List of 10 Best Aquariums in USA [ Family Favourite 2024]

Indulge in an incredibly charming journey under the blue water from the land by visiting the best aquariums in the United States. This undersea marvel can transport you to another world by displaying incredible sights of marine life from both coasts. Sighted in places like Monterey Bay, Boston Harbor, or Elliott Bay in Seattle, the aquariums offer a chance to “get to know ” sharks, dolphins, and even beluga whales that rarely approach humans. Over and above revealing their curiosity, they also project a great deal of instrumental education and wildlife conservation, at this moment, the significance of the ocean in their hearts. Find unmatchable underwater adventure at any of these top 10 aquariums, guaranteeing an eventful and mind-elevating experience you will long remember.

Ten Best Aquariums in USA

1. Monterey Bay Aquarium: California

Sitting on historically known Cannery Row in Monterey, CA, Monterey Bay Aquarium glows like one of the top aquariums in the American North. As an aquarium with a reputation for conserving the oceans, this place is not only informative but fun as well as uplifting a variety of marine creatures, including fish, turtles, and others. Guests are treated with little highlights like the “living kelp forest,” a hide-out for red octopuses and leopard sharks, and a prominent example of the specific ecosystem in the Pacific. These, in addition, help the visitors get information about the conservation efforts and the individual ways they can help protect aquatic life. One of the greatest advantages of being a visitor at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is that you do not just have the opportunity to see nature’s variety of inhabitants like otters, penguins, and marine animals but also to learn about the role of the sea creatures in nature’s maintenance and our ecosystem.

A visit to this Aquarium will be colorful as it highlights many species and water environments. This is the Monterey Bay Aquarium in all its grandeur, from the sea lions basking in the warmth of the California sun to a colony of African penguins being defiant in their behaviors as they display various aquatic habitats. In addition, it unconsciously publicizes conservation concerns, making the audience more mindful of protecting marine diversity. In connecting visitors through illuminative displays like those of the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Seattle Aquarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium establishes itself as a leading research and education institution that enlightens people about the importance of nature preservation and raises awareness regarding the marvels of underwater creatures. One of the best place in north america.

2. National Aquarium: Baltimore

Located in downtown Baltimore, the National Aquarium is the US’s biggest and most highly regarded fish storage center. This aquatic wonderland has prize-winning shows where one can appreciate some interesting sights of marine life, from the depths of the Amazon River forest to the natural coral reef of the Atlantic Ocean. One can feel overwhelmed with splendor when visiting the pavilion and seeing the spectacular and diverse wildlife, e.g., blue poison dart frog, blue blubber jelly, Kimberley snake-necked turtle, or a longhorn cowfish existing within its vast galleries. If your goal is a vibrant, interactive experience, the National Aquarium conducts dolphin training, aquarium sleepovers, and exciting shows containing sharks, octopuses, and dolphins in 4D technology.

The main goal of The National Aquarium ranges from entertainment to conservation actions and, among the many actions, combatting climate change, protecting marine animals and their homes, and dealing with plastic pollution. Recent attendance has Built admiration for the magnificent dolphin show as a sign of people’s education about marine protection encouraged by the aquarium exhibit. Where the immersive experience of the National Aquarium in Baltimore conquers its stunning coral reef exhibits and mesmerizing sea creatures, the Aquarium takes you on a memory-lane-inducing trip into the amazing underwater world. Our favourite on the east coast

3. Shedd Aquarium: Chicago

Shedd of Chicago, Illinois, is a world-knows Aquarium that puts across compassion and dedication by themselves to marine conservation. This has a lot of followers and experienced animal lovers who are ever ready to share different encounters that work to make the herd understand and feel like they are part of this global community. Visitors can have first-hand experience at interactive touch tanks, indulge themselves in different sensations of 4D displays, and entertain themselves with educational talks and presentations by our team along with captivating creatures such as the cutest stingrays, beluga whales, sea otters, penguins, and so on! Even the daring can feel in control of the situation when they join the other staff to help feed the sharks. This gives them a unique and intriguing learning experience with these wonderful killers

At the Abbott Oceanarium, the visitors are in for the most breathtaking and astonishing display of talent by reputable Pacific white-sided dolphins that earn their reputation due to the leaps from 20 feet to the water surface and high speed surpassing 25 mph upon the water surface. Parents and kids can stop by the Polar Play Zone, where they can transform and dress up as penguins and spoil themselves with miniature submarine rides and an underwater-looking area to watch various marine life while learning about two extreme points of the Earth – North and South Poles. Besides that, the Shedd Aquarium lives up to its reputation by conducting conservation-oriented kayaks during hot summer days on the Chicago River, as the ecotour by the boats offers a proximity opportunity. Shedd Aquarium keeps pushing forward with new interactive programs, such as the virtual reality swim with humpback whales in Tonga, inspiring curiosity and love for water creatures. This adventureful aquarium merges confidently with the best in the country.

4. Adventure Aquarium: Camden, New Jersey

Located on the Camden Waterfront near Philadelphia, Adventure Aquarium stands as one of the top aquariums in the nation, celebrating its 32th anniversary in 2024. Boasting over 15,000 animals across 2 million gallons of water, it holds the largest shark collection in the Northeast. The Shark Realm exhibit offers thrilling perspectives of these creatures: visitors can cross the 81-foot-long Shark Bridge or stroll through the 40-foot Shark Tunnel for a below-surface view.

For families, the KidZone touch pools provide interactive encounters with invertebrates, while Penguin Park offers outdoor fun. The Aquarium’s Piranha Falls exhibit engages the senses with its multisensory experience, complemented by a 3D theater and the unique Hippo Haven, allowing observation of 3,000-pound mammals from above and below. Due to limited capacity, online reservations are recommended for a seamless visit to this remarkable marine destination. Adventure Aquarium promises an enriching experience, highlighting the importance of sea life conservation and education.

5. Seattle Aquarium: Seattle

Corner of Seattle is situated at the Seattle Aquarium, which is a charming experience of the creatures of Puget Sound and the ocean ecosystem. With the aid of exhibits, events, and educational programs, the guests can discover the biodiversity of marine life, which includes but is not limited to birds, mammals such as the Steller sea lions, fishes, cephalopods including the squids and octopus, and intricate jellyfish. The star feature is the Imagination Seas 360 Underwater Dome recreating local fish in a 400,000-gallon deep water habitat, with jumping dolphins and sealine creatures.

Visitors of all ages will participate in the interactive Family Activity Center, learning about orcas from the Pacific Northwest and how they contribute to conservation efforts. Among attraction’s species recovery project is devoted to protecting endangered marine animals through research and fieldwork. Having a tactile tank that interacts with marine creatures like sea urchins and hermit crabs, the Seattle Aquarium becomes perfect for reaching out to learn about the conservation of underwater creatures and the beauty of the ocean whether traveling to the San Juan Islands to view the Steller sea lions or the Shore geese or going to the forest lakes to sight the green sea turtles, the visitors of the Pacific Northwest are engulfed in the rich diversity of marine life. Plenty of endangered species. It is a great place for families.

6. Georgia Aquarium: Atlanta

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta provides a unique aquarium system that is a step to almost all the sea creatures found, from rays to dolphins and sea lions to penguins. Guests have an opportunity to have personal contact by participating in programs like shark cage dives or being with dolphins behind the scenes; in this way, they learn more and get conservation awareness. The Ocean Voyager Gallery has a 100-foot-long underwater tunnel that brings you 50 species, and the experience is amazing. Fasten your belt and travel through different marine habitats. It is suggested to come early during these busy times to make room for the educational shows and the variety of exhibits. This is the famous Aquarium. It is a perfect place for families !

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is considered the largest aquarium in the United States. It is also one of the largest aquariums in the world. The Georgia Aquarium is home to tens of thousands of animals representing several hundred species.

The Georgia Aquarium features exhibits such as the Ocean Voyager, which houses a large viewing window into a massive tank that holds whale sharks, manta rays, and other marine life. The aquarium also has exhibits showcasing beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, penguins, and various fish species.

7. Wildlife World Aquarium

The Wildlife World Aquarium, one of the key aquatic attractions at the Wildlife World Zoo and Safari Park, houses a rare collection of 600 species, making it the largest animal collection in Arizona. The Aquarium of the Pacific has four mega-wide buildings where over two hundred aquatic animal species are housed in what they featured as the longest acrylic tunnel in the state and modeled after the South Pacific Reef. Plenty of marine species to discover .

Wildlife World Aquarium was the first city in Arizona to see such an incredible thing in their own city birth and the successful raising of two sea lion pups. The Sealife Sanctuary has hundreds of residents and visitors who can watch demonstrations and sea lion shows, including our three resident sea lions on display. It is a great thing to see because of the opportunity to experience various aquatic species and attend educational programs. Now, you can become one of the visitors to Arizona.

8. Downtown Aquarium: Colorado

Sitting in downtown Denver’s area, the Aquarium (earlier it was named Ocean Journey Aquarium) has been enjoyable to the community for a long time. Having over 500 species, exhibits consist of a shark touch-and-do tank and a fascinating 4-D theater to attend. What gives this Aquarium an advantage is its enchanting mermaid performances due to mermaids, which educate the visitors about ocean protection issues. Guests can not only set up meetings with their magical friends, but they can also perhaps see them perform a spell or two.

Besides, there is an additional option for people to book an encounter with other wonderful creatures, the sloths and the binturongs, with their popping corn-like smell. The Downtown Aquarium provides an interactive and educational showcase that emphasizes the protection of marine life and gives its visitors a chance to experience the wildlife at the closest proximity that one can get.

9. Mystic Aquarium: Connecticut

With its location in Connecticut, though, Mystic Aquarium gives these seas first place in marine research and conservation. The aquatic wildlife creatures provide a lot of interactive and exciting experiences for the people, allowing them to get an understanding and knowledge of the ocean ecosystems. Inside the foundation are thousands of species which we can start from the most popular ones until we get to the big one, with more than 10,000 fish you can learn about.

Visitors can interact with animals of different species, such as penguins, reptiles, and seals. Also, visitors can sign up for one of the guiding programs that use trainers to help everyone know more about the animals. It enables visitors to be there during feeder and training sessions given to animals. This experience lets guests see first-hand how trainers care for different sea animals. The Mystic Aquarium exists to educate and to offer a fun-filled and insightful opportunity for those who yearn to encounter the aquatic world.

10. Maui Ocean Centre: Hawaii

The Maui Ocean Center, or “The Aquarium of Hawaii,” as the locals call it, is devoted to this type of conservation. It educates visitors on how the sea life found not far from the islands is biologically different. Ocean Aloha is one of the center’s main programs designed to educate the public on the nature of natural resources through promoting active and responsible stewardship that enables us to safeguard nature’s inheritance for the next generations.

Guests can explore diverse marine animals and learn about Hawaii’s cultural heritage at exhibits like “Kaho‘olawe: The exhibit is named ” A Story of History and Healing” to commemorate the island of Kaho’olawe and tell the story of this very sacred place, its past, present, and future restoration after it’s erroneous use for U.S. military target practice. Maui Ocean Center provides an interactive platform for the students to explore the depth of science and Hawaiian culture with a vision for environmental conservation.

Price of Aquariums in the US

The cost of visiting aquariums in the US can vary depending on the location, size of the aquarium, and any special exhibits or events they may have. Here are some general price ranges for visiting aquariums in the US:

1. Small to Medium Aquariums:

• Adult Admission: $15 – $30
• Child/Senior Admission: $10 – $20

2. Large Aquariums or Popular Tourist Destinations:

• Adult Admission: $25 – $40
• Child/Senior Admission: $15 – $30

3. Premium or Specialty Aquariums:

• Adult Admission: $35 – $50+
• Child/Senior Admission: $20 – $40+

Some aquariums may offer discounts for students, military personnel, and members. It’s a good idea to check the official website of the aquarium you plan to visit for the most up-to-date ticket prices and any special offers they may have.

Conclusion

Finally, embarking on a tour to the most well-rated aquariums across the USA ensures a fantastic experience swimming with fishes not only in the Pacific or the Atlantic but with all known species. Employing diverse means, including aquariums such as Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Aquarium in Baltimore, and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, visitors can not only admire attractive species like sharks, dolphins, and penguins but also obtain information in educating and conserving life underwater. One Aquarium offers child-appropriate encounters such as touch tanks and an opportunity to meet with a trainer and get a feel of being a trainer. Through these top aquariums, visitors will add to their knowledge about the beauty of the ocean and the state of animals and fitness of the environment so that they may get precious memories that will stay with them for a lifetime, helping them to develop a long-lasting connection to the underwater ecosystem.

I wrote many interesting articles about U.S.A , check them out ! : National parks Tennessee , Longest bridges USA,  Camping sites in New Jersey, Where to stay in New York, Most beautiful blue water white sand beaches in USA, San Diego lake camping, List of aquarium  in the US, Camping on Oregon beaches, Things to do near flamingo Las Vegas, Restaurants near riverwalk San Antonio

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I am Eric, a French Australian citizen based between Australia, Asia and Bali and I love to travel and experience the world. I generally like outdoor activities, wellness, great food and venues , party and real local adventures ! I am a Yoga practitioner and fitness lover

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