National AquariumLocated at 501 East Pratt Street in Downtown Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium is a flagship waterfront sight built during the city’s period of urban renewal. It opened on 8 August 1981 and has since become Maryland’s largest tourism attraction, drawing large crowds each year.
The aquarium is substantial in both space and collection, holding more than 2.2 million US gallons of water and housing over 17,000 specimens representing more than 750 species. It is best known as an all-ages indoor attraction that combines public exhibits with education and conservation messaging.
As a non-profit, it frames much of the visit around aquatic habitats and conservation, with programmes and science work intended to address pressures on global aquatic environments.
What to See at National Aquarium#
- The Inner Harbor setting on Pier 3, with waterfront views and promenades nearby.
- Large aquarium habitats that together hold over 2.2 million US gallons of water.
- A broad collection of aquatic life, with over 17,000 specimens representing 750-plus species.
- Exhibit areas that interpret aquatic ecosystems and conservation challenges.
- Educational displays and programming tied to the aquarium’s conservation mission.
Nearby Attractions to National Aquarium#
Best Time to Visit National Aquarium#
Go on a weekday morning, especially outside school holiday periods, for shorter queues and more space in popular exhibits. In summer, an earlier visit can also help you enjoy a quieter waterfront before the Inner Harbor gets busiest later in the day.
Weather & Climate near National Aquarium#
National Aquarium's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1106 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 5° | -3° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 4.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 7° | -1° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.2 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 2° - 13° | 4° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| May | Very Good | 13° - 25° | 19° | 107 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.7 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.2h |
| June | Excellent | 18° - 29° | 24° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.7h |
| July | Excellent | 21° - 32° | 26° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 3.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.5h |
| August | Excellent | 20° - 31° | 25° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 3.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.5h |
| September | Excellent | 16° - 27° | 21° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 9° - 21° | 15° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Good | 4° - 14° | 7° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| December | Poor | -1° - 8° | 0° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
How to Get to National Aquarium#
The aquarium sits on the Inner Harbor waterfront in Downtown Baltimore, on East Pratt Street at Pier 3, making it easy to reach on foot from other harbour attractions and central hotels.
If you are using public transport, aim for transit to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Downtown area, then follow signage along the waterfront to Pier 3. Driving is possible, but expect city traffic and paid parking around the harbour, so allow extra time.
Tips for Visiting National Aquarium#
- Buy tickets in advance when possible, it is a top draw and can be busy.
- Allow a few hours, the collection is large and you may want time for exhibits and educational areas.
- Weekends and school holidays are typically the most crowded, visit earlier in the day for a calmer experience.
- Bring a light layer, indoor exhibit areas can feel cool compared with the waterfront outside.