Condé Nast TravelerJul 13, 2026
The Best Aquariums in the US
Marine life encounters, giant whale sharks, and conservation programs are all on the table at the best aquariums in the US.
13 things in this story
- Adventure AquariumAquariumThe Adventure Aquarium, formerly the Thomas H.
- Elsewhere
- Georgia AquariumAquariumAtlanta, United StatesAward-winning program with puppyish sea lions.
- Tennessee AquariumMuseumChicago, United StatesIt opened in 1992 on the banks of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, with a major expansion added in 2005.
- Seattle AquariumMuseumChicago, United StatesThe aquarium opened in 1977 and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
- Monterey Bay AquariumMuseumChicago, United StatesKnown for its regional focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay, it was the first to exhibit a living kelp forest…
- Shedd AquariumAquariumChicago, United StatesChicago's aquarium.
- OdySea AquariumAquariumScottsdale, United StatesOnly rotating aquarium in the world, features OdySea Voyager.
- Birch AquariumAquariumSan Diego, United StatesIt serves as the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San…
- Alaska SeaLife CenterAquariumSeward, United StatesIt is located on the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward.
- National AquariumAquariumBaltimore, United StatesExplore award-winning exhibits and meet all the animals at the National Aquarium, located on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
- Oregon Coast AquariumMuseumChicago, United States
- Aquarium of HawaiiMuseumChicago, United States
- Audubon Aquarium of the AmericasAquariumNew Orleans, United States