Aquariums are more than just places to observe sea creatures; they’re immersive environments that spark curiosity, promote marine conservation, and offer unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.
The United States is home to some of the most enchanting aquariums in the world. From massive whale sharks to playful otters and hands-on touch pools, these aquariums offer something for everyone.
Here’s a deep dive into ten of the most magical aquatic destinations across the country.
1. Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, Georgia
The Georgia Aquarium holds the title of one of the largest aquariums in the world, and stepping inside feels like entering another universe.
The star attraction is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, featuring a breathtaking underwater tunnel and massive viewing window where you can witness whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish swimming overhead.
Other exhibits include Cold Water Quest, Tropical Diver, and Dolphin Coast. The facility also plays an important role in marine research and animal rehabilitation, making it as educational as it is exciting.
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey, California
Set along the scenic Pacific coast, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is well-known for its emphasis on local marine ecosystems.
Visitors can view mesmerizing displays of kelp forests, open ocean habitats, and deep-sea creatures.
Its large windows allow natural sunlight to filter through the kelp forest exhibit, giving the impression that you’re actually diving among the giant seaweed and fish.
The aquarium is also famous for its sea otter rehabilitation program and features educational exhibits that highlight the importance of ocean conservation.
3. Shedd Aquarium – Chicago, Illinois
Nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium blends classic architecture with cutting-edge exhibits.
It is home to over 30,000 animals from aquatic environments around the globe. From the Amazon River to the Arctic, the exhibits are diverse and rich in storytelling.
Visitors particularly enjoy the Abbott Oceanarium, where they can watch dolphins, beluga whales, and sea lions glide through crystal-clear water.
The aquarium also offers interactive exhibits and hands-on learning for children, making it ideal for families.
4. National Aquarium – Baltimore, Maryland
The National Aquarium in Baltimore delivers a journey from the depths of the ocean to the treetops of the Amazon.
Inside, you’ll find dramatic exhibits like the Blacktip Reef, an enormous, multi-level tank filled with coral and exotic fish, and the Living Seashore, where you can interact with jellyfish, stingrays, and horseshoe crabs.
Its architectural design includes a glass pyramid and a rooftop rainforest, making the experience visually as well as intellectually stimulating.
The facility emphasizes conservation education and sustainability in every part of its mission.
5. New England Aquarium – Boston, Massachusetts
The New England Aquarium is a staple of Boston’s waterfront and draws in visitors with its Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story, 200,000-gallon cylindrical tank filled with a vibrant Caribbean coral reef.
Guests can walk around and view it from multiple levels, spotting sea turtles, moray eels, and hundreds of colorful reef fish.
Penguins greet visitors as they enter, and the aquarium frequently hosts IMAX film experiences and whale-watching cruises off the coast of Massachusetts, adding to the excitement of the visit.
6. Aquarium of the Pacific – Long Beach, California
The Aquarium of the Pacific brings the marine biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean to life through more than 11,000 animals across 500 species.
From the warm waters of the Coral Lagoon to the colder Northern Pacific environments, the exhibits showcase the vastness and richness of the world’s largest ocean.
Highlights include touch tanks with rays and moon jellies, as well as a coral reef tunnel that offers an immersive dive into a tropical paradise. The facility also offers special events and behind-the-scenes tours.
7. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Located in the scenic Smoky Mountains, Ripley’s Aquarium offers a surprisingly impressive array of marine life.
Its signature feature is the Shark Lagoon a moving sidewalk that transports guests through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and green sea turtles.
The aquarium is highly interactive, with hands-on exhibits and live shows like the penguin parade and stingray feeding sessions. Its family-friendly design and dramatic visuals make it a top destination for both tourists and locals.
8. Mystic Aquarium – Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic Aquarium is one of the few aquariums in North America where visitors can observe beluga whales up close.
These gentle, social animals are a major draw, along with sea lions, African penguins, and various marine invertebrates.
Educational shows in the Foxwoods Marine Theater allow guests to learn about animal training and behavior.
The aquarium is also known for its dedication to marine science, conservation, and rescue efforts. It’s a place where education and entertainment go hand in hand.
9. Oregon Coast Aquarium – Newport, Oregon
This coastal gem is beloved for its focus on local marine ecosystems, especially those of the Pacific Northwest.
Its “Passages of the Deep” exhibit is a standout, allowing guests to walk through submerged tunnels where sharks, bat rays, and rockfish glide overhead.
The outdoor exhibits, which include sea otters, harbor seals, and puffins, are designed to mimic natural habitats.
The aquarium offers an intimate, nature-inspired experience that feels closely tied to the surrounding ocean environment.
10. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas – New Orleans, Louisiana
Located right along the Mississippi River, the Audubon Aquarium celebrates the aquatic life of the Americas from the Gulf of Mexico to the Amazon rainforest.
Exhibits include stingray touch tanks, a Caribbean reef tunnel, and a lush Amazon display teeming with exotic fish and birds.
Following recent renovations, the aquarium now features even more immersive experiences and artistic displays, making it one of the most visually captivating aquariums in the U.S. Its blend of science, design, and regional culture makes it a unique stop.
Alicia Richards