A close-up of a logo.

“Crab cakes and football” might be what most people think Maryland does best, but locals know that, though we love the Ravens and will always love Ray Lewis, whether or not he’s on ESPN, that’s just the start.

Baltimore – and the rest of the state – is also all about Preakness (go Nyquist!), baseball (#Orioles Magic), and, of course, lacrosse. With the Loyola Greyhounds, Maryland Terps, Navy Midshipmen and Towson Tigers lacrosse teams all making the NCAA final eight and the Orioles continuing to crush their season, the Old Line State has a lot to celebrate right now.

AquariumOf course, visitors who want to get to know the state can do more than just watch sports. At the National Aquarium, the Living Seashore, which celebrated its first anniversary on May 12, is a fantastic, hands-on way to learn about the ecosystem of the coastal mid-Atlantic.

The interactive exhibit, which has had more than one million visitors in its first year open (including Vice President Joe Biden!), includes digital games, plus two touch pools, filled with tons of local aquatic life, from moon jellies to Atlantic stingrays.

After a visit to the exhibit, visitors of all ages will have a whole new appreciation for Maryland’s local beaches. A trip to Ocean City won’t ever be the same.

Pier Six LogoIn addition to cool educational opportunities, downtown Baltimore has a bunch of other fun events coming up – just in time to celebrate all those sports wins. Get to know local bands like 3PM and You’re Too Kind at the Ruckus Festival, taking place at Power Plant LIVE! on June 11. Or if throwback music is more your speed, head to Pier Six Pavilion for Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Morrison Brothers Band on June 16.

Flywire White PartyFor something totally different, get dolled up in blinding white for The Flywire’s White Tie Affair, a “red carpet dance party” taking place at Pier Six on Sunday, May 22. With music by Supa DJ Big L and DJ Quicksilva, plus a cash bar and dinner buffet, it’s sure to be a glam event.

If you’re seeking the secrets of the mid-Atlantic seashore, hunting down great tunes or dressed in white head to toe and ready to dance, you’ll need to park – and Harbor Park Garage has you covered. The garage is conveniently located at 55 Market Place, which is just a short walk to Pier Six, the Aquarium and Power Plant LIVE. With helpful attendants, who can point you in the right direction, and reasonable prices, it’s a smart first stop for any trip downtown.