Exploring the best aquariums in the United States is a journey through diverse marine habitats, conservation efforts, and educational programs.
The following list includes the best aquariums in the US, featuring accurate details and essential information.
1. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA
It is one of the largest aquariums in the US, featuring thousands of animals and several major exhibits. Known for its Ocean Voyager exhibit, home to whale sharks, it provides an immersive experience of marine life.
Visitors can also enjoy the Dolphin Celebration and the Sea Lion Presentation. It offers various interactive programs, including behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters, making it one of the best aquariums in the United States.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $34.95, Children (3-12): $28.95 |
| Phone | +1 404-581-4000 |
| Website | Georgia Aquarium |
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA
Monterey Bay is renowned for its focus on marine conservation and its impressive exhibits. Located on the site of a former sardine cannery on Cannery Row, it is home to more than 35,000 creatures. Exhibits include the Open Sea, the Kelp Forest, and the Splash Zone.
It also plays a significant role in marine research and education, partnering with various organizations to protect marine life. It is one of the top aquariums in the US and offers a rich learning experience for visitors.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $49.95, Children (3-12): $29.95 |
| Phone | +1 831-648-4800 |
| Website | Monterey Bay Aquarium |
3. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Shedd is one of the oldest and most visited places in the United States. It houses more than 32,000 animals, including fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians, and insects.
Popular exhibits include the Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising, and the Abbott Oceanarium, where visitors can see beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins. As one of the best aquariums in the world, it offers a variety of interactive and educational experiences.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $39.95, Children (3-11): $29.95 |
| Phone | +1 312-939-2438 |
| Website | Shedd Aquarium |
4. National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD
It features several unique exhibits, including the Amazon River Forest, the Atlantic Coral Reef, and a multi-story Tropical Rainforest.
Also, it is home to more than 20,000 animals from 800 species, making it one of the best aquariums in the US for diverse marine life.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $39.95, Children (3-11): $29.95 |
| Phone | +1 410-576-3800 |
| Website | National Aquarium |
5. Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA
This one in Long Beach is the largest in California, home to over 11,000 sea animals. Highlights include the Shark Lagoon, where visitors can touch various shark species, and the new Pacific Visions wing, which features an immersive theater experience.
It also focuses on environmental issues, including ocean pollution and climate change.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $36.95, Children (3-11): $26.95 |
| Phone | +1 562-590-3100 |
| Website | Aquarium of the Pacific |
6. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg, TN
Ripley’s of the Smokies is known for its interactive and immersive experiences. It features a 340-foot-long underwater tunnel and a large variety of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and a host of colorful fish.
Educational programs and interactive exhibits make it a great destination for families, and it is considered one of the best aquariums in America.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $39.99, Children (3-11): $24.99 |
| Phone | +1 888-240-1358 |
| Website | Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies |
7. Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, CT
Mystic is home to beluga whales, African penguins, and various other marine species. This place offers interactive experiences, including animal encounters and a 4D theater.
It also participates in significant conservation and research efforts, making it one of the best aquariums in the world.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $39.99, Children (3-12): $29.99 |
| Phone | +1 860-572-5955 |
| Website | Mystic Aquarium |
8. Texas State Aquarium, Corpus Christi, TX
Located on the scenic shores of Corpus Christi, it focuses on marine life from the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can explore various exhibits, including the Blue Hole and Dolphin Bay.
This one also runs rescue and rehabilitation programs for local wildlife, making it one of the best aquariums in the US.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $34.95, Children (3-12): $24.95 |
| Phone | +1 361-881-1200 |
| Website | Texas State Aquarium |
9. New England Aquarium, Boston, MA
It is a popular destination, featuring a giant ocean tank, a penguin exhibit, and an IMAX theater. The place is dedicated to marine conservation and education, offering various programs and events throughout the year.
As one of the best in the US, it provides a comprehensive look at marine life from around the world.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $32.00, Children (3-11): $23.00 |
| Phone | +1 617-973-5200 |
| Website | New England Aquarium |
10. New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, NY
It is the oldest continually operating marine life spot in the United States.
It features exhibits like the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! and offers educational programs for visitors of all ages.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $29.95, Children (3-12): $24.95 |
| Phone | +1 718-265-3474 |
| Website | New York Aquarium |
11. Audubon, New Orleans, LA
Audubon of the Americas is located along the Mississippi River near the French Quarter. It features exhibits like the Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rainforest, and Gulf of Mexico.
It also offers a variety of interactive experiences, including a touch pool and feeding demonstrations.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $29.95, Children (2-12): $24.95 |
| Phone | +1 504-565-3033 |
| Website | Audubon Aquarium |
12. Seattle Aquarium, Seattle, WA
Perched on Pier 59 along Elliott Bay, it features exhibits from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Visitors can enjoy animal feedings, interact with touch pools, and participate in behind-the-scenes tours.
The focus on local marine life and its extensive educational programs make it one of the best aquariums in the United States.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 9:30 AM – 6 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $32.95, Children (4-12): $22.95 |
| Phone | +1 206-386-4300 |
| Website | Seattle Aquarium |
13. Newport Aquarium, Newport, KY
Newport offers a unique underwater experience with its tunnels that let visitors get close to marine life. This place features exhibits such as the Amazon Tunnel, the Stingray Hideaway, and the Seahorses exhibit.
It’s one of the best aquariums in the world for those looking for an immersive and interactive experience.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $24.99, Children (2-12): $15.99 |
| Phone | +1 859-261-7444 |
| Website | Newport Aquarium |
14. Waikiki, Honolulu, HI
Waikiki is the second-oldest public marine life spot in the United States and is known for its diverse marine life, including the Hawaiian monk seal.
It emphasizes conservation and education, providing insights into the unique marine ecosystems of Hawaii.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 2777 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $12, Children (4-12): $5 |
| Phone | +1 808-923-9741 |
| Website | Waikiki Aquarium |
15. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota, FL
Visitors can see sharks, sea turtles, and manatees, and participate in educational programs.
It’s one of the best in the United States for those interested in marine science and conservation.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 9:30 AM – 5 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $24, Children (3-12): $18 |
| Phone | +1 941-388-4441 |
| Website | Mote Marine Laboratory |
16. Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Springfield, MO
It is an interesting hybrid as it is also a museum.
Visitors can see fish from around the world and enjoy interactive exhibits, making it one of the best in the US for a unique wildlife experience.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 500 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65807 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $39.95, Children (4-11): $23.95 |
| Phone | +1 888-222-6060 |
| Website | Wonders of Wildlife |
17. Oregon Coast, Newport, OR
The Oregon Coast features marine life native to the Oregon coast. Highlights include the Passages of the Deep, which takes visitors through a series of tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and other marine life.
It’s considered one of the best aquariums in the world for its focus on local marine ecosystems.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365 |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Admission Fees | Adults: $24.95, Children (3-12): $14.95 |
| Phone | +1 541-867-3474 |
| Website | Oregon Coast Aquarium |
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit aquariums?
The best time to visit is during the weekdays, especially in the morning when they open or later in the afternoon before closing. Weekends and holidays tend to be more crowded. It’s also a good idea to check if the place has any special events or feeding times that you may want to experience during your visit.
2. Are there any discounts available for aquarium tickets?
Many places offer discounts for various groups such as seniors, students, military personnel, and children. Some also provide discounts for booking tickets online in advance. Memberships often come with benefits like free entry and special discounts. It’s advisable to visit the official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date discount information.
3. Can you interact with animals in aquariums?
Yes, many of them offer interactive experiences where visitors can touch or feed certain animals. For example, the Georgia Aquarium has touch pools with stingrays and sea stars, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers interactive programs like behind-the-scenes tours. Always check the website for details on available interactive experiences and any age or height restrictions.
4. Do aquariums offer educational programs?
Most of the best aquariums in the United States offer a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages. These programs can include guided tours, workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities designed to teach visitors about marine life and conservation. Some of them also offer school programs and summer camps.
5. Are aquariums accessible to visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the best aquariums in the United States strive to be accessible to all visitors. Most are equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. They often provide services such as wheelchair rentals and special tours for visitors with disabilities. It’s recommended to contact them in advance to inquire about specific accessibility options and services.
Conclusion
Visiting these remarkable locations across the United States offers a unique opportunity to explore and learn about marine life and conservation efforts. Each destination provides educational programs, interactive experiences, and a chance to see a diverse range of species. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a solo adventure, these spots promise to deliver memorable and enriching experiences.
