Aquariums attract visitors of all ages thanks to their perfect combination of education and enchantment. The U.S. is bursting with incredible aquariums, offering unique marine life exhibits and immersive attractions. Here are the 19 must-see aquariums across the United States.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Nestled on the coast of California, this mesmerizing aquarium boasts a breathtaking ocean backdrop that perfectly complements the diverse marine habitats on offer here. The aquarium is a pioneer in the industry, as it is the first with a living kelp forest and the first to return great white sharks to the ocean.
Georgia Aquarium
Home to thousands of aquatic creatures, Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the U.S. According to HowStuffWorks, when it opened in 2005, it was the biggest in the world. While its position has been bumped to fourth, it is still seriously impressive and features over 500 different species.
Shedd Aquarium
Featuring interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and an outstanding Caribbean reef display, Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is one of the best in the U.S. The live animal shows are some of the most engaging you can experience, while the Polar Play Zone offers a unique opportunity for little ones to explore Arctic waters.
New England Aquarium
Focused on the regional wildlife that swims through the bays of New England, this aquarium is located in the heart of Boston. The aquarium also features spectacular exhibitions of African penguins, California sea lions, and southern rockhopper penguins. With more than 70 exhibits, there is so much to see.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Located in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific highlights the incredible underwater world of its namesake ocean. Here, you can explore exhibits showcasing Pacific Ocean marine life, including colorful tropical fish and majestic sea lions. The aquarium also offers incredible events, including Night Dive, an adults-only event with music and art.
National Aquarium
Taking visitors on an aquatic journey from the Atlantic coral reef to the Amazon rainforest, the National Aquarium claims to be not only a world-class attraction but a developing center for science and education. The aquarium is home to award-winning exhibits from every corner of the globe.
Seattle Aquarium
Located on the Seattle waterfront, this aquarium boasts local marine life, including playful sea otters and graceful jellyfish. Seattle Aquarium is the leading destination for hands-on marine experiences such as mammal feeding, plenty of interaction with underwater wildlife, and even virtual reality underwater exploration.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
In New Orleans, you can dive into the underwater world of the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring sharks, rays, and a Caribbean reef tunnel, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is one of the most beautiful aquariums in the world. The highlight is undoubtedly the Mayan reef, where you can also snorkel with over 30 species.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
The Oregon Coast Aquarium provides an educational and unforgettable experience for all ages. Located in Newport, Oregon Coast Aquarium offers a captivating glimpse into the diverse marine ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest, where visitors can explore immersive exhibits and interactive touch pools.
Tennessee Aquarium
Divided into River Journey and Ocean Journey exhibits, the Tennessee Aquarium showcases the best of both freshwater and saltwater habitats. This aquarium is home to the most diverse aquatic life, not skimping on showcasing the beauty of freshwater species as many other aquariums do.
Aquarium of the Bay
San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay can be found on the waterfront’s iconic Pier 39. The aquarium thrives on showcasing the beautiful marine life found in San Francisco Bay, with the Under the Bay exhibit being the undeniable highlight. Wander through 300 feet of tunnels to be introduced to the secret wildlife lurking in the depths of the bay.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Known for its groundbreaking marine research and rehabilitation programs, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a leading educational facility for marine life. With engaging exhibits and the most unique animal encounters, this aquarium is one of the best in the U.S. and the only place where you can have breakfast with the sharks.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a marine mammal hospital leading veterinary research and ocean conservation. Although it is not technically classified as an aquarium, it is one of the most captivating places to discover marine life.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
According to Ripley’s Gatlinburg, there are more fish in Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies than people living in the entire town of Gatlinburg. In true Ripley’s style, things are a bit different here with mermaid experiences, glass bottom boats, and penguin pajama parties.
Aquarium of Niagara
Located on the New York side of Niagara Falls, the Aquarium of Niagara offers a close-up view of aquatic life from the Great Lakes region. In addition to the exciting encounters and fascinating exhibits, one of Niagara Falls’s top attractions also offers an exclusive Trainer for a Day experience.
Downtown Aquarium
Found in Houston, Downtown Aquarium isn’t your ordinary aquarium. This aquarium complex features so much more than tanks of fish; it also features a Ferris wheel, an aquatic carousel, and a shark voyage. To complement your experience, you can also dine at one of the best surf and turf restaurants in Texas.
The Aquarium of Hawai’i
Also known as Maui Ocean Center, the Aquarium of Hawai’i showcases the marine beauty surrounding the world’s most remote large island chain. The coral reefs that have developed in this isolated corner of the Pacific are truly remarkable, with rare species and a unique ecosystem that exists nowhere else.
Sea Life Park Hawaii
When the underwater world surrounding Hawaii has so much to offer, it is no surprise that a second aquarium on the archipelago is a must-see. At Sea Life Park Hawaii, not only can you experience animal encounters, habitats, and talks, but you can also enjoy an authentic oceanfront luau experience.
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium offers more bang for your buck with this 2-in-1 experience. The University of Pittsburgh says it is one of just six zoo-aquarium hybrids in the U.S. It offers a sea turtle rehabilitation program and is home to the only penguin in the U.S. with an amputated wing, Floppy.
Up Next: 18 Reasons Why Men Get Grumpier As They Age
You might read this and be able to relate, or you may feel you’ve become grumpier the older you’ve gotten. Or maybe you know of a male friend or relative who has. Here are 18 reasons why men get grumpier as they age.
18 Reasons Why Men Get Grumpier As They Age
17 Products Millennials Refuse to Buy and It’s Affecting the Economy
Millennials have been the center of so much media attention due to their spending habits. Their unique ways of spending have built up and crushed many traditional industries. In this article, we look at 17 things millennials stopped buying and how that has impacted society.
17 Products Millennials Refuse to Buy and It’s Affecting the Economy
Where Even Truck Drivers Won’t Stop
Truck drivers tend to be hardy souls—well-seasoned travelers who aren’t often afraid to rest up or refuel in risky locations. However, there are certain U.S. locations that even the most road-weary trucker refuses to stop at for fear of criminal activity or natural dangers. Here are 17 such locations that even experienced truck drivers approach with trepidation (or not at all).