35 Best Aquariums in America, Ranked
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Aquariums have always been a fascination for humans. Why? They give us a glimpse into a world that we would otherwise never be able to see. For a brief moment in time, aquariums take us from our terrestrial perches to the shallow coral reefs of the Caribbean and beyond to the darkest depths of the deepest oceans.
Fortunately, the United States is home to a wide variety of aquariums across the country that showcase hundreds of thousands of miraculous sea animals. From frolicking, cuddly sea otters to some of the more elusive creatures of the deep, the top-rated aquariums in the U.S. are not short on exciting educational exhibits.
Some aquariums go above and beyond the traditional exhibits to offer unique experiences like touch tanks, underwater tunnels, and even restaurant venues and live entertainment. So if you're ready to explore the best aquariums in America, we've combed review sites like Yelp to determine which aquariums are the absolute best.
Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.
35. Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
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Location: Springfield, Missouri
Year opened: 2017
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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Most Bass Pro shops have an aquarium to peek at, but this is something totally next-level.
The Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium is huge, so you will need at least an hour or two to see all it has to experience.
What to Expect: Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife
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There's a reason it's called a wildlife museum.
Unlike ordinary aquariums, this one includes 1.5 miles of trails to explore, with 35,000 fish, reptiles, birds and mammals to view along the way.
Where to stay:Best Western Plus Springfield Airport Inn
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34. Adventure Aquarium
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Location: Camden, New Jersey
Year opened: 1992 (reopened as Adventure Aquarium in 2005)
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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If you like sharks, Adventure Aquarium is one of the best aquariums to visit.
It's home to the biggest shark collection on the East Coast.
33. Long Island Aquarium
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Location: Long Island, New York
Year opened: 2000
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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The Long Island Aquarium has one of the biggest, real indoor coral reefs in the world, plus over 100 additional aquatic exhibits to check out.
What to Expect: Long Island Aquarium
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If looking at fish isn't enough of a thrill, skim through the educational exhibits and sign up to snorkel with tropical fish.
For the most adventurous visitors, there's also a scuba diving adventure with live sharks.
But don't worry. Swimmers are in a cage for safety.
Where to stay:Hyatt Regency JFK Airport At Resorts World New York
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32. Steinhart Aquarium
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Location: San Francisco, California
Year opened: 1923
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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The Steinhart Aquarium opened at the California Academy of Sciences nearly a century ago. It strived to be an innovative aquarium that served three purposes: to educate, to explore and to entertain.
By the looks of it, the biologists there have accomplished their mission and more.
What to Expect: Steinhart Aquarium
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Steinhart Aquarium is home to the biggest living indoor coral reef and boasts almost 40,000 live animals.
It's one of the best aquariums in California, and one of the most diverse in the world.
Where to stay:Hotel Adagio Autograph Collection
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31. Oklahoma Aquarium
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Location: Jenks, Oklahoma
Year opened: 2003
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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When it opened, the Oklahoma Aquarium was an instant hit. One of the most popular exhibits is the epic, 380,000-gallon shark tank/tunnel.
Here's hoping it doesn't crack.
What to Expect: Oklahoma Aquarium
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The Oklahoma Aquarium features what's arguably the coolest, creepiest exhibit of any aquarium in the U.S.: the largest collection of bull sharks in captivity.
There are even interactive tanks where you can touch much smaller, less hungry-looking creatures.
Where to stay:Candlewood Suites Tulsa Hills - Jenks
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30. PPG Aquarium
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Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Year opened: 1967 (as AquaZoo)
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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PPG Aquarium takes up 45,000 square feet and two stories of the popular Pittsburgh Zoo.
Some of the coolest exhibits include living coral reefs and species from the tropical rainforest.
29. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
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Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Year opened: 1997
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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It's South Carolina's favorite aquarium, and it's easy to see why.
This place is huge, with a total of 1.4 million gallons of water hosting some mind-boggling creatures.
What to Expect: Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
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Visitors can walk through the largest single tank at Ripley's: the 750,000-gallon Dangerous Reef tank. Lots of aquariums have tunnels, but few have tunnels that are 340 feet long.
There's also a hands-on Discovery Center, where kids can hold live crabs and other harmless ocean critters.
Where to stay:Cabana Shores Hotel
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28. Reiman Aquarium
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Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Year opened: 1981
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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Is it the biggest aquarium? No, no it is not.
Nevertheless, the Reiman Aquarium at Discovery World is the coolest aquarium in the state.
27. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
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Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Year opened: 1986
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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One of the best aquariums on the East Coast, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is home to over 300 aquatic species.
What to Expect: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
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Unlike most aquariums, this one gives visitors the option to get up close and personal with the biggest marine animals around via whale and dolphin watching excursions. These boating trips allow visitors to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
The aquarium also has traditional aquatic exhibits, including a 300,000-gallon shark tank.
Where to stay:Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Virginia Beach/Norfolk Airport
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26. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
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Location: Draper, Utah
Year opened: 1999
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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The moderately sized Loveland Living Planet Aquarium isn't just an aquarium.
It's also home to plenty of birds, reptiles and mammals, so it's more like a mini-zoo than a plain old aquarium experience.
What to Expect: Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
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With a total of 600,000 gallons, it's not the biggest aquarium on this list, but it's also not the smallest. One of the coolest aquariums in the country, this one includes a Deep Sea Lab, Penguin Research Station, and Discover Utah.
In summers, it also features a spectacular light show and musical event called Nights Under Lights.
Where to stay:Hampton Inn Draper Salt Lake City
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25. Georgia Aquarium
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Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Year opened: 2005
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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A facility with more than 11 million gallons of water, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is a paradise for underwater aficionados. It was the world’s largest aquarium when it opened in 2005 (though now it ranks at No. 3).
Still, it is the largest aquarium in the United States. Among its notable species include whale sharks, beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins, and manta rays.
What to Expect: Georgia Aquarium
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The aquarium has more than 100,000 and 120,000 underwater creatures. But perhaps the biggest reason to visit (pun intended?) is that it is home to massive whale sharks.
This is the only aquarium outside of the continent of Asia to have these gentle giants.
Where to stay:Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
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24. John G. Shedd Aquarium
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Location: Chicago, Illinois
Year opened: 1930
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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Back when it first opened in 1930, the John G. Shedd Aquarium's 5 million gallon facility was the largest in the world. In fact, it was the first inland aquarium to have a permanent saltwater fish exhibit.
Among its notable exhibits are those dedicated to the Amazon, stingrays, the Caribbean and the Polar Play Zone.
23. Aquarium of the Pacific
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Location: Long Beach, California
Year opened: 1998
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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Perched on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific spans 5 acres and is home to more than 11,000 animals across 500 species.
The aquarium has three permanent galleries as well as a series of rotating exhibits.
What to Expect: Aquarium of the Pacific
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Visit the Southern California/Baja Gallery for the three-story Blue Cavern tank.
You can also visit the Amber Forest for a kelp forest replica or the Gulf of California gallery, which has a vibrant display of exotic creatures from south of the border.
Where to stay:Hyatt Regency Long Beach
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22. Seattle Aquarium
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Location: Seattle, Washington
Year opened: 1977
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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The Seattle Aquarium opened its doors almost 50 years ago on Pier 59 on Elliott Bay. In 2007, it expanded, adding 18,000 square feet, including a 120,000-gallon exhibit.
Today, the aquarium is committed to marine conservation and education on the human impact on the oceans.
21. Downtown Aquarium, Houston
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Location: Houston, Texas
Year opened: 2003
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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The Downtown Aquarium, Houston is a place to really get a taste for underwater adventure — literally.
Not only is the space a public aquarium, but it is also a restaurant.
What to Expect: Downtown Aquarium, Houston
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The aquarium sits on 6 acres and houses more than 200 species of animals in 500,000 gallons of water.
Feast your eyes on electric eels and exhibits like the Texas Bayou, the Rainforest and a sunken hull of a 17th-century Spanish galleon.
Where to stay:Blossom Hotel Houston
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20. North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
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Location: Kure Beach, North Carolina
Year opened: 1976
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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The North Carolina coastline is one of the most beloved in the country, so it's only fitting that it houses one of the nation's best aquariums as well.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is known for showcasing the many indigenous species that can be found in the waters in and around North Carolina. It features 235,000 gallons of water.
What to Expect: North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
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Several exhibits give a well-rounded look at indigenous Carolina creatures.
The Coastal Waters Gallery features a hands-on exhibit to learn about sea urchins, horseshoe crabs and whelks, while the Open Oceans Gallery has species like pufferfish and filefish, as well as octopus and jellyfish.
Where to stay:Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel
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19. National Aquarium
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Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Year opened: 1981
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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Located on Baltimore's Harbor right on Pratt Street, the National Aquarium is, well, a national treasure. It's known for its exhibits like the Living Seashore, Atlantic Coral Reef and Sea Cliffs.
Plus, the various floors of the aquarium have picture-perfect views of the ocean and harbor.
What to Expect: National Aquarium
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Within the 2.2 million gallons of water are 17,000 animals from more than 750 species.
Don't miss the top exhibits, like Australia: Wild Extremes, Jellies Invasion or the Upland Tropical Rain Forest.
Where to stay:Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
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18. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
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Location: La Jolla, California
Year opened: 1903
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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One of the oldest aquariums on this list, the Birch Aquarium is affiliated with the University of California at San Diego. The sizable aquarium spans 64,157 square feet and is home to more than 3,000 animals across 380 species.
Exhibits feature more than 60 different habitats, including a two-story, 70,000-gallon Giant Kelp Tank.
What to Expect: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
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The exhibits are truly mesmerizing. Take the Hall of Fishes, for instance, which has hundreds of fish from the waters in the Pacific Northwest as well as the Caribbean. Shark Reef has several different species of reef sharks.
An important exhibit to note is the aquarium's Feeling the Heat, which is dedicated to climate change and the research being done at the university.
Where to stay:Holiday Inn Express & Suites La Jolla
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17. Downtown Aquarium, Denver
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Location: Denver, Colorado
Year opened: 1999
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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Similar to the one in Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Denver is more than just a space for learning — it's an entertainment zone. Formerly the Ocean Journey Aquarium, it became part of Landry's Restaurants in 2005.
Today, it has more than a million gallons of water teeming with 500 species of animals.
What to Expect: Downtown Aquarium Denver
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The aquarium has both freshwater and ocean exhibits, including those that cater to endangered or threatened species.
But it also puts on performances like a special live mermaid show in the Under the Sea exhibit.
Where to stay:Comfort Suites Denver International Airport
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16. New York Aquarium
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Location: Brooklyn, New York
Year opened: 1896
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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If you like history, you're going to love the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn. Located on Coney Island, it is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States.
The aquarium initially opened in Battery Park in Manhattan and moved to its current location in the 1950s.
What to Expect: New York Aquarium
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The aquarium is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society. It sits on an impressive 14 acres and has 266 species of wildlife.
Check out popular exhibits like Spineless, which is devoted to the world of invertebrates. You can also discover the wide world of sharks and even an outdoor Aquatheater.
Where to stay:Executive Hotel Le Soleil New York
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15. Waikiki Aquarium
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Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Year opened: 1904
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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You'd expect an archipelago state to have a pretty sweet aquarium — and you'd be right. The Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu was founded in 1904 and is one of the oldest aquariums in the United States.
It has more than 3,500 animals across nearly 500 species. It also was the first aquarium in the United States to develop living coral displays.
What to Expect: Waikiki Aquarium
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The living coral display is truly remarkable. The aquarium was able to grow different types of coral, which are now more than 30 years old.
You can also see broad club cuttlefish, giant clams and a mahi-mahi hatchery.
Where to stay:Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
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14. The Florida Aquarium
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Location: Tampa, Florida
Year opened: 1995
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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One of the largest aquariums in the country, Tampa's Florida Aquarium is a whopping 250,000 square feet. Within the walls are more than 20,000 aquatic animals and plants, both native to Florida and from around the world.
The aquarium is also leading the way in terms of coral reef research. It has set a goal to help restore 125 acres of coral reef by 2022.
13. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
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Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Year opened: 2000
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies shows off an impressive 10,000 creatures across 350 species.
While it is considered to be one of the smaller aquariums on this list, it certainly can hold its own, thanks to its host of exciting programming, like petting a penguin and behind-the-scenes tours.
What to Expect: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
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Among the impressive exhibits, favorites tend to be the walk-through tunnel that puts the sea world directly over the heads of viewers.
There is also a glass-bottom boat ride over the shark lagoon and plenty of hands-on experiences that families love.
Where to stay:Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center
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12. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
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Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Year opened: 1990
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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A sister to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas shows off a wide array of sea creatures from its 400,000-gallon water tank.
Inside, you'll be able to see stingrays, sea turtles, sharks and more.
11. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
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Location: Mystic, Connecticut
Year opened: 1973
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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A jewel on the Connecticut coastline is the seaside town of Mystic, home to the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. The aquarium is one of only a handful of aquariums in the U.S. to house Steller sea lions.
It is also the only aquarium in New England to have beluga whales.
What to Expect: Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
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Get up close and personal with sharks in the shark touch pool, or feast your eyes on African penguins and jellyfish.
The aquarium is also home to harbor seals, a unicorn fish, sand tiger sharks and stingrays.
Where to stay:Hyatt Place Mystic
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10. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
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Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Year opened: 1984 (although the zoo opened in 1894)
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the top-rated attractions, not only in Nebraska but the entire country. The aquarium spans 71,000 square feet and has 1.2 million gallons of water.
Exhibits include those devoted to the Amazon rainforest, coral reefs and the polar regions.
What to Expect: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
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One of the top exhibits is the 450,000-gallon shark tank, which has a 70-foot shark tunnel under which you can view a kaleidoscope of colorful wildlife.
From the sharks to the sea turtles, stingrays and coral, this is definitely not an exhibit to miss.
Where to stay:Kimpton Cottonwood
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9. Newport Aquarium
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Location: Newport, Kentucky
Year opened: 1999
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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With 70 exhibits across 14 galleries and five 200-foot-long tunnels, the Newport Aquarium in Newport has enough to keep the whole family entertained all day.
The aquarium is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which means it offers several outreach programs that help to educate the public about ocean conservation.
What to Expect: Newport Aquarium
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The aquarium has 1 million gallons of water and is the first aquarium to successfully breed shark rays.
You can also say hello to Burmese pythons in the rainforest exhibit or stroll down Gator Alley to meet Mighty Mike.
Where to stay:Hampton Inn & Suites Newport
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8. South Carolina Aquarium
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Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Year opened: 2000
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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Charleston's South Carolina Aquarium is a relative newcomer to the aquarium scene, opening just 20 years ago right on the beautiful Charleston Harbor.
Today, it has more than 10,000 animals and plants. Undoubtedly the fan-favorite exhibit is its 385,000-gallon Great Ocean Tank, which spans three floors and houses more than 700 animals.
What to Expect: South Carolina Aquarium
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Other exhibits to explore take visitors through Mountain Forests, the Piedmont, Coastal Plains, Saltmarsh Aviary the Coast, and a popular touch tank, where guests can get hands-on with various invertebrates and even Atlantic stingrays.
Where to stay:Town & Country Inn and Suites
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7. Tennessee Aquarium
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Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Year opened: 1992
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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The Tennessee Aquarium calls Chattanooga home, with glorious views of the Tennessee River. The aquarium opened in the 1990s but underwent a major expansion in 2005.
Today, it houses more than 12,000 animals across 800 species.
What to Expect: Tennessee Aquarium
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The aquarium’s exhibits are spread across two buildings. The first is the 130,000-square-foot River Journey, which has 400,000 gallons of water. It follows the North American rivers from the Appalachian Mountains south to where they spill into the Gulf of Mexico.
The 60,000-square-foot Ocean Journey is in the second building. This 700,000-gallon facility picks up the rest of the journey from the Gulf of Mexico out to sea.
Where to stay:Element Chattanooga East
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6. Oregon Coast Aquarium
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Location: Newport, Oregon
Year opened: 1992
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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The Pacific Northwest has some impressive coastline. Oregon, in particular, has a stunning stretch of seashore. Nowhere is it more celebrated than at the Oregon Coast Aquarium on Yaquina Bay in Newport.
Fun fact: The museum was made famous as the home of Keiko, the orca whale who starred in “Free Willy.” Keiko was released in 1998.
What to Expect: Oregon Coast Aquarium
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The aquarium features marine and land animals and plants that are native to the Oregon Coast. Permanent exhibits include Rocky Shores, Sandy Shores and Coastal Waters.
An outdoor aquarium features a seabird aviary and mammals like sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions.
Where to stay:Little Creek Cove Beachfront Resort
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5. Texas State Aquarium
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Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Year opened: 1990
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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Everything's bigger in Texas, or so they say, and that is certainly the case with the Texas State Aquarium. The largest aquarium in Texas, and one of the largest in the country, this aquarium is dedicated to conserving wildlife specific to the Gulf of Mexico.
It has many popular exhibits, particularly the 400,000-gallon Dolphin Bay, which has four Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
What to Expect: Texas State Aquarium
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The Texas State Aquarium is packed with fascinating exhibits.
The Blue Hole, for example, explores the creatures of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, while Islands of Steel recreates an ocean habitat that developed around an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
Where to stay:Aloft Corpus Christi
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4. Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
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Location: Bloomington, Minnesota
Year opened: 1996
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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Located within the world-famous Mall of America, Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is a 1.2 million-gallon aquarium packed with 11 exhibits and an underwater tunnel.
Thousands of creatures from 200 species include sharks, stingrays, sawfish and guitar sharks.
What to Expect: Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
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The museum kicks off with the Stingray Adventure. Here, visitors will find the Ray Pool, a spot where they can interact with stingrays. Other exhibits include the Jellyfish Discovery, Shark Discovery and an exhibit with six different types of seahorses.
Of course, the 300-foot tunnel is another incredible experience, which flows through four different tanks.
Where to stay:Element Bloomington Mall of America
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3. Monterey Bay Aquarium
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Location: Monterey, California
Year opened: 1984
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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The Monterey Bay Aquarium opened in the 1980s and has grown to be one of the top aquariums in the world. California's waterways and coast are remarkable, and Monterey Bay is one of the best places to learn about its marine life.
In 34 galleries with 200 exhibits, housing 35,000 animals, this aquarium is one of the most comprehensive in the world.
What to Expect: Monterey Bay Aquarium
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Exhibits include all types of habitats, from beaches and dunes to kelp forests, open waters and deep sea. You'll be able to see African penguins, jellyfish, sea otters and sharks.
Plus, it is one of the top aquariums in the world for its marine conservation institutions.
Where to stay:Victorian Inn
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2. Alaska SeaLife Center
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Location: Seward, Alaska
Year opened: 1998
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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For all the marine mammals you can find in the waters around Alaska — and there are quite a few — the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward is the only permanent rehabilitation facility for marine mammals in the state.
It also happens to be the top aquarium in Alaska and uses much of its funding for research, conservation and rehabilitation.
What to Expect: Alaska SeaLife Center
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The Alaska SeaLife Center is the world's only aquarium dedicated exclusively to the northern waters of the world.
Here, you'll find sea birds, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, fur seals and otters, among others.
Where to stay:Harbor 360 Hotel Seward
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1. New England Aquarium
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Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Year opened: 1969
Why the Aquarium Happens to Be One of the Best
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Boston has many claims to fame, especially when it comes to world-renowned institutions, and its aquarium is no different. The New England Aquarium, located on the Central Wharf, is home to thousands of animals, from African penguins to Giant Pacific octopuses.
It also features the Simons IMAX Theatre as well as the seasonal New England Aquarium Whale Watch, which runs from April through November.
What to Expect: New England Aquarium
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The most popular attraction at the aquarium is the 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank, which simulates a Caribbean reef system.
The atrium-located tank has stingrays, bonehead sharks, oral eels and sea turtles, among many others.
Where to stay:Revere Hotel Boston Common
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