10 Top-Rated Aquariums in the USA
Searching for a splash-tacular outing with your loved ones? Delight them with an adventure into the wonders of the deep blue sea at one of the best aquariums in the United States.
From South Dakota to Massachusetts, Aquarium Store Depot determined the ten most beautiful aquariums to add to your next trip itinerary. Aquatic lovers, rejoice!
Making a Splash
Aquarium Store Depot analyzed Tripadvisor reviews for 175 public aquariums across America to determine the most eye-catching options. They ranked each aquarium based on the percentage of reviews containing keywords relating to beauty, like ‘breathtaking’ and ‘picturesque.’
1: Belle Isle Aquarium
Detroit, Michigan, is home to the most beautiful aquarium in America. According to Aquarium Store Depot’s study, 30.7% of its reviews contain keywords describing how stunning it is. First opened in 1904, the historic aquarium hosts more than 200 different saltwater and freshwater species.
2: Butterfly House & Aquarium
Second on the list is Butterfly House & Aquarium in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As the only public saltwater aquarium in the Dakotas, the alluring aquarium hosts hundreds of fish species from all over the world. You can even catch a glimpse at species like yellow stingrays, horseshoe hawkfish, and princess parrotfish.
3: Birch Aquarium
You’ll find the third most beautiful aquarium in America in La Jolla, California. Birch Aquarium, first established in 1903, went through a series of relocations before landing at its current home at the University of California, San Diego. An impressive 25.8% of its reviews featured beauty keywords, and you can bet some of them talk about the aquarium’s two-story tall kelp forest.
4: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Looking to make your days merry and bright with hammerhead sharks and giant octopuses? Reviewers raved about Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. The dazzling aquarium is home to one of only two “jelly globes” in the country, where you can view jellyfish in a totally unique way.
5: Seacoast Science Center
Showcasing species from the Gulf of Maine and beyond, you’ll find gorgeous tropical reef habitats, interactive sea touch tanks, and more at the Seacoast Science Center. Located in Rye, New Hampshire, the aquarium got glowing reviews for its beauty. Its whale exhibit even features a 32-foot whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.
6: VIA Aquarium
Head to Schenectady, New York, for a holly jolly time under the sea. VIA Aquarium’s 45 exhibits of marine and reptile life garnered excellent reviews. Plus, it offers exciting experiences like stingray feeding, behind-the-scenes tours, and the chance to be a junior aquarist for a day.
7: Sea Life Park Hawaii
Located on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, say “aloha” to the seventh most beautiful aquarium in America: Sea Life Park Hawaii. It features a classic aquarium, and visitors can also explore a marine mammal park and bird sanctuary. You can also learn about native Hawaiian sharks and interact with dolphins.
8: Mississippi Aquarium
Opened in 2020, the Mississippi Aquarium is a newcomer already making waves for its beauty. Hosting more than 200 aquatic species, the picturesque aquarium allows you to interact with bottlenose dolphins and see sharks and stingrays.
9: Aquarium at the Boardwalk
Aquarium at the Boardwalk in Branson, Missouri, made it in the top ten most beautiful aquariums to visit. Known to some as Branson Aquarium, the marvelous aquarium has several unique ways to explore it, including underwater tunnels and an interactive jelly infinity room.
10: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster, Massachusetts, rounded out the list of the best aquariums to visit. With 19.8% of its reviews featuring beauty keywords, visitors clearly love the variety of aquatic species on display. Get ready to learn new things, especially about horseshoe crabs, a focus of the museum’s conservation efforts.
Big Blue World
“The waters of our planet are home to all kinds of weird, wonderful, and beautiful life,” said Mark Valderrama, Owner of Aquarium Store Depot. He explained that aquariums are special as they allow us to experience the wonders of aquatic life worldwide.
Saving the Oceans
Not only are aquariums fun places to visit, but they also host teams of environmental heroes on their staff who work hard to conserve and restore our world’s aquatic species. You’ll learn something from them about each aquarium’s vital conservation and restoration efforts.
Aging With Grace
Valderrama said Belle Isle Aquarium is one of America’s oldest and one of the most beautiful to experience. “This stands to reason, given that the historic building hosts a range of aquatic life from all over the world, giving visitors the chance to not only admire the exhibits but also to learn about both local Great Lakes species and those from further afield.”
Runners Up
Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center in Riverhead, New York, nearly made the most beautiful list, with 18.4% of reviews mentioning its good-looking appeal. The reviews for Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, had over 500 beauty keywords sprinkled in, earning it the 12th spot on the list.
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