With 6,500 rooms just steps from Baltimore’s convention center and 293,000 square feet of hotel meeting space, it’s no wonder why Baltimore is a popular meeting destination.

Getting there. The Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport is moments away from downtown Baltimore and close to Washington, D.C. and Annapolis, too. Amtrak also runs into Penn Station, a few miles from the city’s busy Inner Harbor. You can take a water taxi to many attractions near the Inner Harbor.

Where to stay. The award-winning InterContinental Harbor Court Baltimore hotel offers luxurious rooms, first-class restaurants, and modern amenities; The Hyatt Regency Baltimore is adjacent to the convention center. The Hilton and Towers, Marriott, and Renaissance Harborplace are also within steps of the center. For something a little different, stay at The Admiral Fell Inn, an historic inn that offers a well-equipped rooftop space for meetings and events.

Where to eat. Take part in a Baltimore crab feast if you’re able to – there’s nothing like it. Try Obrycki’s in Fell’s Point – famous for crabs. Baltimore also offers a host of other restaurants in walking distance or a short cab ride from the convention center. Brighton’s Orangerie at the Harbor Court Hotel is an elegant dining and tearoom that includes fine chandeliers, a beautiful view of the harbor, and wonderful food. Little Italy features fine Italian cuisine as well as homemade cannoli.

What to do. Baltimore’s National Aquarium is one of the most famous aquariums in the United States. There’s also the Maryland Science Center; Sports Legends at Camden Yards; Fort McHenry, the birthplace of our national anthem; and of course, the Walters Art Gallery and Baltimore Museum of Art. For shopping, visit Lexington Market, the Harborplace, and Gallery. Don’t miss: Baltimore is famous for its lively neighborhoods – visit Little Italy for its culture, Fells Point for its nightlife, the new West Side for its theater and nightlife, and Mt. Vernon, the heart of Baltimore’s arts and antiques scene.

Day Trips: If you have time, it’s worth your while to take a day trip to two of Baltimore’s closest historical cities – Annapolis and Washington, D.C. – each within a 30 to 40 minute drive.

Weather: Temperatures in the summer range from 75° F to 90° F. For more information on visiting Baltimore, visit www.baltimore.org and click on Meeting Planner.