10 Best Aquariums in the US in 2023
Aquariums play a crucial role in promoting marine conservation and education, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the underwater world. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of various marine species, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems. In this post we’ll take you on a journey through the best aquariums in the United States, highlighting their captivating exhibits, attractions, and commitment to conservation and education. So, whether you're a marine life enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable family outing, these top aquariums are sure to leave a lasting impression.
#1. Monterey Bay Aquarium, California
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a nonprofit public aquarium situated in the picturesque Cannery Row area of Monterey, California. Opened in October 1984, the aquarium is renowned for its regional focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay. Over the years, it has expanded from 83 tanks in 12 galleries to over 200 live animal exhibits.
Notable Exhibits and Attractions
Some of the most notable exhibits and attractions at Monterey Bay Aquarium include:
Kelp Forest: The first-ever living kelp forest exhibit, which showcases the diverse marine life found in this unique ecosystem.
Open Sea: A large exhibit that highlights the vast and mysterious open ocean.
Monterey Bay Habitats: A 90-foot-long, figure-eight-shaped tank holding over 300,000 US gallons of seawater, representing various habitats in Monterey Bay, from wharfs to the sandy seafloor to deep rocky reefs.
Life on the Bay: The aquarium's ocean-view decks offer a great vantage point to spot wildlife, such as sea otters and humpback whales.
Conservation Efforts and Educational Programs
Monterey Bay Aquarium is dedicated to research and conservation efforts, focusing on species such as sea otters, various birds, and tunas.
The aquarium's biologists have pioneered the animal husbandry of jellyfish and were the first to successfully care for and display a great white shark.
Through its unique oceanfront location and timeless galleries, the aquarium brings the wonders of the ocean to life, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for marine ecosystems.
#2. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta
Georgia Aquarium, located in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker Street, is a nonprofit organization and the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.
Opened in 2005, this 600,000-square-foot facility contains over 11 million gallons of fresh and saltwater, showcasing hundreds of species and thousands of animals across its seven major galleries.
Notable Exhibits and Attractions
Some of the most notable exhibits and attractions at Georgia Aquarium include:
Ocean Voyager: This exhibit features the aquarium's famous whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, as well as manta rays and thousands of other marine animals.
Cold Water Quest: Showcasing animals from the coldest regions of the world, including sea otters, African penguins, and beluga whales.
Tropical Diver: A colorful exhibit featuring a diverse array of tropical fish, coral reefs, and mesmerizing jellyfish.
River Scout: This exhibit highlights the diverse freshwater ecosystems of the world, including North American rivers and the Amazon Basin.
Conservation Efforts and Educational Programs
Georgia Aquarium is committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of ocean and aquatic animals worldwide.
The aquarium is involved in breeding programs and partnerships with organizations in South Africa, such as the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, to help protect the African penguin population, which has dropped by 60% in the last 30 years.
Through its exhibits and educational programs, Georgia Aquarium aims to inspire, educate, and entertain guests by teaching them about the world's aquatic biodiversity.
#3. National Aquarium, Baltimore
The National Aquarium, also known as the National Aquarium in Baltimore, is a non-profit public aquarium located at 501 East Pratt Street on Pier 3 in the Inner Harbor area of downtown Baltimore, Maryland.
Opened on August 8, 1981, the aquarium has an annual attendance of 1.5 million visitors and is the largest tourism attraction in the State of Maryland.
The aquarium holds more than 2,200,000 US gallons of water and has over 17,000 specimens representing over 750 species.
Notable Exhibits and Attractions
Some of the most notable exhibits and attractions at the National Aquarium include:
South American Rain Forest: A habitat enclosed within a 66-foot-high glass pyramid, showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest.
Atlantic Coral Reef: A 335,000-gallon tank featuring a vibrant coral reef ecosystem and various marine species.
Seal Pool: An outdoor exhibit at the entrance of the Main Aquarium Building, where visitors can observe seals in their natural habitat.
Conservation Efforts and Educational Programs
The National Aquarium's mission is to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures.
The aquarium champions environmental initiatives by engaging with visitors, volunteers, education groups, and schools to actively participate in the preservation of the world's natural resources and living systems.
The aquarium's vision is to confront pressing issues facing global aquatic habitats through pioneering science, conservation, and educational programming.
#4. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
Shedd Aquarium, located at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, is a not-for-profit organization that first opened its doors in 1930.
Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the aquarium is part of the Museum Campus Chicago and welcomed close to 1.9 million guests in 2019.
Shedd Aquarium was the first inland aquarium with a permanent saltwater fish collection and is home to more than 1,500 species.
Notable Exhibits and Attractions
Some of the most notable exhibits and attractions at Shedd Aquarium include:
Oceanarium: A large exhibit featuring sea otters, seahorses, beluga whales, bluegills, reef sharks, stingrays, and lake sturgeons.
Pacific White-Sided Dolphins: An exhibit showcasing the fascinating and intelligent Pacific white-sided dolphins.
Conservation Efforts and Educational Programs
Shedd Aquarium is dedicated to inspiring compassion, curiosity, and conservation for the aquatic animal world through various initiatives.
These efforts include:
Education Programs: The aquarium offers a range of educational programs to engage visitors and promote awareness of aquatic life and their habitats.
Conservation Research: Shedd Aquarium conducts research to better understand and protect aquatic ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
Rescue and Rehabilitation: The aquarium is involved in rescue and rehabilitation efforts for animals in need, both locally and around the world.
#5. New England Aquarium, Boston
The New England Aquarium, located at 1 Central Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts, is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has been protecting and caring for ocean and marine animals for more than 50 years.
The aquarium is a popular attraction in Boston, showcasing the diversity, importance, and beauty of aquatic life and habitats while highlighting critical aquatic conservation issues.
Notable Exhibits and Attractions
Some of the most notable exhibits and attractions at the New England Aquarium include:
Giant Ocean Tank: A four-story, 200,000-gallon tank that houses a Caribbean coral reef ecosystem, featuring more than 1,000 marine animals.
Penguin Colony: An exhibit that is home to more than 80 penguins, including African and rockhopper penguins.
Marine Mammal Center: A center that showcases harbor seals, California sea lions, and northern fur seals.
Conservation Efforts and Educational Programs
The New England Aquarium is committed to being a catalyst for global change through public engagement, education, and marine animal conservation.
The aquarium's conservation and research efforts are conducted through its dedicated research arm, which informs all of its work to protect the blue planet.
Some of the key initiatives include:
Education Programs: The aquarium offers a variety of educational programs to engage visitors and promote awareness of aquatic life and their habitats.
Conservation Research: The New England Aquarium conducts research to better understand and protect aquatic ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
Marine Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation: The aquarium is involved in rescue and rehabilitation efforts for marine animals in need, both locally and around the world.
#6. The Florida Aquarium, Tampa
The Florida Aquarium, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is located in downtown Tampa in the Channel district.
Rated among the best aquariums in the US, the Florida Aquarium is actively engaged in stewardship of the natural environment as a conservation-based attraction.
The aquarium aims to build awareness and inspire conservation action by showcasing a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals, including sea turtles, sharks, lemurs, and otters.
Notable Exhibits and Attractions
Some of the most notable exhibits and attractions at The Florida Aquarium include:
Florida's Freshwater and Brackish Environments: An immersive experience that explores the state's diverse freshwater and brackish habitats, allowing visitors to gain a new appreciation for the animals that live in Florida.
Coral Conservation Program: The aquarium's coral conservation program is scaled to have a significant impact on the restoration of the Florida Reef Tract.
Animal Habitats: The aquarium features various habitats where visitors can experience a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals, with the goal of building awareness and inspiring conservation action.
Conservation Efforts and Educational Programs
The Florida Aquarium is committed to using a science-based, impact-driven approach to address key conservation issues.
Some of the key initiatives include:
AquaCamps: Summer camps designed for children ages 3-14, featuring hands-on learning, animal encounters, and educational activities focused on aquatic conservation.
Coral Conservation Program: The aquarium's coral conservation program aims to restore the Florida Reef Tract and protect coral populations.
Sea Turtle Conservation: The Florida Aquarium is involved in rescue and rehabilitation efforts for sea turtles, helping to restore their populations.
#7. Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
The Aquarium of the Pacific, a non-profit organization, is located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, California.
This popular attraction takes visitors on a journey of discovery through the world's largest ocean, showcasing a diverse range of marine life and habitats.
Notable Exhibits and Attractions
Some of the most notable exhibits and attractions at the Aquarium of the Pacific include:
Tropical Pacific Gallery: This exhibit features colorful coral reefs, seahorses, and other tropical marine life.
Northern Pacific Gallery: Showcasing the marine life found in the cold waters of the Northern Pacific, including sea otters, sea lions, and puffins.
Southern California/Baja Gallery: This exhibit highlights the marine life found in the Southern California and Baja California regions, such as leopard sharks, garibaldi, and moray eels.
Conservation Efforts and Educational Programs
The Aquarium of the Pacific is dedicated to promoting ocean conservation and education through various initiatives, including:
Educational Programs: The aquarium offers a range of educational programs to engage visitors and promote awareness of aquatic life and their habitats.
Conservation Research: The Aquarium of the Pacific conducts research to better understand and protect aquatic ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
Community Outreach: The aquarium actively participates in community outreach programs to raise awareness about ocean conservation and inspire action.
#8. Seattle Aquarium, Seattle
The Seattle Aquarium is a public aquarium located on Pier 59 on the Elliott Bay waterfront in Seattle, Washington.
Opened in 1977, the aquarium has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is recognized as the premier resource for hands-on marine experiences and conservation education in the Pacific Northwest.
Notable Exhibits and Attractions
Some of the most notable exhibits and attractions at the Seattle Aquarium include:
Underwater Dome: A unique undersea dome with a 360º view into a 400,000-gallon habitat, filled with hundreds of fascinating Puget Sound fish.
Marine Mammal Exhibits: Showcasing harbor seals, sea otters, and other marine mammals native to the Pacific Northwest.
Tropical Pacific Gallery: An exhibit featuring colorful coral reefs, seahorses, and other tropical marine life.
Conservation Efforts and Educational Programs
The Seattle Aquarium is dedicated to protecting and restoring the marine environment through various initiatives, including:
Educational Programs: The aquarium offers a range of educational programs to engage visitors and promote awareness of aquatic life and their habitats.
Conservation Research: The Seattle Aquarium conducts research to better understand and protect aquatic ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
Community Outreach: The aquarium actively participates in community outreach programs to raise awareness about ocean conservation and inspire action.
#9. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is an aquarium located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Situated along the Mississippi River, the aquarium is part of the Audubon Nature Institute and is dedicated to marine life, conservation, and planetary stewardship.
Notable Exhibits and Attractions
Some of the most notable exhibits and attractions at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas include:
Caribbean Reef: A 30-foot-long, walk-through tunnel that provides a 360-degree view of a vibrant coral reef ecosystem.
Gulf of Mexico: An exhibit that showcases the diverse marine life found in the Gulf of Mexico, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.
Mississippi River Gallery: This exhibit highlights the unique aquatic species that inhabit the Mississippi River and its surrounding wetlands.
Conservation Efforts and Educational Programs
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas emphasizes the importance of conservation and research programs, including:
Dolphin Research: The aquarium is involved in dolphin research to better understand and protect these marine mammals.
Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation: The aquarium participates in sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts, helping injured or stranded sea turtles return to the wild.
Manatee Rehabilitation and Research: The aquarium is committed to manatee rehabilitation and research, working to protect these gentle giants and their habitats.
In addition to these conservation efforts, the aquarium provides educational programs to raise awareness about marine life and the importance of preserving our planet's ecosystems.
#10. Texas State Aquarium, Corpus Christi
The Texas State Aquarium is a nonprofit aquarium located in Corpus Christi, Texas, United States. Situated on 6.3 acres of land, it is the largest aquarium in Texas and one of the largest in the United States.
The aquarium's mission is to promote environmental conservation and rehabilitation of the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico.
It has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1995.
Notable Exhibits and Attractions
Some of the most notable exhibits and attractions at the Texas State Aquarium include:
Caribbean Journey: An exhibit that showcases an astonishing variety of marine species, each with their own unique characteristics.
Gulf of Mexico: An exhibit that highlights the diverse marine life found in the Gulf of Mexico, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.
Aquarium Exhibits: The aquarium features various exhibits that display animals representing over 500 different species.
Conservation Efforts and Educational Programs
The Texas State Aquarium is dedicated to promoting environmental conservation and rehabilitation of the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico through various initiatives, including:
Educational Programs: The aquarium offers a range of educational programs to engage visitors and promote awareness of aquatic life and their habitats.
Conservation Research: The Texas State Aquarium conducts research to better understand and protect aquatic ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
Community Outreach: The aquarium actively participates in community outreach programs to raise awareness about ocean conservation and inspire action.