Best Aquariums on the East Coast to Visit in 2025

The East Coast is home to some of the most incredible aquariums in the United States, giving visitors the chance to engage with interactive exhibits, participate in educational events and study a range of marine life. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out, an ocean enthusiast, or a conservation advocate, these aquariums have something for everyone. Here are the top aquariums to visit in 2025.

Must-Visit Aquariums on the East Coast: Top Picks for 2025

The East Coast is home to some of the finest aquariums in the country. These aquariums feature incredible marine exhibits, engaging interactive experiences, and impactful conservation initiatives. Whether you’re looking for massive ocean tanks, hands-on encounters, or educational programs, these top aquariums should be on your 2025 travel list.

National Aquarium (Baltimore, MD)

The National Aquarium, one of the most well-known aquariums in the United States, provides a multi-level experience that includes:

Blacktip Reef is a stunning coral reef habitat filled with colorful fish, sharks, and sea turtles.
Jellies Invasion, where visitors can observe mesmerizing jellyfish species.
A Tropical Rainforest, home to exotic birds, frogs, and sloths.

Why Visit? This aquarium combines breathtaking exhibits with strong conservation efforts, making it a must-see for marine life enthusiasts.

Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)

As one of the largest aquariums in the world, the Georgia Aquarium provides a truly immersive experience with:

A walk-through tunnel on Ocean Voyager is encircled by manta rays, whale sharks, and thousands of other aquatic animals.
Cold Water Quest is home to beluga whales, sea otters, and Japanese spider crabs.
Shark Cage Dive is a thrilling opportunity to get up close with sharks.

Why Visit? This aquarium’s sheer scale and variety of marine life make it one of the most impressive destinations for ocean lovers.

New England Aquarium (Boston, MA)

A staple of Boston’s waterfront, the New England Aquarium is known for its unique exhibits and research programs:

Giant Ocean Tank is a four-story coral reef exhibit featuring sea turtles, moray eels, and a vibrant array of fish.
Penguin Exhibit, featuring hundreds of playful penguins.
Sea Turtle Hospital is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea turtles.

Why Visit? This aquarium is a leader in conservation and marine animal rescue, providing both educational and entertaining experiences.

The Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Perfect for families and thrill-seekers, this aquarium stands out for its interactive and visually stunning attractions:

Dangerous Reef Tunnel, where sharks, sawfish, and sea turtles swim overhead.
Ray Bay, allowing visitors to touch and feed stingrays.
Mermaid & Dive Shows, adding an entertaining twist to marine exploration.

Why Visit? If you’re looking for a mix of education and fun, Ripley’s offers engaging experiences that appeal to all ages.

Adventure Aquarium (Camden, NJ)

Overlooking the Philadelphia skyline, this aquarium boasts unique exhibits that go beyond typical marine life displays:

Shark Realm features one of the largest collections of sharks on the East Coast.
Little Blue Penguins is a rare chance to see the smallest species of penguins in the world.
Hippo Haven, where visitors can watch massive hippos swim underwater.

Why Visit? Adventure Aquarium is a varied and fascinating place that combines conventional aquatic exhibits with unusual animals.

Key Takeaway: Each of these aquariums offers something unique, from enormous ocean tunnels and interactive touch tanks to vital conservation programs. Whether you’re looking for education, adventure, or family fun, these top East Coast aquariums should be on your must-visit list in 2025.

Unique Exhibits & Marine Life: What Sets These Aquariums Apart

Each of these East Coast aquariums offers unique experiences, from massive ocean tunnels to rare marine species. Here’s what makes them stand out.

National Aquarium (Baltimore, MD)

Blacktip Reef – A vibrant coral reef with sharks and sea turtles.
Jellies Invasion – A glowing jellyfish exhibit.
Australia: Wild Extremes – Exotic birds, freshwater crocodiles, and a diverse range of reptiles.
Dolphin Discovery – Learn about and watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)

Ocean Voyager – Walk through a tunnel surrounded by whale sharks and manta rays.
Cold Water Quest – Home to beluga whales and sea otters.
Sharks! Predators of the Deep – A massive shark exhibit featuring tiger sharks.
Dolphin Coast – Interactive dolphin training sessions.

New England Aquarium (Boston, MA)

Giant Ocean Tank – A four-story living coral reef.
Penguin Colony – Home to playful African and rockhopper penguins.
Sea Turtle Rescue – Rehabilitation center for endangered sea turtles.
Shark & Ray Touch Tank – Enjoy hands-on experiences with rays and sharks.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach (SC)

Dangerous Reef Tunnel – a 330-foot tunnel with sharks swimming overhead.
Ray Bay – Touch and feed stingrays.
Discovery Center – Interactive marine science activities for kids.
Live Shows – Mermaid and Dive performances.

Adventure Aquarium (Camden, NJ)

Shark Realm – Home to 20+ shark species.
Hippo Haven – One of the few aquariums with swimming hippos.
Little Blue Penguins – The world’s tiniest species of penguin.
Stingray Beach Club – Touch and feed stingrays.

Key Takeaway: Each aquarium offers something special, from massive ocean tunnels to rare marine animals. Whether you love sharks, dolphins, or penguins, these top picks promise unforgettable experiences.

Family-Friendly Activities & Interactive Experiences

Aquariums aren’t just for sightseeing—they offer hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and live shows that engage visitors of all ages. From touch tanks to behind-the-scenes tours, these East Coast aquariums provide unforgettable experiences for families.

National Aquarium (Baltimore, MD)

Touch Pools – Get hands-on with horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and stingrays.
4D Immersion Theater – A multisensory movie experience with water sprays and seat vibrations.
Dolphin Discovery – Observe interactive dolphin training sessions and discover the importance of marine conservation.
Kids’ Explorer Zone – Fun educational activities designed for young marine enthusiasts.

Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)

Shark & Ray Interaction – Step into shallow waters and touch rays and friendly sharks.
Sea Lion Show – Watch sea lions perform tricks and learn about their care.
Sleep Under the Sea – Spend the night at the aquarium, sleeping near the massive Ocean Voyager exhibit.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours – Get an insider look at how marine life is cared for.

New England Aquarium (Boston, MA)

Penguin Feedings – Watch and learn about the playful penguins during scheduled feedings.
Shark & Ray Touch Tank – Experience the smooth skin of rays and the rough texture of sharks.
Harbor Seals Exhibit – An outdoor exhibit where kids can observe seals playing and swimming.
Whale Watching Tours – Seasonal boat tours that offer a unique opportunity to see humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach (SC)

Glass-bottom boat Adventure: Float over a tank filled with sharks, getting a close-up view of these predators.
Ray Bay Touch & Feed – Hand-feed stingrays while learning about their habits.
Discovery Center – Interactive marine science activities for kids, including fossil digging.
Live Dive Shows – Watch divers interact with sea creatures in massive tanks.

Adventure Aquarium (Camden, NJ)

Hippo Haven – Watch hippos swim underwater through large viewing windows.
Shark Bridge – Walk across a netted bridge spanning a tank filled with sharks.
Little Blue Penguins – Get up close with the smallest penguins in the world.
Stingray Beach Club – Touch and feed stingrays in a shallow pool.

Key Takeaway: These aquariums go beyond simple exhibits by offering interactive, family-friendly activities that make learning about marine life fun and engaging. Whether it’s feeding stingrays, touching sharks, or watching dolphin shows, there’s something for every family member to enjoy.

Conservation Efforts & Educational Programs: Making a Difference

Aquariums do more than showcase marine life—they play a vital role in conservation, rescue efforts, and education. These East Coast aquariums lead initiatives to protect endangered species, rehabilitate marine animals, and educate visitors about ocean conservation.

National Aquarium (Baltimore, MD)

Marine Animal Rescue Program – Rescues and rehabilitates stranded sea turtles and marine mammals.
Shark Conservation – Conducting research and implementing awareness campaigns to protect declining shark populations.
Sustainable Seafood Program – Educates visitors on responsible seafood choices to support ocean health.
Field Trips & Virtual Learning – Offers in-person and online programs to teach students about marine science.

Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)

Coral Conservation Initiative – Helps restore damaged coral reefs through research and reef-building projects.
Sea Turtle Conservation – Works with organizations to protect nesting sites and rehabilitate injured turtles.
Veterinary & Animal Care Center – Offers behind-the-scenes tours to educate visitors on the healthcare of marine animals.
Education Camps & Workshops – Hands-on marine science camps for kids and teens.

New England Aquarium (Boston, MA)

Sea Turtle Rehabilitation – One of the leading centers for rescuing and rehabilitating cold-stunned sea turtles.
Ocean Pollution Awareness – Programs designed to reduce plastic waste and protect marine ecosystems.
Climate Change Research – Studies how global warming impacts marine life and promotes sustainable solutions.
Teacher Training & School Partnerships – Provides educational materials and workshops for teachers.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach (SC)

Shark Preservation Programs – Raise awareness about the importance of sharks in the ecosystem.
Interactive Conservation Talks – Daily presentations about marine life threats and conservation efforts.
Adopt-a-Sea-Turtle Program – Supports sea turtle rescue by allowing guests to adopt a turtle symbolically.
Junior Aquarist Program – Gives kids hands-on experience in caring for marine animals.

Adventure Aquarium (Camden, NJ)

Horseshoe Crab Conservation – Works to protect this ancient species, which plays a vital role in marine ecosystems.
African Penguin Breeding Program – Helps protect endangered penguins through breeding and habitat conservation.
Marine Debris Cleanup Events – Organizes beach and waterway cleanups to reduce ocean pollution.
STEM Education Programs – Offers science, technology, engineering, and math-focused learning for students.

Key Takeaway: These aquariums are committed to marine conservation, rescue efforts, and environmental education. Through hands-on programs and scientific research, they inspire visitors to help protect our oceans for future generations.

Planning Your Visit: Tips for Tickets, Hours & Best Times to Go

A trip to an aquarium is an exciting and educational experience, but proper planning can help you make the most of your visit. Here’s how to avoid crowds, save money on tickets, and enjoy the best exhibits at the right time.

Buying Tickets: How to Save Money & Skip the Lines

Purchase online in Advance—Most aquariums offer discounts for online bookings and allow you to skip long ticket lines.
Look for Memberships & Annual Passes – If you plan to visit more than once a year, consider memberships, which often offer free entry, discounts, and exclusive perks.
Check for Combo Tickets—Some aquariums partner with nearby attractions, such as zoos or museums, to offer lower-priced bundle deals.
Discounts & Free Admission Days – Many aquariums offer discounts for military personnel, students, seniors, or residents. Check their official websites for promotions.

Best Times to Visit: Avoiding Crowds & Maximizing Your Experience

Go early in the Morning. Arriving at opening time gives you the best chance to explore exhibits before crowds build up.
Weekdays Are Best—Avoid weekends and school holidays when aquariums are busiest. Tuesday through Thursday mornings are usually the least crowded times.
Visit During the Off-Season – The fall and winter months are generally quieter, except during holiday periods.
Check Feeding & Show Schedules—To maximize your experience, Plan your visit around scheduled feedings, dive shows, and interactive presentations.

What to Bring for a Comfortable Visit

Wear Comfortable Shoes – Aquariums often require a lot of walking, so wear good footwear.
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle. Some aquariums allow reusable bottles, which can help you stay hydrated without buying expensive drinks.
Pack Light – Many aquariums have bag restrictions, so carry only essentials, such as a phone, wallet, and a small backpack if needed.
Consider Bringing Binoculars – they are useful for watching penguins, seals, or large marine animals in larger tanks.

Extra Perks & Experiences to Enhance Your Visit

Behind-the-Scenes Tours – Get an exclusive look at how aquariums care for marine life. These often require booking.
Animal Encounters & Touch Tanks – Some aquariums offer hands-on experiences, such as stingray feeding or shark diving, for an additional fee.
IMAX & 4D Theaters – Many aquariums have special theaters with immersive films about ocean life.
Gift Shops & Cafés – Perfect for souvenirs and a break, but be prepared for slightly higher prices.

Key Takeaway: Planning helps you save money, avoid crowds, and maximize your enjoyment of the aquarium visit. Arrive early, book tickets in advance, and check schedules for feeding times and special experiences to get the best out of your trip.

FAQs

What is the best aquarium for families with young kids?

Georgia Aquarium and Ripley’s Aquarium offer interactive experiences that are perfect for children.

Which East Coast aquarium has the best shark exhibit?

Ripley’s Aquarium’s shark tunnel offers a thrilling, up-close view of these predators.

Are there any aquariums that offer behind-the-scenes tours?

Yes! The National Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium offer exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences.

Can I touch marine animals at these aquariums?

Many aquariums feature touch tanks that house stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and sea stars.

What is the best time of year to visit an aquarium?

Weekdays during the off-season (fall and winter) are the best time to avoid crowds.

Additional Resources

Conclusion

Exploring an aquarium is a fantastic way to learn about marine life while having an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for hands-on activities, breathtaking exhibits, or conservation programs, the East Coast has some of the best aquariums to visit in 2025. Plan your trip and dive into the wonders of the ocean!