Top 10 Aquariums in the United States

Even though summer is a popular time for beach trips, there is no guarantee of seeing a lot of sea life. A whole other world awaits you just beyond the deep blue. Fortunately, aquariums bring that world to the people.

Sea lions, otters, crabs, sharks, eels, and manta rays are all incredible creatures. Unfortunately, in this day and age of climate change and extreme waste, their lives are more endangered than ever. This makes aquariums even more important for conservation efforts, and they should be supported not only because they are entertaining, but also because they work hard to keep these animals as part of our world.

#1 Texas State Aquarium In Corpus Christi, Texas

This aquarium is widely regarded as one of the largest in the United States. It also offers educational programs like Aquarium Discovery Programs, Aquavision, overnights, Outreach Programs, Spring Break Mini-Camps, and Summer Seacamps.

Caribbean Jungle, Coral Reef, Dolphin Bay, Eagle Pass, Flower Gardens, Tentacles, Otter Creek, Swamp Tales, Stingray Lagoon, Hawn Wild Flight Theater, Saving Sharks, and other exhibits are available at the aquarium.

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#2 Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies In Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This aquarium is located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, making it an ideal destination for a mountain trip. Shark Lagoon, Penguin Playhouse, Touch a Ray Bay, Ocean Realm, Discovery Center, Stingray Bay, and other attractions are available.

The aquarium is dedicated to penguin conservation. They also have unique experiences for those who are willing to pay more and book ahead of time. These include penguin encounters, swimming with stingrays, and even having a penguin paint a painting for you!

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#3 Waikiki Aquarium In Honolulu, Hawaii

This aquarium prioritizes quality over quantity. The entire aquarium can be seen in an hour, so combining it with a Waikiki tour is the best option.

The Waikiki Aquarium, founded in 1904, is the second oldest aquarium in the United States. It has also been credited with numerous “firsts.” It was the world’s first to produce viable Nautilus embryos. The Waikiki Aquarium is the first to feature blacktip reef sharks, broadclub cuttlefish, and a mahi-mahi hatchery exhibit. The aquarium also housed the world’s longest-living giant clam.

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#4 Tennessee Aquarium In Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Tennessee Aquarium, which houses approximately 12,000 animals representing nearly 800 species, has made significant contributions to education, conservation, and research. The aquarium is an important player in the conservation and breeding of sea turtles. It has also become well-known for its educational and outreach efforts, receiving awards such as the National Medal for Museum and Library Services for its community outreach.

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#5 Florida Aquarium In Tampa, Florida

The Florida Aquarium provides memorable specialty experiences that must be reserved ahead of time. These activities include shark swimming and even a dolphin cruise. Aside from these special activities, there are exhibits on fresh-water springs, wetlands, beaches, and coral reefs.

The aquarium also hosts a number of summer camps for children, dubbed “Aqua Camp.” There is also a “Aquatots” program for very young children to attend with a parent or guardian.

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#6 Newport Aquarium In Newport, Kentucky

This is one of the few aquariums that has successfully bred shark rays and is also one of the few that has them in captivity. The Newport Aquarium is also known for its unusual collection of alligators, including albino alligators.

The Newport Aquarium once housed an 800-pound American alligator named Mighty Mike. He returned to Florida’s Crocodilian Conservation Center in 2018.

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#7 Shedd Aquarium In Chicago, Illinois

The Shedd Aquarium was the first inland aquarium in the United States to house a permanent saltwater fish collection. They have exhibits on lakes, oceans, rivers, the Amazon, and coral reefs, as well as interactive activities like sting-ray touching. They also have a large section dedicated to marine mammals such as penguins, California sea lions, and sea otters.

In terms of conservation and research, the aquarium has been involved in beluga whale studies, the conservation of the Bahamian rock iguana (one of the world’s most endangered lizards), and the mapping of seahorse populations in Southeast Asia.

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#8 National Aquarium In Baltimore, Maryland

This is one of the best aquariums in the United States, according to the Travel Channel, Coastal Living magazine, and various polls. The structure has five floors but is easily accessible thanks to escalators and elevators. Each level features a different exhibit, beginning with Blacktip Reef and progressing to creatures native to Maryland on the second floor. Level three investigates how animals adapt to their surroundings. Exhibits on the Amazon, Pacific coral reefs, and other topics can be found on the fourth and fifth floors.

This aquarium is also well-known for its work in the rescue and rehabilitation of dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees.

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#9 Monterey Bay Aquarium at Monterey, California

This aquarium is directly connected to the Pacific Ocean. The Kelp Forest, which is nearly three stories high, is one of their most famous exhibits. This exhibit is significant because it is considered the first successful attempt to create and sustain a living kelp forest in an artificial setting.

The aquarium also contributes significantly to wildlife rehabilitation. They accept otters, shorebirds, and other animals in order to rehabilitate them before releasing them back into the wild. They also work to save endangered species like African penguins.

This location has also had an impact on popular culture. This aquarium, for example, inspired the one in Finding Dory!

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#10 Georgia Aquarium In Atlanta, Georgia

This aquarium is the largest in the United States, with a capacity of approximately 10 million gallons of water. The River Scout exhibit houses local North American specimens, and the Cold Water Quest exhibit houses animals from colder regions such as sea otters, African penguins, and Japanese spider crabs.

This aquarium has been involved in projects involving beluga whales, manatees, loggerhead sea turtles, and spotted eagle rays in terms of research and conservation.

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