The 10 Best Aquariums in the US (2026 Guide)
The best aquariums in the US go far beyond rows of fish tanks. At the top of the list, you can walk through a tunnel while sharks swim overhead, watch sea otters being fed, or look into a four-story coral reef. Whether you are planning a family trip, a city break or a long road trip, an aquarium is one of the easiest ways to add a memorable day to your itinerary.
This guide covers 10 of the best aquariums in the US across the East Coast, the South and Midwest, and the West Coast. For each one, you will find what it is known for, what not to miss and a few planning notes. You will also find tips for saving money, an honest look at the debate over marine mammals in captivity, and answers to common questions.
Best Aquariums in the US at a Glance
The 10 aquariums in this guide, grouped by region.
| Aquarium | City | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Aquarium | Atlanta, GA | Whale sharks and a huge walk-through tunnel |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Monterey, CA | Kelp forest and Pacific wildlife |
| Shedd Aquarium | Chicago, IL | Wild Reef sharks and lakefront views |
| New England Aquarium | Boston, MA | Four-story Giant Ocean Tank and penguins |
| National Aquarium | Baltimore, MD | Rainforest and jellies on the Inner Harbor |
| Seattle Aquarium | Seattle, WA | Puget Sound life and a new coral reef building |
| Aquarium of the Pacific | Long Beach, CA | Pacific Ocean wildlife and hands-on exhibits |
| Tennessee Aquarium | Chattanooga, TN | River and freshwater ecosystems |
| Florida Aquarium | Tampa, FL | Florida habitats from wetlands to reefs |
| Mystic Aquarium | Mystic, CT | Belugas, sea lions and outdoor exhibits |
How We Chose the Best Aquariums in the US
No list of aquariums can be perfectly objective, so here is how this one was put together. We looked for variety of animals and habitats, strong exhibits, a record of conservation and research, and a good visitor experience. We also wanted to spread the picks across the country, because many travelers can only reach one region on a trip.
Our research drew on each aquarium's official information, local news coverage and recent visitor guides. Ticket prices, hours and exhibits change often, so treat the details here as a starting point and confirm everything on the official website before you go. The picks are listed in a loose order of overall appeal, not as a strict ranking.
The 10 Best Aquariums in the US
1. Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, Georgia)
The Georgia Aquarium sits in downtown Atlanta, near Centennial Olympic Park, and it is one of the largest aquariums in the world. It is best known for whale sharks, which very few aquariums keep, and for the Ocean Voyager exhibit, where a long acrylic tunnel puts you right under rays and sharks.
Beyond the headline animals, you can also see beluga whales, sea lions, African penguins and sea otters, and the aquarium runs dolphin and sea lion presentations that are included with general admission. If you want a closer encounter, animal interaction programs are available for an extra fee, and they require general admission.
Good to know: The aquarium is open every day of the year, and general admission typically starts at around $55 for adults in 2026, with children under 3 free. Same-day re-entry is possible if you get your ticket stamped on the way out. You can find current details on the Georgia Aquarium website.
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, California)
Set on historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the aquarium many people name first when they think of California. Its exhibits focus on the wildlife of Monterey Bay, from kelp forests to the open ocean, and it is widely admired for its conservation and research work.
Daily programs include sea otter and seabird feedings, and the interactive Splash Zone is popular with kids. Plan to spend most of the day here, because there is a lot to see, and it is easy to lose track of time in front of the jellyfish and the big open-sea tank.
Good to know: Adult tickets are listed at around $65 for 2026, which makes this one of the pricier aquariums on the list. Discounts may be available for military members, AAA members and local residents, and visitors who receive EBT or SNAP benefits can get free admission for up to four people through the Museums for All program. Check the Monterey Bay Aquarium website before you buy.
3. Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, Illinois)
The Shedd Aquarium stands on Chicago's Museum Campus, beside Lake Michigan, and it is a National Historic Landmark. Its most popular exhibit is Wild Reef, a Philippine coral reef habitat on the lower level where sharks glide past a curved window and above you.
The Abbott Oceanarium is home to beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins, while Amazon Rising recreates a flooded rainforest and the Caribbean Reef features a diver who hand-feeds the animals. A walk-through Caribbean tunnel was under construction, with an opening planned for fall 2026, so ask about it when you plan your visit.
Good to know: According to CityPASS, Monday through Thursday and mornings before 11 am tend to be the least crowded, and about two and a half hours is a good amount of time. Illinois residents have had free days in 2026, and the aquarium is included in the Chicago CityPASS. The official site is Shedd Aquarium.
4. New England Aquarium (Boston, Massachusetts)
On Boston's Central Wharf, the New England Aquarium is built around the Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story, 200,000-gallon Caribbean coral reef. You walk up a spiral ramp around the tank and see sharks, sea turtles, rays and hundreds of tropical fish from different angles.
Around the tank, the aquarium's penguin colony includes African and southern rockhopper penguins, and outdoor seal exhibits let you watch Atlantic harbor seals. The aquarium has also been working on habitat improvements, so check its construction and exhibit updates page for any closures before you visit.
Good to know: Plan at least 90 minutes, or two to three hours if you are visiting with children. Parking in downtown Boston is expensive, so the subway is usually the easier choice. Boston CityPASS also includes the aquarium.
5. National Aquarium (Baltimore, Maryland)
Baltimore's National Aquarium overlooks the Inner Harbor and works well as part of a day in the city. Visitors often single out the Upland Tropical Rain Forest, where you can see sloths, tropical birds and other animals moving freely among the trees.
Other highlights include the Blue Wonders jellyfish exhibit, sharks and puffins. The aquarium also keeps a group of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and it has long said it plans to move them to a seaside sanctuary, a plan critics say has not yet been carried out (see the section on marine mammals below).
Good to know: The aquarium is at 501 E. Pratt Street, and visitors often add a short harbor walk before or after the visit. Check the National Aquarium website for current ticket options and special exhibits.
6. Seattle Aquarium (Seattle, Washington)
The Seattle Aquarium sits on the city's central waterfront and is made up of three buildings: Pier 59, Pier 60 and the Ocean Pavilion. The Pier buildings focus on Puget Sound, with a giant Pacific octopus, sea otters, harbor seals and tufted puffins, plus a 120,000-gallon tank called Window on Washington Waters.
The Ocean Pavilion opened on August 29, 2024, and shifts the focus to the tropical Coral Triangle region of the Pacific, with a shark tank and a coral reef. Together, the buildings tell the story of how connected the world's waters are, from local Puget Sound to the other side of the ocean.
Good to know: A visit typically takes two to three hours, and the Ocean Pavilion has its own entrance, so keep your ticket handy at both. Visiting the Pacific Northwest? Our guide to the best things to do in Olympia, Washington is a good add-on. See the Seattle Aquarium website for current hours.
7. Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, California)
The Aquarium of the Pacific is on the Long Beach waterfront, a short drive from Los Angeles, and it focuses on the wildlife of the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular choice for families because it mixes large exhibits with hands-on experiences, including a walk-through bird exhibit and touch pools.
This is a good option if you are already in Southern California and want a lower-key aquarium day than a full trip to Monterey. Check the official website for current exhibits and ticket options, because programs change through the year.
8. Tennessee Aquarium (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
The Tennessee Aquarium stands on the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, and it is one of the few major aquariums built mainly around rivers and freshwater life. Its two buildings follow the water from the mountain streams of the region all the way to the ocean.
If you are driving between Atlanta, Nashville or the Smoky Mountains, Chattanooga makes an easy and rewarding stop. It is a good choice for travelers who have already seen a big ocean aquarium and want something different.
9. Florida Aquarium (Tampa, Florida)
The Florida Aquarium sits on the waterfront in Tampa and puts a strong focus on Florida's own wildlife and habitats, from freshwater wetlands and springs to coral reefs. That local angle makes it a nice fit for visitors who want to understand the ecosystems around them, not just look at exotic animals.
It is also easy to combine with a Gulf Coast trip, since Tampa has beaches, restaurants and other attractions close by. As always, check the official website for current exhibits and animal encounter options.
10. Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, Connecticut)
Mystic Aquarium opened in 1973 and is best known as the home of New England's only beluga whales. It also has Steller sea lions, which only a few US facilities keep, as well as African penguins and touch pools where you can gently interact with sharks and stingrays.
Many of the main exhibits, including the belugas, seals, sea lions and penguins, are outdoors, so dress for the weather. A sea lion show runs at the Foxwoods Marine Theater, so plan your route around the schedule. Pair your visit with the charming seaside town, and read our guide to the best things to do in Mystic, Connecticut.
Which of the Best Aquariums in the US Is Right for You?
The right aquarium depends on where you are going and who is traveling. This chart matches common trip styles to the 10 picks.
Match your trip to one of the 10 aquariums in this guide.
If you are building a bigger trip, these guides may help:
- Traveling with kids? Read our guide to the best things to do in the USA for a family vacation.
- Planning a romantic getaway? See the 10 most romantic destinations in the US.
- Going alone? Our list of the top 10 places to solo travel in the USA can help you choose a city.
- Visiting New York? The New York Aquarium on Coney Island is another option, and our guide to the best things to do in New York City will help you plan the rest of your trip.
How Long Should You Spend at an Aquarium?
Most large aquariums take between two and four hours, depending on the crowd, the shows and how long your group likes to linger. Families with young children usually spend longer, because kids often want to revisit favorite tanks.
Typical visit length at four of the aquariums in this guide, based on aquarium and visitor guides.
Build your day around the animal presentations and feedings, which have fixed times, and visit the biggest exhibits early before they get busy.
How to Save Money on Aquarium Tickets
Aquarium tickets can add up quickly for a family, but there are several legitimate ways to lower the cost.
Five ways to save on aquarium tickets. Rules vary by aquarium.
- Buy online in advance. Official sites often offer online tickets, and some aquariums price them lower than gate tickets.
- Use a city pass. CityPASS bundles for cities such as Chicago, Boston and Seattle can include the local aquarium along with other attractions.
- Look for free or reduced days. Some aquariums run community days or special programs, such as Illinois resident free days at Shedd or the Museums for All program at Monterey Bay.
- Visit midweek. Quieter days make for a better experience even when the price is the same.
Always compare the pass total against the cost of the individual tickets you plan to use. A pass only saves money if you visit enough of the attractions included.
What About Marine Mammals in Captivity?
Several aquariums on this list keep dolphins, belugas or sea lions, and this is a topic on which thoughtful people disagree. It is worth knowing the debate before you decide where to spend your money.
Supporters say accredited aquariums contribute to research, education and conservation, and that seeing animals up close builds public support for protecting oceans. Critics argue that large, wide-ranging animals such as dolphins and whales do not do well in tanks. Animal-rights group PETA has publicly criticized the National Aquarium in Baltimore for not yet delivering on its 2016 pledge to move its dolphins to a seaside sanctuary.
Mystic Aquarium's belugas are another example. Five of its belugas arrived from Marineland in Canada in 2021, and federal regulators did not allow them to be used in public shows or touched by visitors. The aquarium said the whales would be used in research, while opponents sued to try to stop the move.
If this matters to you, look for aquariums that are open about their animal care, research and plans, and focus on exhibits with fish, invertebrates and local wildlife. The choice is yours, and no aquarium on this list is the only way to enjoy ocean life.
Tips for Visiting Any Aquarium
- Arrive at opening. The first hour is usually the calmest, and the big exhibits are easier to photograph.
- Check the daily schedule. Feedings, dives and presentations run on fixed times, and some are only held on certain days.
- Skip the flash. Flash photography can bother animals and ruins photos through glass, so use your phone's night mode instead.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Large aquariums involve a lot of walking and standing, often on hard floors.
- Bring a light layer. Many aquariums keep their galleries cool and dim.
- Respect touch-pool rules. Wash your hands, use the gentle two-finger touch staff teach you and never lift animals out of the water.
What is the best aquarium in the US?
It depends on what you want to see. The Georgia Aquarium is a top pick for a first visit because of its size and whale sharks, while the Monterey Bay Aquarium is widely admired for its Pacific wildlife and conservation work. Shedd, the New England Aquarium and the Seattle Aquarium are also strong choices.
What is the largest aquarium in the US?
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is generally described as the largest aquarium in the US and one of the largest in the world. Sizes and rankings are measured in different ways, so check the aquarium's own information if you need an exact figure.
Which aquarium has whale sharks?
The Georgia Aquarium is the best-known place in the US to see whale sharks. Very few aquariums in the world keep them, because they are huge animals that need very large tanks.
Which aquarium is best for kids?
Most of the aquariums here work well for children. Look for hands-on touch pools, penguin exhibits and animal presentations, which many young visitors enjoy. The Georgia Aquarium, Shedd, the New England Aquarium and Mystic Aquarium are all popular family choices.
Which aquarium is best on the West Coast?
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the best-known on the West Coast, thanks to its kelp forest and conservation work. The Seattle Aquarium is a great choice for Puget Sound wildlife, and the Aquarium of the Pacific suits a Southern California trip.
How long does an aquarium visit take?
Most visits last between two and four hours. Shedd is often described as taking about two and a half hours, and the Georgia Aquarium can take up to four hours if you attend several shows.
Are aquarium tickets cheaper online?
Often, yes. Many aquariums sell tickets online, and some offer lower prices for advance purchases or specific days. Always buy from the official website or an authorized seller, and compare any city pass against individual ticket prices.
Which US aquarium has beluga whales?
Several aquariums keep belugas, including the Georgia Aquarium, the Shedd Aquarium and Mystic Aquarium. Mystic is known as the only aquarium in New England with belugas.
The best aquariums in the US give you a close look at animals most people never see in the wild, and each has a different personality. Pick the one that fits your route, buy tickets in advance, go early and enjoy the day.
