The underwater world is a fascinating place that still needs to be discovered. We don’t know very much about our oceans and the creatures living in them. And this only makes all of it even more incredible.
Aquariums are our way to transport ourselves into that world. The underwater landscapes are something that many times remains imprinted in our minds forever. Just try to remember the first time you went to an aquarium. You probably have a very vivid memory of it. The rays of the sun piercing through the blue of the water and the glass walls letting you take a peek into the world of dolphins and sharks.
Hopefully, here in the United States, you can find some of the most beautiful aquariums in the entire world. Get ready to dive into the softly lightened rooms and glance at the colorful fish while also discovering more about their natural habitat. This is a fully immersive experience that will greatly expand your world! Here are the most breathtaking aquariums in the U.S.!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Located on the stunning California coast, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is much more than just a place where you go to be amazed by the marine life. This is a hub focused on conservation, education, and awe-inspiring encounters with the most fascinating creatures we can observe on this planet.
Whether you want to watch the jellyfish rhythmically showing off their dance moves, get a smile put on your face by the mischievous sea otters, or simply admire the majestic African penguins, this is the perfect place for you.
Maybe the most visited attraction you can find at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the 28-foot-tall Kelp Forest. This mesmerizing underwater ecosystem is full of life, and you can closely look at it if you plan to visit this place. Also, don’t forget to visit the Into the Deep exhibit. This is North America’s largest collection of deep-sea creatures, and here you can see everything from bioluminescent wonders and eerie to transparent jellyfish.
This is a very popular aquarium, so if you plan to visit it, prepare ahead because it gets crowded really fast. If you are not able to go there in person, you can still experience its spectacular views through the aquarium’s live webcams.
New England Aquarium
You can find this one on the scenic waterfront of Boston; it is for sure one of the best aquariums in the US. If you are a marine life enthusiast, this is a must-visit location.
But this place is more than just somewhere people go to observe the sea creatures; this aquarium is deeply committed to ocean conservation and research through its Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life. Those working here lead a continuous fight to protect sea turtles, North Atlantic right whales, and other vulnerable marine species.
Here you can see many oceanic and marine habitats, from the Indo-Pacific coral reef with its colorful fish to the Atlantic harbor seal exhibit. But probably the biggest highlight is the four-story Giant Ocean Tank. This is a cylindrical glass exhibit filled with colorful marine life. Get ready to see everything from sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.
On the outdoor grounds of the aquarium, there are sea lion or seal training sessions, or if you want to try something different and unforgettable, you can book an art session with harbor seals. Also, there is the Boston Harbor whale-watching tour, where you can go to look at the whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is an unforgettable experience for anyone who wants to learn more about freshwater and ocean habitats and their creatures. This place can be found along the banks of the Tennessee River, and its two-building layout is one of the most original structures to ever host an aquarium.
One interesting thing that makes this place special compared to other aquariums is the fact that the exhibits are separated into two distinct categories: River Journey, where you can see freshwater wonders, and Ocean Journey, where the mysteries of the deep sea come to life.
River Journey will let you discover more about the alligator snapping turtle, the hellbender salamander, and massive river giants. These are all creatures that have always fascinated us, but when you have the chance to see them this close, you will definitely understand them so much better.
On the Ocean Journey, you will get inside the tropical world of the Boneless Beauties, as they call them, jellyfish and octopuses, all flaunting the unusual features that make us so fascinated by them.
Also, aquariums don’t usually have this, but here you can find a butterfly garden. Even more, you can get inside and let the butterflies sit on you to rest their wings.
Georgia Aquarium
Here is the place where you, as a visitor, can come face-to-face with some of the most fascinating ocean creatures! beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions, and penguins. You can find all of them at the Georgia Aquarium, and this makes it one of the best aquariums in the US.
One of the new features you can find here is Explorers Cove. This is a cool feature that allows you to touch rays and sturgeon, making use of two interactive pools. Also, it lets you create your digital fish and then frees them to roam freely into a virtual ocean.
The dolphin or sea lion enrichment sessions are a good choice if you want to learn more about these spectacular sea animals right from their trainers. If you want to get closer, the animal encounter experience is basically a behind-the-scenes dolphin training session or a sea otter meet-and-greet.
But probably the exhibit that will surely take your breath away and make this aquarium unique when compared to other aquariums is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, a 100-foot-long underwater tunnel that lets you peek into the life of over 50 marine species, including whales and sharks.
Shedd Aquarium
Found in Chicago, this is a world-class destination for those who feel inspired by the ocean and the life it harbors. This place is the home of numerous aquatic creatures, from jellyfish and seahorses to giant Pacific octopuses. This can be for sure an unforgettable experience if you decide to visit.
For an additional fee, you can get access to Shedd’s animal encounter experiences, where you can spend some time and interact with sharks, beluga whales, penguins, stingrays, and sea otters. Another highlight is the Abbott Oceanarium. This is where you can observe belugas, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and sea lions in a unique way from both underwater and above water.
Then there is also something special for kids, the Polar Play Zone. This allows them to explore the North and South Pole habitats by climbing aboard a kid-sized submarine and watching the sea life form up close.
What do you think about these aquariums? Which one would you like to visit the most? Tell us more in the comments!
Next time you visit an aquarium, make sure you take this with you: Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 One-Time-Use Camera
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