Aquariums allow everyone to see what very few people ever get to view in their natural habitat: sharks, rays, sea turtles, and so much more. From salt water to fresh water, to those animals that live on land but must have the benefits of the sea, aquariums are a great place for a family to learn more about the things that depend upon water to survive. These best aquariums in the US are proven among the best for families to visit.
10 Best Aquariums in the US
The following aquariums are among the best in the nation, if not in the world. All of these aquariums are filled with fantastic features that thrill both adults and children alike. Listed below are 10 best aquariums in the US.
1. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia
With more than nine million gallons of water throughout the complex, this is the largest aquarium in the world by sheer volume. It opened in 2005, which means it is practically brand new compared to other, more established aquariums. It’s definitely unique because it houses some of the rarest sea creatures that can’t be found in the United States, including the unusual whale sharks. You can also see hammerheads, manta rays and beluga whales, in addition to others in over 60 exhibits.
Admission: Adults $31.95; Children $25.95
Official website: http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California
Located right by the Pacific Ocean, this is a small aquarium by the usual standards, but the natural beauty is second to none. Because the aquarium can pump fresh sea water directly from the Pacific, there are some very unique exhibits, including the Ocean’s Edge Wing. It is the first aquarium to successfully house a great white shark.
Admission: Adults $39.95; Children $24.95
Official website: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/
3. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois
The most popular attraction in the Windy City, this aquarium has over 5 million gallons of water to support over 30,000 animals. Filled with various exhibits, aquatic shows, learning kiosks and so much more, this place pulls in more visitors than the nearby planetarium and museum of natural history. It also offers an astonishingly good view of the Chicago skyline.
Admission: Adults $39.95; Children $30.95
Official website: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
4. National Aquarium, Baltimore, Maryland
One and a half million people pass through this aquarium every year to see over 660 species of all kinds of creatures. There are numerous exhibits that make a big splash, including the coral reef, a tropical rain forest, and the award-winning Australia exhibit. This is a great place to see the lovely bottlenose dolphins.
Admission: Adults $34.95; Children $21.95
Official website: http://www.aqua.org/
5. Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
This is actually two aquariums—one housing fresh water animals, the other one for salt water. Both buildings hold over 12,000 animals, including giant catfish, river otters, alligators, and much more. Today the aquarium offers not only aquatic creatures, but also penguins, amphibians and a massive butterfly garden.
Admission: Adults $32.95; Children $22.95
Official website: http://www.tnaqua.com/Home.aspx
6. SeaWorld, San Diego, California
This massive aquarium offers the animals you might expect to see, but there is much more. SeaWorld offers live shows that thrill visitors with a close-up view of whales and dolphins; kids and adults can enjoy hands-on experiences with friendly sea life, and there are amusement park rides that add to the thrill. There are enough activities to keep kids and parents busy for days.
Admission: Adults or children: $68.00
Official website: http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-sandiego/
7. Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, California
Aquarium of the Pacific is located at Long Beach. It contains over five acres of water and houses 500 species of marine animals, including seals, sea lions and penguins. Focused on the Pacific Ocean, this aquarium even offers a show sponsored by NASA that focuses on the rhythms of the earth.
Admission: Adults $25.95; Children $14.95
Official website: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/
8. Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
In over 85,000 square feet, this aquarium brings things to life that other places simply can’t, such as the chance to touch a horseshoe crab, one of the oldest creatures on our planet. Expect to see things like poisonous sea life, sharks of all kinds and of course, the usual sea life that thrills both kids and adults alike.
Admission: Adults $21.99; Children $11.99
Official website: https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/myrtlebeach/
9. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans
Devastated after Hurricane Katrina, this aquarium is a testament to the power of overcoming strife and creating something beautiful. The 400,000 gallon shark tank, Caribbean reef with a walk-through tunnel, and hands-on experiences for kids can keep the whole family busy all day. There is even a hurricane simulator for those who want to know what it’s like to stand in the middle of that wild wind.
Admission: Adults $22.95; Children $16.00
Official Website: http://www.auduboninstitute.org/visit/aquarium
10. Texas State Aquarium, Corpus Christi, Texas
This aquarium took 20 years to build, but it was worth the wait. This aquarium offers a wide range of ecosystems, including jellyfish, octopuses, turtles, crabs, barracuda, and even alligators that are native to the West Texas swamps. Dolphin Bay is a main attraction, a protected place for bottle-nosed dolphins that are not able to live in the wild.
Admission: Adults $18.95; Children $13.95
Official website: http://texasstateaquarium.org/
Note: Before heading out for an aquarium, be sure to check the website for updated information. Exhibits change from time to time, and so do ticket prices. For the most up-to-date information, visit the links we have provided underneath each aquarium description.