and takes about an hour, while a full visit usually runs two. Rangers add living history programs, flag change programs and military twilight ceremonies on certain dates.

  • #historic fort
  • #national monument
  • #war of 1812
  • #star-spangled banner

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    2.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

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    Baltimore, Maryland

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    Maryland's largest city, known for its historic Inner Harbor, rowhouse neighborhoods, and blue-crab dining scene.

    2.5 mi awayMore like this