National Aquarium in Baltimore, Baltimore (must see)

The National Aquarium in Baltimore stands along the Inner Harbor, forming one of the city’s most recognizable waterfront landmarks. Founded in 1978 and opened to the public in 1981, it was designed by architect Peter Chermayeff as part of Baltimore’s harbor revitalization. Today, the 250,000-square-foot complex houses more than 17,000 animals representing over 750 species. The later Glass Pavilion expansion introduced additional exhibition space and helped define the aquarium’s modern architectural profile.

Inside, the aquarium is organized as a sequence of immersive environments that move beyond traditional display tanks. One of the central features is Blacktip Reef, a large, multi-level exhibit built around a 265,000-gallon tank filled with sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Other sections highlight global ecosystems, including an Atlantic coral reef, Australia’s marine habitats, and an open-ocean shark exhibit.

A multi-level tropical rainforest forms one of the most distinctive areas, where elevated pathways wind past dense vegetation, waterfalls, and free-flying birds. Nearby exhibits present species from the Amazon River and Pacific reef systems, alongside animals such as poison dart frogs, parrots, and sloths. Additional galleries focus on regional environments, including Maryland’s native ecosystems, as well as species that illustrate long-term evolutionary adaptation, such as the electric eel. A 4D theater adds another dimension to the visit, offering short films with sensory effects.

Beyond its exhibits, the aquarium places a strong emphasis on conservation and research. The National Aquarium Conservation Center, established in 2009, supports work on coastal ecosystems, aquaculture, and watershed protection, while renewable energy sources, such as a solar farm, help power a significant portion of the facility. Set directly on the waterfront, the aquarium integrates easily into a walk along the Inner Harbor.