Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
April 22, 2026
April 22, 2026 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

Leisure

Leisure is the section where we highlight the intriguing, exciting and all-around fun events and activities happening in Baltimore over the weekend.



PUBLIC DOMAIN
North Point State Park is in Baltimore County, next to the Chesapeake.

My hiking trip out to North Point State Park

I’ll be honest: When I sat down to write this article, I had no idea where to begin. “Fun activities and events in Baltimore.” What a foreign concept! When was the last time I luxuriated in something like that?






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Federal Hill is just one of many great places to people watch in Baltimore.

My favorite places to people watch in Baltimore

Despite the fact that temperatures are once again approaching the mid-80s, fall has come to Baltimore, date-wise. That means your Instagram feed will soon be totally flooded with photos of acquaintances enjoying the weather in warm color palettes.


MO1229/CC BY 2.0
Federal Hill is just one of many great places to people watch in Baltimore.

Add The Maryland Zoo to your Hopkins bucket list

I’ve walked and driven by The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore plenty of times. Each time I reminded myself I should really check it out sometime soon, especially since it’s only a 10-minute drive from campus.



PUBLIC DOMAIN
The Arboretum is located on the lands of the Civil War era Cylburn Mansion in Baltimore.

The Arboretum provides a green escape from city life

I grew up in Central New York, where the nearest state park is usually no more than a 10-minute drive away. The number of parks plus the fact that there really isn’t much to do in Syracuse meant that spending time outside became one of the most important parts of my life.






CC BY 2.0/EDSEL LITTLE
One of Birroteca’s locations is on Clipper Rd. by the Jones Fall Expressway.

Birroteca restaurant provides solid Italian fare

It was already a bit dark by the time we pulled in to the nearly full, gravel parking lot of Birroteca, an Italian restaurant — I think it might technically go by “pizzeria,” but I’ve forgotten — resting in the luxuriant shade of I-83 as it goes over Jones Falls.






 COURTESY OF RACHEL UNDERWEISER
Avocado toast and a cup of tea at Dooby’s makes a great study snack.

Off campus study spots bring new experiences

Lately it feels as though the entire student body has moved into Brody. We’ve all been there: the sad moment when they announce the service desk is closing for the night and the even sadder moment when it opens again the next morning.


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