Top Aquariums & Oceanariums in USA

Bring a reusable water bottle! You can fill it up at various stations throughout the aquarium and save a few bucks since prices for drinks aren't cheap inside.

Check out the feeding times for the whale sharks – I was blown away by how massive they are. It can get pretty busy, so get there early to grab a good spot!

I recommend buying tickets online in advance. It saves you from standing in long ticket lines and sometimes there are deals or discounts available if you book ahead.

If you're planning to take photos, I recommend going when the aquarium first opens at 10 AM. The lighting is great and it’s less crowded for those perfect shots!

Check out the feeding times for the sharks and rays. It's a super cool experience, and you won't want to miss it. They can get packed, so look at the schedule ahead!

Bring a water bottle! The inside can get a bit stuffy, and it's nice to stay hydrated while wandering around. Plus, it saves you a few bucks on drinks

Grab a combo ticket for the aquarium and the restaurant. It’s a bit cheaper than buying them separately, and you won't have to rush between the two!

I suggest getting there right when the aquarium opens at 10 AM. It gets crowded fast, and you'll enjoy a much quieter experience in the first couple of hours.

My advice is to map out the must-see exhibits ahead of time. Some of the cool stuff is easy to miss if you're just wandering around.

If you can, try to catch the feeding sessions, especially the sea otters. It’s a highlight! Just check the schedule on their website before you go.

I think the best time to visit is on a weekday. I went on Saturday, and it was packed—I felt rushed everywhere!

Check out the feeding times. I think the sea otters and jellyfish feeds are a must-see. They’re super entertaining and a highlight of the visit.

I suggest arriving right when the aquarium opens at 10 AM to avoid the big crowds. Trust me, it makes a huge difference in enjoying the exhibits at your own pace.

Make sure to download the aquarium’s app. It has a map and schedules, plus you can learn more about the exhibits; super handy while exploring!

I recommend bringing your own snacks or lunch. The aquarium's café can be pricey and the food is just average. There are nice picnic spots nearby if the weather is good.

I'd recomend visiting on a weekday if you can. We went on a Tuesday, and it was way less crowded. Totally worth it for a relaxing stroll!

Make sure to check out the daily schedule for animal shows—some are not daily! We missed one because we didn't realize it was only at certain times.

Don’t skip the sea otter exhibit! They’re so entertaining and honestly made my day. I suggest hanging out there for a while to take in the cuteness!

I really sugget getting your tickets online before you go. The lines can get super long, especially on weekends. It saved us a ton of time!

Get there right when they open at 10 AM to avoid the crowds. I arrived later, and it got super busy, which made it tough to see everything clearly.

don’t miss the 500,000-gallon tank with the sharks and rays—it’s the highlight! i almost skipped it thinking it would be just like any other exhibit.

If you’re traveling with kids, consider visiting on a weekday. The weekends were packed, and it was hard for them to see everything and had to wait in lines.

Check out the feeding times for the animals; they’re super entertaining to watch and can give you a better experience than just wandering around aimlessly.

If you're into photography, try visiting during the first hour or close to closing time. The lighting is much better and it’s less crowded. I did this and got great shots!

The cafe is decent but a bit overpriced. I suggest bringing some snacks or a packed lunch to save money and enjoy it at the outdoor seating with a nice view.

Check out the feeding times for the penguins and sea turtles on their website. I missed the turtle feeding and regretted it—so tiny but so cute!

If you're parking, use the local garages nearby instead of the aquarium lot; it's often cheaper and easier to find a spot. I had a smoother experience once I switched to a nearby garage.

I recommend visiting early, around 9 AM, to avoid the crowds. You'll get a better view of the animals without having to jostle for space with a ton of other visitors.

If you’re planning to spend a whole day there, I suggest bringing your own snacks to save some cash. The food at the cafe is decent, but definitely pricier than what you'd get outside.

I think the touch tanks are a highlight, but they can get pretty busy. My advice is to go straight there first when you enter to have more time and space.

If you're into photos aim for the jellyfish and the tide pools; the lighting is amazing there! Just be ready to be patient as it gets a bit hectic in those areas.

I recommend getting there right when they open at 10 AM. It’s way less crowded and you can enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed.

If you’re planning to eat there my advice is to grab a meal before or after your visit. The food can be pricey and it’s not the best we've had.

If you’re a fan of souvenir hunting, hold off until the end. Some shops have discounts later in the day, so you might score a sweet deal

I think the 500,000-gallon aquatic wonder tank is a must-see, but give yourself time to really explore each area, especially the rainforest exhibit!

Check out the feeding times for the animals before you go. My kids loved seeing the sharks get fed, and it felt special to catch those moments.

My advice is to pace yourself! There’s so much to see, but I got tired quickly. Take breaks at the benches to recharge and enjoy the views.

Buy your tickets online to avoid the long lines at the entrance. I wasted 20 mins waiting just to get in, which was not fun!

If you’re on a budget, bring your own snacks. The food inside is pretty pricey and not the best. I wish I had packed a lunch!