The best aquariums in North America allow visitors to see gorgeous animals interacting with one another in their natural settings. The United States is home to some of the world's biggest aquariums. We have compiled a list of some of the most exciting aquariums in North America to see marine life up close and personal.
8 Unique Aquariums in North America To Encounter Marine Life
Aquariums let you see and learn about aquatic life from all over the world. Some aquariums also care for creatures harmed by oil spills or participate in other types of wildlife conservation projects. Check out these eight unique aquariums that everyone in your family will enjoy exploring.
Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco Boasts Hands-On Experiences
Head over to Pier 39 in San Francisco, California, and visit the Aquarium of the Bay. Explore clear tunnels where you can walk through the middle of over 20,000 different species of animals from the area. At the "Touch the Bay" exhibit, you and your family can get up close and personal with the fish and the sharks. There are sharks, rays, sea stars, and anemones that you can feel. At the hands-on Bay Lab, visitors can encounter a wide variety of land-dwelling species like chinchillas and frogs.
Georgia Aquarium Has a Wide Variety of Marine Animals
You can find the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It's one of the largest aquariums in the world. The Georgia Aquarium offers breathtaking views of a wide range of animals. It's possible to see whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, sea otters, and even jellyfish. The Georgia Aquarium has seven different galleries, each with unique and eccentric animals. Don't forget to check out the rare white alligators when you visit.
Shedd Aquarium Is a Chicago Icon With Interesting Architecture
The Shedd Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the most popular places to visit in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. In 1930, when construction workers built Shedd Aquarium, they designed it with marble and terracotta architecture that was truly ahead of its time. Located on the glistening shores of Lake Michigan, the aquarium features marine fossils in the limestone flooring. You'll be able to interact with animals such as stingrays, penguins, and turtles as you make your way around the displays. You'll even have the opportunity to interact with a sturgeon, one of the Great Lakes' most ancient bottom-dwelling fish species.
New England Aquarium Is Perfect For Families With Children
The New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts, is a worldwide leader in marine life animal conservation. You can see sea lions, sea turtles, lionfish, penguins, and more. This aquarium is a fantastic place to take the whole family. Children can view colorful fish, and there are interactive features for them to enjoy and learn about marine life. Kids can spend hours exploring a four-story tank and learning about the thousands of animals within it.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada Has Longest Underwater Viewing Tunnel
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada's "Dangerous Lagoon" exhibit features the longest moving sidewalk in North America, which you can ride and get face-to-face with sharks and sea turtles. If you are really feeling adventurous, you can swim with sharks during the "Discovery Dive." This aquarium also offers the longest underwater viewing tunnel in North America. In addition, you can watch a wide range of freshwater animals in the underwater galleries.
Downtown Aquarium of Denver Offers More Than Just Marine Life
The Downtown Aquarium in Denver, Colorado, is the place to go if you and your family are looking for an enjoyable place to eat a nice meal while simultaneously taking in the breathtaking sights of exotic life. If you want, you can visit some fun aquatic exhibits, like the Shipwreck exhibit and the Sunken Temple exhibit. Then, take the kids to see a movie in 4D, and they'll feel like they're part of the action for the entire 15 minutes.
Downtown Aquarium of Houston Features Sweet Rides
The Downtown Aquarium of Houston, Texas, offers impressive aquatic life, amusement rides, and games for everyone in the family. For one, they have a shark train that goes through the middle of a 200,000-gallon tank filled with sharks. For the more adventurous in your group, there is a "Lighthouse Dive," which drops 65 feet as you view the downtown horizon. In addition, the Downtown Aquarium of Houston has a wild tiger exhibit and a rainforest exhibit with colorful boas and beautiful birds.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay Is Massive and Expanding
The Florida Aquarium, which you can find in Tampa, Florida is yet another one of the best aquariums in North America. The Florida Aquarium just announced that it will be investing $40 million in a new expansion that is expected to be completed and open to the public by 2025.
At The Florida Aquarium, the "Wetlands of Florida" exhibit showcases a variety of animals, such as the American alligator, otters, and more. The "Coral Reef" is the largest display at the aquarium and is home to a variety of marine life, including sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.
Visit the Best Aquariums in North America for Less
Are you thinking of going to one of these beautiful aquariums in the United States? If so, it's highly recommended that you check out CityPASS® tickets in order to save money on admission.
Header image © Michael Hope 2014, Courtesy of Ripley's Aquarium of Canada