Exploring the top aquariums in the United States offers a unique opportunity to dive into the wonders of marine life without getting wet. From coast to coast, these institutions not only provide entertainment and education but also play crucial roles in conservation and research. Here are the country’s 19 most impressive aquariums to consider visiting.
Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, CA)
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a pioneer in ocean conservation and education, with extensive programs for marine life protection. The Kelp Forest Exhibit is one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world, offering a diver’s view of this rich ecosystem. Travel and Leisure says to check this aquarium out for its “wildlife like wolf eels and leopard sharks.” Its sea otter program is renowned for its efforts in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sea otters back into the wild.
Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, IL)
The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has a diverse collection that houses a wide range of species from around the world, including dolphins, beluga whales, and sea otters. The historic building combines beautiful Beaux-Arts style with modern facilities for animal care and visitor experiences. They offer extensive educational outreach and conservation initiatives.
National Aquarium (Baltimore, MD)
The National Aquarium in Baltimore features a replicated Amazon rainforest, offering a glimpse into this biodiverse habitat. Shark Alley is a thrilling exhibit that allows visitors to walk through a shark tank tunnel. “The National Aquarium’s conservation work is geared toward combating climate change, protecting wildlife and their habitats, and ending plastic pollution,” according to U.S. News.
Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)
The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium. It is home to over 10 million gallons of water and more than 100,000 sea creatures. It is the only aquarium outside of Asia to house manta rays, and it also features whale sharks. You can also interact with animal encounters, shark cage dives, and sleepovers for immersive learning.
New England Aquarium (Boston, MA)
The New England Aquarium has a four-story tank that provides a 360-degree view of a Caribbean coral reef ecosystem. It is home to one of the largest penguin colonies in aquarium settings, with dedicated conservation programs. They also offer whale watching tours, connecting visitors with marine life in their natural habitat.
Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, CA)
Aquarium of the Pacific is dedicated to the diverse marine life of the Pacific, with more than 11,000 animals. Featuring touch tanks and immersive displays, it encourages hands-on learning. They are also active in conservation and research efforts, particularly for endangered species.
Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, CT)
Mystic Aquarium hosts the largest outdoor beluga habitat in the U.S. It offers virtual reality experiences that transport visitors to underwater worlds. The aquarium also engages in global conservation projects, including the preservation of Arctic animals.
Tennessee Aquarium (Chattanooga, TN)
The Tennessee Aquarium River Journey focuses on freshwater ecosystems, showcasing species from the Tennessee River and around the world. The Ocean Journey highlights saltwater environments, including a butterfly garden and penguin exhibit. It houses a conservation institute dedicated to the study and preservation of freshwater biodiversity.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas (New Orleans, LA)
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas has a Mississippi River Gallery that features species native to the local river environment. They focus on the conservation of endangered species like African penguins and white alligators. It also offers a dive program where visitors can swim with the fish in the Great Maya Reef exhibit. Recently, they introduced a new resident, Ruby, a rescued endangered sea otter.
Alaska SeaLife Center (Seward, AK)
The Alaska SeaLife Center combines public aquarium experiences with marine research and wildlife rehabilitation. It specializes in the ecosystems and species of the North Pacific and Arctic. They also provide educational programs focused on marine science and conservation.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps (La Jolla, CA)
Scripps Institution of Oceanography acts as the public exploration center for this renowned marine science institution. It features a two-story kelp forest tank, offering a diver’s perspective on this unique ecosystem. It is a leader in educating the public about oceanography and climate science.
Adventure Aquarium (Camden, NJ)
The Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey offers a unique vantage point over a tank full of sharks via a suspended rope bridge. Follow that with an immersive exhibit dedicated to showcasing Nile hippos in a naturalistic environment. Then, hit the Penguin Park, a newer exhibit that allows close-up encounters with African penguins. It “also promises a special treat for toddlers—the chance to wade in a pool with slippery sea creatures, enjoy story time, do crafts and hang with costumed characters.”
Texas State Aquarium (Corpus Christi, TX)
The Texas State Aquarium takes you on a Caribbean Journey, an immersive exhibit that simulates a journey from the shores of the Gulf of Mexico to the depths of the Caribbean. Its wildlife rescue center focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine wildlife. You can also see the large-scale shark exhibit, dedicated to shark conservation and education.
Ripley’s Aquarium (Gatlinburg, TN)
Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg offers unique interactive opportunities, including glass-bottom boat adventures. Also, there is the Penguin Playhouse, an engaging exhibit where visitors can observe and interact with penguins. It showcases a diverse range of marine and freshwater species.
Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport, OR)
Oregon Coast Aquarium’s Passages of the Deep allows visitors to walk through acrylic tunnels surrounded by sharks and other marine life. Have a close-up experience with the playful sea otters Oswald, Earle, and Schuster. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is also engaged in local and global conservation efforts, including species rehabilitation.
SeaWorld San Diego (San Diego, CA)
SeaWorld in San Diego is known for its live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and orcas. It offers hands-on experiences with marine animals, including feeding and encounters. Their conservation efforts involve wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, with a focus on education and advocacy.
The Florida Aquarium (Tampa, FL)
The Florida Aquarium leads in coral propagation and restoration efforts, particularly for Florida’s endangered coral reefs. The Wetlands Trail simulates a journey through Florida’s unique wetland habitats. The Shark Swim provides the opportunity for guests to swim with sharks in a safe, controlled environment.
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium (Springfield, MO)
The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Missouri claims to be the world’s largest and most immersive wildlife attraction. Their conservation education offers free wildlife conservation programs and has a sea turtle rescue facility. It uniquely celebrates hunters and anglers as conservationists.
Downtown Aquarium (Houston, TX)
The Downtown Aquarium features a variety of themed areas, including the Texas Bayou and Sunken Temple. The amusement rides combine traditional aquarium experiences with amusement park attractions. Interactive experiences with a range of animals, from stingrays to tigers, are also available.
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