Maryland: Mountains to the Sea

Discover the diversity of Maryland’s aquatic ecosystems—and the animals that call them home.

A State of Wonder

Experience the diverse beauty of Maryland’s aquatic treasures in Maryland: Mountains to the Sea. Four galleries showcase the water cycle as it moves throughout our state: from an Allegheny stream to a tidal marsh to a coastal beach, and finally, out to the Atlantic Ocean’s continental shelf. Along the way, discover the animals that call these varied habitats home, including bullfrogs, diamondback terrapins and striped bass.

Aquarist Meghan Walker walks us through the four slices of distinct ecosystems found in Maryland: Mountains to the Sea. While these ecosystems vary in their location within the state and the animals found there, they're all connected by the binding force of water—from the fresh water of an Allegheny stream to the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean, and the brackish marsh water found in between.

Featured Animals Discover Maryland’s Aquatic Animals

Learn more about the residents of Maryland: Mountains to the Sea.

American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana)

A bullfrog's call can be heard from half a mile away.

Learn More

Clearnose Skate (Raja eglanteria)

Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)

Striped Burrfish (Chilomycterus schoepfi)

Explore More Exhibits

Living Seashore

Discover the treasures of the mid-Atlantic in this interactive, hands-on exhibit.

Learn More

North Atlantic to the Pacific

Journey from the rocky cliffs of the Atlantic coast to a brilliant Pacific coral reef.

Learn More

Waterfront Park

Your Aquarium experience starts at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Waterfront Park.

Learn More