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Best Aquarium

By Readers' Choice On 3/14/24 at 12:00 PM EDT

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A window to the world underneath the water's surface, aquariums provide an avenue of exploration that many visitors could not find elsewhere. They also play a crucial role in ocean and wetland conservation, working to preserve marine environments and the fascinating animals that live there. From tropical ocean exhibits to freshwater river displays, the aquariums listed here represent a diverse array of aquatic environments and engaging education opportunities.

These 10 aquariums were selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

Congratulations to our 2024 winners; you can now visit our 2025 Best Aquarium contest.

Tennessee Aquarium

1. Tennessee Aquarium—Chattanooga, TN

On the riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium traces the journey of water from the mountains to the sea. The River Journey building houses freshwater exhibits, while the Ocean Journey building completes the experience with saltwater tanks. The aquarium represents the biodiversity of the Southeast as well as species from abroad. From alligator snapping turtles and vibrant tree frogs to playful otters and penguins, guests can meet a rich variety of creatures.

Passages of the Deep

2. Oregon Coast Aquarium—Newport, OR

At Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Passages of the Deep give a breathtaking underwater vantage point from which to observe wolf eels, sharks, rays and other amazing sea creatures. Another indoor highlight is the Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Tank filled with colorful fish. Outdoor exhibits feature otters, seals, sea lions and a giant Pacific octopus. The aquarium's conservation efforts include practical and educational endeavors to maintain the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Georgia Aquarium

3. Georgia Aquarium—Atlanta, GA

Spanning 550,000 square feet, the Georgia Aquarium bears the distinction of being the nation's largest aquarium. Visitors can observe roughly a million different animals representing hundreds of species of marine and coastal creatures. Highlights include sharks, whale sharks and beluga whales (and adorable sea otters). Guests can even dive with whale sharks in the Journey with Gentle Giants program, just one of the activities from the aquarium's wide range.

Mystic Aquarium

4. Mystic Aquarium—Stonington, CT

Home to thousands of species of marine wildlife, Mystic Aquarium invites guests to experience nature interactively. In addition to five different "touch" environments, the aquarium's state-of-the-art Undersea Explorer takes guests on an immersive VR adventure through the ocean. Visitors can glimpse beluga whales, sea lions and African penguins, among other fascinating creatures.

Seattle Aquarium

5. Seattle Aquarium—Seattle, WA

The Seattle Aquarium hosts a variety of wildlife from the local Salish Sea and the Coral Triangle. The Ocean Pavilion, set to open in 2024, will showcase ecosystems of the latter with more than 3,500 responsibly sourced plants and animals. The aquarium prioritizes responsible marine stewardship. Locals can take advantage of summer camps as well as programming and naturalist-led field trips, which focus on local conservation and Tribal Nations history.

Audubon Aquarium

6. Audubon Aquarium—New Orleans, LA

Newly renovated, the Audubon Aquarium has been awarded multiple times for its exhibits that explore diverse water habitats. Visitors can explore the wildlife of the Caribbean, Amazon, Mississippi River and Gulf Coast. With more than 3,600 animals, the aquarium represents over 250 species and include rarities like white alligators and favorites like the African penguins. The Undersea Explorer VR experience offers an immersive view of the South Pacific, no snorkel required.

Newport Aquarium

7. Newport Aquarium—Newport, KY

The Newport Aquarium invites guests to meet thousands of aquatic creatures. Traverse the exhilarating Shark Bridge, a netted bridge suspended inches over a 385,000-gallon shark tank. You can also explore the tank "underwater" through 85 feet of seamless tunnels. The Amazon Tunnel, a 32-foot acrylic passage, also gives you an underwater view of the Amazon River with giant arapaima and Arrau turtles.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

8. Monterey Bay Aquarium—Monterey, CA

A leader in ocean conservation, Monterey Bay Aquarium mounts multiple campaigns under its Act for Ocean program, targeting single-use plastics, climate change and other ecological concerns. The aquarium also boasts an iconic location on the bay with beautiful waterfront views and an Open Seas exhibit. Other highlights include a wide range of jellies, a giant octopus, leopard sharks, sea otters and a living kelp forest.

Shedd Aquarium

9. Shedd Aquarium—Chicago, IL

A historic landmark boasting Beaux Arts architecture, Shedd Aquarium welcomes millions of guests each year. Guests can view both native and exotic species, some gathered from as far away as the Philippines and Amazon. This popular attraction features incredible encounters with belugas, stingrays, sea otters and other fascinating aquatic life. Shedd also partners with other institutions to protect endangered species and rescue wildlife.

North Carolina Aquarium

10. North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores—Pine Knoll Shores, NC

Just five miles from Atlantic Beach on the Outer Banks, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores lies amid the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area. With two nature trails and outdoor adventures, like kayaking and beach walks, the aquarium makes the most of its location. The largest aquarium in North Carolina, Pine Knoll Shores spans 96,000 square feet and contains the state's largest manmade ocean habitat, called Living Shipwreck.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Panel of Experts

Alison Abbot

Alison Abbott is an award-winning travel writer and photographer with a focus on sustainable shades of green living. As a Baby Boomer who loves adventure, she has swum with pink dolphins in the Amazon, crossed paths with grizzlies in Alaska and has flown in a gyrocopter above the jungles of Costa Rica. She is an AFAR Media local expert and frequent contributor to new media publications. When not searching out the best of artisans, growers and makers who make a destination unique, you can find her working as editor of the blog she founded, Green With Renvy. You can also follow her @greenwithrenvy.

Debra Brouillette

Debbra Dunning Brouillette has always been a tropical girl. Like a fish out of water, she was born and raised in the Midwest, but Florida vacations opened her world to sun, sand and turquoise water. On her first Caribbean trip, a snorkeling excursion introduced her to the incredible world that exists below the surface of the sea. The fish out of water was hooked. As a certified scuba diver, she enjoys exploring the reefs but also loves visiting aquariums. She is also a self-described "foodie" and enjoys savoring the food and wine wherever her travels take her. Follow her at tropicaltravelgirl.com.

Joelle Machia

Joelle Machia is a travel writer, photographer and co-owner of Wanderers Compass travel blog. The mission of Wanderers Compass is to inspire wanderlust to all who dream of travel, to awaken the wanderer in everyone by encouraging them to make the life-changing leap to see the world through authentic, independent travel. Through our storytelling, destination info, photography, off-the-beaten-path finds and travel tips we inspire our readers to make their travel dreams a beautiful reality. Joelle is a member of the International Travel Writers Alliance (ITWA); International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA); and North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).

Mary Farah

Mary Farah is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles. In addition to her own website, Along Comes Mary, she contributes to Go World Travel Magazine; Food, Wine Travel Magazine; Ventura County Mom Collective; and Big Blend Radio Magazine. She is a proud member and former executive board member of IFWTWA, the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association. Follow along with her adventures on her website, www.alongcomesmaryblog.com.

Nancy Mueller

Nancy Mueller is an award-winning Seattle-based freelance travel writer/photographer with an established media outlet at www.wanderboomer.com, "fun travel adventures for the young at heart." Her bags are always packed for day trips, weekend getaways and global adventures. Client stories explore destinations through cruising, food & dining, arts & culture, health & wellness, outdoor adventures and bucket-list experiences. Publications include Work Worldwide: International Career Strategies for the Adventurous Job Seeker and travel articles featured in print publications such as Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, AAA Highroads Arizona and Hemispheres Magazine.

Pamela Baker

Pamela Baker is a freelance food, wine and travel writer living in Northern California. She has been published in regional, national and international publications, including WineTraveler, Best Wineries, Rovology, Wander with Wonder, LuxeBeat, Porthole Cruise, Northwest Travel and Life, and Washington Tasting Room. Pam is the former editor of Sacramento Lifestyle Magazine and writes a wine column for Food Wine Travel Magazine. Follow her adventures at pamandgarybaker.com.