"Schools of brightly colored reef fish swim by. Dolphins breach the air in a majestic arch. Sharks glide silently through the shadows." This quote stirs the imagination. Investigate all that the Baltimore Aquarium has to offer.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is perhaps the greatest attraction in Baltimore's celebrated Inner Harbor.The Baltimore Aquarium shows that the city really knows how to present fish in ways other than filleted and broiled.

The exhibits start small with samples of marine life from local waters, but visitors soon find themselves eye-to-eye with sharks, rays, and other very large creatures. A simulated rainforest ecosystem, and regularly scheduled dolphin shows round out the attractions. Admission is high (opinion here), and the wait can be long, but both are well worth it.

Disabled access is available.

Hours and pricing varies. Call the Baltimore Aquarium at 410-659-4278, or visit the Baltimore Aquarium Web site at http://www.aqua.org for more information.