Top Things to do in Maryland
Top Hotels in Maryland
- 1. Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront
- 2. Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
- 3. Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor
- 5. Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos
- 6. Graduate Annapolis
- 7. Historic Inns of Annapolis
- 8. Staybridge Suites Baltimore - Inner Harbor, an IHG Hotel
- 9. Dunes Manor Hotel, Suites & Court
- 10. Grand Hotel
The 10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Maryland, United States
Maryland is known as “America in Miniature” because of its great variations in topography and culture. This makes it a perfect east coat travel destination for those who would like to experience a little bit of everything. From amusement parks, to beaches, to mountains and historical sites, there is plenty to see and do. Each region of Maryland provides its own unique and fun activities to do. If you're headed for some fun in the sun in Ocean City on its eastern coast, be sure not to miss the Ocean City Beach, the Boardwalk, or Trimper's Rides and Amusement Park for an all-ages fun experience. Central Maryland is home to a Six Flags theme park, the Annapolis Golf Club, and countless hubs of art and culture such as the African Art Museum and Annapolis Opera, Inc. Heading to western Maryland? It is perfect for lovers of nature and the outdoors, with the Washington Monument State Park, Wisp Resort ski slopes, and the spectacular Muddy Creek Falls.
Restaurants in Maryland
1. Breezy Hill Farm Alpacas
2. Glen Echo Park Aquarium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Glen Echo Park Aquarium is a Chesapeake Bay Learning Center that exhibits the life of the bay as well as the life of the rivers that flow into the bay. We are hands-on and love helping visitors learn not only at our touch tank, but on our Nautical Classroom, Geologic Discovery Center, and our many teaching games. A great little aquarium with a big mission!
Reviewed By Maryvitale2
We visited the aquarium with our one year old daughter and her friend and had a great time! Appointments are required right now because of COVID so it was just us in the aquarium and we got a wonderful private tour! They have fish, turtles, crabs, an eel and more plus a touch tank with horseshoe crabs, clams, squid, etc. The aquarium is brilliantly laid out in order from fresh water to salt water so you can learn about what you can find in your own backyard as well as the Chesapeake. The adults learned a lot too! They also have a sandbox and huge outdoor play area. Highly recommend especially right now with so much closed due to COVID.
3. National Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,050 reviews
Considered one of the world's best aquariums, the National Aquarium's mission is to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures. It champions environmental initiatives by engaging with visitors, volunteers, education groups and schools to actively participate in the preservation of the world's natural resources and living systems. The National Aquarium delivers meaningful experiences through its living collection of more than 20,000 animals from more than 800 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, marine mammals and sharks, as well as through exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences like sleepovers and tours, science-based education programs and hands-on experiences in the field.
Reviewed By marleneb140 - Canton, United States
This wonderful aquarium contains a myriad of sea creatures along with a tropical rainforest and Australian exhibit. Although the building is quite large, it is easy to get around and there is plenty of room for viewing the displays. There were several school groups going through during my visit and some students were outside looking at items brought out by the aquarium workers. One worker also brought a milk snake into a lobby area and explained its behaviors. There are many displays to show ways of saving the oceans from litter and damage to the environment. Very educational and informative ! There is a wonderful cafe on the premises as well.
4. Inner Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,540 reviews
One of America's oldest seaports dating from the 1600s is today an important landmark and popular tourist destination. Park your car and follow the brick promenade through this bustling complex of eateries, stores, museums, entertainment and children's attractions. Sample the fresh seafood right out of Chesapeake Bay.
Reviewed By S5848RAwendyr - Macungie, United States
There is so much to do at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. There are so many great places to eat at with beautiful views of the harbor. These include The Rusty Scupper, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, and The Cheesecake Factory. There are lots of places for shopping. There are many attractions, including the National Aquarium, The Science Center, The Spirit of Baltimore sightseeing ship, pirate ship electric boats and paddle boats, and Top of the World Observation level. There are many hotels, too, near the Inner Harbor. It is especially enjoyable to walk around the Inner Harbor on a nice day.
5. Salisbury Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
Reviewed By 591karenp - Pocono Mountains Region, United States
First started visiting this great zoo back in 1999 while living on the Eastern Shore for a few years and raising our family. The variety of animals as well as programming are top notch, especially for a donation based facility. Fast forward 20+ years and it has maintained its charm as well as commitment to both the residents as well as surrounding community.
6. Plumpton Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Maryland's favorite family Zoo. Stop by and see Jimmie the Giraffe, or many of the other amazing animals.
Reviewed By Person785299
A great little zoo with a wide variety of animals. We had our son's birthday party here and they got to feed a giraffe which was great! The staff member, Kyra (sp?) was so knowledgeable and patient with our small group of boys. Thank you!!
7. The Maryland Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 678 reviews
Visitors meet more than 1,500 animals including chimpanzees, elephants, leopards and warthogs as they journey on an African safari, groom goats in the Farmyard, explore the winding trails through the Lyn P. Myerhoff Maryland Wilderness and watch the polar bears swim next to you at the underwater viewing window. Plus, don't miss the new, award winning Penguin Coast exhibit featuring the most successful breeding colony of endangered African penguins in North America.
Reviewed By denisf596 - Baltimore, United States
You have to see what they did with the old penguin area! They moved the penguins into a great new educational area but the old area was just a pile of rocks. They cleaned that out (a major undertaking) and now have expanded the elephant, giraffe and lion areas. So cool. We watched the elephants get hosed down. They loved it and I think one of them purred she was so happy! Considering it was such a hot day, most of their animals were out. They have volunteers posted at a lot of the stations to talk about their animals. Food looked good and they have beer. Staff was friendly. They have a carousel and a train that goes around the zoo. Plenty of free parking.
8. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 289 reviews
CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. REOPEN SPRING 2020. From bears and boas, macaws to monkeys, panthers to pythons, and alligators to zebra, amazing experiences and hundreds of exciting new exotic animal friends await you in this 50-acre park! Catoctin Wildlife Preserve features more interactive touch and feed opportunities than any other animal park in the region. Feel the silky soft fur of the chinchilla or the bumpy shell of a tortoise at daily educational talks. Or get nose to nose with camels, bison, ostrich, zebra and more on the optional Safari Ride. You will be welcomed by natural ponds, lush landscaping, and wandering Ambass-zoo-dors, eager to indulge inquisitive guests. These amazing animals are our extended family and vital ambassadors for their species. Through our personal style of exhibits and education, we know that they will be your extended family too.
Reviewed By MREDDIE - Baltimore, United States
Lovely zoo to visit...leave about 2 hours...take your time and visit with the animals and go into the Safari Ride area...50 wooded acres...groups welcome...be sure to get a brochure....adults $22.50...memberships available
9. Tri State Zoological Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By 888carleyc
The zoo isn't a main stream zoo so please do not go and expect the Pittsburgh Zoo! They are a rescue and take in animals who need help and run off of donations and volunteers! If more people would go and support them they would be able to do so much more! The people are caring and would do anything for the animals.
10. Catoctin Creek Park & Nature Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
