This observation area, on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center, offers panoramic views of the Baltimore Harbor. There is also a museum that displays artifacts from Baltimore's past and a gift shop featuring the famous Maryland crab. Although school groups and tours are invited to schedule an appointment to experience the Top of the World Observation Level, the space may not be reserved for private functions.

A nonprofit sailing organization, this company offers affordable sailing opportunities, including youth and adult lessons, recreational sailing and racing. Sailing opportunities are available for all age and skill levels. Adult lessons are offered Monday evenings and select weekends May-October. More than 800 youngsters have attended the center's Junior Sailing Camp and hundreds of adults have learned to sail through its sailing programs. Wednesdays nights are open sailing. Skipper and crew members gather on the dock and are matched according to abilities.

Port Discovery offers interactive fun for the whole family. The young and young at heart will enjoy the Dream Lab and the Exploration Center, where visitors make their dreams come true and learn how to make their own art and jewelry. Children are particularly amused by Port Discovery's three-story treehouse, where they are encouraged to climb, crawl, swing and slide. The museum is also a great place for your child's birthday party. See their website for further details.

The historic vessels and landmarks of this museum bring to life the history of American naval power. The US Coast Guard Cutter Taney (surviving warship in Pearl Harbor), USS Torsk (fired last two torpedoes in World War II), the lightship Chesapeake (served as floating lighthouse for 40 years) and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse (helped sailors navigate Chesapeake Bay for more than 100 years) all played a vital and heroic role in US military war and peacekeeping. Special student programs are also available at Historic Ships in Baltimore.

Maryland's goodwill ambassador to the world was modeled after the Baltimore clippers, the topsail schooners that helped America win the War of 1812. Since its launch in 1988, the 173-foot vessel has represented Maryland in 44 countries. The Pride has sailed more than 180,000 miles and played host to some 500,000 visitors. If you're lucky enough to be in Baltimore when the Pride is in port, take a tour of the vessel or stay on board overnight and sail with the crew.

Maryland Science Center, this Inner Harbor museum features interactive exhibits that focus on physics, marine biology and astronomy. Among the most popular recent exhibits were three-dimensional nebula models and a giant meteor hanging from the ceiling of the main hall. Of more local interest is the Chesapeake Bay estuary exhibit, which features several tanks of live creatures. Packages that include tickets to the IMAX are available.

This unique water transportation system allows visitors and residents to avoid long walks from point to point, but also the traffic congestion along Pratt Street and the roads hugging the harbor. The Baltimore Water Taxi has 17 stops scattered along the waterfront, from Little Italy to Fell's Point. See their website for further information.

Baltimore's World Trade Center - the world's tallest pentagonal building - is a must-see for anyone visiting Charm City. That's because the 27th-floor observation deck "Top of the World" - offers panoramic views of the Inner Harbor and Baltimore's historic waterfront neighborhoods. It's a great place to get a sense of the city. The observation level also contains exhibits about Baltimore and its economic renaissance.

The restored President Street Station, built in 1849, was first a stop on the Underground Railroad. On April 19, 1861, it became the site of the first casualties of the Civil War. The 6th Massachusetts Regiment stopped in Baltimore to switch trains and clashed with Southern sympathizers. Firing ensued and four soldiers and 12 civilians were killed. Exhibits and walking tours chronicle the story of the 6th Regiment.

Since 1955, the Orioles have brought a great deal of joy to Baltimore's baseball fans. No matter where you're from, an evening spent watching the Birds at Camden Yards is an evening well spent. The atmosphere is festive, the ballpark is both modern and comfortable, and the food is great.