5 Largest Aquariums in the US

Have you ever been to an aquarium? If not, you're missing out! Aquariums are a great way to learn about marine life and see some amazing creatures up close. Plus, they're just really fun! If you're looking for an aquarium to visit, check out this list of five of the largest in the US. There are plenty to choose from, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. Happy exploring!

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States. It is located in Atlanta and houses over 60 different animal exhibits. The aquarium has over 11 million gallons and is home to the world’s largest collection of beluga whales and sharks.

The Georgia Aquarium was founded in 2005 by Bernard Marcus. He is a businessman who co-founded The Home Depot. He donated $250 million dollars towards the construction of the facility. The aquarium opened its doors to the public on November 23, 2005.

Since its opening, the Georgia Aquarium has been one of the most popular tourist attractions in Atlanta. Over 2.5 million people visit the aquarium each year. The facility is also a popular spot for educational field trips.

The Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to education, research, and conservation. The staff at the aquarium works hard to provide visitors with an enjoyable and informative experience. They also work with researchers from all over the world to help protect endangered species of animals.

If you’re ever in Atlanta, be sure to check out the Georgia Aquarium. It’s a great place to learn about different types of animals and their habitats. You might even get to see a whale shark up close!

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

The Seas with Nemo and Friends, inaugurated in 2007 at a construction cost of $100 million, is America's second-largest aquarium, and it's no wonder why!

Situated within a sprawling complex in Orlando, Florida, this aquarium is a marvel of marine conservation, spanning an impressive 5.7 million gallons of aquatic habitats

This facility is home to an array of marine species, encompassing over 200 distinct types of fish, coral, sharks, rays, sea turtles, and mammals. Notably, it houses a diverse collection of tropical fish and one of the most extensive artificial coral reefs, which is a significant draw. The aquarium's shark tank is a particular highlight, featuring several species such as nurse sharks and blacktip reef sharks, and is designed to provide a 360-degree view of these magnificent creatures in a naturalistic setting.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends also focuses heavily on educational initiatives, hosting over 1 million visitors annually for a variety of educational programs. These programs are designed to foster an understanding of marine ecosystems and the importance of their preservation.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium, located in Chicago, Illinois, first opened its doors to the public on May 30, 1930, with construction costs totaling $3 million—a substantial investment at the time. Today, Shedd Aquarium has over 5 million gallons of water and hosts an impressive range of marine life, drawing approximately 2 million visitors each year.

Home to over 1,500 different species, the Shedd Aquarium provides a varied look into different aquatic ecosystems. The exhibits include an array of both freshwater and saltwater environments, featuring species from local Great Lakes habitats to remote regions of the Amazon. Visitors can marvel at the vibrant marine biodiversity, which includes colorful fish, predatory sharks, graceful stingrays, and rare sea turtles.

One of the standout attractions is the Oceanarium, which houses beloved marine mammals such as dolphins, belugas, and sea otters in an expansive and interactive setting designed to mimic their natural environments.

For those interested in the wonders of aquatic life, the Shedd Aquarium offers a rich and engaging experience, making it a must-visit destination for education, research, and entertainment.

National Aquarium, Baltimore

Spanning an impressive 2.2 million gallons of aquatic environments, the National Aquarium houses over 750 species in more than 100 exhibits. These exhibits showcase a vast array of marine life, including sharks, dolphins, rays, tropical fish, and a forest of Australian rainforest species. One of the highlights is the Living Seashore exhibit, which features touch pools where visitors can interact directly with sea creatures like starfish and horseshoe crabs.

Additionally, the aquarium is renowned for its massive Atlantic Coral Reef exhibit and an open ocean shark tank, providing dynamic habitats that mimic natural ocean conditions. The facility is not just a hub for public education and entertainment; it also plays a significant role in wildlife conservation. It conducts research and participates in rescue efforts to rehabilitate and release marine animals back into the wild.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore opened its doors on August 8, 1981, with an initial construction cost of $53 million. This iconic facility is a pivotal fixture on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and has consistently attracted visitors from around the world, with annual visitation numbers often exceeding 1.5 million.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium, a premier site of marine education and conservation, opened its doors on October 20, 1984, at a cost of $55 million. This facility is situated on the picturesque coast of California, overlooking the vast Pacific. With over 2 million gallons of water and more than 600 species of marine life, it is among America's most significant aquariums, drawing nearly 2 million visitors each year.

Distinguished by its focus on the native marine life of Monterey Bay, the aquarium is home to a variety of habitats. These include kelp forests, which are teeming with sea otters, leopard sharks, and countless species of fish. Another highlight is the Open Sea exhibit that features one of the most massive single-paned windows in the world, offering views of tuna, sea turtles, and a seasonal gathering of sea jelly species, demonstrating the diversity of open ocean ecosystems.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is also famed for its innovative jellyfish exhibit and a tentacled gallery featuring various species of octopus and cuttlefish. Committed to conservation, the aquarium conducts significant research on ocean health and sustainable seafood practices, influencing global marine policies.

In Summary

Whether you’re a marine biologist or just looking for a fun day out, aquariums are definitely worth checking out. If you have any tips to share on visiting these aquatic wonders, let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our list of the five largest aquariums in the United States - there’s one near you waiting to be explored.