The 6 Most Essential Aquariums In The US To Visit In 2024: A Deep Dive Into Conservation And New Exhibits

Planning a trip to explore the world's oceans without leaving the mainland? As of December 2025, the landscape of US aquariums is more dynamic and focused on conservation than ever before, with several institutions earning top rankings and unveiling major new experiences and strategic plans for 2024 and beyond. These premier facilities are not just places to view marine life; they are world-class research centers, pioneering conservation organizations, and architectural marvels that offer a truly immersive and educational experience for all ages. Our definitive list highlights the essential aquariums you must visit this year, focusing on the latest updates, unique exhibits, and their critical role in protecting aquatic biodiversity.

The latest rankings and awards, including those from USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards and national architectural studies, confirm that the best aquariums are constantly innovating, from housing the world's largest fish to implementing revolutionary water recycling systems. Whether you are seeking a glimpse of a majestic whale shark, a chance to interact with a shark and ray touch tank, or simply want to appreciate historic architecture, these six must-visit aquariums represent the pinnacle of marine education and exhibition in the United States.

The Titans of the Deep: Largest and Most Innovative Aquariums

The modern aquarium serves as a critical hub for marine science, housing massive ecosystems that require state-of-the-art technology and dedicated conservation efforts. These institutions are defined by their sheer scale, their commitment to endangered species, and their groundbreaking research.

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1. Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, Georgia)

As the largest aquarium in the United States, the Georgia Aquarium is a global powerhouse in marine exhibition and conservation. Its most famous residents are the majestic whale sharks, which can be viewed in the colossal 6.3-million-gallon Ocean Voyager exhibit.

• 2024 Update: The aquarium is introducing several new experiences, including the opening of all-new interactive touch pools this summer, allowing guests to respectfully engage with species like sharks, rays, and guitarfish.
• Conservation Leadership: The Georgia Aquarium is a leader in sustainability, recycling an astonishing 99% of its 12 million gallons of exhibit water daily. It also hosts the Center for Species Survival, working with the IUCN to facilitate global marine conservation efforts.
• Key Entities: Ocean Voyager, Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, Interactive Touch Pools, 99% Water Recycling, Center for Species Survival, IUCN.

2. Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, Illinois)

Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium is undergoing a massive transformation to enhance its role as a steward of aquatic life. The aquarium is known for its diverse collections, which include both saltwater and freshwater biodiversity.

• 2024 Update: Shedd is currently in the middle of a $500 million renovation project (Summer 2024 to Summer 2026) that will introduce several reimagined and new exhibits. Planned additions include a new Kelp Forest exhibit, a stunning Caribbean Reef exhibit, and a unique Whalefall exhibit designed to explore deep-sea ecosystems.
• Unique Feature: The aquarium's planted freshwater exhibit is one of the largest in the world, featuring over 5,000 fish swimming in dazzling schools.
• Key Entities: $500M Renovation, Kelp Forest, Caribbean Reef, Whalefall Exhibit, Freshwater Biodiversity, Lake Michigan, Belugas, Pacific white-sided dolphins.

Regional Wonders and Conservation Powerhouses

Beyond the largest facilities, several regional aquariums stand out for their focused conservation missions, their unique geographical collections, and their high-profile rescue and rehabilitation programs.

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3. Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, California)

Situated directly on the historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is globally renowned for its focus on the marine life of the adjacent Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It is a world leader in ocean conservation and research.

• 2024 Update: The aquarium is actively implementing its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, which includes objectives to mobilize climate action, achieve net-zero emissions, and drive impact on priority ocean conservation goals.
• Signature Exhibits: The towering 28-foot-high Kelp Forest exhibit is a breathtaking display that recreates the local ecosystem. Visitors can also see the popular Sea Otters and a unique Whale Fall exhibit showcasing deep-sea scavenger communities.
• Key Entities: Cannery Row, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Kelp Forest, Sea Otters, Climate Action, Net-Zero Emissions, Whale Fall Exhibit, MBARI.

4. Alaska SeaLife Center (Seward, Alaska)

The Alaska SeaLife Center is more than an aquarium; it is a world-class marine science facility that combines public education with vital research and animal rescue. It is the only permanent marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center in Alaska.

• Unique Mission: The facility is dedicated to understanding and preserving the marine ecosystems of Alaska, focusing on species like Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and various seabirds.
• Wildlife Response Program: The center’s Wildlife Response Program rescues and rehabilitates stranded marine mammals, often releasing them back into their natural habitat after care. A recent example includes the care of a young male spotted seal pup.
• Key Entities: Marine Science, Animal Rescue, Wildlife Response Program, Steller Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Puffins, Seward, Spotted Seal Pup.

5. Maui Ocean Center (Maui, Hawaii)

Recognized as one of the nation's Top 10 aquariums in the 2024 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the Maui Ocean Center is celebrated for its commitment to showcasing only marine animals found in Hawaiian waters.

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• Focus on Endemic Species: The center is known as "The Aquarium of Hawai'i" and provides an unparalleled view of the region's unique marine biodiversity, including colorful displays of live coral reef habitats and endemic Hawaiian fish species.
• Signature Exhibit: The 750,000-gallon Open Ocean Exhibit features a spectacular 54-foot-long acrylic underwater tunnel where guests can walk beneath sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
• Key Entities: USA Today Top 10 (2024), Open Ocean Exhibit, Underwater Tunnel, Live Coral Reef, Hawaiian Marine Life, Endemic Fish Species, Sea Turtles, Acrylic Tunnel.

The Architectural Gem and Historic Marvel

While many aquariums focus on modern technology, one stands out for its timeless beauty and historic significance, earning it a top spot in recent rankings based on aesthetic appeal.

6. Belle Isle Aquarium (Detroit, Michigan)

In a new study, the Belle Isle Aquarium was ranked as America's most beautiful aquarium for 2024, a testament to its stunning historic design. Established in 1904, it holds the distinction of being the oldest aquarium in the United States.

• Architectural Significance: The iconic building was designed by renowned Detroit architect Albert Kahn. Its most striking feature is the vaulted ceiling lined with sea-green tiles, which creates an immersive, ethereal "underwater" feeling for visitors.
• Historic Experience: After a period of closure, the aquarium was reopened and continues to display a diverse collection of aquatic life in its historic setting, offering a free entry experience that connects visitors to over a century of history.
• Key Entities: Most Beautiful Aquarium (2024), Historic Landmark, Albert Kahn, Sea-Green Tiles, Vaulted Ceiling, Detroit, Oldest US Aquarium, 1904.

The Future of Aquatic Exhibition and Conservation

The top aquariums in the US are constantly evolving, moving far beyond simple viewing tanks to become centers of global conservation. The ongoing renovations at the Shedd Aquarium, the new interactive experiences at the Georgia Aquarium, and the ambitious climate action goals of the Monterey Bay Aquarium demonstrate a clear trend: the future of these institutions is rooted in sustainability, immersive technology, and species survival. Visitors in 2024 can expect to not only be entertained but also to be educated and inspired to participate in the critical work of protecting our planet’s vast and fragile aquatic ecosystems.