The Florida Aquarium Nominated Again as One of the Best Aquariums in the Country
April 13, 2026
Share Story
The Florida Aquarium is once again in the running for national recognition as one of the top aquariums in the country, following its nomination in USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. With the community’s support, the Aquarium has the chance to once again secure a spot in the prestigious Top 10—shining a spotlight on both the Aquarium and the entire Tampa Bay region.
Voting is now open (Monday, April 13 at noon EDT) and runs through Monday, May 11 at 11:59 a.m. EDT. Supporters can vote once per day to help The Florida Aquarium climb the national rankings.
To vote, visit: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/florida-aquarium-tampa-florida/.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO AND PHOTOS OF THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium has consistently earned a Top 10 spot among the nation’s best, thanks to the unwavering support of the Tampa Bay community and visitors from across the country. The Aquarium took the #8 position the past three years (2023, 2024, 2025) and was the only Florida aquarium to make the list last year.
A panel of travel experts research aquariums across the country to select 20 of the best, and the top ten winners are determined by the public’s vote.
Located in the heart of downtown, The Florida Aquarium has helped shape Tampa Bay into a premier global destination since opening in 1995. With nearly 20,000 aquatic and terrestrial animals, guests can enjoy immersive exhibits featuring sharks, sea turtles, otters, stingrays, and more.
The Florida Aquarium continues to evolve, highlighted by the opening of The Tide Pool exhibit last summer as part of its multi-year expansion—an immersive experience that was ranked #5 Best New Attraction by USA TODAY this year. Looking ahead, the Aquarium’s expansion will bring even more to explore, including puffins in 2027, followed by California sea lions and an expanded African penguin habitat in 2028, further enhancing its shared purpose to connect guests with marine life in meaningful ways.
The Latest from The Florida Aquarium
-
October 29, 2026
Pumpkin Playtime: The Florida Aquarium’s Penguins, Skunks, and Alligators Explore Halloween Treats
TAMPA, FL (October 29, 2026) – Pumpkins aren’t just for carving at The Florida Aquarium. This Halloween, penguins, alligators, and skunk sisters are getting in on the seasonal fun with pumpkin enrichment designed to encourage natural behaviors and provide mental and physical stimulation. The Aquarium’s animal care team creates these experiences to engage the animals…
Read More -
October 24, 2026
First Graders Dive into Learning at The Florida Aquarium as Hillsborough Schools Launches Referendum-Funded Field Trips
Hundreds of Students Explored Marine Life Through Taxpayers’ Investment in Learning Beyond the Classroom TAMPA, FL (October 24, 2026) – Nearly 250 first graders from Bryan, Mabry, and Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary Schools explored Florida’s aquatic ecosystems at The Florida Aquarium on Friday as part of a new Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) initiative providing…
Read More -
October 21, 2026
Trick-or-Treat Under the Deep Boo Sea: Guppyween Returns to The Florida Aquarium
Presented by BayCare Kids, this Halloween family-friendly event also features festive food, animal encounters, and underwater pumpkin carving Tampa, FL (October 21, 2026) – Little ghosts, goblins, pirates and princesses are invited to celebrate Halloween at The Florida Aquarium’s annual Guppyween, returning Oct. 24–31 with trick-or-treating, animal encounters, costumed divers and a new scavenger…
Read More
Stay Up to Date
Want to know what’s happening below the surface? Sign up to receive our email newsletter, “The Current”, and dive into the latest news, events, and exhibit updates happening here at the Aquarium.