Aquariums across the United States have become more than just places to see fish. Many are designed as sprawling destinations filled with interactive exhibits, immersive tunnels, and educational programs that can easily take an entire day to experience. These massive aquariums provide encounters with sea life ranging from tiny tropical fish to massive whale sharks. Families, tourists, and marine enthusiasts find them not just entertaining but also deeply informative. With their vast layouts and numerous exhibits, these aquariums stand among the largest and most captivating in the country.
1. Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, Georgia
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the world’s largest aquariums, housing more than 11 million gallons of water and thousands of animals, including whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales. Opened in 2005, it quickly became a landmark attraction due to its Ocean Voyager exhibit, which alone contains 6.3 million gallons of water. According to National Geographic, this aquarium is so vast that visitors often dedicate a full day to seeing its galleries and attending interactive programs. Its focus on research and rescue efforts further makes it an educational experience.
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey, California
The Monterey Bay Aquarium on California’s coast is celebrated for its stunning displays of marine life native to the Pacific. Its 200-foot-long kelp forest exhibit remains one of the tallest in the world, offering visitors a unique underwater view. Smithsonian Magazine highlights how this aquarium emphasizes conservation and ocean sustainability, creating a balance between entertainment and education. Spread across multiple galleries, it features sea otters, jellyfish, and interactive learning spaces. Its prime location on Cannery Row also connects visitors to the broader marine environment, making it an attraction that can easily fill an entire day.
3. Shedd Aquarium – Chicago, Illinois
Opened in 1930, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is one of the oldest and most renowned in the United States. With more than 32,000 animals across a variety of ecosystems, including the Amazon River, Caribbean reefs, and the Pacific Northwest, it offers a global aquatic journey under one roof. The Oceanarium section is particularly popular, featuring beluga whales, dolphins, and sea lions in a massive environment. Travel + Leisure notes that the extensive exhibits and immersive shows allow families to spend hours exploring without running out of experiences, cementing Shedd’s status as a full-day destination.
4. National Aquarium – Baltimore, Maryland
The National Aquarium in Baltimore, located in the city’s Inner Harbor, draws millions of visitors annually. It features over 20,000 animals, and one of its most famous exhibits, the “Blacktip Reef,” showcases a living coral reef ecosystem. USA Today highlights its five levels of habitats that include tropical rainforests, shark alleys, and open ocean displays. The aquarium also places a strong emphasis on conservation, education, and sustainability. With interactive tours, live animal encounters, and an IMAX theater, visitors are encouraged to plan an entire day here to take in the full experience.
5. Audubon Aquarium – New Orleans, Louisiana
The Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans sits along the Mississippi River and houses more than 3,600 animals across 250 species. Its Caribbean reef tunnel and Gulf of Mexico exhibit highlight the region’s aquatic diversity. According to Lonely Planet, the aquarium is part of the larger Audubon Nature Institute, which also includes a zoo and insectarium, making it easy to extend a visit into a full-day adventure. Exhibits like stingray touch pools and a focus on endangered species highlight both entertainment and education, offering plenty for families and travelers to explore at length.
6. New England Aquarium – Boston, Massachusetts
The New England Aquarium in Boston has been a cultural landmark since opening in 1969. Its signature Giant Ocean Tank holds 200,000 gallons of water and serves as a four-story coral reef habitat filled with turtles, sharks, and tropical fish. National Geographic Traveler points out how this aquarium blends science education with interactive fun, featuring a penguin colony, 3D theater, and touch tanks. Located on Boston’s waterfront, it also offers whale-watching tours. With such a wide range of experiences, visitors often spend a full day enjoying both the aquarium and its outdoor programs.
7. Tennessee Aquarium – Chattanooga, Tennessee
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga offers two expansive buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey. This split allows visitors to explore freshwater habitats alongside ocean environments, creating one of the most diverse collections in the country. Featuring over 10,000 animals, including river otters, penguins, and giant freshwater fish, it provides hours of exploration. The aquarium also operates a river cruise experience on the Tennessee River, extending visits even further. According to the Travel Channel, its emphasis on interactive learning and regional ecology makes it a family-friendly destination where visitors can easily spend a full day.
8. Oregon Coast Aquarium – Newport, Oregon
Situated on the Pacific coast, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is widely recognized for its focus on native marine life and its past role as home to Keiko, the orca from Free Willy. Spread across 23 acres, the aquarium combines indoor exhibits with outdoor marine habitats, offering an immersive experience. According to Oregon Live, highlights include the Passages of the Deep tunnel, where visitors walk through underwater pathways surrounded by sharks and rays. With interactive exhibits, conservation programs, and coastal trails, guests often dedicate a full day to enjoy all it offers.
9. Texas State Aquarium – Corpus Christi, Texas
The Texas State Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Texas, focusing on species native to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Featuring dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays, it emphasizes rehabilitation and conservation, particularly for injured marine life. USA Today notes that its Dolphin Bay and Caribbean Journey exhibits are major draws, designed to entertain visitors for hours. Its wildlife rescue center offers behind-the-scenes tours, providing an educational layer to the adventure. The aquarium’s extensive layout and varied programs make it a place where families can easily spend an entire day exploring.
10. Seattle Aquarium – Seattle, Washington
Located on Pier 59 along the waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium features over 380 species, including the Pacific octopus, puffins, and sea otters. Its exhibits highlight the marine life of the Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest. According to the Seattle Times, the Underwater Dome exhibit allows visitors to stand beneath a 360-degree view of fish swimming around them, creating an immersive experience. With daily talks, feeding demonstrations, and marine science education programs, the aquarium appeals to both children and adults. Combined with its prime waterfront location, it easily fills an entire day with exploration and learning.
