Baltimore National Aquarium

The Baltimore National aquarium is another must-see for Americans touring the country. Actually, anything to do with Maryland is breathtaking Baltimore's aquarium ranks as one of the world's best aquariums also. Herds of children stare spellbound at the wonderful assortment of sea creatures in this jewel (rated the city's number one attraction as well as its top spot for child appeal); located on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, it's a gorgeous multilevel aquarium that gives you a scuba divers perspective without getting you wet.

With tons to do -- from the outstanding dolphin show to the walk-through rain forest, to the impressive shark tank, viewed with spiral walkways -- you'd best plan for the whole day; sure, it can get jammed and there is annoying time ticketing and they know stroller policy, but they're expanding, with a 12 story glass cube under construction.

The national aquarium is perhaps the one thing, besides its murder rate, this its Baltimore apart from all other major American cities. Though visit to the outdoor sea pool to watch slap happy seals play is free to the general public, it is worth the time and money to venture inside. The eerie wings in the water exhibit showcases 50 species of stingrays in an immense backlit pool. The steamy tropical rain forest, piranhas, parents, and a pair of two two-toed sloths peer through the dense foliage in a 157 ft. glass pyramid. At the Marine mammal pavilion, dolphins performed every hour on the half-hour.

Located: Pier three, 501 E. Pratt St. 576-3800; www.aqua.org. open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Remains open two hours after last entrance time. $17.50, seniors $14.50, ages three to 11 $9.50, under three children free.