Aquariums in the United States are full of life, color, and beauty. But the best aquariums don't just put some of the world's rarest, most intriguing, and majestical water-loving creatures within touching distance. The top-rated aquariums go one step further and help educate, conduct research into our oceans, and help rehabilitate injured animals, too.
For example, many aquariums we've listed in our guide are non-profit organizations that focus on conservation and research. While others run community outreach programs designed to inspire and educate on how to protect the planet's largest ecosystem for today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Maybe you already marvel at the many different types of saltwater fish you keep at home in one of the best fish tanks. Or perhaps you're the proud parent of one or more reptiles you can keep as pets. If you (or the kids) love our friends from the watery world, you'll want to dive into the many magical must-see aquariums the US has to offer – as there's so much to see, learn, and explore.
32 must-see aquariums in the United States
1. New England Aquarium, Massachusetts
From African Penguins to California Sea Lions, there are thousands of under-the-water animals to marvel at in this nonprofit research and conservation organization.
The only problem you’ll have is deciding what aquatic animals you want to see first. Will it be the African Penguins? The green sea turtles? Or the Giant Pacific Octopus?
2. Oregon Coast Aquarium, Oregon
For more than three decades, this Oregon-based non-profit has been a health advocate for marine wildlife.
Along with having ambassador animals (which help educate the public on their wild counterparts through amphitheater talks and presentations), a nature play area, and exhibits, there is a range of birds, fish, and marine mammals, like sea otters, that call this Oregon-based aquarium home.
3. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Florida
There is so much to see and learn at this Florida-based laboratory and aquarium. To start, you can see a whole host of magical marine creatures up close and personal, thanks to its 135,000-gallon shark habitat where seahorses, sea jellies, otters, and sea turtles thrive.
Then, once you’re done admiring the underwater world behind glass, you can learn from scientists, educators, and stewards all about the challenges the coral reef is facing at the Mote’s Coral Research Exhibit. Or gain a better understanding of the local marine environment at the Mote’s Marine Science Education & Outreach Center.
4. Alaska SeaLife Centre, Alaska
Located in Seward, there’s a range of marine animals, birds, fish, and invertebrates to become acquainted with at Alaska SeaLife Centre. For example, there are sea lions, ringed seals, spotted seals and tufted puffins, coho salmon, spot prawns (the largest shrimp in Alaska), and moon jellies.
Plus, if you’re keen to explore further, you can buy additional tickets for close-up encounters like the Marine Mammal Encounter, the Octopus Encounter, the Puffin Encounter, and the Animal Care Sneak Peek – as the center is known for conducting research and animal rescue.
5. SeaWorld San Diego, California
From rides that take their inspiration from the underwater world to seasonal events, SeaWorld San Diego isn’t just your average theme park.
Located just off Mission Bay, you can learn about conservation efforts worldwide in Explorer’s Reef before seeing lots of majestic marine life in HD at Dolphin Point, Turtle Reef, and Shark Encounter. In the latter exhibit, you’ll be able to walk through a 57-foot underwater tunnel to spot sharks swimming to their heart’s content. So it's a dream for most animal lovers.
6. Mystic Aquarium, Connecticut
Want to see Beluga Whales? Keen to spot African Penguins? Plan on making 2025 the year you see California Sea Lions? If you answered ‘yes’ to all of the above then Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut is the place to be.
You can be within touching distance of sharks, rays, and invertebrates and take a seat while you immerse yourself in VR experiences. The aquarium’s Ocean Solutions gallery is a must-visit too, because you’ll learn how to protect our oceans today, tomorrow, and beyond.
7. Birch Aquarium at Scripps, San Diego
Say ‘hello’ to the world’s smallest penguins at Birch Aquarium at Scripps’ Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit. This inspirational installment allows you to see the remarkable journey penguins take from hatchlings to adults. It's too cute for words.
While the Seadragons & Seahorses exhibit will leave you loving these aquatic animals a whole load more as you’ll be able to marvel at weedy seadragons, different species of seahorses, pipefish, shrimpfish, and more!
8. Texas State Aquarium, Texas
From exhibits and exclusive encounters to presentations, educational programs, and immersive experiences, it would probably be quicker to list all the things you can’t do at this Texas-based non-profit.
Go for the day and spot reef sharks by looking through a 68-foot-long acrylic window to get a clear view of a massive Spanish galleon shipwreck. Get one step closer to dolphins at Dolphin Bay and if you’re curious about baby seahorses or jellyfish, the Aquatic Nursery will take you on a tour of these magical creatures at different life stages.
9. The Maui Ocean Centre, Hawaii
The aquatic world is your oyster at Hawaii’s Maui Ocean Centre. If a cage-free dive with sharks, hundreds of fish, and stingrays sounds like your kinda thing, or taking an immersive yoga class while surrounded by the underwater world is where you find your solace, this one-of-a-kind animal attraction is the destination to go.
For example, the site’s Turtle Lagoon exhibit mimics the sea creature’s natural surroundings,and the Open Ocean exhibit holds 18,000 gallons of saltwater and plays host to more than 50 species of fish, including various sharks and rays. The Living Reef exhibit is a showcase of live Pacific corals. It's pure magic!
10. The Dallas World Aquarium, Texas
If you’re based in Texas, this wildlife wonder is well worth a look in – and we don’t say this lightly. Why?
Well, first up the aquarium has its own rainforest that’s built over three floors, so you can spot sleepy sloths, birds taking flight and Saki monkeys getting up to no good. Secondly, the aquarium also has its own cenote, where you can view lizards, snakes, and stingrays along with hummingbirds and pelicans.
And thirdly? If you need another excuse to visit, once you head outdoors, you can see the South Africa exhibit which plays home to panther chameleons, geckos and tomato frogs.
11. Newport Aquarium, Kentucky
If you’re looking for an underwater world, where you can spot playful penguins, rare white alligators, and stingrays, look no further than Newport Aquarium.
Opened in 1999, this animal attraction has the world’s first suspended rope Shark Bridge, where you can walk above a tank of sharks (if you dare). Another stand-out point? It also plays home to Hatching Harbor where you can surround yourself in a 25-foot-long habitat where you’ll spot baby animals growing every day. How cute!
12. Seattle Aquarium, Washington
You essentially get to explore three worlds of watery wonder for the price of one at The Seattle Aquarium. One ticket will get you access to the campus’ trio of exhibits including Pier 59 which has octopus, jellies, and touch pools, Pier 60 which has penguins, sea otters, and birds and the new Ocean Pavillion which houses the Coral Reef, Discovery Lab, and One Ocean Hall.
13. Sea Life Orlando, Florida
Who wouldn’t want to visit the world’s largest family of aquariums? From axolotls and sting rays to turtles and sharks, there is a jam-packed schedule of animals to see here in Florida.
You can take behind-the-scenes tours, get up close and personal with reptiles at the Turtle Experience, and attend talks to widen your knowledge and feedings. Other not-to-be-missed highlights include a 360-degree Ocean Tunnel, a Jelly Wall, and a Coastal Rockpool.
14. New York Aquarium, Brooklyn
No trip to Coney Island would be complete without a visit to the New York Aquarium. There are more than 8,000 animals and 500 species to discover at this Brooklyn-based must-see including southern sea otters which have just arrived, a zebra shark, northern seahorses, and African Penguins.
Throughout April to October, you can spend some time with sea lions, penguins, and more at the site’s Wild Encounter offering. While the Aquatheater lets you watch sea lions in all their glory.
15. Aquarium of the Bay, California
Located at Pier 39, there are more than 24,000 marine animals to revel in at California’s Aquarium of the Bay, including sharks, rays, and octopuses.
You can also take a closer look at these beautiful creatures going about their day thanks to the range of walk-through tunnel exhibits and touch pools. While the virtual science lessons about marine wildlife and conservation mean you can broaden your under-the-water knowledge at the same time, too.
16. Monterey Bay Aquarium, California
The whole idea behind this Bay-based aquarium in California is that you can get a diver’s eye view of the underwater world – and without having to get wet.
Dive Into The Deep, which is one of the latest exhibitions to open up at the aquarium and you’ll get to spot transparent jellies glowing, colorful crabs crawling, and fanged fish drifting along. Elsewhere, you can lose yourself in the magical world of African Penguins, sea otters, and sharks and enjoy live feedings and shows.
17. National Aquarium, Maryland
Based in Maryland? Then you’ll want to make a trip to The National Aquarium which was formerly known as The Baltimore Aquarium.
From American Bullfrogs to Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, the tourist hot spot has a living collection of more than 20,000 animals. Back in 2008, The Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit scooped the crown for the ‘Best Exhibit’ award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums – and you can still marvel at this award-winning display today.
You should also make time to see the rooftop rainforest, the aquarium’s re-creation of an Indo-Pacific reef, and the multi-story shark tank.
18. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Tennessee
Open 365 days of the year, aquatic animal fans can enjoy the magic of our oceans all year round at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. And thankfully, there are bundles of animals to see so every time you go you’ll spot something different.
Highlights include giant sea turtles, 12-foot sharks, and penguins galore. There are also underwater tunnels, which put jellyfish and stingrays within touching distance, and you can make a trip across Shark Lagoon on a glass bottom boat.
19. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta
Introducing the biggest aquarium in the USA. Containing a massive 6.3 million gallons of water, this humungous aquarium is home to whale sharks (the largest fish species in the ocean), the American alligator, manta rays, blue-spotted stingray, and the adorable orange, and loads of colorful tropical fish like the much-loved clown fish.
If you’re feeling like you want to get closer to the animal action, you can also dive with gentle giants, make ever-lasting memories at the Penguin Encounter and reserve a seat at a sea lion presentation.
20. Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee
Home to more than 12,000 animals, Tennessee Aquarium is located on the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga and it has one aim: to connect humans with nature in a bid to empower them to make more informed decisions about water and wildlife.
You can learn all about Gentoo penguins, spot giant sea turtles and watch amphibians like the blue poison dart frog go about their business. If you intend to do even more ‘looking’, the aquarium has even got an IMAX on site, which means you can watch movies every animal lover should see, like T. Rex and Animal Kingdom on repeat!
21. Aquarium of the Pacific, California
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to aquariums in California. But the Aquarium of the Pacific is well worth visiting if you’re in the Long Beach area – and for a multitude of reasons.
We say this because it includes more than 100 exhibits spanning 19 major habitats. So you can spend your day (or days!) reveling at the Shark Lagoon, feast your eyes on the Penguin Habitat, and discover the pure magic the underwater world has to offer at the Tropical Pacific Gallery, where you can spot more than a 1,000 colorful fish.
22. Shedd Aquarium, Illinois
Ready to experience what life looks like underwater? Then look no further than Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, which is overflowing with aquatic habitats.
You can explore the site's Wild Reef exhibit which will leave you in awe of the colorful coral reef and the many sharks, mandarin dragonets, and spotted rays that call this place home.
While the Polar Play Zone is an underwater viewing area where you can see otters dive, dolphins splash and penguins drift through the water.
23. The Florida Aquarium, Florida
Located in downtown Tampa, this 250,000 sq.ft aquarium will enable you to dive into another world from tree level to sea level.
Travel through the Wetlands of Florida exhibit where you’ll spot river otters, roseate spoonbills, and white ibises then take a Journey to Madagascar to feast your eyes on Tomato Frogs and ring-tailed Lemurs and move on to Stingray Beach where you can touch the slippery wing tip of a cownose ray.
Other highlights include the Coral Reef exhibit, which, with over 500,000 gallons of water, is the aquarium’s largest habitat. Check out the No Bone Zone, where you can admire sea stars, anemones, sea cucumbers, and more.
24. Audubon Aquarium, Louisiana
A watery world of awe awaits in New Orleans thanks to the Audubon Aquarium which not only plays host to an underwater kingdom but an insectarium and zoo, too.
So, whether you (or the kids) are keen on spotting leopards, you’re eager to see butterflies or they really have their heart set on watching penguins swim, dive, feed, and waddle – you can do it all at this Louisiana-based spot.
25. OdySea Aquarium, Arizona
Hailed as the largest aquarium in Arizona, OdySea is not to be missed. Gape at paddlefish, spot tropical birds, and watch stingrays go about their day as they float through the water.
While you are here, those aged eight and above come face-to-face with African Penguins at the Penguin Encounter, meet Squidney, the aquarium’s beloved two-toed sloth, and don an OdySea Aquarium wetsuit and SeaTrek helmet to take a swim on the wild side underwater with fish, sting rays and even a shark!
26. The Adventure Aquarium, New Jersey
As its name suggests, adventure is at the heart of this aquarium in New Jersey. From up-close and personal animal encounters like snorkeling with sharks and rays or carefully tong-feeding sea turtles, The Adventure Aquarium is best known for having the world’s longest V-shaped Shark Bridge, along with the state’s longest Shark Tunnel.
Sharks aside, this aquarium is home to hippos, green and loggerhead sea turtles, two species of warm-weather penguin, a Giant Pacific Octopus, and moon jellyfish.
27. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Nebraska
Animal lovers will adore whiling away their days at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska as there’s something for everyone.
Thrillseekers will love the rides, like the aerial tram that will take you from the Butterfly and Insect Pavilion to the sea lion viewing exhibit. While those keen to get stuck in will love being able to marvel at aquatic creatures at Sting Ray Beach.
There’s also an Alaskan Adventure, which is a splash ground with unique water features and you can feed giraffes their favorite food at Giraffe Encounter.
28. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio
Having been open for just under 100 years, you can see pretty much all that the amazing animal kingdom has to offer at this Ohio-based zoo and aquarium.
You might come to discover the animals that call the different bodies of water their home, like the majestical Florida Manatee, the nocturnal zebra sharks or the fascinating Humboldt Penguins, but you’ll end up staying (or coming back) for the giraffes, and polar bears and vervet monkeys.
29. Shark Reef Aquarium, Nevada
Taking a trip to the Las Vegas strip? Then armchair aquarists will want to immerse themselves in the world at Shark Reef Aquarium which has more than 2,000 animals to look at. This includes sea turtles, a rare golden crocodile, piranhas, and a 1.3 million-gallon shark exhibit.
You can also explore the South Pacific virtually thanks to the site’s on-screen marine biologist who will take you on an immersive journey to spot humpback whales, tiger sharks and great hammerheads in the Bahamas.
30. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Housing an 80,000 sq foot aquarium, the Myrtle Beach attraction was the global brand’s first-ever venture into the wonderful world of water, and today, it’s Ripley’s second biggest aquarium in America.
If you take a visit, you’ll be mesmerized by Ornate Cowfish, Potbelly Seahorses, and American Lobsters at the Ocean Wonders exhibit. The site’s Tropical Rainforest will enable you to come face-to-face with amphibians, like axolotls, and some of the best reptile pets, like iguanas.
31. Miami Seaquarium, Florida
Founded in 1955, this 38-acre oceanarium is one of the oldest to exist in the USA.
Located on the island of Virginia Key, this bigger-than-average aquarium mimics an ocean environment which means it has the space to home to larger aquatic creatures, like whales, orcas, and dolphins.
In addition to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the oceanarium is known and loved for its education and outreach programs, along with its once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like being able to dip with dolphins or take a swim with a seal.
32. EPCOT's SeaBase Aquarium
If you prefer to mix your aquariums with amusement parks, then big kids and little ones will want to venture to this theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida.
Along with boarding a ‘clam mobile’ in the hopes of spotting Nemo and his friends, you can surround yourself with marine life at the on-site SeaBase Aquarium, which is one of the largest man-made ocean environments on the planet. From sea turtles, reef fish, rays, and sharks – there are bundles to see.
Keen to find out more about the amazing aquatic world? Discover the best aquarium pets that aren't fish. Or if you're hoping to add some finned friends to your own aquarium, read up on how to choose the right pet fish.
