The Historic Ships in Baltimore is a collection of preserved naval vessels and a lighthouse docked at Baltimore‘s Inner Harbor, including the USS Constellation and the submarine USS Torsk. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in July 2026. One naming detail worth flagging: the Coast Guard cutter formerly known as USCGC Taney has been listed only as USCG Cutter 37 since 2020, though several current guides still use the old name.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Currently 10am–5pm daily (last boarding 4:30pm); hours change seasonally |
| Ticket prices | Adult $21.95; senior/military $19.95; youth (6–14) $9.95 |
| Address | 301 E Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland 21202 (Piers 1, 3 and 5) |
| Nearest transport/parking | Charm City Circulator (free shuttle) or Light Rail to Convention Center; no on-site parking |
| Typical time needed | 2–3 hours for all four ships and the lighthouse |
The Historic Ships in Baltimore opening hours
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, all ships open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last boarding at 4:30pm; the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse also opens Friday to Sunday during this period.
Hours shorten outside summer. From September to November and January to mid-March, ships open 11am to 4:30pm on weekdays and 10am to 4:30pm on weekends, with last boarding 30 minutes before closing. All ships close on Thanksgiving Day, and the lighthouse stays closed outside the summer season.
The Historic Ships in Baltimore ticket prices
A Boarding Pass covers all open ships and exhibits and doesn’t expire until used, so different ships can be visited on different days. Adult tickets (21–59) cost $21.95, seniors and military pay $19.95, students (15–20 or with ID) pay $19.95, youth (6–14) pay $9.95, and children under 5 enter free.
These prices run higher than the roughly $20 adult figure some travel guides still quote, so it’s worth checking current pricing before a visit.
Active duty, reservist, and retired military personnel arriving in uniform with valid ID receive free admission; other military personnel and dependents receive a discount. Groups of 10 or more receive reduced rates, and a guided tour of USS Constellation can be added for a fee.
Tickets and gift shop purchases can only be paid by card; cash isn’t accepted anywhere on site.
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor attractions are sometimes bundled through multi-attraction passes covering sites such as the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center. Since pass providers change their lineups, it’s worth checking current inclusions before assuming a discount applies here.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official Historic Ships in Baltimore tickets page and last updated in July 2026.
How to get to the Historic Ships in Baltimore
The Historic Ships in Baltimore are docked within easy walking distance of each other: USS Constellation at Pier 1, Lightship Chesapeake and USS Torsk at Pier 3, and USCG Cutter 37 and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse at Pier 5.
By car from the north, take I-95 South through the Fort McHenry Tunnel to exit 53 (I-395 North, Downtown), then follow signs to the Inner Harbor. By train, Penn Station is about 2 miles north; from there, the free Charm City Circulator or a taxi covers the rest of the trip. The Light Rail also stops at Convention Center, four blocks from the harbor.
Parking at the Historic Ships in Baltimore
The Historic Ships in Baltimore doesn’t have its own parking. Harbor Park Garage offers an $18 flat rate for visitors, and Pier 5 Parking Garage offers a $15 flat rate; both are within walking distance of the ships.
Large vehicles and coaches can’t park on site, though nearby loading zones allow drop-off, including a bus lane at the rear entrance of the Maryland Science Center.
How long to spend at the Historic Ships in Baltimore
Most visitors spend two to three hours seeing all four ships and the lighthouse, since the Boarding Pass allows self-guided visits at your own pace.
Visitors adding a guided tour of USS Constellation, which includes hands-on activities such as bracing the yards and drilling with a broadside gun, should allow extra time for this.
Accessibility at the Historic Ships in Baltimore
Portions of the Historic Ships may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility, since lower decks are reached by ship’s ladders and narrow hatches with a 6 to 8 inch sill. Calling ahead lets staff prepare for a smoother visit.
USS Constellation is reached via the museum building, which has stairs or a ramp, and a staff-operated elevator to the rooftop deck for those who need it. Visitors who can’t board the ships in person can use the virtual tours on the official website instead.
Inside the Historic Ships in Baltimore: what to see
USS Constellation, a 19th-century sloop-of-war and the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy, offers hourly hands-on activities across its four decks, including a working cannon demonstration.
USS Torsk, a WWII-era submarine, lets visitors explore the torpedo room and the cramped living quarters where more than 80 sailors once served.
Lightship Chesapeake marked the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay from 1930 to 1964 and shows what life was like aboard a floating navigational aid.
USCG Cutter 37, formerly known as USCGC Taney, is the last surviving vessel afloat that fought back during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, built in 1856, is the oldest Chesapeake Bay lighthouse still in existence and offers harbor views from its upper level.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Tip |
|---|---|
| Timing | Visit earlier in the day, since last boarding is 30 to 90 minutes before closing depending on the season. |
| Crowds | Weekday mornings tend to be quieter than weekend afternoons. |
| Layout | Start at Pier 1 with USS Constellation before walking to Piers 3 and 5. |
| Entry process | Bring a card for payment, since ships and gift shops don’t accept cash. |
| On-site logistics | Wear flat, closed-toe shoes, since several ships are boarded using steep ladders. |
Frequently asked questions about the Historic Ships in Baltimore
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Historic Ships in Baltimore suitable for children? | Yes, USS Constellation runs hourly hands-on activities for all ages. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Historic Ships in Baltimore? | No, though online tickets remain valid until used and can save time on arrival. |
| Is the Historic Ships in Baltimore open on Sundays? | Yes, all ships are open daily during summer; check seasonal hours the rest of the year. |
| Are the Historic Ships in Baltimore wheelchair accessible? | Only partially; lower decks are reached by ladders, though staff can advise on accessible routes. |
| Do the ships ever sail? | No, all vessels are decommissioned museum ships with a permanent home in Baltimore. |
Things to do near the Historic Ships in Baltimore
The National Aquarium, with marine life exhibits and a rainforest habitat, is a short walk away.
The Maryland Science Center, with interactive exhibits and a planetarium, is a short walk along the harbor.
The Top of the World Observation Level, offering panoramic views of the city, is about 10 minutes away.
The American Visionary Art Museum, showing outsider and folk art, is about 10 minutes away.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum, a hands-on museum for younger visitors, is about 10 minutes away.
What to visit tomorrow
The U.S. Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis, covering naval history and memorabilia, is about 35 minutes away.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, with historic boats and a working lighthouse, is about 1 hour 30 minutes away.
Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, home to a submarine and a historic cruiser, is about 1 hour 45 minutes away.
The Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial in Camden, the most decorated US battleship, is about 2 hours away.
The Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, with a historic lighthouse and local maritime history, is about 1 hour 30 minutes away.
