This holiday season, embark on an aquatic adventure to explore some of America’s most beautiful aquariums. Based on a study by Aquarium Store Depot, which analyzed TripAdvisor reviews, these ten aquariums are not to be missed for their stunning displays and diverse marine life.
- Belle Isle Aquarium, Detroit, Michigan: Topping the list with 30.7% of its reviews highlighting its beauty, this historic aquarium, established in 1904, showcases over 200 saltwater and freshwater species.
- Butterfly House & Aquarium, Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Unique for being the only public saltwater aquarium in the Dakotas, it’s home to a variety of fish species, including the colorful princess parrotfish.
- Birch Aquarium, La Jolla, California: With 25.8% of reviews praising its beauty, this aquarium, part of the University of California, San Diego, is famous for its two-story kelp forest.
- Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, Washington: Known for its “jelly globe” and diverse marine life, including hammerhead sharks and giant octopuses, this aquarium is a wonderland of marine biodiversity.
- Seacoast Science Center, Rye, New Hampshire: This aquarium is noted for its tropical reef habitats and a 32-foot whale skeleton, offering an immersive experience of marine life.
- VIA Aquarium, Schenectady, New York: With 45 exhibits and unique experiences like stingray feeding, this aquarium offers a deep dive into the underwater world.
- Sea Life Park Hawaii, Oahu, Hawaii: This Hawaiian gem combines an aquarium, marine mammal park, and bird sanctuary, offering interactions with dolphins and insights into native Hawaiian sharks.
- Mississippi Aquarium, Mississippi: A newcomer to the scene, this aquarium is already renowned for its beauty and interactive experiences with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays.
- Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Branson, Missouri: This aquarium stands out with its underwater tunnels and interactive jelly infinity room, offering a unique exploration of marine life.
- Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster, Massachusetts: Known for its focus on horseshoe crabs and conservation efforts, this aquarium is a blend of education and beauty.
These aquariums are not only a testament to the beauty of marine life but also play a crucial role in conservation and education. They offer a window into the vast and vibrant underwater world, making them ideal destinations for a holiday visit.