Research Facility Aquariums

Located on historic Cannery Row in Monterey, California, this renowned aquarium features a living kelp forest, colorful Pacific wildlife, sea otters, penguins, and deep-sea exhibits. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a leader in ocean conservation and education, dedicated to inspiring visitors to protect our oceans. Offers comprehensive school programs, teacher resources, and marine biology research opportunities.

Chicago's famed Shedd Aquarium welcomes visitors to see beluga whales, stingrays, saltwater fish, dolphins, and sea lions. One of the oldest and most prestigious public aquariums in the United States, Shedd is home to more than 32,000 animals representing 1,500 species from around the world. Renowned for its marine biology research, conservation programs, and comprehensive educational offerings for all ages.

Located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals and 800 species. Featuring multiple levels of exhibits, visitors can explore everything from a multi-story Atlantic Coral Reef to an impressive Shark Alley, Australian reef habitats, and a tropical rainforest ecosystem. Offers award-winning educational programs, accessibility accommodations, and leading conservation research initiatives.

Situated on Boston Harbor, the New England Aquarium welcomes over a million visitors annually. Home to the largest shark and stingray touch tank on the East Coast, a Marine Mammal Center with California sea lions, and the impressive 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank featuring a Caribbean coral reef ecosystem. Features marine animal rescue programs, research initiatives, and comprehensive educational offerings.

Located on Elliott Bay, the Seattle Aquarium offers interactive education experiences with sea and river otters, seals, moon jellyfish, pufferfish, and sea anemones. Recently expanded with the new Ocean Pavilion, the aquarium is dedicated to marine conservation and educating visitors about the Puget Sound ecosystem. Features extensive research programs, marine animal rescue, and citizen science opportunities.

Located in Brooklyn, the New York Aquarium offers a 4D theater, animal feedings, and numerous wildlife exhibits. Visitors can watch sea lions, penguins, and seals, then visit Conservation Hall to see colorful fish swimming through coral reefs. The Ocean Wonders exhibit features 18 different species of sharks and rays. Part of the Wildlife Conservation Society with strong research and conservation programs.

Located in Seward, Alaska, the Alaska SeaLife Center is the only public aquarium in Alaska. Visitors can experience Alaskan marine wildlife up close, including seals, sea lions, salmon, rockfish, and invertebrates like king crabs and sea urchins. The center offers special encounters with some of its residents, like octopuses and puffins. Combines public education with marine research and wildlife rehabilitation programs.

Located in Long Beach, California, this aquarium focuses on the Pacific Ocean's diverse ecosystems. Featuring more than 12,000 animals across 500 species, visitors can explore the Tropical Pacific Gallery with colorful coral reefs, the Northern Pacific Gallery with playful sea otters, and the mesmerizing Jellies exhibits. Offers comprehensive educational programs, research initiatives, and conservation education.

Located in Tampa, The Florida Aquarium houses more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals. Visitors can journey from Florida's freshwater springs to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico through immersive exhibits. Highlights include a 500,000-gallon coral reef habitat, outdoor wetlands, and interactive touch experiences. Features coral restoration programs, marine research, and comprehensive educational offerings.

Located in Mystic, Connecticut, this aquarium is renowned for its beluga whale exhibit and interactive experiences. One of only a few facilities in the United States to house belugas, Mystic also features African penguins, seals, sea lions, and various fish species. The facility is also a leader in marine animal rescue and research. Offers comprehensive educational programs and marine biology research opportunities.

The public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium combines research with more than 5,000 fish in 60+ habitats. Featuring interactive exhibits on climate change, an impressive collection of seahorses and seadragons, and outdoor tide pools with panoramic ocean views. Offers cutting-edge marine research programs, educational initiatives, and citizen science opportunities.

Founded in 1904, the Waikiki Aquarium is the second-oldest public aquarium in the United States. Located on Oahu's shoreline, it showcases more than 500 marine species native to Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. Highlights include the Hawaiian monk seal habitat, living coral displays, and the Edge of the Reef outdoor exhibit. Features marine research programs and conservation initiatives focused on Hawaiian marine ecosystems.

One of California's most-visited cultural institutions located in Long Beach. Features more than 12,000 animals in over 100 exhibits that celebrate the Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants. Highlights include the interactive Shark Lagoon, the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, and the mesmerizing jellyfish gallery. Offers comprehensive educational programs, research initiatives, and conservation education.