Favorite public aquariums.

[Canoeist]

Thought I would start a thread to share and learn about all types of public aquariums. I have only been to a handful and have loosely rated them.

#1
Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is an indelible force for enthusiasts. Plan ahead if possible and schedule a dive and behind the scenes tour. I did the snorkel version where you are tied off to the little boat.

#2
Monterey Bay in California. Giant Pacific octopus, very large "under the pier" tank and the coolest concept, imo, of the sphere tank with thousands of shimmering sardines swimming round and round.

#3
Shedd aquarium in Chicago. Freshwater extravaganza with monster arapaima and arowana tanks set up for them to jump after bugs on branches.

#4
Dauphin island in Alabama. Comparatively tiny but many local species I had never seen and very well done.

#5. Los Angeles aquarium. It was nice but I think I expected too much for how much city you have to drive through to get there.

I regret missing Boston aquarium when I was out east and I am sure there are a bunch of other gems waiting to be found.

 

[the_deeb]

National Aquarium in Baltimore. They have a great amazon exhibit, and their new glass pavilion with Australian themed tanks has a bunch of cool fish that you rarely see at other aquariums (e.g., dozens of AUL).

I also really like the Steinhert aquarium that’s part of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. The aquarium itself is great (I love the big stingray pool near the entrance) but the integration with the huge rainforest dome above is what makes it truly amazing. Definitely best to enter the aquarium via the rainforest where you get the experience of descending down from the forest canopy and down under the water in a glass elevator.

 

[krichardson]

National Aquarium in Baltimore. They have a great amazon exhibit, and their new glass pavilion with Australian themed tanks has a bunch of cool fish that you rarely see at other aquariums (e.g., dozens of AUL).

I haven't been to that one in years.That AUL display sounds interesting I'll have to get down there one of these days.

 

[Zcddrew]

I'm up in Canada but the Vancouver aquarium is stunning. They have a huge variety of fish from all over the world and some of the best tank displays I've seen. I'm particularly fond of their Amazon displays and their cold Pacific ocean tank. Here are some pictures from my visit there this summer.

 

[Schniz]

I also really like the Steinhert aquarium that’s part of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. The aquarium itself is great (I love the big stingray pool near the entrance) but the integration with the huge rainforest dome above is what makes it truly amazing. Definitely best to enter the aquarium via the rainforest where you get the experience of descending down from the forest canopy and down under the water in a glass elevator.


I always suggest people visit this place when in San Francisco. The rainforest dome is awesome But I really liked seeing the schools of fish that you normally see at 2 inches long at Petsmart that have grown to over 2 feet long in their huge tanks. I also liked the large tank/pond that had a large group of Texas cichlids with multiple pairs in full breeding color guarding fry.

 

[Fishnerd360]

There was this aquarium in new york city I went to a year ago. Wasn't a real impressive aquarium besides its shark exhibit, I found that very interesting.

 

[BichirKing]

im highly biased towards the Oregon coast aquarium here in Newport Oregon.

Home - Oregon Coast Aquarium

With over 15,000 animals over 300 species, come see sea otters, sharks, puffins, and more with a visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

aquarium.org

 

[krichardson]

Years ago there was a small aquarium on the boardwalk in Wildwood New Jersey.Being located in a beach/boardwalk area the displays were mostly saltwater and they had a few nurse shark tanks.
I wonder if that place is still in business.

 

[Canoeist]

Awesome replies! Forgot about Vancouver, went there the year before the Olympics in Whistler, while and a half ago.

I have built a couple of geodesic domes so big interest in San Francisco's spot.

Checked out Newport's website. On the list for sure. Voodoo doughnuts on the way!

Planning a trip for the central east coast next spring, thanks for the Baltimore tip.

 

[islandguy11]

im highly biased towards the Oregon coast aquarium here in Newport Oregon.

Home - Oregon Coast Aquarium

With over 15,000 animals over 300 species, come see sea otters, sharks, puffins, and more with a visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

aquarium.org

Well I can't go there but did check out their Shark Cam, pretty neat. Also cool that they host slumber parties in their 360 tunnels.