Look, I’ve spent the better part of a decade dragging my camera gear through damp tunnels and pressing my nose against acrylic that’s eight inches thick. There’s something about the hum of life-support systems and the rhythmic pulse of a jellyfish that just hits different. If you’re like me, you aren’t just looking for a way to kill a Tuesday afternoon. You long for that unique, breathtaking moment when a whale shark swoops overhead, making your tax problems seem insignificant.
It’s a different game now, in February 2026. We are no longer just peering at fish in tanks. We’re talking about massive tech-integrated habitats and conservation hubs that are literally saving species from the brink. Whether you’re a resident seeking a weekend getaway or a traveller embarking on a cross-country safari, this is my own personal, battle-tested list of the best aquariums in the US.
1. Georgia Aquarium: The Heavyweight Champ
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Frankly, if you haven’t stood in front of the Ocean Voyager window in Atlanta, you haven’t lived. It is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, and it feels like it. I recall my first sight of their whale sharks—those ginormous, polka-dotted buses of the sea. It makes you feel tiny in the best way possible.
What’s happening right now? Their 2026 Aqua Pass is the move if you’re local; it’s been selling like crazy because it gives you unlimited visits (minus a few blackout dates). They’ve also revamped the Saltwater Showdown, which is their sea lion presentation. It’s less “circus” and more “educational powerhouse” these days. If you’ve got a few extra bucks, do the sleeper program. Waking up to a manta ray staring at you is a core memory you can’t buy anywhere else.
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium: The Gold Standard
If Georgia is the spectacle, Monterey Bay is the soul. Perched precariously on the Pacific in California, this place is known for its research. Their kelp forest exhibit is, essentially, a 28-foot-tall underwater cathedral.
Now the big buzz is excitingly climbing into the Into the Deep exhibit. They’ve figured out how to keep deep-sea creatures alive that typically reside thousands of feet down. We mean glowing jellies and giant isopods that seem to have crawled out of a campy sci-fi movie. And their sea otter surrogacy program remains the single most heartwarming thing on the planet. I have spent hours simply watching the otters grooming themselves. It’s better than therapy.
3. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium: The Rising Star
Here’s a curveball for you: Utah. Yeah, the desert. This week, on Feb. 20, 2026 — no kidding—the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is cutting the ribbon on its new huge Sam & Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center.
This 120,000-square-foot expansion now makes them the 5th largest aquarium in the nation. The coolest part? The Ford Expedition Asia exhibit. They’ve brought in clouded leopards, as well as Matschie’s tree kangaroos. It’s a total trip to be looking at a tree kangaroo in the middle of a desert state, but they’ve built this immersive cloud forest that makes you forget you’re in Draper, Utah.
4. Shedd Aquarium: The Chicago Icon
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The Shedd is a classic. It’s got that 1930s architecture that makes you feel like you should be wearing a fedora. But inside, it’s all modern tech. Their Abbott Oceanarium is where the beluga whales live, and the view of Lake Michigan behind them is just a chef’s kiss.
Currently, they’re in the middle of their “Centennial Commitment” renovations. By Fall 2026, they’re launching a whole new Changing Oceans gallery. It’s going to focus heavily on how climate change is messing with marine biomes. They’ve also moved their learning studios up from the basement into the heart of the building, which is a huge win for the 200,000+ kids who visit every year.
5. National Aquarium: The Baltimore Legend
You know the one—the big glass pyramids in the Inner Harbor. I’ve always loved the Blacktip Reef exhibit here. You can stand on the platform and look down at these sleek sharks and a massive green sea turtle named Calypso, who only has three flippers but still runs the place.
The insane part is their dedication to animal rescue. They’ve just hosted an enormous Shark Talk series this past week to dispel the myths around these apex predators. If you like the whole “behind-the-scenes” thing, their rooftop rainforest is a tropical sweat-fest, but you get to see sloths and monkeys, so it’s ok.
6. The Florida Aquarium: 30 Years of Waves
So down in Tampa, these guys are celebrating their 30th anniversary. They have been in demand since 1995 and show no signs of slowing. They’re running Evening Tide Talks at the moment, which are these intimate after-hours sessions with the biologists.
But the real headline? They’re getting puffins in 2026. I’ve looked at the plans for the new habitat, and it’s going to be a game-changer on the west coast of Florida.” They’ve also got these mythical “resident animals,” including Scar, a green moray eel who has been there since day one. Talk about job security.
7. Adventure Aquarium: The Jersey Surprise
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Don’t sleep on Camden. Just across from Philly, Adventure Aquarium was just named one of the top 10 new attractions for 2026 by USA Today. Why? The Imagination Sand Station.
It’s this wild augmented reality sand table where kids (and, let’s be honest, adults like me) can sculpt mountains and valleys in the sand, and digital water flows over it in real-time to show how river habitats work. It’s part of their new Kaleidoscope Cove, which is basically a sensory playground for marine lovers.
8. Audubon Aquarium: The Soul of New Orleans
They recently did a massive overhaul, merging the aquarium with the insectarium. It’s right on the Mississippi River, and the vibe is pure NOLA. Their Gulf of Mexico tank is a beast—400,000 gallons of water with a scale model of an oil rig inside. It’s a fascinating look at how man-made structures become artificial reefs.
Right now, they’re doing a big push for Community Connect 2026, offering free days for locals. If you’re visiting New Orleans this spring, hit the aquarium in the morning and then grab some beignets. It’s the perfect day.
9. Tennessee Aquarium: The Freshwater King
Situated in Chattanooga, this spot is divided into two buildings: River Journey and Ocean Journey. I really like the riverside! Observing the giant sturgeon and massive catfish reminds you that “monster fish” in your backyard can be just as awesome as deep-sea dwellers.
They’ve just announced a new S.T.R.E.A.M. Learning Center that will promote even more hands-on exploration. And if you make it there, be sure to catch a show at their IMAX theater; they recently premiered some new “adventures on land and sea” docs back in February that look incredible on the giant screen.
10. Oregon Coast Aquarium: The Pacific Gem
Out in Newport, this aquarium is the definition of “moody and beautiful.” They’re opening a brand new Amazon exhibit for Memorial Day 2026, which is a huge shift for them. It’ll feature four different ecoregions, including flooded forests.
But their bread and butter is still the Passages of the Deep. It’s a series of tunnels through three different ocean habitats. Walking through a shark-infested tunnel while the Oregon mist hangs outside? It’s peak PNW.
Quick Comparison of the Top US Aquariums
| Aquarium | Location | Claim to Fame | 2026 Must-See Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Aquarium | Atlanta, GA | Whale Sharks | Revamped “Saltwater Showdown” |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Monterey, CA | Deep Sea Tech | “Into the Deep” Exhibit |
| Loveland Living Planet Aquarium | Draper, UT | Desert “Cloud Forest” | New 120k sq. ft. Science Center |
| Shedd Aquarium | Chicago, IL | Beluga Whales | New “Wonder of Water” Rotunda |
| National Aquarium | Baltimore, MD | Glass Pyramids | Shark Talk Series (Feb 2026) |
| The Florida Aquarium | Tampa, FL | 30th Anniversary | New Puffin Habitat coming soon |
| Adventure Aquarium | Camden, NJ | Shark Bridge | AR Imagination Sand Station |
| Audubon Aquarium | New Orleans, LA | Gulf Oil Rig Exhibit | New Insectarium Merge |
| Tennessee Aquarium | Chattanooga, TN | Freshwater Focus | New S.T.R.E.A.M. Hub |
| Oregon Coast Aquarium | Newport, OR | Deep Sea Tunnels | Amazon Flooded Forest (May 2026) |
Questions You’re Probably Asking (FAQs)
Which one is actually the biggest?
In the US, it’s the Georgia Aquarium. It holds over 11 million gallons of water. However, the new expansion in Utah (Loveland Living Planet) has just bumped them into the top 5 nationwide.
Are these places ethical?
Look, I get the concern. The trick is to check for AZA accreditation. All of the aquariums on this list are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. That requires adherence to insane standards for animal care, conservation, and education. They’re not just showcases; they are hospitals and research labs.
What’s the best time to visit?
Typically, Tuesday or Wednesday mornings are the “sweet spot.” Do not go during school break week if you do not want to be surrounded by 400 screaming toddlers. Also look for “Adults Only” nights—Georgia and Shedd host them frequently; they usually involve cocktails and way less noise.
Anyway, those are my picks. If you haven’t been to one in a few years, you’ll be shocked at how much they’ve changed. Just don’t blame me when you spend three hours staring at a sea anemone and forget to eat lunch.
Sources and References
- Current 2026 Rankings & Guides: For the full list of this year’s top-rated spots, check out the 2026 Best Aquariums report on Business Talk Magazine and the deep-dive visitor stats on the CityPASS Travel Blog.
- New Expansion Details: You can find the specifics of the massive Utah expansion at Utah Business and the latest on Adventure Aquarium’s tech at WMGK 102.9 News.
- Conservation and History: For the science behind the scenes, refer to the National Aquarium’s daily research logs and the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s conservation impact reports.
