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National Aquarium Baltimore: America's Top Aquarium Guide to Exhibits, Tickets, Parking & Hotels

National Aquarium Baltimore: America s Top Aquarium Guide to Exhibits, Tickets, Parking & Hotels

Towering seven stories high under a striking glass pyramid, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is renowned as America's premier aquarium. It houses nearly 20,000 animals from over 700 species, including a rooftop rainforest, multi-story shark tank, and immersive Indo-Pacific reef with blacktip reef sharks, a green sea turtle, and stingrays. Experience the recreated Umbrawarra Gorge from Australia's Northern Territory, featuring a 35-foot waterfall, rocky cliffs, and free-roaming birds and lizards.

The largest exhibit features seven bottlenose dolphins in captivity. The aquarium plans to retire them to a seaside sanctuary when safe, as wild release isn't viable due to lacking survival skills. Pollution and climate challenges must be resolved first. Dolphins no longer perform shows.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor, with its gleaming glass structures, air-conditioned malls, lively bars, and historic ships, draws tourists who often make it their sightseeing hub.

Parking

Two private garages nearby provide about 2,000 spots. Pre-book online via the aquarium's website for details and discounts. Nearest free parking is half a mile away.

Tickets

Beyond general admission, add-on tours offer behind-the-scenes access to reptiles, sharks, and dolphins.

Kids love the extra-fee 4-D Immersion Theater and sleepovers. Arrive weekdays at opening to avoid crowds.

Hotels

Downtown Baltimore offers ample nearby stays. Top picks:

Sagamore Pendry

HI Baltimore Hostel

Inn at Henderson’s Wharf


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