Tour the Best American Aquariums in 2025

October 14, 2024

Americans love their furry friends — but with nearly one in eight households having aquatic pets, fish are a close second! It's no wonder that zoos and aquariums across the U.S. welcome millions of visitors each year — with estimates reaching up to 183 million annually

But don't be fooled: these aquariums are far more than just collections of 10-gallon tanks. The best aquariums in America manage thousands of unique species and millions of gallons of water on a daily basis.

If you're on the hunt for a world-class aquarium offering education, conversation, and entertainment, you can use this guide to narrow down your options and plan a visit with your family. Each section highlights the most popular exhibits, current ticket prices, and animal encounters. And if you're unfamiliar with visiting aquariums, we also provide some travel tips.

Criteria for the Best Aquariums in America

Our team relied on a multistep process to determine the best aquariums in the United States.

First, we evaluated the full list of 59 US aquariums currently accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Then, we narrowed it down to the highest-ranking institutions with help from the following factors:

Size: There are dozens of aquariums across the US. However, only a few institutions offer a true 'wow' factor in terms of exhibit size and spaciousness.
Range of exhibits: The best aquariums house thousands of species from a variety of biomes and attractions. These should include both salt and freshwater tanks, as well as diverse species from a variety of taxonomies.
Educational programs: Good aquariums offer plenty of plaques and signage. Great aquariums make learning even more fun with educational opportunities from playgrounds, touchscreens, and more.
Conservation efforts: Aquariums should be more than just a place to house animals. That's why we only included aquariums with a history of conversation efforts, including rehabilitation, release initiatives, and genetic diversity programs.
Interactive experiences: From feeding the fish to swimming with dolphins, you should visit an aquarium that gets up close and personal with the animals. Each aquarium on this list offers animal encounters, behind-the-scenes programs, and more.
Geographic diversity: There are sometimes multiple aquariums in close proximity with similar species and exhibits. For this reason, we selected the best options from different regions of the US to better depict exhibit diversity.

Evaluating the Top 5 Aquariums in America

Let's explore the best aquariums in America, starting with one of the best-known organizations:

1. Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, CA)

With its strong track record of educational programs and conservation efforts, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is easily one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in America. Millions of children and families visit the facility each year to look out on the bay from more than 20,000 square feet of decking.

You'll want to check out these world-famous marine life exhibits while you're there:

Penguins: Watch these beautiful, flightless birds glide gracefully through their unique exhibits.
Monterey Bay Habitats: Explore your home away from home with a look at California's oceanic ecosystem.
Into the Deep: Feast your eyes on the mysteries of the deep, from the Abyssal comb jelly to the glowing sea cucumber.

What do guests have to say about Monterey Bay Aquarium? Here's a review from a real-life visitor:

"The Monterey Bay Aquarium has been on my bucket list for a long time, and I’m so glad I finally had the chance to visit! The exhibits are breathtaking, especially the Open Sea and Kelp Forest. What impressed me most, though, were their conservation efforts. From their work protecting endangered species to their dedication to ocean health, it's clear they are truly making a difference. It's inspiring to see how focused they are on marine preservation, education, and sustainability. A must-visit for any ocean lover!" — Google Review

What to Expect When Visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium

You can purchase a ticket for Monterey Bay Aquarium online or in person for $65 or less. Keep in mind there are strict hours between 10 AM and 4 or 5 PM, so you may need to come back multiple times to experience every exhibit.

There are plenty of educational programs included with your ticket, such as animal feedings and rescue programs (including Journey to Baja). But if you're looking for more, you can also pay for behind-the-scenes tours, an Albatross Encounter, and the All About the Animals Tour.

Need accessibility options? Contact the aquarium directly to discuss:

Mobility accommodations
Auditory concerns
Visual services

2. Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)

The Georgia Aquarium was the world's largest aquarium when it opened in November 2005. Today, it's still the largest aquarium in America, home to the largest indoor aquatic habitat — and the only aquarium outside of Asia to house whale sharks.

Some of the Georgia Aquarium's 'must-sea' exhibits include:

Ocean Voyager: Discover 50+ aquatic species in 6.3 million gallons of water, entirely from the safety of a 100-foot tunnel.
Dolphins: Meet 13 curious bottlenose dolphins in an incredible 1.8 million gallon exhibit.
Sea Lions: Visit the famous Jupiter and Neptune when dropping by Truist Pier 225.

Check out what some recent visitors had to say:

"Wow! This aquarium is very well done! The animals look very happy and you can take your time exploring the displays. The shark tank was so cool with sharks that were just as interested in people as we were with them! The display with the whale shark was so memorable. The kids in there really loved it. The gift shops had some cool toys and trinkets." — Google Reviews

What to Expect When Visiting the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is open 365 days per year, although its hours depend on the time per year. Most days range from 9 AM to 9 PM, although the off-season (the middle of August) reduces hours to 9 AM to 6 PM.

General admission costs $39.99 for children, adults, and seniors, although you could also purchase a yearly admission pass for $95. There are also several accessibility options for guests with:

Mobility, hearing, or visual needs
Service animals
Language barriers

You can also find accommodations during animal encounter events. The most popular of these include snorkeling and SCUBA diving, although there are also accommodations for the Dolphin and Penguin Encounters.

3. Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, IL)

As the third-largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, Chicago's Shedd Aquarium is home to 32,000 different animals. This conservation-centric facility is known for its historical architecture and a collection of rare marine species from around the world.

During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to find:

Sharks: See a collection of rare or endangered species in the aquarium's Saving Animals from Extinction program.
Wild Reef: Discover hundreds of mammals and tropical fish in a welcoming and brightly-colored coral reef environment.
Polar Play Zone: Bring your family to an interactive play area to watch Magellanic and rockhopper penguins play on the rocks.

Is the Shedd Aquarium worth a visit? Just look at what this visitor had to say:

"Incredible place. Every species looks well cared for. The facilities are great. The attention to detail is amazing. We had the opportunity to pet sturgeons and stingrays. Came with my 11-year-old and she had a blast. It'll take somewhere around 3 hours to cover most of the exhibits. So plan accordingly." — Google Reviews

What to Expect When Visiting the Shedd Aquarium

You can visit the Shedd Aquarium from 9 AM to 5 PM during weekdays and 9 AM to 6 or 9 PM on weekends and busy times (including Tuesdays). Tickets start at $19.95 for Chicago residents, although out-of-town visitors pay a flex price depending on the day and demand in question — somewhere between $37 and $44 for children, adults, and seniors.

If you're interested in enhancing your aquarium experience, you can sign up for a custom event. The Must-See Guided Tour can give you the highlights in 75 minutes, but there are also options for animal encounters, virtual tours, and the 4D theater (all of which come with standard accessibility options).

4. National Aquarium (Baltimore, MD)

Formerly known as the Baltimore Aquarium, the National Aquarium is the largest wildlife attraction in Maryland. It's not hard to see why: there are more than 750 species across 15 award-winning exhibits, including a waterfront park for families with children.

Join more than 1.5 million visitors in discovering:

The Atlantic Coral Reef: See 1,000+ animals from more than 70 unique species in an exhibit modeled after the Caribbean.
Animal Care and Rescue Center: Watch trained professionals rehabilitate sick animals, including stranded winter seals.
Harbor Wetland: Discover one of the facility's newest exhibits for native eels, crabs, oysters, and herons.

This recent visitor sums it up nicely:

"We spent 3.5 hours here without even noticing until we were leaving. It was so much fun. It’s clean and beautiful. The wildlife was unique and looked like they are well taken care of. All of the staff were kind, and the experience was pleasant. It was worth the time with the girls!" — Google Reviews

What to Expect When Visiting the National Aquarium

You can purchase a ticket for the National Aquarium either online or in-person during open hours (between 9 AM and 5 PM). Prices range from $39.95 for students and seniors and $49.95 for adults — children under four enter free.

You can also select add-ons like immersion films, tours, and experiences, which start at $5 per guest per film and climb up to $95 per guest for dolphin training sessions. There are plenty of accommodations for guests with special needs, including mobility, sensory, and auditory services.

5. Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, CA)

The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the most sustainable marine life museums in America. It was one of the first US aquariums to receive a Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) and has received 46 Telly Awards for outstanding work in videography.

Come see the world's most unique Pacific Ocean habitats:

Tropical Pacific: Uncover 16 exhibits and 350,000 gallons of saltwater containing turtles, sharks, pufferfish, and more.
Interactive Shark Lagoon: Touch rays and sharks in an outdoor exhibit, then cool off at the water playground.
The Northern Pacific: Discover otters, octopus, sea jellies in their natural habitat.

What will you get from your visit to the aquarium? This guest offers some insight:

"10/10, definitely recommend! Great activity for family with or without kids. There is so much to see, amazing exhibitions. Great facilities. Just make a day out of it. The bathrooms are good. There is a nursing and changing room on the first floor bathrooms. The whole place is wheelchair accessible. The surrounding area is so picturesque and serene as well. You can picnic and just relax if you want." — Google Reviews

What to Expect When Visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific

You can visit the aquarium from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Thursdays through Sundays are open one hour later (from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM).

Weekends and holidays require reservations, which you can book online. Prices range from $29.95 for children to $44.95 for adults, with a $3 discount for seniors (ages 62+).

There are a few add-on experiences you may wish to consider:

Live animal encounters with penguins, sharks, and sea lions
Winter and summer whale watching in the surrounding harbor
A combo ticket to the aquarium and the local zoo

Parking is $8 per day regardless of when you visit — and there is no pre-pay option, since the garage can fill up fast. You may want to consider airport parking instead with a reputable provider such as The Parking Spot.

In addition to its standard accessibility accommodations, the Aquarium of the Pacific also celebrates The Festival of Human Abilities in January. People of all abilities are welcome to visit and watch a SCUBA diver with paraplegia share their powerful story.

How to Make the Most of Your Aquarium Visit

Planning a trip to one of the best aquariums in America can be overwhelming at best. You want to make sure you're maximizing your fun.

Here are some ways to make your visit even more memorable:

Plan your visit at the optimal time. First, check the aquarium's off-season dates and hunt for any promotions. Then, take a look at your travel itinerary and see if you can score cheaper airline tickets. You'll have more fun with even less stress, especially if you're flying with kids.
Try to drop by during special events. Some aquariums celebrate common holidays such as Halloween and New Years, while others put on special events such as book clubs, cocktail parties, and weekly themes. If the aquarium in question doesn't offer an event calendar, try giving them a call to see what's on the horizon.
Look out for interactive experiences. Most aquariums follow a feeding schedule for larger tanks or animals. You may also spot a 'mermaid' or two who can give more information about each exhibit and its species.
Ask about options for animal encounters. It's one thing to see animals in the aquarium, and another to be with them yourself! The best aquariums offer in-person encounters where you can swim alongside penguins, dolphins, and tropical fish.
Get involved with behind-the-scenes tours. Don't feel like swimming with the fishes? You can go on a behind-the-scenes tour to see how the magic happens.

The Mysteries of the Ocean - Behind a Single Pane of Glass

Aquariums are so much more than just entertainment: they are vital educational opportunities for marine conservation. So as you explore your options for visiting one of these destinations, don't forget to show some love to your local or regional aquarium.

Ready to plan your visit to one of these attractions? Please don't neglect to find a place to park if you are flying to your aquarium trip. That's why thousands of ecotourism travelers rely on The Parking Spot to store their vehicles at the airport. With more than 70 locations serving 45+ airports, we make it easy to do more of what you love — while stressing, sweating, and spending less.