Looking for some of the best aquariums in the US? We’ve got them!
Aquariums are places where everyone can marvel at the wonders of the Earth’s oceans. On a planet where over 70% of our world’s surface is covered in water, there is so much to know about the plants and animals that reside beneath the surface.
The United States is home to some of the best aquariums in the world — and we’ve got a complete list of the best for you!
ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER (ALASKA)
As Alaska’s only facility that combines an aquarium with research, response, and education, Alaska SeaLife Center is an important place. Located along Resurrection Bay, the aquarium is in a prime location for facilitating enjoyment as well as preserving the state’s oceanic life. Plus, visitors have the opportunity to learn from experts on the work that they do and how they do it.
Besides seeing a wide variety of birds, fish, seals, and jellies, there are also options to add behind-the-scenes tours to your visit. Go feed some precious puffins or silly sea lions and check out an octopus up-close. Spending time with the researchers and these animals helps support the center’s missions like their Wildlife Response program that helps wildlife all over Alaska.
WILDLIFE WORLD AQUARIUM (ARIZONA)
The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park near Phoenix boasts the largest collection of animals in Arizona — they have over 600 individual species of animals! Their four-building aquarium is home to hundreds of animals, and their South Pacific Reef tank features the longest acrylic tunnel in the state.
Wildlife World was the first in Arizona to show sea lions and have the first sea lion pup birth, too!
MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM (CALIFORNIA)
Disney fans might recall Dory trying to remember where she came from with the line “the jewel of Morro Bay, California” in Finding Dory. That line is specifically about Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is often considered one of the top aquariums in the world. With a world-renowned mission focused on the conservation of the ocean and protecting marine life, this aquarium wants to set a precedent.
Monterey Bay has over 200 exhibits, as well as a jaw-dropping 80,000 plants and animals for visitors to experience. They also offer live webcams where guests can see their marine life from anywhere in the world at any time.
If you happen to go to this spot in Cali, can you say hi to Dory for us? (She absolutely will not remember us.)
Read More: 13 Sensational Things To Do in Monterey | 15 Outstanding Things To Do In Carmel, CA
Discount Tickets: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour With Aquarium Tickets
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC (CALIFORNIA)
Along another gorgeous Californian shoreline is the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. This is Southern California’s largest aquarium, with 100 exhibits that are home to 12,000 animals. Besides hosting visitors, the aquarium is deeply involved in many conservation efforts, as well as educational endeavors.
Because they are right on the water where marine life is plentiful, the aquarium also offers wildlife viewing excursions with cruising partners to see whales and one of the busiest ports in the world (where you might even spot a sea lion).
Skip the Lines: Aquarium of the Pacific Skip-the-Ticket-Line Admission
DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM (COLORADO)
Originally known as Ocean Journey Aquarium, the Downtown Aquarium in Denver, Colorado, has been a community mainstay for decades. They have over 500 species of animals, a stingray touch tank, a 4-D theater, and even a full-service restaurant with a bar.
What makes Downtown Aquarium particularly special though, is that they have mermaids! The aquarium’s mermaids do daily shows where they teach visitors about the importance of taking care of the ocean. There is even a way to arrange a meet and greets with the mermaids.
MYSTIC AQUARIUM (CONNECTICUT)
Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut keeps sea research front and center in its mission. They curate “thought-provoking encounters with marine life” while also advancing research about how to better care for our sea, along with its creatures.
In addition to the thousands of species of marine life they care for, they also have the largest outdoor beluga whale exhibit in the country. You’ll find animals from around the world here.
Besides their animal encounters with penguins, reptiles, and seals, guests also have the option to become trainers for the day! In this program, visitors spend the day with one of the animal trainers to help with feeding and training to see what it takes.
THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM (FLORIDA)
As a conservation-based aquarium, The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida, had its start in the 1970s as a research facility. They are home to thousands of land and aquatic animals to show the public why the oceans should be protected.
With a 4-D theater, a splash pad, and a dolphin cruise, there is a lot to love about this Florida aquarium. Their nine exhibits showcase a broad spectrum of animals, even ones specific to Florida’s wetlands. The wetlands exhibit resides within an 80-foot-tall glass dome that gives sunlight to the creatures that call the Orange State home.
Skip the Lines: The Florida Aquarium Skip-the-Line Entrance
GEORGIA AQUARIUM (GEORGIA)
Like many other aquariums around the world, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, puts emphasis in its marine life conservation efforts and research. There are eight species that Georgia Aquarium is putting their focus on: whale sharks, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, African penguins, manta rays, coral, beluga whales, sea lions, and spotted eagle rays. In fact, they are the only aquarium in the United States to have a manta ray exhibit.
The Georgia Aquarium has nearly 250 species of animals in their care, as well as a variety of animal encounters to partake in. But they also have diving experiences (for SCUBA-certified guests) that includes a shark cage dive. If you aren’t certified, you can always do the Shark & Ray Interaction instead, where you can still get personal without being submerged in a tank.
Read More: Georgia Aquarium Sleepover: 15+ Important Things You Should Know Before You Go | Hotels Near Atlanta Aquarium: 7+ Best Places to Stay Near Georgia Aquarium
Skip the Line: Georgia Aquarium Skip-the-Line Tickets
MAUI OCEAN CENTER (HAWAII)
Known as The Aquarium of Hawai’i, Maui Ocean Center in Maui, Hawaii, is centered around conservation, as well as educating visitors about sea life, some of which only live on or near the islands.
In addition to seeing all of the brilliant animals, Maui Ocean Center also has an exhibit called Kaho‘olawe: A Story of History and Healing. This exhibit commemorates the sacred island of Kahoolawe, which is significant to Native Hawaiians, but was overtaken for U.S. military target practice. The center’s exhibit showcases both the island’s history, its present, and its future through restoration efforts.
WAIKIKI AQUARIUM (HAWAII)
Open since March 19, 1904, Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the second-oldest public aquarium in the country. Originally known as the Honolulu Aquarium, they seek to preserve and promote Pacific marine life, in addition to helping the public cultivate an appreciation for it.
With 15 different exhibits, guests can learn about a range of animals, including ones that are exclusive to the Hawaiian islands. Their Edge of the Reef exhibit has a 7,500-gallon outdoor tank, which is also the longest continuously running exhibit at the aquarium. Part of that exhibit is a dedicated touch tank in a simulated tide pool environment.
JOHN G SHEDD AQUARIUM (ILLINOIS)
Chicago, Illinois is home to an incredibly elaborate aquarium, the John G. Shedd Aquarium. The Shedd Aquarium is a work of art in itself, designed as a neoclassical temple by the same firm that designed the Field Museum and the Wrigley Building in the city. The National Historic Landmark Shedd Aquarium is a marble icon in Chicago that opened in 1930.
Also devoted to ocean conservation, Shedd works with partners worldwide to protect the environment, and is cutting single-use plastic wherever it can. Ten exhibits bring guests into the splendid beauty of the sea. Those exhibits are also home to over 30,000 animals of all kinds. You can even feed some sharks or get face to face with a blubbery beluga.
NEWPORT AQUARIUM (KENTUCKY)
Named Best Aquarium in the Midwest in 2004 by Zagat’s U.S. Family Travel Guide, Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, is just a skip away from Cincinnati. Above their open-air tank, one of the largest in the country, is the first of its kind Shark Bridge. Guests can walk above sharks, rays, and over 300 fish (if they dare).
Among the thousands of aquatic creatures that call Newport Aquarium home are rare albino alligators, eels, and spiny lumpsuckers. They have touch tanks, interactive tide pools, and a Jim Henson, oceanic-themed play area featuring Splash and Bubbles.
AUDUBON AQUARIUM OF THE AMERICAS (LOUISIANA)
Part of the Audubon Nature Institute, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, Louisiana, is often in the top five aquariums in the country in USA Today’s “10Best” poll. Jutted up against the side of the Mississippi River, which goes into the Gulf of Mexico and beyond, Audubon Aquarium showcases over 3600 animals and over 250 different species.
The aquarium highlights aquatic life from the Caribbean to the Mississippi River that runs alongside it. Replacing the old touch pool is a new 13,000-gallon tank, where guests can interact with the animals. Among the shark and ray touch pool inhabitants are white-spotted bamboo sharks, coral cat sharks, and a cownose stingray.
NATIONAL AQUARIUM (MARYLAND)
The National Aquarium in Baltimore has a dedicated rescue, rehabilitate and release program that has helped hundreds of marine mammals and turtles, while their award-winning exhibits give guests a greater understanding of the wild world of water.
National Aquarium’s pre-opening tours give visitors a chance to explore the space before it opens to the public, while weekend-based sleepovers give a glimpse at the aquarium at night.
Thousands of animals live at the aquarium in over a dozen exhibits. Check out 150 animals in the touch tank or relax observing nine different jellyfish species at the Jellies Invasion.
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM (MASSACHUSETTS)
Boston, Massachusetts’ New England Aquarium is a major attraction for the city as well as a “global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation.” The aquarium has a four-story coral reef exhibit and the largest shark and ray touch tank on the East Coast. They have thousands of animals, including a giant Pacific octopus and northern fur seals!
The New England Aquarium also partners with Boston Harbor City Cruises to offer a whale-watching cruise, so visitors can see a variety of whales that call the Atlantic home. At the aquarium, they also have encounters with penguins, sea lions, and fur seals (don’t worry…not at the same time), as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the Giant Ocean Tank with an expert aquarist.
WONDERS OF WILDLIFE (MISSOURI)
Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris also founded Wonders of Wildlife, which serves as both a museum and aquarium to help sustain wildlife. Wonders of Wildlife is in Springfield, Missouri, and spans a whopping 350,000 square feet, with over a mile and a half of walking trails. Aquarium Adventure features hundreds of aquatic species from all over the globe.
They have an exhibit about U.S. presidents who love(d) fishing, and the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, as well as The National Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. Wonders also has a shark dive with “state-of-the-art” helmets, which means guests don’t have to be SCUBA certified to participate.
SEA LIFE MINNESOTA AQUARIUM (MINNESOTA)
Minnesota’s largest aquarium is in the country’s largest mall. SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium in Bloomington, Minnesota, has the state’s only underwater ocean tunnel, the only sawfish in Minnesota, and thousands of creatures to marvel at.
Guests can feed the stingrays, listen in on Creature Talks, or even partake in behind-the-scenes tours that happen throughout the day. You can learn about beluga whales and the SEA LIFE sanctuary in the Beluga Whale Dome.
SUZANNE & WALTER SCOTT AQUARIUM AT THE HENRY DOORLY ZOO (NEBRASKA)
Located inside the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest aquarium in a zoo. The aquarium underwent major renovations and reopened in 2020. It features a 70-foot shark tunnel, myriad kinds of fish, and sea turtles among many other animals.
Reef Builders calls it “Omaha’s best-kept secret.” The aquarium has a good reef display and many kinds of reef fish in their exhibit.
SHARK REEF AQUARIUM AT MANDALAY BAY (NEVADA)
When Las Vegas comes to mind, it’s possible a great aquarium space is not what you imagine. However, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is almost as colorful as The Strip. With over 2,000 animals and shark dive experiences, this aquarium is very Vegas.
Where else but Las Vegas, Nevada, would you be able to dive with exotic sharks that you would never find together in the wild? You can dive with over 30 sharks at Shark Reef, including white tip reef sharks, sand tigers, and sandbar sharks. (Divers must be certified to participate.)
NEW YORK AQUARIUM (NEW YORK)
The New York Aquarium in Brooklyn, New York, is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society (formerly the New York Zoological Society) that centers itself on science and conservation. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, a 4-D theater, wildlife encounters, and more at the New York Aquarium.
Their Glover’s Reef exhibit is always popular, with its wide array of reef-dwelling creatures, including cownose rays and green Moray eels. Their Aquatheater shows featuring their resident California sea lions is always a fan favorite too. Fun fact: California sea lions are the only species exhibited at all five Wildlife Conservation Society parks in NYC.
NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUMS (NORTH CAROLINA)
North Carolina Aquariums, with four locations across North Carolina, was founded in 1976 as a way to promote awareness and conservation of N.C. resources, as well as other aquatic environments. Each of the locations has unique experiences to offer guests.
At Roanoke Island, visitors can learn about the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center and explore the “Waters of the Outer Banks.” For Pine Knoll Shores guests, there are shipwrecks to be explored and a country of animals to see. At Fort Fisher, you can touch a stingray or spend some time marveling at baby sea turtles. And Jennette’s Pier? Well, fishing is the name of the game there.
COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM (OHIO)
Believe it or not, there is more to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium than just Fiona the hippo in Columbus, Ohio. (Hard to believe, we know.) But beyond that precious internet sensation, is an in-zoo exhibit called Shores & Aquarium you’ll enjoy just as much.
See some gorgeous manatees at Manatee Coast, which is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s rescue program, to learn about protecting these gentle sea potatoes. Spend some time hearing from the zookeepers in their Keeper Talks series, to hear all about the penguins or even touch some sea stars at the tide pool.
GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM (OHIO)
North from Columbus, you’ll find the Greater Cleveland Aquarium in Cleveland, Ohio. Here you’ll find over 2700 animals from 320 species that represent all kinds of aquatic environments. Their work supports the Splash Fund, which aims to conserve, educate, and inspire the public to protect the oceans.
Many of the exhibits offer a unique, 360-degree view of their inhabitants that include creatures like sand tiger sharks and Pacific spiny lumpsuckers. You can even arrange a one-of-a-kind art experience where you paint with the stingrays.
OREGON COAST AQUARIUM (OREGON)
As a way to connect guests to the beauty of the Oregon coast and inspire conservation, the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon, was a 2021 Travelers Choice from TripAdvisor. The aquarium is home to the kinds of creatures you’d expect at an aquarium, like rockfish and sharks, but also turkey vultures. As the aquarium states, the turkey vulture is an important scavenger in Oregon, as well as the rest of North and South America.
Behind the scenes tours are offered most days so guests can learn what it’s like to care for over 15,000 animals every day. There are also jellyfish touch encounters and an octopus encounter – we hear it sucks. There are even two different dive experiences, one in the Halibut Flats exhibit and one in the Open Sea exhibit.
RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM (TENNESSEE)
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, was a TripAdvisor 2020 Travelers’ Choice winner, where guests can take a glass-bottom boat tour through the aquarium’s shark lagoon. The lagoon is home to over 8500 animals from more than 75 different species. Visitors will learn about the animals from a resident expert.
If you need some calming vibes, you could always go watch the Ray Bay or penguin shows. Better yet, help one of the African penguins make a work of art – you even get to take it home!
TENNESSEE AQUARIUM (TENNESSEE)
Dual buildings make up the space of Chattanooga, Tennessee’s Tennessee Aquarium.
Their exhibits, called Journeys, showcase different natural environments “from the mountains to the sea” with over 12,000 animals in residence. They even have an IMAX theater that shows both wildlife-centered films, as well as more mainstream motion pictures.
Read More: Chattanooga Aquarium: 45+ Essential Things To Know Before Going
DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM (TEXAS)
Guests can explore eight different regions at the Downtown Aquarium in Houston, Texas. From a Louisiana swamp to an offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, there are a variety of locales to see sea creatures thriving. Visitors even have the opportunity to touch stingrays or even feed them!
In addition to the animal exhibits, the location also has rides, games, dining, and shopping as well. You can even hop aboard a train and ride it straight under the 200,000-gallon shark tank.
TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM (TEXAS)
Down in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Texas State Aquarium focuses on conservation — specifically in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Their Caribbean Sea exhibit has the longest acrylic window in the country at 68-feet.
Their exhibits are divided by region and spotlight animals from the waters nearest to them. In addition to aquatic animals, the aquarium also features land-dwellers, such as sloths and flamingos. They offer both feeding experiences, as well as shark snorkeling as well.
SEATTLE AQUARIUM (WASHINGTON)
Operated by the Seattle Aquarium Society, the Seattle Aquarium in Seattle, Washington, has six large exhibits. They are the ninth largest aquarium in the country and among the “top five paid visitor attractions in the Puget Sound region,” per their website. Their goal is to support conservation efforts while also helping people love their naturally beautiful area.
Visitors who step into the Underwater Dome exhibit will be surrounded on all sides by hundreds of Puget Sound fish. This dome gives a one-of-a-kind view of the 400,000-gallon habitat where salmon, skates, sturgeon, and a seasonal kelp forest thrive among their regional cohorts.
Best Aquariums in the US FAQ
What is the #1 aquarium in the U.S.?
The #1 aquarium in the United States is considered to be the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Georgia Aquarium houses over 120,000 animals across more than 10 million gallons of water.
Where is the largest aquarium in the world?
The largest aquarium in the world is China’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The aquarium boasts enclosures filled with almost 13 million gallons of water.
What is the second-largest aquarium in the United States?
The second largest aquarium in the United States behind the Georgia Aquarium is The Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction at EPCOT. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and the National Aquarium in Baltimore take the #3 and #4 spots.
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