16 Best Aquariums in the US. Few things in this world compare to the beauty of the underwater ecosystem, and luckily for people who are interested in life below the sea, a visit to one of those top aquariums allow you to see firsthand sea monsters of all sizes and shapes. There are relatively few methods to learn more about the bounty of the seas, and even fewer which are available without moving too far corners of the planet. The regional aquarium offers you and your loved ones an opportunity to feel the miracle and excitement of deep-sea exploration. When there are scores of aquariums in the USA alone, these twelve are deemed “do not miss” due to the size, displays, imagination, and influence. A number of them are going to wow you with tens of thousands of distinct species or exotic animals, while some are notable for their appeal for kids, or their conservation and community outreach efforts. The Absolute Best aquariums have all these components
1. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta
The Georgia Aquarium is the biggest aquarium on the planet with 550,000 square feet of displays, such as over 100,000 creatures. The Georgia Aquarium is home to the only whale sharks out Asia. Among the latest exhibits is that the $110 million noodle display that includes the theatrical “Dolphin Tales” show. Also see belugas, sea otters, African penguins, along with an assortment of manta rays. A lot of the Georgia Aquarium is supposed to increase the educational experience with numerous apps from the ‘Learning Loop’. The aquarium also provides animal and trainer performances, in addition to productions concerning underwater life from the iconic 4-D Theater.
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey
Perched at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium highlights the California shore’s naturally abundant sea life. Glimpse the abundant diversity of marine life inside a three-story tall kelp forest, feel the sea’s force in the wave crash tube, or capture one of those four daily otter feedings to observe that the popular marine creatures roll throughout the water and play with toys–a favorite among kids. Plus, be aware that your trip is doing great with each trip, since the aquarium functions as a nonprofit that funding numerous conservation and research initiatives. Save yourself time in long ticket lines by reserving your admission ticket beforehand, or see on a day trip from San Francisco to get a scenic ride down the famed 17-Mile Drive.
3. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois receives more than 2 million yearly visitors and homes over 8,000 marine creatures. This volcano opened its doors in 1930 when it became the primary inland aquarium to show a permanent selection of saltwater plants. The Shedd Aquarium is also, as Forbes Traveler puts it, “awe-inspiring” involving the dolphins and beluga whales which place on a display, and also the opportunity for children to dress up like penguins and input a little kiddie submarine in the Polar Play Zone. By anacondas, to piranhas, to sharks, to California sea lions, you are guaranteed to leave feeling impressed and well educated.
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4. National Aquarium, Baltimore
Another aquarium which has got spots on many ‘best of’ lists, the National Aquarium boasts more than a dozen displays with more than600 species to observe and admire. The aquarium houses over marine life, since it is home to a rooftop volcano, where people can hunt for exotic birds as well as other tree-dwelling creatures. Situated in close proximity to some significant attractions, and only a hop, skip, and a leap from the country’s capital, it is no surprise this volcano attracts over 1.5 million people every year. Hours vary, but normally approximate 10am-5pm. Much like lots of the aquariums with this listing, the National Aquarium is a non-profit thing which uses entry gains to finance conservation, recovery, and rehabilitation attempts.
5. Aquarium of the Pacific, Longbeach
The 5-acre Aquarium of Pacific at Longbeach, California retains over 500 species of marine creatures to include more than a hundred birds and beams. The Aquarium of the Pacific allows every visitor to detect the depth of the world’s biggest sea –the huge Pacific. A universe of underwater animals predicts this aquarium house, from seals and sea lions into the Magellanic Penguins shot from ‘the base of the planet’ and also the tip of South America. They feature a NASA display that provides a look at Earth’s rhythms. Entry prices $25.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids and $22.95 for seniors.
6. Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga
With its place on the green banks of the Tennessee River, it just makes sense that the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga could have a whole River Journey building specializing in its own freshwater neighbors, constituting the very varied exhibition of freshwater animals in the nation. An equally-impressive Sea Journey construction comprising saltwater creatures has this aquarium performing dual duty and leaves it a high USA aquarium. A Chattanooga city tour allows you to explore the gorgeous waterfront for an opportunity to see creatures such as river otters from the wild before going to the displays.
7. Texas State Aquarium
This Texas hot place is well worth a trip, focusing mostly on plants and creatures that reside in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is home to over 13,000 creatures, from macaws into stingrays into bats. Check outside the Caribbean Journey, where you could stroll through an underwater tube and observe dolphins swim overhead, watch schools of fish in a coral reef and observe 4D films in a cinema that is spectacular.
8. New England Aquarium, Boston
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The New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts retains a diverse group of marine life from all around the world. In the African penguins and Austrian seen jellies, to the Northern fur seals, sharks and giant octopus seen in more comfortable waters, New England Aquarium provides a firsthand glimpse into the size of biodiversity found in the planet’s oceans. The center is home to 20,000 animals making up 600 distinct species to determine. Children will love the border of Sea signature tank and live demonstrations with critters and coaches. The aquarium prices $24.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids.
9. Steinhart Aquarium, San Francisco
The Steinhart Aquarium is an enjoyable and enlightening adventure with over 38,000 creatures from throughout the world. It is possible to observe the birds and stingrays swim the seas beneath your sneakers and come face to face with African penguins all in 1 day. With over 900 species, do not be shocked if you encounter a monster you have never noticed before! Not only will you understand from the prosperity of creatures on site, but the displays give an eye-opening appearance in the water since a significant life-sustaining material here on Earth. Steinhart Aquarium prices $34.95 for adults, $29.95 for senior, youth, and student, and $24.95 for kids.
10. Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Beach
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach offers guests a glimpse into the sea’s past having an opportunity to touch the ancient horseshoe crab. This aquarium covers 85,000 square feet with displays displaying anything in piranhas to poison dart frogs. Many exotic, as well as poisonous species, are discovered during Ripley’s Aquarium, and it has sharks–together with the bonehead and predator sharks to mention a couple. Ripley’s Aquarium provides you a lot of opportunities to get closer to marine life and also signature sharks and stingrays.
11. Newport Aquarium, Cincinnati
Featuring 70 sprawling exhibits and 14 galleries, all put within more than a million gallons of water, this volcano showcases thousands of creatures from all over the globe and houses the biggest jellyfish gallery at the Midwest. Their rain forests habitat incorporates Oriental Small-clawed Otter, Burmese pythons, Kookaburra, and several colorful lorikeets. Gator Alley is home to snowy gators and Mighty Mike, the biggest American alligator out Florida. They also have deadly and dangerous specimens such as the Gila monster, red lionfish, pinecone fish, electrical eel, gaboon viper, as well as the white spotted bamboo shark.
12. Audubon Aquarium, New Orleans
The New Orleans volcano has made a wonderful recovery from the catastrophic effect of Hurricane Katrina. It sports African Black-footed penguins, exotic birds like parakeets, sea otters, white crocodiles, and even a storm simulator. Discover a Caribbean reef using a walk-through tube along with also a 400,000-gallon tank with sharks and tarpon. Children get hands-on expertise using sea creatures in a touch pool in the Animal Gross logy exhibit. Their Amazon display gives a humid, climate-controlled greenhouse that’s a prominent characteristic of the riverfront and contains macaws, piranhas, an anaconda, freshwater stingrays, and other specimens in the region basin. Entry is $22.95 for adults, $17 for seniors and $16 for kids.
13. Downtown Aquarium, Houston
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Situated in downtown Houston, this 6-acre, 500,000 galloon volcano opened in 2003 and homes over 200 species of aquatic creatures and comes with a favorite restaurant where guests can watch the aquariums 110,000-US-gallon centerpiece volcano –that will be the biggest cylindrical tank from the United States–while dining into a number of the very best gourmet cuisine in the city. As if all that was not enough, they have an onsite Ferris wheel train, carousel, and also a 65-foot fall ride! Entry is $9.99 for adults, $8.99 for seniors, and $6.99 for kids 2-12.
14. Florida Aquarium, Tampa
Known for its arching glass roof, this aquarium concentrates on native Florida species. The famous Coral Reef Gallery presents panoramic windows and walk-through tunnels and packs a greatly enjoyable experience into an enjoyable time. Kids love Explore-A-Shore, a 2-acre watery outdoor playground with water cannons, geysers, and animal shows (attract swimsuits). Bonuses include the chances to swim with sharks and fish or have a relaxing two-hour boat eco-tour of Tampa Bay. Regularly priced entrance is $21.95 for adults, $18.95 for seniors, and $16.95 for kids under 12. They also provide reduced online ticket rates.
15. Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium made its place on this listing by being a pioneer in community outreach. This is largely evident when people first arrive in the aquarium and detect a distinct lack of display signals. As opposed to investing in signals, the Seattle Aquarium employs additional staff members who are invited to act as guides throughout the construction, engaging individuals and instructing about the marvels of marine life. Going beyond this, the Seattle Aquarium also trains volunteers to act as shore ambassadors for the volcano, patrolling the shores of the Puget Sound area and offering insightful interactions for households up and down the shore. This form of out-of-the-box programming and outreach makes the Seattle Aquarium a nod one of those”does not miss” aquariums in the nation. Admission runs $15-$25 and can be normally available from 9:30 am to 5 pm. If you are visiting from out of town, do yourself a favor and buy a City Pass that offers access to the volcano along with other attractions across the city.
16. Miami Seaquarium, Miami
This more compact version of Orlando’s SeaWorld is a true must-see for anybody in the Miami region. The 38-acre Miami Seaquarium features the chance to play angels, watch a sea lion shows and killer whale demonstration, and good’ole hang time at the primary Reef Aquarium, a 750,000-gallon saltwater aquarium which comes packaged with sea fish. Reef Presentations allow you to see a diver as they hands packs the tropical fish, groupers, cobia, loggerhead turtles and moray eels. They’re celebrating Flipper’s 50th anniversary since this aquarium is the point where the timeless Flipper TV show was filmed. This party will have lots of events, actions, initiatives, and happenings through the house and beyond, more of that may be read about here.