Looking for a “splash-tacular” family outing? Aquariums offer an adventure into the wonders of the deep blue sea, allowing us to experience aquatic life from around the world.
The waters of our planet are home to incredibly diverse life, from the weird and wonderful to the beautiful. Aquariums are special places that bring these wonders right to us.
To help you plan your next trip, Aquarium Store Depot analyzed Tripadvisor reviews for 175 public aquariums across the United States to determine the most eye-catching options.
They ranked aquariums based on the percentage of reviews containing keywords related to beauty, such as ‘breathtaking’ and ‘picturesque’. Based on their study, here are the top ten most beautiful aquariums in the USA:
1: Belle Isle Aquarium
Located in Detroit, Michigan, the Belle Isle Aquarium is ranked as the most beautiful aquarium in America.
This historic aquarium first opened in 1904. According to Aquarium Store Depot’s study, a remarkable 30.7% of its reviews contained keywords describing its stunning appearance.
It hosts over 200 different saltwater and freshwater species. Mark Valderrama, Owner of Aquarium Store Depot, noted that it’s one of America’s oldest and most beautiful aquariums, hosting a range of aquatic life from around the world, allowing visitors to learn about both local Great Lakes species and those from further afield.
2: Butterfly House & Aquarium
Coming in second is the Butterfly House & Aquarium in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As the only public saltwater aquarium in the Dakotas, this alluring aquarium is home to hundreds of fish species from all over the world.
Visitors might catch a glimpse of species like yellow stingrays, horseshoe hawkfish, and princess parrotfish.
3: Birch Aquarium
The third most beautiful aquarium is Birch Aquarium, located in La Jolla, California. Established in 1903, it is now situated at the University of California, San Diego.
An impressive 25.8% of its reviews featured beauty keywords. Among its notable features is a two-story tall kelp forest, which is frequently mentioned in reviews.
4: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Reviewers raved about Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. Visitors can expect to see creatures like hammerhead sharks and giant octopuses.
This dazzling aquarium is also home to one of only two “jelly globes” in the country, offering a unique way to view jellyfish.
5: Seacoast Science Center
Located in Rye, New Hampshire, the Seacoast Science Center showcases species from the Gulf of Maine and beyond.
It features gorgeous tropical reef habitats, interactive sea touch tanks, and received glowing reviews for its beauty.
A particularly striking exhibit is the 32-foot whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling in its whale exhibit.
6: VIA Aquarium
Head to Schenectady, New York, for the VIA Aquarium. Its 45 exhibits featuring marine and reptile life have garnered excellent reviews.
The aquarium offers exciting experiences, including stingray feeding, behind-the-scenes tours, and even the chance to be a junior aquarist for a day.
7: Sea Life Park Hawaii
Say “aloha” to the seventh most beautiful aquarium, Sea Life Park Hawaii, located on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.
This park features a classic aquarium, alongside a marine mammal park and bird sanctuary. Visitors can learn about native Hawaiian sharks and interact with dolphins.
8: Mississippi Aquarium
A newcomer that opened in 2020, the Mississippi Aquarium is already making waves for its beauty. Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, it hosts over 200 aquatic species. Visitors can interact with bottlenose dolphins and see sharks and stingrays.
9: Aquarium at the Boardwalk
Aquarium at the Boardwalk in Branson, Missouri, also known to some as Branson Aquarium, made it into the top ten.
This marvelous aquarium offers several unique ways to explore its exhibits, including underwater tunnels and an interactive jelly infinity room.
10: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Rounding out the list is the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster, Massachusetts.
With 19.8% of its reviews featuring beauty keywords, visitors clearly appreciate the variety of aquatic species on display. The museum places a special focus on horseshoe crabs as part of its conservation efforts.
Alicia Richards