Where to find the top aquariums across the country

The best aquarium for you depends on what you want to see and where you live. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the largest volume of water in the Western Hemisphere and focuses on whale sharks and beluga whales. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California specializes in kelp forest exhibits and Pacific coast marine life. The National Aquarium in Baltimore emphasizes conservation and has the largest tropical rainforest exhibit of any US aquarium. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago sits on Lake Michigan and features dolphins, sea lions, and beluga whales. Each of these four draws over a million visitors yearly, but they differ sharply in what they display and how they're organized.

Smaller regional aquariums often outperform the largest ones for specific interests. The Monterey Bay Aquarium excels if you want to understand cold-water ecosystems. The Georgia Aquarium wins for sheer scale and whale shark viewing. The National Aquarium in Baltimore is strongest for interactive touch pools and behind-the-scenes tours. The Shedd is best if you want to combine an aquarium visit with urban sightseeing on Lake Michigan.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds more water than any other US aquarium and is known for its whale sharks and beluga whales.
  • The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California specializes in Pacific coast marine life and kelp forest exhibits that you cannot see elsewhere.
  • The National Aquarium in Baltimore has the largest tropical rainforest exhibit and offers more hands-on touch pools than most competitors.
  • The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago combines aquarium exhibits with a waterfront location and is easiest to reach if you live in the Midwest.
  • Admission prices range from $20 to $40 per adult depending on the facility and whether you buy tickets in advance or at the gate.

Georgia Aquarium: Largest by volume and best for whale sharks

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds 10 million gallons of water, more than any other aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. It opened in 2005 and is built around four whale sharks, which are the largest fish species on Earth. The main tank is 6.3 million gallons by itself. If you want to see whale sharks in the United States, this is the only place that has them.

The aquarium also houses beluga whales, manta rays, sea otters, and thousands of smaller fish species across multiple themed galleries. The Ocean Voyager exhibit (the main whale shark tank) is visible from multiple levels, so you can watch the sharks from above and below the waterline. Admission is around $30 to $40 depending on whether you buy online in advance. The facility is located downtown and is accessible by public transit from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Best for cold-water marine ecosystems

The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California sits on the Pacific coast and focuses entirely on marine life from the Monterey Bay region and the broader cold-water Pacific. Its signature exhibit is the kelp forest tank, a three-story living kelp forest where you watch sea urchins, sea otters, and rockfish move through the plants. The kelp is real and grows in the tank, making this one of the most complex exhibits in any US aquarium.

The aquarium also displays jellyfish, sea dragons, octopuses, and deep-sea creatures that live in the canyon just offshore. Because it emphasizes local marine life rather than exotic species, it teaches you about one specific ecosystem in depth rather than surveying many. Admission runs $35 to $50 depending on the season. The aquarium is in Monterey, California, about two hours south of San Francisco by car. Parking is limited and fills early, so plan to arrive before 10 a.m. or use the paid parking garage nearby.

National Aquarium in Baltimore: Best for interactive exhibits and conservation focus

The National Aquarium in Baltimore emphasizes hands-on learning and conservation work. Its tropical rainforest exhibit is the largest of its kind in any US aquarium, with a 64-foot-tall dome containing plants, birds, reptiles, and fish from rainforest streams. The aquarium also has a touch pool where you can hold horseshoe crabs and sea stars, and a dolphin tank where you can watch training sessions.

The facility is smaller than the Georgia Aquarium by total volume but is organized to move you through different ecosystems — from the Amazon to the Atlantic to the open ocean. Admission is $30 to $40. The aquarium is located on the Inner Harbor waterfront in downtown Baltimore, near restaurants and shops. If you visit, allow at least three hours to see the main exhibits without rushing.

Shedd Aquarium in Chicago: Best for urban location and dolphin shows

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago sits directly on Lake Michigan and is the easiest major aquarium to reach if you live in the Midwest or Great Lakes region. It houses beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions, and penguins, and is known for its live animal shows and training demonstrations. The facility is older than the Georgia Aquarium and Monterey Bay Aquarium but has been renovated multiple times.

The main draw is the dolphin and sea lion shows, which run multiple times daily. The aquarium also has a Caribbean reef tank and an Amazon river exhibit. Admission is $25 to $40 depending on whether you buy in advance. The location on the waterfront makes it straightforward to combine with a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry or a walk along the lakefront. Parking is expensive ($20 to $30 for the day), so consider using public transit if you're staying downtown.

Other strong regional aquariums worth considering

If you don't live near one of the four largest aquariums, several regional facilities are worth the trip. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, has over 12,000 animals and focuses on Pacific coast and tropical species. The Birch Aquarium in San Diego is smaller but sits on a cliff overlooking the Pacific and specializes in deep-sea creatures. The Florida Aquarium in Tampa emphasizes Florida's native ecosystems, including mangrove forests and coral reefs.

The Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco is located at Fisherman's Wharf and focuses on local San Francisco Bay marine life. The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga has both freshwater and saltwater exhibits and is one of the few aquariums with a strong focus on river and stream ecosystems. Each of these charges $20 to $35 for admission and offers something different from the major four.

How to choose based on what you want to see

If you want the largest facility and whale sharks, go to Georgia. If you want to understand one specific ecosystem in depth, go to Monterey Bay. If you want hands-on touch pools and interactive exhibits, go to Baltimore. If you want live animal shows and an straightforward Midwest location, go to Chicago. If you want to see freshwater ecosystems, go to Tennessee. If you want deep-sea creatures, go to San Diego.

Admission prices are similar across all major facilities ($25 to $40 per adult), so cost is not usually the deciding factor. Travel time and what animals or ecosystems interest you most should drive your choice. Many aquariums offer discounts if you buy tickets online in advance, usually saving $5 to $10 per ticket. Some also offer membership programs that pay for themselves after two visits if you plan to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which US aquarium is the biggest?

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest by water volume, holding 10 million gallons. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Shedd Aquarium are also very large but hold less water. Size alone does not determine how good an aquarium is — the Monterey Bay Aquarium is smaller but is often rated higher by visitors because its exhibits are more focused and educational.

Can you see whale sharks anywhere in the US besides Georgia?

No. The Georgia Aquarium is the only facility in the United States that houses whale sharks. If seeing whale sharks is your main goal, it is the only option. The sharks are fed daily, and the best viewing times are usually mid-morning and early afternoon.

Which aquarium is best for young children?

The National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago both have large touch pools and interactive exhibits designed for children. The Georgia Aquarium is also good for children because the whale shark tank is visible from multiple levels and is straightforward to understand. Avoid visiting any major aquarium on weekends or school holidays if you want a less crowded experience.

How long does it take to see everything at a major aquarium?

Most visitors spend two to four hours at a major aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium and Monterey Bay Aquarium take longer because they have more exhibits. If you attend a live show at the Shedd, add an extra hour. Plan for at least three hours if you want to read the information placards and not rush through.

Do any aquariums offer discounts for advance ticket purchases?

Yes. Most major aquariums offer 10 to 15 percent discounts if you buy tickets online before your visit. Some also offer discounts for military personnel, seniors, and children. Check each aquarium's website for current pricing and any special offers running during the time you plan to visit.