Visitor Information

Visitor Tips
Whether you are a resident of the city or an out-of-town guest, we want your experience at the Aquarium to be unique, comfortable, and unforgettable. Here are a few insider tips.

1. Buy your tickets in advance. You can avoid lines on the day of your visit by using our online ordering system, phoning or visiting a TicketMaster outlet, or by visiting the ticket office outside the Aquarium in the Inner Harbor any day prior to your visit.

2. If buying tickets on the day of your visit, buy before touring the harbor. On especially busy days, available tickets may not permit entry until several hours after your purchase. Fortunately, the Aquarium is the anchor to Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Numerous shopping and sightseeing opportunities are within short walking distance.

3. Discover the Aquarium in a New Way! Now it's easier than ever to prepare and plan a visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The Aquarium's new, interactive trip planner is the best way to get ready for your adventure.  Try the Online Trip Planner before your next visit!

4. Visit during off-peak hours. Visiting as soon as the ticket center opens is a great way to avoid crowds and see early-morning animal behaviors that most guests never see. Late afternoon and evening hours are also a great time to visit.

5. If you are arriving by car, learn more about parking.

6. Consider leaving your stroller at home or in the trunk of your car. Because of the escalators and people-movers inside the Aquarium, strollers cannot be used inside. If you do bring a stroller, Aquarium staff will store it for you and provide a backpack or frontpack child-carrier. The higher vantage point will also provide your children with a better view of many exhibits.

7. Dive beneath the surface with the Aquarium's Immersion Tours. Our expert guides help you experience life at the Aquarium from an insider's perspective. You'll discover a world behind the glass that is fascinating and full of surprises. Tours are also a great way to celebrate a special occasion. 

8. Consider staying at an official Aquarium hotel. If your visit requires an overnight stay, save money on exclusive package deals with the Hyatt and other nearby hotels. All participating hotels are convenient to the Aquarium and other Inner Harbor attractions. Camden Yards, Ravens Stadium, and the entire downtown area are within walking distance.

9. The Aquarium offers convenient services for special needs visitors. A drop-off circle is located in front of the Aquarium on Pratt Street, and an accessible entrance is located just beyond the main entrance. Blind or deaf vistors may use audio tours and scripts of public presentations. Additional resources are available, and with advance notice, we make special arrangements to accommodate our visitors’ needs.

10. Bicycle parking racks are available next to the Staff Entrance on Pier 3 Pavilion and on the back of Pier 4 Pavilion.  Check out the new racks now located in the front of Pier 3 Pavilion.

11. Become an Aquarium member. Members enjoy free admission for one full year and express entry regardless of crowds. Memberships may be purchased at the Aquarium and will enable you to bypass lines on the day of purchase. Other benefits include discounts at Aquarium shops and restaurants and for participation in special programs, as well as a subscription to Watermarks, the Aquarium’s quarterly magazine.

Become a Member

Renew a Membership

Give a Membership

Aquadopt an Animal

Some documents require Adobe's free Acrobat Reader.

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader here.