Miami has two major aquariums open to the public

Yes. Miami is home to the Miami Seaquarium, located on Virginia Key in Biscayne Bay, and the Frost Science Museum, which includes a large aquarium as part of its facility in downtown Miami near the waterfront. Both are operating year-round and charge admission.

The Miami Seaquarium is the older and larger of the two, focused primarily on marine life and animal shows. The Frost Science Museum's aquarium is newer and part of a broader science museum that also includes a planetarium and interactive exhibits. Your choice depends on what you want to see and how much time you plan to spend.

Key Takeaways

  • Miami Seaquarium is on Virginia Key and features dolphins, sea lions, tropical fish, and live animal demonstrations throughout the day.
  • Frost Science Museum's aquarium in downtown Miami holds over 500 species and is part of a larger museum with a planetarium and science exhibits.
  • Both facilities are open daily, though hours vary by season, so check their websites before you visit.
  • Admission prices differ between the two; Frost Science Museum typically costs more but includes access to multiple exhibits beyond the aquarium.
  • Parking is available at both locations, though downtown parking near Frost Science Museum can be limited on busy days.

Miami Seaquarium: location, hours, and what to see

Miami Seaquarium sits at 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway on Virginia Key, about 15 minutes south of downtown Miami. The facility is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours may shift during off-season months—check their website before you go. Parking is included with admission and is ample.

The aquarium holds dolphins, sea lions, manatees, tropical fish, and sea turtles. The main draw for many visitors is the live animal shows, which run several times daily and feature dolphins and sea lions performing trained behaviors. You can also walk through indoor and outdoor tank areas at your own pace. The facility spans about 38 acres, so plan for 4 to 6 hours if you want to see everything.

Admission is typically in the $30 to $40 range for adults, though prices vary by season and online discounts are sometimes available. Children and seniors usually pay less. Parking is free with admission.

Frost Science Museum: downtown location and broader exhibits

Frost Science Museum is located at 1101 Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami, directly on the waterfront. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may extend during summer months. Paid parking is available in an adjacent garage, or you can use street parking if you find a spot.

The aquarium is one part of a larger museum. It holds over 500 species of fish, corals, and marine animals in tanks designed to show different ocean environments—reefs, mangroves, and open water. The museum also includes a planetarium and interactive science exhibits on other floors, so admission covers access to all three. Most visitors spend 4 to 5 hours here.

Admission is typically $30 to $35 for the aquarium alone, or $40 to $50 if you add the planetarium show. Children and seniors pay less. Online tickets are usually cheaper than tickets bought at the door.

How to choose between the two aquariums

If you want to see live animal performances and spend most of your time watching dolphins and sea lions, Miami Seaquarium is the better choice. The shows are the main event, and the facility is built around them. It is also slightly cheaper and has more parking.

If you prefer to walk through exhibits at your own pace and want to see a wider variety of marine species without performances, Frost Science Museum is better. It is also the choice if you want to combine your aquarium visit with a planetarium show or other science exhibits. The downtown location is closer to restaurants and shops if you plan to make a day of it.

Both are legitimate aquariums with real animals and educational value. Neither is a scam or a tourist trap, though both are commercial facilities that charge admission.

Getting there and parking

Miami Seaquarium is accessible by car via the Rickenbacker Causeway from downtown Miami. If you use public transit, the Metrorail does not go directly to Virginia Key, so you would need to take a bus or rideshare from a station. Parking at the facility is free and usually has space even on busy days.

Frost Science Museum is on Biscayne Boulevard, walkable from the Metromover downtown station (the Biscayne station is closest). If you drive, paid parking is in the museum garage or nearby lots. Street parking is free but limited and fills quickly on weekends.

Hours, admission prices, and what to bring

Both facilities are open year-round. Miami Seaquarium runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; Frost Science Museum runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours in summer. Hours can shift for holidays or special events, so check the website before you visit.

Bring sunscreen and a hat if you visit Miami Seaquarium, since much of it is outdoors. Both facilities have food vendors on-site, though prices are high—bringing your own snacks or lunch can save money. Cameras and phones are allowed at both locations. Neither facility allows outside food or alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food to either aquarium?

No. Both Miami Seaquarium and Frost Science Museum prohibit outside food and drinks. Both have cafes and food vendors on-site, though prices are higher than restaurants outside. If cost is a concern, eat before you arrive or after you leave.

Which aquarium is better for young children?

Miami Seaquarium is often easier for young children because the animal shows are engaging and the outdoor areas are spacious. Frost Science Museum requires more walking between exhibits and may feel crowded. Both have bathrooms and family facilities, so either works—it depends on your child's attention span and interest in live performances.

Do I need to buy tickets online or can I buy them at the door?

Both facilities sell tickets at the door, but online tickets are usually cheaper and let you skip the ticket line. Buying online in advance is recommended, especially on weekends or during school holidays when both facilities are busier.

How long does it take to see everything at each aquarium?

Miami Seaquarium takes 4 to 6 hours if you watch the shows and walk all the exhibits. Frost Science Museum takes 4 to 5 hours if you see the aquarium and one planetarium show. You can spend less time at either if you skip some exhibits or shows.

Is either aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Both facilities have wheelchair access to most areas. Miami Seaquarium has paved paths and elevators; Frost Science Museum has elevators and accessible restrooms. Call ahead if you have specific accessibility needs to confirm what is available.