5 Of The 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. There are dozens of great aquariums scattered across the country, but a handful stand out for their sheer size, whether you measure by gallons of water, number of animals, or square footage. If you're looking for a big one 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!
Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium, located in Corpus Christi on the Gulf of Mexico, is the largest aquarium in Texas and one of the largest in the United States. And it's no wonder why! The facility focuses on the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, and it is home to an impressive array of aquatic life, including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and more.
The aquarium really leveled up in 2017, when it opened its Caribbean Journey expansion and roughly doubled in size. That addition brought in a 400,000-gallon shark exhibit, a jungle aviary, and a 4D theater, so there's a lot of ground to cover. You can also swing by Dolphin Bay, a 400,000-gallon saltwater habitat that's home to a small group of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
Visitors can explore the different exhibits at their own pace or take part in one of the many educational programs offered, from behind-the-scenes tours to overnight stays. There's also plenty on-site for grabbing a bite between adventures. As a working wildlife rehabilitation facility, the aquarium also rescues and rehabilitates injured sea turtles and raptors, so a visit helps support that work. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned pro, the Texas State Aquarium is sure to make a splash!
Tennessee Aquarium
Located in downtown Chattanooga on the banks of the Tennessee River, the Tennessee Aquarium opened in 1992 and features exhibits of freshwater and marine life from around the world. Fun fact: when its original River Journey building opened, it was billed as the largest freshwater aquarium in the world.
As home to more than 12,000 animals representing nearly 800 species, the Tennessee Aquarium is a must-see for animal lovers of all ages. The Aquarium's two buildings, River Journey and Ocean Journey, showcase different aquatic habitats. River Journey traces the Tennessee River from its Appalachian headwaters down toward the Gulf of Mexico, while Ocean Journey, added in a 2005 expansion, dives into saltwater life. Keep an eye out for the Secret Reef, the aquarium's largest tank at around 618,000 gallons, where sand tiger sharks and sea turtles cruise past.
In addition to its animal exhibits, the Tennessee Aquarium also offers educational programs for school groups, families, and adults. The Aquarium's IMAX theater shows documentaries about marine life and environmental topics, and its conservation arm works to protect native fish, turtles, and other species across the Southeast.
Whether you're an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a fun day out, the Tennessee Aquarium is sure to please.
Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium, located in Tampa, is home to more than 7,000 aquatic plants and animals, including fish, reptiles, mammals, and birds. The Aquarium covers an area of 250,000 square feet and first opened its doors in 1995.
The Aquarium has a wide variety of exhibits, including a wetland area, free-flying birds, a lemur habitat, and a coral reef ecosystem set in half a million gallons of natural seawater. The Aquarium also offers educational programs and tours, and it runs an off-site Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center that helps rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured turtles. For the adventurous, there are even programs to snorkel or dive with the residents of the coral reef.
The Florida Aquarium is a great place to learn about the ocean and the creatures that live there. The Aquarium offers something for everyone, whether you're interested in the animals or the plants. If you're looking for a fun and educational way to spend a day, the Florida Aquarium is the perfect place for you.
Mystic Aquarium
The Mystic Aquarium, located in Mystic, Connecticut, is one of the largest aquariums in the United States and is home to over 10,000 animals.
The Mystic Aquarium traces its roots back to 1973, and today it's committed to educating visitors about the importance of marine life conservation. The aquarium offers a variety of exhibits and programs that let visitors learn about the different species that call it home, from sand tiger sharks and African penguins to rescued harbor seals. It's also a partner in ocean exploration, with ties to the deep-sea research of Titanic discoverer Robert Ballard, and it operates one of the region's busiest animal rescue programs.
One of the most popular exhibits at the Mystic Aquarium is the beluga whale habitat. At roughly 760,000 gallons, it is the largest outdoor beluga display in the country. That's a lot of water for these whales to swim around in!
In addition to the exhibits, the Mystic Aquarium also offers a variety of educational programs. The aquarium's education staff runs classes and workshops for school groups, families, and adults, and there are summer camp programs for kids. If you're looking for an exciting way to learn about marine life, be sure to check out the Mystic Aquarium.
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States. It is located in Atlanta and houses more than 60 different animal habitats. The aquarium holds over 11 million gallons of water, and its centerpiece Ocean Voyager exhibit, at 6.3 million gallons, is home to whale sharks, the largest fish in the world and the only ones on display in the US.
The Georgia Aquarium was founded by Bernard Marcus, a businessman who co-founded The Home Depot. He donated $250 million toward the construction of the facility, which opened its doors to the public on November 23, 2005. It was actually the largest aquarium in the world when it opened, holding that title until 2012, when it was surpassed by larger aquariums in Singapore and China. It remains the biggest in the US to this day.
Since its opening, the Georgia Aquarium has been one of the most popular tourist attractions in Atlanta, drawing millions of visitors 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, including the whale sharks and beluga whales the aquarium is famous for.
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!
In Summary
Whether you're a marine biologist or just looking for a fun day out, aquariums are definitely worth checking out. From the Gulf Coast wildlife of the Texas State Aquarium to the record-setting tanks of the Georgia Aquarium, each of these five giants offers its own window into the underwater world. 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 closer than you might think, just waiting to be explored.
