Adventure Aquarium is in Camden, New Jersey, on the Delaware River waterfront

Adventure Aquarium sits at 1 Riverside Drive in Camden, New Jersey, directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. The building is on the Camden waterfront, part of the larger waterfront development area that includes the USS New Jersey battleship and the Tweeter Center (now called Freedom Mortgage Pavilion). If you are coming from Philadelphia, you can see the aquarium from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

The facility opened in 1992 as the New Jersey State Aquarium and was renamed Adventure Aquarium in 2014. It is one of the largest aquariums on the East Coast and houses over 10,000 animals, including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and freshwater fish. The building itself is hard to miss—it has a distinctive curved glass and steel design that faces the river.

Key Takeaways

  • Adventure Aquarium is located at 1 Riverside Drive in Camden, New Jersey, on the Delaware River waterfront.
  • The aquarium is directly across the river from Philadelphia and visible from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
  • Parking is available on-site in a dedicated lot, though it fills during peak times on weekends and holidays.
  • Public transit from Philadelphia is available via PATCO light rail, which stops at the Camden waterfront station a short walk away.
  • The aquarium is open year-round, though hours vary by season and day of the week.

Driving directions and parking

If you are driving from Philadelphia, take the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (I-676) into New Jersey and follow signs for the Camden waterfront. Once you cross the bridge, stay in the right lanes and follow the waterfront signs. Riverside Drive runs along the water, and the aquarium entrance is clearly marked. The drive from central Philadelphia takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic.

Adventure Aquarium has its own parking lot adjacent to the building. Parking costs vary—as of 2024, standard parking runs about $10 to $15 per vehicle, though prices may change seasonally. The lot fills quickly on weekends, school holidays, and summer days, so arriving early in the morning or on a weekday gives you a better chance of finding a spot close to the entrance. If the main lot is full, overflow parking is sometimes available in nearby lots.

Public transit from Philadelphia

The easiest public transit route from Philadelphia is the PATCO Speedline (Port Authority Transit Corridor), a light rail system that connects Philadelphia to Camden. Take any PATCO train heading toward Lindenwold and get off at the Broadway Station in Camden. From there, it is a 5 to 10 minute walk to the aquarium—head toward the river and follow the waterfront signs.

PATCO runs frequently during the day and early evening, with trains arriving every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours. The fare is under $3 one way from central Philadelphia. This route avoids parking hassles and is popular with visitors who do not want to drive. Check the PATCO website or app for current schedules, as weekend and holiday service may differ from weekday service.

Getting there by car from other directions

From the north (New York or points beyond), take the New Jersey Turnpike south and exit toward Camden. Follow local signs to the waterfront district. From the south (Atlantic City or Cape May), take the Atlantic City Expressway north or US Route 30 north toward Camden, then follow waterfront signs.

From the west (central New Jersey), take I-676 east toward Philadelphia, but exit before crossing the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and follow signs for the Camden waterfront. GPS and mapping apps work well for this location—enter "1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ" or "Adventure Aquarium" directly into your phone's navigation.

Hours and seasonal variations

Adventure Aquarium is open year-round, but hours change by season. During summer months (roughly June through August), the aquarium typically opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. or later. During fall and winter, hours are usually 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Spring hours fall somewhere in between. Hours also vary by day of the week, with longer hours on weekends and school holidays.

Before you visit, check the aquarium's official website or call ahead to confirm hours for the specific day you plan to go. This is especially important during holidays, school breaks, and special events, when hours may be extended or the facility may have limited access to certain areas.

What to know before you visit

The aquarium is fully indoors and air-conditioned, making it a good option for hot summer days or rainy weather. The building is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges, with elevators and ramps throughout. Stroller rental is available if you are visiting with young children.

Food and beverages are available inside the aquarium at a café, though prices are higher than outside restaurants. You are not allowed to bring your own food into the main exhibit areas, though some outdoor seating areas may permit outside meals. Water fountains are available throughout the building. The gift shop near the exit sells aquarium merchandise and souvenirs.

Nearby attractions and dining

The Camden waterfront has grown significantly in recent years and now includes several attractions within walking distance of the aquarium. The USS New Jersey, a retired Navy battleship, is docked nearby and offers tours. The Tweeter Center (Freedom Mortgage Pavilion) hosts concerts and events during the warmer months. Several restaurants and cafés line the waterfront, ranging from casual to upscale, and most are within a 5 to 15 minute walk.

If you are spending the day in Camden, you can easily combine the aquarium with a visit to one or more of these attractions. The waterfront is also pleasant for walking, with views of Philadelphia across the river and benches for resting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food into Adventure Aquarium?

Outside food is not permitted in the main exhibit areas, but the aquarium has a café inside. Some outdoor seating areas may allow outside meals—ask staff when you arrive. Prices at the café are typical for aquarium venues, so bringing snacks or eating before you arrive can save money.

Is Adventure Aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the entire facility is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout. Wheelchair rental is available at the entrance if you need one. Call ahead if you have specific accessibility questions.

How long does it take to see everything at Adventure Aquarium?

Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours at the aquarium, depending on how much time they spend at each exhibit and whether they watch any live shows or presentations. You can move through more quickly if you focus on specific areas, or take longer if you read all the information and watch all the shows.

Is there a discount if I visit on a certain day?

Discounts and special pricing vary by season and day. Check the aquarium's website for current pricing, group rates, and any promotional offers. Some days may have lower admission prices or special events.

Can I take photos inside Adventure Aquarium?

Personal photography is generally permitted for non-commercial use. Flash photography may be restricted in certain exhibits to avoid stressing the animals. Ask staff if you are unsure about a specific area.