Best Aquariums in the United States
The best aquariums in the United States showcase the wonders of the ocean, rivers, and lakes in ways that inspire curiosity and awe. From massive walk-through tunnels where sharks glide overhead to interactive exhibits where you can touch stingrays, these aquariums offer experiences that delight kids and adults alike.
I’ve explored aquariums that feel like stepping into another world, watched vibrant marine life up close, and learned about conservation efforts that protect our oceans. Whether you’re traveling with family, planning a date, or simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty of underwater life, the U.S. is home to some truly world-class aquariums. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Georgia Aquarium
We flew about 2 hours from Austin to Atlanta, then rode 20 minutes downtown.
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is hands-down one of the absolute best aquariums I’ve ever visited, and it truly feels like a dream for anyone who loves the ocean. Located right in the heart of downtown, it’s both an exciting family destination and a surprisingly romantic place for a weekend getaway.
What really amazed me was the sheer size of the place—it’s one of the largest aquariums in the world, and I felt like every turn revealed another hidden gem. My favorite section was the Ocean Voyager exhibit, where a giant viewing window lets you see whale sharks gliding by in the most spectacular way. It’s honestly one of the coolest things you can experience in the United States.
We wandered through vibrant coral reef tanks, watched playful sea otters, and stood in awe of the dolphins and beluga whales. Each habitat felt so thoughtfully designed, and I couldn’t stop taking photos of the unusual and unique displays that felt like stepping into another world. The penguin tunnel was especially joyful—you actually crawl through and pop up inside their icy habitat, which was such a brilliant idea for kids and adults alike!
What I love most is how affordable and accessible it is, considering how exceptional the experience feels. From interactive touch pools to thrilling 4D shows, every moment was unforgettable. For me, the Georgia Aquarium isn’t just an attraction—it’s one of those rare places where the magic of the ocean feels alive, exciting, and inspiring all at once.
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2. Monterey Bay Aquarium
We drove about 2 hours south from San Francisco along Highway 1 to Monterey.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is easily one of my favorite aquariums in the entire country, and it feels like an oceanfront gem that’s both spectacular and inspiring. Nestled right on Cannery Row in Monterey, the location itself is incredible—you can walk along the bay, spot wild sea lions, and then step into one of the most unique aquariums I’ve ever explored.
What struck me first was how connected everything felt to the actual ocean. The aquarium pumps in fresh seawater straight from Monterey Bay, which means the exhibits are vibrant, natural, and full of life. I thought that was such a brilliant idea, and it makes the place feel unusually authentic compared to other aquariums. My favorite exhibit had to be the kelp forest—standing in front of the towering, swaying kelp was like watching an underwater forest dream come to life!
We also spent so much time at the Open Sea exhibit, where giant tuna, hammerhead sharks, and graceful sea turtles glided past the glass. It’s one of the coolest and most exciting displays I’ve ever seen, and I felt completely captivated. I loved the playful sea otters too—they’re always a crowd favorite and brought such joyful energy to the visit.
Every corner of this place felt like a mix of magic and science. From unusual jellyfish glowing in the dark to hands-on touch pools for kids, it’s both a romantic weekend stop and a family-friendly adventure. For me, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is not just amazing—it’s an unforgettable coastal treasure I’d happily visit again and again.
3. New York Aquarium
We took the subway about one hour from Manhattan to Coney Island, home to the New York Aquarium, the oldest continually operating aquarium in the U.S. (opened in 1896, now at this site since 1957).
The New York Aquarium in Brooklyn is one of those underrated gems that really surprised me, and it quickly became one of my favorite city escapes. Located right on Coney Island’s boardwalk, it’s such a cool mix of ocean magic and classic New York energy—you can explore the exhibits and then step outside to the beach and rides just a few feet away.
I loved how the aquarium combines unusual marine life with vibrant, interactive displays that feel exciting for both families and couples on a weekend outing. My absolute favorite was the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit, where more than 115 species glide through massive tanks. Walking through the shark tunnel was such a brilliant idea—it felt thrilling and unforgettable to be surrounded by these incredible creatures.
We also stopped by the sea lion shows, and honestly, they were joyful, funny, and full of personality. I couldn’t stop smiling watching them perform and interact with the trainers. Another highlight for me was the conservation focus throughout—the aquarium is deeply tied to protecting New York’s local waters, and that gave the whole experience a meaningful touch.
What makes the New York Aquarium really special is how affordable and accessible it is. You don’t need to leave the city to find the best ocean adventure—it’s right there on the boardwalk. Whether you’re looking for a fun family day, a romantic and unusual date, or just a cool afternoon by the water, this aquarium feels like a hidden coastal treasure in the middle of New York’s nonstop energy.
4. Shedd Aquarium
We flew about 2.5 hours from Austin to Chicago, then rode 30 minutes downtown to the Shedd Aquarium, a 1930 landmark on the shore of Lake Michigan.
The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is one of the absolute best aquariums I’ve ever visited, and it honestly feels like a spectacular hidden gem in the middle of the city.
Once the largest aquarium in the world, Shedd remains a Chicago icon with its Beaux-Arts architecture and over 32,000 animals inside.
Located right on the shores of Lake Michigan, the setting itself is amazing—you step outside and see the skyline on one side and the sparkling lake on the other, which makes the whole visit feel extra special.
Inside, I was blown away by how vibrant and exciting every exhibit felt. My favorite was the Caribbean Reef, where a diver actually goes into the water to feed the fish while you watch from a huge circular tank. It felt so unique and joyful, almost like I was scuba diving without leaving Chicago! The Amazon Rising exhibit was another gem, with unusual creatures like piranhas, anacondas, and giant freshwater fish that made me feel like I was exploring the rainforest.
Of course, the Oceanarium was the coolest part for me. Watching beluga whales, playful dolphins, and sea otters with the lake as a backdrop was pure magic. I loved how family-friendly it was, yet it still had that romantic, dreamlike quality that made it perfect for a weekend getaway too. I couldn’t resist snapping photos of the penguins—those little guys were one of my favorite parts of the whole visit.
What makes Shedd Aquarium stand out is how affordable and accessible it is, given how world-class the experience feels. For me, it’s one of the best aquariums in the United States—an exciting blend of science, conservation, and wonder that left me inspired long after I left.
5. National Aquarium
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is, without a doubt, one of the absolute best aquariums in the United States, and for me it felt like an exciting blend of discovery, beauty, and ocean magic. Right on the city’s Inner Harbor, its location makes it a spectacular stop for a weekend getaway, whether you’re exploring with family or looking for something unique and romantic to do in the city.
From the moment I stepped inside, I was amazed by the vibrant design of the exhibits. My favorite was the Blacktip Reef, a huge floor-to-ceiling habitat filled with sharks, rays, and hundreds of colorful reef fish—it felt like diving straight into a tropical paradise without ever leaving Maryland. I thought it was one of the coolest features I’ve ever seen in an aquarium.
Another highlight for me was the Amazon River Forest, where unusual creatures like sloths, electric eels, and piranhas made the experience feel so different and exciting. The way the exhibits transition from rainforests to coral reefs to the open ocean was seamless, and I loved how immersive and joyful each section felt.
What stood out most, though, was the aquarium’s commitment to conservation. Learning about their rescue and rehabilitation programs made the visit feel not only fun but also meaningful. Add in the affordable access and its prime downtown location, and it’s easy to see why this is such a favorite for so many people. For me, the National Aquarium isn’t just amazing—it’s an unforgettable urban ocean adventure I’d happily relive anytime.
6. Oregon Coast Aquarium
The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is one of those hidden gems that instantly became one of my favorite coastal getaways. Nestled along the rugged and beautiful Oregon coastline, it offers such an unusual mix of marine life, hands-on fun, and spectacular scenery that I found myself completely enchanted from the moment I arrived.
What really stood out for me was the Passages of the Deep exhibit. Walking through those underwater tunnels with sharks, rays, and vibrant fish swimming all around was absolutely the coolest part—it felt like stepping into a dream world beneath the ocean. I couldn’t stop snapping photos, and it quickly became my personal highlight of the visit.
I also loved the playful sea otters and the family of harbor seals, who seemed to charm every visitor. The seabird aviary was another favorite, where puffins and murres created such a joyful and lively atmosphere. It was exciting, interactive, and so different from any other aquarium I’ve visited.
What makes this place even more special is its strong focus on conservation and education. I felt inspired learning how the aquarium rescues and rehabilitates marine animals along the Oregon Coast. It gave the entire visit an exceptional sense of purpose beyond just the fun and awe of the exhibits.
For me, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is not only one of the best aquariums in the United States but also a brilliant idea for a family trip or even a romantic coastal weekend. It’s affordable, unique, and full of magic—truly a must-visit ocean treasure.
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7. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans is one of the most vibrant and exciting aquariums I’ve ever visited, and it instantly felt like a hidden gem along the Mississippi River. Located right on the riverfront near the French Quarter, it’s the perfect stop for a joyful family outing or even a unique, romantic weekend adventure in the city.
What I loved most was how the exhibits reflect both local and exotic marine life. My favorite was the Gulf of Mexico exhibit, where a massive 400,000-gallon tank showcases sharks, stingrays, and schools of fish swirling together in the most spectacular way. Standing in front of that giant window was pure magic—it felt like I was diving straight into the ocean.
Another highlight for me was the Amazon Rainforest gallery, filled with unusual animals like piranhas, anacondas, and free-flying tropical birds. It was such a cool transition from water to land, and it gave the whole aquarium a sense of adventure. The sea otters and penguins also added a playful, joyful touch that had both kids and adults smiling nonstop.
What makes the Audubon Aquarium extra special is its connection to New Orleans itself. With affordable tickets and a location that lets you step out into the heart of the city, it’s an easy and unforgettable experience. For me, this aquarium is one of the best in the United States—unique, fun, and filled with ocean magic that feels both exciting and deeply connected to its coastal home.
8. Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium on Pier 59 is one of my favorite spots in the Pacific Northwest, and honestly it feels like an underrated gem right on the city’s waterfront. I loved how easy it was to reach—just a short stroll from Pike Place Market—and yet stepping inside felt like a whole different, magical world connected to the ocean.
What I found most exciting was how the exhibits focus on the unique marine life of the Puget Sound. My favorite was the Window on Washington Waters, a massive tank where divers feed salmon, rockfish, and other local species while explaining their importance. It was such a cool and unusual experience that made me feel connected to Seattle’s natural environment in a way I didn’t expect.
The sea otters and harbor seals completely stole my heart—they were playful, joyful, and so fun to watch. I could have stayed by their habitats all day! The Underwater Dome was another highlight, where I stood surrounded by swirling schools of fish and graceful rays. It felt immersive, exciting, and unlike anything else I’d seen in a city aquarium.
What makes the Seattle Aquarium extra special is its strong commitment to conservation and education. I loved learning about their marine mammal rescue efforts and salmon restoration projects—it gave the whole visit a meaningful layer beyond the fun. For me, this place is one of the coolest and most affordable family-friendly adventures in Seattle, and also a surprisingly romantic stop for a waterfront weekend getaway.
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9. Aquarium of the Pacific
We drove about 40 minutes south (25 miles) from Los Angeles to Long Beach.
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, is easily one of the most spectacular and exciting aquariums I’ve ever explored, and for me it felt like a coastal dream come true. Located right along Rainbow Harbor, it’s a vibrant destination that’s perfect for a joyful family day or even a romantic weekend escape by the ocean.
What I loved most was how huge and diverse it felt—home to more than 12,000 animals representing the Pacific’s ecosystems, it’s like traveling from sunny Southern California waters all the way to the icy Arctic in a single visit. My favorite was the Tropical Pacific Gallery, where the colorful coral reefs and unusual fish created an absolutely magical atmosphere. It felt like stepping right into another world.
The outdoor exhibits were just as amazing. Watching playful sea lions, adorable penguins, and the giant sea turtles was such a cool experience, and I couldn’t stop smiling. The Shark Lagoon was another highlight for me—you can actually touch some of the smaller sharks and rays, which made the whole experience feel exciting and interactive. It was truly one of those brilliant ideas that makes the aquarium unforgettable.
What makes the Aquarium of the Pacific exceptional is its strong focus on conservation, from climate change awareness to ocean clean-up projects. I felt inspired by the exhibits that balanced fun with education. For me, this place is not just one of the best aquariums in the United States, it’s also a unique gem on the California coast that I’d happily revisit anytime.
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10. Florida Aquarium
We flew about 2.5 hours from Austin to Tampa, then drove 15 minutes into downtown.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is one of the most exciting and vibrant aquariums I’ve ever been to, and for me it felt like both a hidden gem and a must-see destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Conveniently located near downtown Tampa and the cruise port, it’s the perfect mix of family fun and a unique weekend adventure by the water.
What I loved most was how the exhibits take you on a journey that starts with Florida’s freshwater springs and rivers and then flows all the way out to the open sea. My favorite was the Coral Reef habitat—a massive, floor-to-ceiling tank filled with colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and graceful stingrays. It felt absolutely magical, like diving into the Keys without leaving Tampa!
The outdoor section was another highlight for me, especially the penguin encounters and playful lemurs. I also thought the Splash Pad water play area was a brilliant idea for families—it kept kids joyful and entertained while adults relaxed nearby. Touching stingrays in the interactive pool was such a cool, hands-on experience that made me feel like part of the ocean world.
What makes the Florida Aquarium extra special is its strong commitment to conservation and wildlife rescue, especially its sea turtle rehabilitation and coral restoration programs. That gave the visit a meaningful and inspiring layer beyond just the fun. For me, this aquarium is one of the best in the United States—affordable, exciting, and filled with unusual and unforgettable experiences.
Conclusion
After exploring these incredible destinations it’s clear to me that the United States is home to some of the absolute best aquariums in the world. Each one felt like its own hidden gem, offering a unique blend of unusual marine life, joyful experiences, and inspiring conservation efforts.
Whether it was standing in awe beneath whale sharks in Georgia, wandering through the dreamy kelp forest in Monterey Bay, or marveling at playful sea otters in Seattle, every visit carried its own kind of magic.
What makes these aquariums so exceptional is how different they all are. Some highlight local waters, like the Seattle Aquarium with its Puget Sound focus, while others, like the Aquarium of the Pacific, take you on a global journey across diverse ecosystems.
I loved that each aquarium had its own personality—whether it was romantic, family-friendly, exciting, or educational—there was always something unforgettable to discover.
The coolest part was realizing how affordable and accessible so many of them are, making them not just dream getaways but also brilliant everyday adventures.
For me, aquariums aren’t just places to see fish and marine animals—they’re inspiring spaces where science, conservation, and wonder come together. Visiting them left me feeling joyful, amazed, and more connected to the ocean’s beauty.
If you’re planning your next family trip, weekend getaway, or even a romantic coastal escape, these aquariums are among the absolute best experiences in the United States that you’ll treasure long after you leave.
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