Be sure to check out all 16 galleries to experience the coral reef, Amazon rain forest, penguin kingdom and eel hideaway. Visitors surrounded by swimming sharks At the National Aquarium in Baltimore, a special 225,000 gallon exhibit allows visitors to be encircled by sand tiger, lemon, nurse and sandbar sharks. A second tank features smaller sharks swimming among graceful stingrays. Home to more than 10,000 animals, the National Aquarium is a very popular destination. The best times to visit are before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m. and during the fall and winter months.
Timed tickets are also available for advance purchase.