Plunge into a world of underwater wonder at the best aquariums in the USA, where vibrant marine life and immersive exhibits spark awe for all ages! From massive whale sharks gliding through crystal tunnels to playful penguins and hands-on stingray touch pools, these aquatic havens offer unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re a family seeking kid-friendly fun, a nature lover craving conservation insights, or a traveler exploring iconic cities, America’s top aquariums deliver a perfect blend of education, excitement, and oceanic magic. Grab your tickets and dive into a sea of discovery on your next getaway!
Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, Georgia
Dive into an ocean adventure at the Georgia Aquarium, the largest in the U.S., where over 100,000 marine creatures await! Marvel at massive whale sharks gliding through the Ocean Voyager’s 100-foot-long underwater tunnel, or get up close with playful beluga whales and dolphins at Explorers Cove. From interactive touch pools with rays to behind-the-scenes animal encounters, this Atlanta gem offers thrills for all ages, blending conservation education with jaw-dropping exhibits.
Beyond the tanks, the Georgia Aquarium is a family-friendly hotspot with dolphin shows, sea lion enrichment sessions, and a focus on fostering human-animal connections. Its vibrant displays, like the colorful Tropical Diver exhibit, make every visit a visual feast. Perfect for a day of wonder, this aquarium is a must-see for travelers seeking aquatic magic in the heart of Atlanta!
Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Website: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org
Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey, California
Perched along the scenic Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium is a coastal treasure that brings the Pacific’s wonders to life! Home to 35,000 animals across 500 species, you’ll be mesmerized by the towering Kelp Forest exhibit and the glowing jellyfish displays. Known for its conservation efforts, this aquarium offers sea otter feedings, behind-the-scenes tours, and live webcams for a virtual peek at its vibrant marine life.
Whether you’re watching penguins waddle or exploring the Into the Deep exhibit with rare deep-sea creatures, Monterey Bay delivers an immersive experience. Its commitment to ocean protection and stunning oceanfront views make it a bucket-list stop for families and nature lovers visiting California’s central coast.
Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Website: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org
Shedd Aquarium – Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is a splashy escape on the shores of Lake Michigan, housing 32,500 marine creatures in vibrant habitats! From the Abbott Oceanarium’s Pacific white-sided dolphins to the Wild Reef’s shark-filled coral ecosystem, every exhibit is a dive into wonder. Interactive experiences like stingray touch pools and virtual reality swims with humpback whales make it a hit for curious kids and adults alike.
With its focus on conservation and engaging exhibits like the Amazon Rising, Shedd offers a perfect blend of education and fun. Whether you’re watching a diver feed fish in the Caribbean Reef or exploring the Polar Play Zone, this iconic aquarium is a must-visit for a splash of aquatic adventure in the Windy City!
Address: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Website: https://www.sheddaquarium.org
National Aquarium – Baltimore, Maryland
Dive into a world of wonder at Baltimore’s National Aquarium, a crown jewel of the Inner Harbor with over 20,000 animals! From the Blacktip Reef’s sharks to the Amazon River Forest’s poison dart frogs, its award-winning exhibits transport you across global ecosystems. Interactive experiences like dolphin training sessions and a 4D theater add excitement to this family-friendly adventure.
The National Aquarium’s commitment to combating climate change and protecting wildlife makes every visit meaningful. With highlights like the Shark Alley and Upland Tropical Rain Forest, it’s a perfect stop for travelers seeking education and awe-inspiring marine encounters in Maryland’s vibrant capital.
Address: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Website: https://www.aqua.org
Tennessee Aquarium – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Embark on a river-to-sea journey at the Tennessee Aquarium, a Chattanooga gem split into two buildings for freshwater and ocean adventures! The River Journey showcases Appalachian wildlife like otters and alligators, while Ocean Journey dazzles with penguins, sharks, and a butterfly garden. Its immersive design and hands-on exhibits make it a hit for families exploring the South.
With highlights like the Turtles of the World gallery and the IMAX 3D Theater, this aquarium offers endless fun and learning. Nestled along the Tennessee River, it’s a must-visit for travelers craving a blend of aquatic thrills and conservation insights in a charming Southern city.
Address: 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Website: https://www.tnaqua.org
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas – New Orleans, Louisiana
Located along the Mississippi River, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans is a vibrant showcase of 10,000 animals from North and South America! Wander through the Caribbean Reef’s 132,000-gallon tunnel or marvel at the Gulf of Mexico’s massive shark tank. With unique exhibits like the Amazon greenhouse featuring piranhas and macaws, it’s a cultural and aquatic delight.
This family-friendly aquarium offers interactive touch pools and a focus on endangered species preservation, making it both educational and exciting. Just steps from the French Quarter, it’s a perfect stop for travelers seeking a splash of marine magic in the heart of New Orleans!
Address: 1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: https://www.audubonnatureinstitute.org/aquarium
The Florida Aquarium – Tampa, Florida
Tampa’s Florida Aquarium is a Southern gem, home to 8,000 plants and animals in diverse habitats like mangrove forests and coral reefs! Get hands-on at Stingray Beach or explore the Journey to Madagascar with lemurs and chameleons. Its conservation focus and kid-friendly water adventure zone make it a splashy hit for families visiting Florida’s Gulf Coast.
From the Wetlands Trail to the massive coral reef tank, this aquarium offers vibrant displays and interactive fun. Whether you’re watching otters play or marveling at sharks, it’s a must-visit for travelers seeking aquatic wonders in sunny Tampa!
Address: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Website: https://www.flaquarium.org
Mystic Aquarium – Mystic, Connecticut
Discover New England’s aquatic treasure at Mystic Aquarium, one of only two U.S. facilities with Steller sea lions! Watch beluga whales glide in a massive outdoor exhibit or get hands-on at the Shark Lagoon touch pool. With engaging exhibits like the Nautilus Live Theater and a Titanic display, it’s a perfect blend of education and fun for all ages.
Mystic’s focus on conservation and interactive animal encounters, like penguin meet-and-greets, makes it a standout. Nestled in charming Mystic, Connecticut, this aquarium is a must-visit for travelers seeking marine magic on the East Coast!
Address: 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355
Website: https://www.mysticaquarium.org
Texas State Aquarium – Corpus Christi, Texas
Dive into the Gulf of Mexico’s wonders at the Texas State Aquarium, the largest in Texas, showcasing 300+ species! From the 400,000-gallon Caribbean Sea exhibit with reef sharks to the jungle-like Flamingo Forest, this Corpus Christi hotspot brings marine life to life. Interactive touch pools and daily wildlife presentations make it a family-friendly adventure.
With a focus on rescue and rehabilitation, highlights like the Blue Hole Exhibit and dolphin encounters offer both thrills and education. Perfect for travelers exploring the Lone Star State, this aquarium is a splashy coastal gem!
Address: 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402
Website: https://www.texasstateaquarium.org
New England Aquarium – Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s New England Aquarium is a harborfront haven for marine lovers, boasting a 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank with a Caribbean coral reef! Watch sharks, sea turtles, and barracudas swim as you spiral around this iconic exhibit. With African penguins, sea lion shows, and hands-on tide pools, it’s a fun-filled stop for families visiting Beantown.
From the Tropical Gallery’s vibrant fish to seasonal whale-watching cruises, this aquarium blends education with excitement. Its conservation focus and prime location make it a must-visit for travelers seeking aquatic adventures in historic Boston!
Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
Website: https://www.neaq.org