This Tampa Aquarium Was Named ‘The Best’ By USA Today
USA Today is back again with their 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024 and this time naming the 10 best aquariums in the United States. Lucky for us here in Tampa, The Florida Aquarium has once again secured it’s spot on the list cementing it as one of the best aquariums in the United States.
It’s no secret that the Florida Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the United States. Just last week, we heard the Florida Aquarium was expanding with a huge $15 million upgrade to make way for new exhibits.
What Makes The Florida Aquarium One Of The Best In The USA?
The Florida Aquarium isn’t just your average city aquarium. With over 8,000 plants and animals on display, there’s no shortage of wildlife to see which is why The Florida Aquarium claims the #8 spot on The Best Aquariums in the USA by USA Today.
The Florida Aquarium features both fresh and saltwater habitats filled with all sorts of animals like alligators, sharks, seahorses, river otters, birds and more. The Wetlands trail features animal life within a mangrove forest while the Journey to Madagascar takes visitors on a safari through ring tailed lemurs, hissing cockroaches, frogs and more.
Don’t forget about the fan favorite Stingray Beach. Here, visitors get a chance to checkout and touch some of the coolest creatures in the ocean like the cownose ray. You’ll also see the Florida horse conch, blue angelfish, porkfish and more inside Stingray Beach which is what makes The Florida Aquarium one of the best aquariums in the United States.
What Other Aquariums Made the List For The Best Aquariums In The USA?
The Florida Aquarium was up against some serious competition on the USA Today’s list. Coming in at #7 on the list, The Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii in Wailuku, Hawaii has a cage free shark dive in a 750,000 gallon tank and even features a snorkeling tour and turtle lagoon.
In the #3 spot for the best aquariums in the USA, The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee brings the ocean life to the mountains. The Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans, Louisiana features many endangered animals like penguins and jellyfish and comes in at the #2 spot.
Claiming the #1 spot overall for the best aquariums in the United States, is the Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. With over 35,000 animals and over 800 different species on display, this aquarium tops the list.
Which Florida Cities Made The List For Best Places To Live In The U.S.
#1. Naples
We already told you that Naples was the named the #1 city to live in the U.S., even if most of its residents only live there during the winter months.
#11. Sarasota
Sarasota has a unique charm compared to its other coastal cities. It has a very vibrant art scene, beautiful beaches, great food and restaurants. Sarasota was also considered a “retirement community” but that is changing as more young professionals make it their own up-and-coming city.
#31. Pensacola
White sand beaches is the main reason why Pensacola is so desirable. U.S. News and World Report says “Year round, the city’s vibrant nightlife is balanced by an abundance of family-friendly activities and a community atmosphere.”
#35. Tampa
Finally Tampa made the list! We’re used to seeing Tampa higher up in these rankings, and definitely thought it would be higher based on all the people moving here just in the past year alone. The cost of living in Tampa is slightly higher than the national average, and the housing market has become so competitive in recent years. But out of all the cities in Florida, we’re happy to call Tampa home.
Photo: Tampa Hillsborough EDC
#37. Fort Myers
Situated between Tampa and Miami on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a growing city. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves humidity, Fort Myers is the place for you. The have miles of freshwater and saltwater channels for boating and fishing; trails for biking, hiking and paddling; and golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and shuffleboard courts.
#56. Jacksonville
Did you know Jacksonville is the largest metro area by land mass in the continental U.S? Jacksonville has also been listed in affordable Florida cities and one of the best places to start a career.
#68. Orlando
Orlando is so massive that it’s broken up into 3 different areas: Downtown Orlando, Residential “City Beautiful” Orlando, and of course, theme park capital Orlando. The cost of housing in Orlando is close to the national median sale price, although like with many markets, home prices have soared here in recent years.
