1) Monterey Bay Aquarium — Monterey, California
On California’s dramatic coast, Monterey Bay Aquarium sets the standard for marine storytelling. The towering Kelp Forest and the 1.2-million-gallon Open Sea bring the Pacific to life with sardines, rays, turtles, and more. Up-close otter views, tide-pool touch areas, and science-in-action programs connect wonder to real conservation. From otter rescue to Seafood Watch, it blends spectacle with purpose. Backed by research and iconic design, it’s more than an attraction—it’s a living pulse of the ocean and a perennial “must-see” in the U.S.
2) Georgia Aquarium — Atlanta, Georgia
One of the world’s largest, Georgia Aquarium holds 11+ million gallons of water and an unmatched cast—whale sharks, manta rays, belugas, sharks, sea lions. The Ocean Voyager gallery (about 6.3 million gallons) surrounds you with a moving tunnel and giant window. Snorkel experiences with whale sharks require no certification (SCUBA dives do). Beyond awe, Georgia runs major conservation and rehab work. It’s a rare combo of scale, access, and science that’s hard to top.
3) Shedd Aquarium — Chicago, Illinois
A lakeside landmark, Shedd spans tens of thousands of animals across 1,500+ species. Classics like Caribbean Reef whirl with color, while the Abbott Oceanarium and Polar Play Zone bring dolphins, penguins, and otters into view. Shedd also champions the Great Lakes with research and community programs that turn curiosity into stewardship. Whether you’re face-to-face with jellies or learning park-side science, Shedd fuses global oceans with hometown care
4) New England Aquarium — Boston, Massachusetts
On Boston’s waterfront, the star is the 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank—a four-story Caribbean reef with sea turtles and swirling reef fish. Around it, galleries highlight penguins, sharks, and cold-water life, while the Anderson Cabot Center drives research on North Atlantic right whales and more. Seasonal turtle rescues, educational films, and harbor views make this both a marine-science hub and an easy family favorite.
5) Seattle Aquarium — Seattle, Washington
Rooted on Elliott Bay, Seattle Aquarium celebrates the Pacific Northwest—giant Pacific octopuses, anemones, sea stars, otters, and tide-pool touch tanks. New in 2024, the Ocean Pavilion expands the story to the Coral Triangle with sharks, rays, mangroves, and coral conservation. With hands-on learning and local initiatives for orcas and salmon, it pairs hometown ecosystems with global ocean care.
6) National Aquarium — Baltimore, Maryland
Rising over the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium mixes striking architecture with 20,000+ animals. Wander from glowing jellies and sharks to a multi-level Upland Tropical Rain Forest where birds and sloths roam above aquatic habitats. Its mission reaches beyond the building—Chesapeake Bay restoration, shark protection, and public advocacy. Immersive galleries and touch experiences make it a powerful blend of education and awe.
7) Oregon Coast Aquarium — Newport, Oregon
Wild coastline, native species, and an intimate feel define this gem. Passages of the Deep—a walk-through tunnel complex—puts sharks and rockfish overhead, while otters, seals, and tufted puffins charm up close. As a rescue and rehab center, it pairs storytelling with hands-on care for local wildlife. It’s less glitzy than mega-aquariums and all the better for it—pure Pacific Northwest.
8) Tennessee Aquarium — Chattanooga, Tennessee
Two buildings tell one river-to-sea story. River Journey explores Appalachia to Amazon, while Ocean Journey features sea turtles, reef life, and the sweeping Secret Reef (~618,000 gallons). The aquarium’s strength is freshwater conservation—a rare focus presented with the same drama as coral reefs. Families love the clear narrative; science fans love the depth.
9) Aquarium of the Pacific — Long Beach, California
From frigid Pacific Northwest waters to tropical reefs, this aquarium showcases ~12,000 animals across 100+ exhibits. Shark Lagoon invites close looks (and touches for certain species), while the Pacific Visions expansion dives into climate and ocean futures. Packed with programs for kids and adults, it balances hands-on fun with sustainability, making it both a crowd-pleaser and a conscience-raiser.
10) Frost Science Aquarium — Miami, Florida
At the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, the aquarium is a three-level showpiece anchored by a dramatic Gulf Stream habitat viewed from above, along the sides, and through a mesmerizing oculus below. Expect sharks, rays, and open-ocean species, plus Florida reef galleries, mangroves, and touch experiences. It pairs sleek design with conservation-minded exhibits—an excellent Miami pick that complements the museum’s planetarium and science halls.
11) Smithsonian National Zoo — Amazonia (Washington, D.C.)
D.C. no longer has a standalone “National Aquarium,” but the National Zoo’s Amazonia acts like one: a lush indoor rainforest with a large Amazon River tank (think arapaima, pacu, stingrays) and educational labs. It’s compact, scientific, and woven into the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, making it a perfect aquatic stop for families exploring the capital.
12) The Florida Aquarium — Tampa, Florida
Start in a domed wetlands with free-flying birds and playful otters, then descend to Gulf reefs alive with color. Stingray touches, Wild Dolphin Cruises, and kid-friendly labs keep things active. Behind the scenes, the aquarium leads coral reef restoration and sea turtle rescue, turning Tampa’s sunshine into real conservation horsepower.
13) Waikīkī Aquarium — Honolulu, Hawaii
One of America’s oldest aquariums, this beachside favorite specializes in Pacific Islands life: vibrant corals, reef fish, reef sharks, and the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Exhibits spotlight coral bleaching, climate, and restoration efforts, linking cultural history with cutting-edge marine science in a uniquely Hawaiian setting.
14) Texas State Aquarium — Corpus Christi, Texas
Facing the Gulf, Texas State blends marine and rainforest worlds. Dolphin Bay and Islands of Steel (inspired by oil-rig habitats) anchor the ocean side; a lush jungle adds birds and sloths. Its Wildlife Rescue Center treats sea turtles, raptors, and marine mammals, so your ticket supports real-world rehab. Touch tanks and dive shows make it a family standout.
15) New York Aquarium — Brooklyn, New York
On Coney Island’s boardwalk, Ocean Wonders: Sharks! delivers a striking tunnel and sweeping galleries focused on shark conservation and New York’s local waters. Sea lion shows, penguins, and seasonal beach breezes round out the visit. Run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, it ties city life to the health of the New York Bight.
16) Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada — Toronto, Ontario (bonus, just across the border)
Not U.S., but worth the hop if you’re nearby: the Dangerous Lagoon moving walkway glides through a tunnel of sharks, turtles, and rays, while Planet Jellies glows with neon life. Family-forward and deeply immersive, it rounds out a North American itinerary with a big, photogenic punch.
