Cathie Are you looking for a fun and educational day trip from Washington, DC?
Do you want to see amazing marine life from all over the world and learn how to protect them? If so, you should definitely visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. It’s one of the largest and most popular aquariums in the country, and it’s only an hour away from the nation’s capital.
Why Visit the National Aquarium?
The National Aquarium is more than just a place to see fish. It’s a place to explore the diversity and beauty of aquatic life, and to understand the challenges and threats they face. The aquarium’s mission is to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, and it does so through its exhibits, programs, and research1
The aquarium has over 17,000 animals representing more than 750 species, from sharks and dolphins to frogs and birds1 You can see them in a variety of habitats and ecosystems, such as coral reefs, rainforests, and wetlands. You can also experience some of the most extreme environments on Earth, such as the Arctic and the Australian Outback2
The aquarium also offers many opportunities to interact with the animals and the staff. You can watch feeding sessions, listen to talks, and join tours and experiences. You can even touch some of the animals, such as stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and jellyfish3 You can also learn about the aquarium’s conservation efforts, such as rescuing and rehabilitating injured animals, restoring habitats, and conducting research4
What to See and Do at the National Aquarium? There’s so much to see and do at the National Aquarium that you might need more than one day to enjoy it all. Here are some of the highlights that you shouldn’t miss:
- The Blacktip Reef: This exhibit recreates a colorful and lively Indo-Pacific reef, home to hundreds of fish and invertebrates. You can see blacktip reef sharks, zebra sharks, green sea turtles, and many more. You can also watch the divers feed the animals and answer your questions5
- The Dolphin Discovery: This exhibit features six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that live in a 1.2 million-gallon pool. You can watch them swim, play, and communicate with each other and the trainers. You can also learn about their natural behaviors, personalities, and intelligence. You can even book a special encounter to meet them up close and personal6
- The Australia: Wild Extremes: This exhibit showcases the diverse and unique wildlife of the Australian continent, from the dry and rugged Outback to the lush and tropical Northern Territory. You can see crocodiles, snakes, lizards, frogs, birds, and fish. You can also admire the stunning scenery, such as the waterfall, the rock wall, and the eucalyptus trees7
- The Living Seashore: This exhibit lets you touch and feel some of the animals that live along the Atlantic coast, such as stingrays, moon jellies, sea stars, and urchins. You can also learn about the challenges they face, such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change. You can also discover how you can help protect them and their habitats8
How to Plan Your Visit to the National Aquarium? The National Aquarium is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The admission prices vary depending on the day and time of your visit, but they range from $24.95 to $39.95 for adults, and from $19.95 to $29.95 for children. You can buy your tickets online or at the ticket center9
The aquarium is located at 501 E. Pratt Street on Pier 3 in the Inner Harbor area of downtown Baltimore. You can get there by car, bus, train, or water taxi. There are several parking options nearby, but they can be expensive and limited. You can also find some discounts and coupons online or at the visitor center10
The aquarium is very popular, so it can get crowded and noisy at times. To avoid the crowds, you can visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, or on weekdays rather than weekends. You can also book a special tour or experience to get a more intimate and exclusive access to the exhibits and the animals.
The aquarium is also very large, so it can be tiring and overwhelming to see everything in one day. To make the most of your visit, you can plan ahead and decide what you want to see and do. You can also download the aquarium’s app or use the map and guide to help you navigate the facility. You can also take breaks and enjoy the food and drinks at the cafes and restaurants.
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the DC area. It’s a place where you can have fun and learn at the same time. It’s a place where you can marvel at the wonders of the aquatic world and appreciate the importance of conservation. It’s a place where you can create unforgettable memories with your family and friends. Don’t miss it!
