The National Aquarium is located in Baltimore, Maryland, and is one of the largest aquariums in the United States

The National Aquarium sits in Baltimore's Inner Harbor and holds over 20,000 animals across freshwater and saltwater exhibits. It is a privately operated facility, not a government agency, so visiting requires paid admission. The building itself is distinctive — a glass pyramid structure that has been a Baltimore landmark since 1981.

Unlike some smaller regional aquariums, the National Aquarium operates year-round and draws visitors from across the country. It is one of the few aquariums in the United States accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which means it meets standards for animal care, exhibit design, and educational programming.

Key Takeaways

  • Admission prices vary by age and whether you buy tickets in advance or at the gate, so checking the official website before your visit saves money.
  • The aquarium is open daily but hours change seasonally, and peak times (weekends and school holidays) mean longer lines and crowded exhibits.
  • Parking in Inner Harbor is limited and paid; arriving early or using public transit reduces hassle and cost.
  • The facility includes a tropical rainforest exhibit, a shark and ray tank, and a dolphin show, each requiring different amounts of time to experience fully.
  • Membership passes are available if you plan to visit more than twice in a year and offer discounts on admission and gift shop purchases.

Admission prices and ticket options

Ticket prices depend on your age and when you purchase. Children (ages 3–11), adults (12–64), and seniors (65+) each have different rates. Infants under 3 are free. Prices are lower if you buy online in advance compared to buying at the gate on the day of your visit — the difference is typically a few dollars per ticket.

The aquarium also offers combo packages that bundle admission with the dolphin show or other special experiences. These packages cost more than admission alone but may save money if you were planning to pay for both separately. Check the official National Aquarium website for current pricing, as rates change seasonally and may vary during special events.

If you visit more than once or twice per year, a membership pass may be cheaper than paying per visit. Members receive free admission, discounts on special events, and a percentage off gift shop purchases. The membership cost varies depending on the level you choose.

Hours, seasons, and crowd patterns

The National Aquarium is open every day of the year, but hours shift with the season. Summer hours (typically June through August) are longer — often 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — while fall and winter hours are shorter, sometimes closing as early as 4 or 5 p.m. Spring hours fall in between. Check the website before you go, because holiday schedules and special events can change posted hours.

Weekends and school holidays are the busiest times. If you want to move through exhibits without waiting in long lines, visit on a weekday morning, especially during the school year when most children are in class. Rainy days also tend to be less crowded than sunny ones, though the aquarium is indoors so weather does not affect your experience once you are inside.

Getting there and parking

The National Aquarium is in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, a waterfront district with restaurants, shops, and other attractions. If you drive, parking is available in nearby garages and lots, but spaces fill up quickly on weekends and during summer. Parking is paid — expect to pay $10 to $20 depending on the lot and how long you stay.

Public transit is an alternative. Baltimore's Light Rail has a station near the Inner Harbor, and local buses serve the area. If you are traveling from outside Baltimore, Amtrak and regional bus services stop downtown, a short ride or walk from the aquarium. Arriving by transit eliminates parking costs and the stress of finding a space, especially on busy days.

What exhibits and experiences are included

General admission covers access to the main exhibits, which include a tropical rainforest with plants and animals, a coral reef tank, a shark and ray touch pool, and a deep-sea exhibit. The aquarium also has a jellyfish gallery and exhibits focused on freshwater ecosystems. Most visitors spend two to four hours moving through these exhibits at a comfortable pace.

The dolphin show is separate from general admission — you pay extra to reserve a seat. The show runs multiple times daily during peak season and fewer times during slower months. If you want to see the dolphins, factor in the additional cost and book in advance, especially on weekends, because seating is limited.

Special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours or animal encounters cost more than admission and must be booked ahead. These are optional and not necessary to have a full visit, but they appeal to visitors who want a deeper look at how the aquarium operates.

Planning your visit and what to bring

Wear comfortable shoes because you will be standing and walking for several hours. The building is climate-controlled, so dress for indoor temperature rather than outdoor weather. Bring a reusable water bottle — the aquarium has water fountains where you can refill it. Food and drinks from outside are not permitted, but the aquarium has a café with sandwiches, snacks, and beverages at typical venue prices.

If you are visiting with children, plan breaks. Young children may lose interest after an hour or two, and the aquarium has benches and quieter areas where you can sit. The gift shop is near the exit, so budget time and money if you plan to browse or purchase souvenirs.

Photography is permitted in most exhibits, though flash photography is not allowed because it stresses the animals. If you are a serious photographer, check the website for any restrictions on specific exhibits or equipment.

Accessibility and accommodations

The National Aquarium is wheelchair accessible throughout the main exhibits. Elevators connect all levels, and accessible restrooms are available. If you have mobility concerns, the aquarium staff can provide information about which exhibits require the most walking or standing.

Service animals are permitted. If you have questions about specific accommodations — such as quiet spaces for visitors with sensory sensitivities or dietary restrictions at the café — contact the aquarium directly before your visit. They can often make arrangements in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the aquarium?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but the aquarium has a café with reasonably priced options. You can bring an empty water bottle and refill it at fountains throughout the building.

How long does it take to see everything?

Most visitors spend two to four hours on the main exhibits. If you add the dolphin show or a special experience, add another hour. You can move through faster if you skip some exhibits, or slower if you read all the information and watch animals for extended periods.

Is there a best time of year to visit?

Spring and fall are less crowded than summer and have pleasant weather for walking around Inner Harbor before or after your visit. Winter is quieter but has shorter hours. Avoid summer weekends and school holidays if you dislike crowds.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Advance booking is not required but saves money on admission and lets you skip the ticket line. During peak season (summer and holidays), buying online also guarantees entry, whereas the aquarium occasionally reaches capacity and stops selling gate tickets.

What is the difference between the National Aquarium and other aquariums near Baltimore?

The National Aquarium is the largest and most comprehensive facility in the region, with the most exhibits and the dolphin show. Smaller aquariums in nearby areas focus on local ecosystems or have fewer animals. The National Aquarium is the main destination if you want a full day of aquarium experiences.