Top 5 Aquariums in the US to Explore on Your Next Journey

Encountering stunning marine life up close and observing their fascinating behaviors is always enchanting. Strolling through underwater tunnels, witnessing sharks glide above you, or immersing yourself in a simulated coral reef whisks you away to an entirely different realm. Here are the 5 must-visit aquariums in the US for your upcoming vacation.

Five of the Top Aquariums Across the US

This curated list of the top 5 aquariums in the US showcases a variety of locations throughout the country. Each features unique exhibits, and I've cherished different aspects of every single one.

Monterey Bay Aquarium in California

The Monterey Bay Aquarium, nestled in Monterey, California, is a celebrated marine science center that draws crowds from around the globe – and for good reason. Its mission is to inspire ocean conservation, focusing on education, research, and promoting sustainable practices to safeguard marine ecosystems. Here, you’ll encounter a variety of exhibits and habitats that highlight marine life from the Pacific Ocean.

Among the exhibits I found most captivating during my visit were the Kelp Forest, Open Sea, Sea Otters, Penguin Habitat, and the Tentacles special exhibition. The Kelp Forest is truly a standout, replicating the environment of a giant kelp forest where guests can witness a rich diversity of marine life, including various fish and invertebrates. Meanwhile, the Open Sea exhibit features an enormous tank with a 90-foot underwater tunnel, offering an extraordinary view of creatures like sharks, rays, and tuna.

If you’re bringing kids along, they’ll likely enjoy the sea otter exhibit, where you can observe the delightful antics of these charming marine animals. My children also had a great time at the penguin habitat, which features African and Magellanic penguins, allowing visitors to see their behaviors both on land and in the water.

The aquarium also organizes special events, lectures, and programs throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule prior to your visit. I recommend looking for hotels in the downtown area, conveniently located within walking distance of the aquarium.

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta

The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia, stands out as one of the largest aquariums globally. With its vast size, it contains millions of gallons of water and a diverse array of marine life. The aquarium features multiple exhibits and galleries that highlight marine species from various regions and habitats. Some of my favorite exhibits included Ocean Voyager, Coral Lagoon, Amazon Rainforest, and Georgia Explorer.

A standout feature that contributes to its status as one of the top aquariums in the US is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which includes a colossal acrylic tunnel running through a large tank, allowing visitors to experience a 360-degree view of marine life, such as rays, sharks, and numerous fish species. The Coral Lagoon exhibit emphasizes coral reefs and the rich marine life that inhabits these colorful ecosystems, making it both educational and enjoyable. Additionally, the Amazon Rainforest exhibit showcases the vibrant flora and fauna of the Amazon River and its surrounding rainforest.

The Georgia Aquarium also hosts a live show called “Dolphin Celebration,” where visitors can learn about and watch the resident dolphins exhibit their natural behaviors. It’s nearly impossible not to be charmed by these delightful creatures. When planning your visit, consider staying at hotels in downtown Atlanta for easy access to the attractions.

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago

The Shedd Aquarium, located in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the oldest and most renowned public aquariums in the United States. Nestled on the Museum Campus near Lake Michigan and close to cultural landmarks like the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium, I suggest finding accommodations in downtown Chicago during your visit.

Opened in 1930, the aquarium has become a prominent cultural landmark in Chicago. Its stunning neoclassical architecture features majestic columns and intricate details, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The aquarium boasts a range of exhibits and galleries that display marine life from various ecosystems. Key exhibits include the Oceanarium, Wild Reef, Amazon Rising, and the Caribbean Reef.

The Oceanarium is a favorite among visitors, featuring a spacious aquatic performance area where dolphins, sea lions, and penguins captivate audiences with live shows and interactive displays. The Wild Reef exhibit highlights the rich marine life of coral reefs and includes a walk-through tunnel that offers a unique underwater experience. Additionally, the aquarium provides educational programs suitable for all ages, including school groups, workshops, and interactive exhibits focused on marine science and conservation.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this aquarium is the unique chance it offers for visitors to participate in animal encounters, such as getting up close with penguins or engaging with beluga whales. These experiences are not commonly found, even in the top aquariums in the US, making them a significant highlight. Guests can also join behind-the-scenes tours to gain insight into the aquarium’s operations, animal care, and conservation initiatives.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Tennessee

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is situated in Gatlinburg, a popular destination at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The aquarium showcases a variety of exhibits featuring marine life from around the globe – some notable exhibits I enjoyed include the Shark Lagoon, Penguin Playhouse, Coral Reef, and Ocean Realm.

The Shark Lagoon is a standout attraction, featuring a walk-through tunnel surrounded by a tank brimming with sharks, rays, and other marine creatures. It feels truly extraordinary. The Penguin Playhouse offers an interactive experience with a lively colony of penguins, allowing visitors to observe them both above and beneath the water. The Ocean Realm exhibit presents a sweeping view of a large tank filled with various marine species, including sea turtles, rays, and large fish that can be elusive in the wild.

Children will adore the aquarium's interactive touch tanks, where they can engage with marine animals like stingrays and horseshoe crabs. Throughout the year, the aquarium hosts special events, themed exhibits, and seasonal programs to enhance visitor engagement, so be sure to check the calendar before your visit to see if something special is happening.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is also dedicated to conservation efforts, educational initiatives, and research aimed at fostering marine conservation and environmental awareness, ensuring your visit supports a good cause. Beyond the aquarium, Gatlinburg offers plenty of activities. For the best location, consider booking hotels in Gatlinburg near the city center.

Florida Aquarium in Tampa

The Florida Aquarium is a well-known marine science center and aquarium situated in Tampa, Florida. It features numerous engaging exhibits, which is why it ranks among my favorite aquariums in the US. I particularly appreciate its focus on local wildlife from Florida. The aquarium includes a variety of exhibits and galleries that display marine life from the region as well as from around the globe, such as the Wetlands Trail, Bays and Beaches, Coral Reefs, and the Journey to Madagascar.

The Wetlands Trail exhibit showcases Florida’s rich wetland ecosystems, featuring a boardwalk that winds through mangrove forests while highlighting local wildlife. The Bays and Beaches exhibit explores Florida’s coastal habitats, including seagrass beds, estuaries, and sandy shores, allowing visitors to understand the significance of these environments.

The Coral Reefs exhibit emphasizes the beauty and importance of coral reef ecosystems, featuring vibrant coral formations and a diverse array of reef-dwelling marine species that are captivating to behold. The Journey to Madagascar exhibit offers a glimpse into the unique biodiversity of Madagascar, showcasing lemurs, chameleons, and other island species.

The Florida Aquarium also features an exciting program called “Dive with the Sharks,” which allows certified divers to swim alongside sharks in the main tank. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my diving certification at the time, but it's definitely something I plan to obtain before my next visit. Since the aquarium is situated in the Channel District of downtown Tampa, near the waterfront, I recommend looking for hotels close to the city center.

How does Dinogo determine what to include in this guide?

This guide is crafted from my own travel experiences combined with extensive research! I’ve been exploring the US for decades, and visiting aquariums has become a delightful activity in every new state or city I explore. I've compiled my personal favorites along with insights from the Dinogo team to create a guide that I hope you find helpful and informative.

Conclusion

Regardless of your age or the nature of your trip—whether it’s a vacation with friends or family fun—visiting one of the top aquariums in the US promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Aquariums offer a chance to encounter a wide variety of marine life up close, from vibrant fish and graceful sea turtles to enchanting jellyfish and powerful sharks. The breathtaking displays and unique aquatic creatures also present fantastic photography opportunities—some of my favorite travel photos were captured at aquariums.

Moreover, the peaceful and calming atmosphere of aquariums, characterized by gently flowing water and the rhythmic movements of marine animals, provides a refreshing escape from the chaos of daily life. Be sure to include this list of the 5 best aquariums in the US in your future travel plans.