The 16 Best Aquariums in the U.S.

Exploring the wonders of the ocean has never been easier than with a visit to one of the United States’ top aquariums. These aquariums offer incredible experiences where visitors can get up close with fascinating marine creatures. Discover the magic of the underwater world and learn more about the rich biodiversity in these captivating aquatic environments.

Whether it’s marveling at the graceful movements of jellyfish or the playful antics of sea otters, there’s something to delight and educate everyone. These aquariums house a range of exhibits, from local aquatic life to exotic sea creatures from around the globe, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the underwater realm.

Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA

Our Rating: 9.5/10

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is a haven for ocean lovers. Known for its breathtaking Whale Shark exhibition, it’s a place where visitors can marvel at the world’s largest fish in expansive tanks. The grace and size of these aquatic giants are sure to awe any observer.

In addition to whale sharks, the aquarium offers a diverse range of exhibits featuring everything from playful sea otters to vibrant coral reefs. For those eager to explore even more, the aquarium hosts interactive experiences, such as animal encounters, where you can get up close with various sea creatures. This makes it a fun and educational destination for families and marine life enthusiasts alike.

Monterey Bay Aquarium, California

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Monterey Bay Aquarium, perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, offers captivating views of marine life. Visitors can watch sea otters play and penguins waddle in their naturalistic habitats. Interactive exhibits let guests explore kelp forests and watch schools of fish glide by. Your heart will skip a beat as sharks swim gracefully overhead in the Open Sea tank.

The aquarium also offers enriching programs and opportunities. People of all ages can engage in hands-on activities and learn about marine conservation. Docent-led tours add richness, providing insights into the lives of ocean creatures.

New England Aquarium, Boston, MA

Our Rating: 9.1/10

The New England Aquarium offers a dive into the wonders of the ocean. Visitors can explore vibrant coral reefs and watch playful African penguins waddle about. Myrtle the giant green sea turtle glides gracefully through the water, leaving admirers in awe. The aquarium’s exhibits highlight a diverse array of marine life, making each visit a unique experience.

Families and individuals alike can enjoy interactive exhibits that engage and educate. Situated on Central Wharf, this aquarium is not only about viewing sea creatures but immersing in their world.

Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL

Our Rating: 9.3/10

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago sits proudly by Lake Michigan, offering visitors a rich dive into aquatic wonders. With its historic charm, the aquarium is home to a remarkable collection of saltwater fish, beluga whales, and dolphins. Guests can partake in unforgettable experiences, such as the Penguin Encounter, where they get up close with these charming birds.

Special programs invite budding marine biologists to explore the mysterious world beneath the waves, inspiring curiosity and conservation. Each visit to Shedd Aquarium is a unique journey, whether you’re marveling at elegant stingrays or enjoying interactive exhibits. It’s a place where people of all ages can immerse themselves in the vivid marine life.

Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN

Our Rating: 9.4/10

The Tennessee Aquarium, located along the scenic Tennessee River, offers an impressive experience for all ages. Visitors embark on a River Journey, exploring vibrant freshwater habitats. Kids and adults are equally captivated by playful river otters, swimming in stream-inspired settings. The aquarium is home to 10,000 animals. Guests are invited to explore diverse ecosystems, from local streams to the depths of ocean realms.

The Ocean Journey building provides an exciting opportunity to get up close with sharks, touch stingrays, and admire colorful reef fish. Adding an extra layer of entertainment, the on-site IMAX theater brings the underwater world to life with stunning films. There’s always something amazing for everyone at this engaging aquatic destination.

Audubon Aquarium, New Orleans, LA

Our Rating: 9.0/10

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas sits along the scenic Mississippi River in New Orleans. This destination is an aquatic wonderland with over 250 species of marine life. It offers unique experiences like an immersive tunnel through the Gulf of Mexico exhibit, where visitors can feel surrounded by vibrant sea creatures.

The aquarium provides interactive activities for all ages. Guests can get up close with stingrays in the touch pool or watch sea otters play. The penguin exhibit adds a touch of charm, sure to delight families. With its proximity to the lively French Quarter, visiting this aquarium is a must for anyone in the area. It serves up a blend of education and adventure, set against the historic backdrop of New Orleans.

Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey is a must-visit destination for marine life enthusiasts. Situated along the scenic Camden Waterfront, it offers stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline. The aquarium is home to some of the most vibrant sea creatures and boasts a collection of over 15,000 aquatic animals.

Guests can explore the enormous Ocean Realm, where they walk through a tunnel surrounded by majestic sharks and elegant rays. The adventurous can touch a stingray or marvel at the colorful displays of the Little Blue penguins. Families will enjoy the interactive KidZone, filled with engaging activities designed to educate and delight children of all ages.

National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD

Our Rating: 9.1/10

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a treasure nestled along the Inner Harbor. Visitors can wander through exhibits that reveal the wonders of the Amazon River, teeming with exotic creatures and lush greenery. The aquarium houses thousands of animals, offering a dynamic glimpse into diverse aquatic habitats. Sharks glide gracefully in the open ocean exhibit, mesmerizing guests. Interactive displays and touch pools invite engagement, making learning about marine life an adventure.

For a truly magical experience, join one of the behind-the-scenes tours. Witness the care and feeding of majestic marine animals up close. This aquarium promises an unforgettable journey into the underwater world, captivating visitors of all ages.

Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, CT

Our Rating: 8.7/10

Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut is a vibrant attraction packed with wonders of the sea. It’s home to beluga whales, African penguins, and many other captivating marine creatures. Each exhibit offers a close-up view of life beneath the waves. Visitors can experience interactive displays and thrilling animal encounters. There’s a fascinating sea lion show where these charismatic creatures showcase their agility.

For those keen on learning, the aquarium offers educational programs suited for all ages. With its engaging experiences, Mystic Aquarium leaves guests with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the ocean. The atmosphere is both exciting and educational, making it a must-visit for both families and solo adventurers.

Seattle Aquarium, Seattle, WA

Our Rating: 8.9/10

The Seattle Aquarium, nestled on the scenic Elliott Bay, offers visitors a vibrant dive into marine life. Children and adults alike can marvel at sea otters and seals as they splash and play.

Interactive exhibits allow guests to touch starfish and other sea creatures, creating unforgettable memories. The aquarium’s walk-through dome provides a 360-degree view of the undersea world, making visitors feel like part of the environment. With its focus on conservation, the Seattle Aquarium inspires curiosity and respect for the ocean. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the Pacific Northwest.

Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA

Our Rating: 9.1/10

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a vibrant world under the sea, right in Long Beach, California. This destination amazes visitors with its vast collection of over 11,000 sea creatures from the Pacific Ocean. Guests can explore diverse exhibits that showcase the splendor of coral reefs and the mystery of deep ocean waters.

Interactive experiences allow you to get up close and personal with gentle rays and small sharks. Special events and educational programs offer a deeper dive into marine conservation. Whether strolling through tropical galleries or witnessing a feeding show, there’s always something captivating to see and do.

Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, OR

Our Rating: 8.7/10

The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is a spectacle that captures the wonder of marine life. Visitors can stroll through the incredible underwater walkways, offering a unique view of the aquatic world. The walk-through tank simulates the local Orford Reef, filled with vibrant fish and curious sea creatures.

One of the highlights is the Octopus Cave, home to the impressive giant Pacific octopus. Watching this creature glide gracefully through the water is a sight to behold. Interactive exhibits and touch pools allow visitors to get hands-on with marine life, creating a connection with the ocean’s hidden wonders.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus, OH

Our Rating: 8.6/10

Families and adventurers find endless excitement at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This top-ranked zoo is a haven for exploring vibrant wildlife and engaging in unforgettable experiences. Visitors delight in dynamic animal exhibits where they encounter species from around the globe. Children giggle with excitement as they watch playful otters and majestic elephants.

Interactive shows captivate audiences with the intelligence of dolphins and sea lions. For those seeking thrills, the nearby water park offers a splash-filled adventure. Educational programs allow guests to learn about conservation and the natural world. Each visit promises a unique look into the wonders of wildlife, making it a must-visit destination.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg, TN

Our Rating: 9.1/10

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers an unforgettable underwater adventure in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Visitors can enjoy walking through a mesmerizing underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays gliding gracefully above. The aquarium brings marine life up close with interactive and immersive exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages.

Home to over 10,000 exotic sea creatures from 350 individual species, this aquatic wonderland is a must-visit. Families can delight in hands-on experiences like touching stingrays or exploring the Penguin Playhouse. This enchanting destination promises a unique glimpse into the secrets of the ocean, leaving guests in awe of the beauty beneath the waves.

John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL

Our Rating: 9.3/10

John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is a wonderland for aquatic enthusiasts. Visitors can explore over 1,500 species of animals, from graceful beluga whales to playful dolphins. Each exhibit offers a glimpse into the vibrant underwater world.

Visitors can experience a unique Penguin Encounter, where you get up close with these charming creatures. For those fascinated by marine life, the aquarium offers an unparalleled chance to learn and engage. Whether you’re catching a dolphin show or marveling at the colorful saltwater fish, Shedd Aquarium promises an unforgettable experience.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach, VA

Our Rating: 8.7/10

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach is a marine wonderland. Visitors can explore a wide range of exciting exhibits featuring marine life from around the world. The center is home to hundreds of species, making it a great spot for sea enthusiasts.

Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours to explore at their own pace. The aquarium offers interactive displays and opportunities for hands-on learning, which is perfect for families. It’s a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike. Don’t miss the chance to see fascinating animals and learn about ocean conservation efforts. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, this aquarium is a delight for any sea lover.

From immersive underwater tunnels to hands-on marine encounters, the best aquariums in the U.S. offer unforgettable experiences that inspire wonder and curiosity. Whether you’re exploring the depths with family or feeding your fascination with ocean life, these top picks make a splash for visitors of all ages.