The Florida Aquarium Ranked Among the Best in the Country Again

May 20, 2026

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TAMPA, FL – The Florida Aquarium has once again earned national recognition as one of the top aquariums in the country, climbing to the #7 spot in USA TODAY’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The Aquarium secured a place among the nation’s top ten aquariums for another year and remains the only aquarium in Florida to make the prestigious list this year.

“Since 2018, The Florida Aquarium has ranked in the top ten public aquariums in the country by USA TODAY and this year’s recognition once again demonstrates our commitment to being the world-class aquarium Tampa Bay and our state deserve,” said Roger Germann, The Florida Aquarium president and CEO. “From award-winning and engaging exhibits and experiences, to coming face to face with Florida’s most diverse aquatic animal collection, and from saving marine life to educating students and lifting our community, The Florida Aquarium continues to make no little plans.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO AND PHOTOS OF THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

A panel of travel experts selected 20 aquariums from across the country based on excellence in visitor experience, conservation leadership, and educational value. Public voting determined the final rankings.

Germann added, “Thank you to the millions of guests, our staff, volunteers and board of directors, our public officials and our donors who make The Florida Aquarium number one in the state and a top ten aquarium in the country.”

Since opening in downtown Tampa in 1995, The Florida Aquarium has helped shape Tampa Bay into a premier global destination, welcoming more than 20 million guests and hosting more than one million visitors annually. The Aquarium continues to play a vital role in the region’s tourism economy and cultural identity while serving as a globally recognized leader in marine conservation and research.

“Our city’s continued rise as a world-class destination is closely connected to iconic institutions like The Florida Aquarium,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “For more than 30 years, the Aquarium has brought millions of visitors to downtown Tampa, strengthened our local economy, inspired future generations, and showcased the very best of Tampa Bay to the world. This national recognition reinforces what our community already knows—that The Florida Aquarium is one of Tampa’s greatest treasures.”

The recognition comes during a period of continued growth and transformation for the Aquarium, including its multi-year $45 million expansion that is bringing new guest experiences and animal habitats to Tampa Bay. Following the successful debut of MORPH’D and The Tide Pool exhibit—which was ranked #5 Best New Attraction by USA TODAY—the Aquarium is preparing for the arrival of puffins next year, followed by California sea lions and an expanded African penguin habitat in 2028.

The Florida Aquarium’s Community and Economic Impact
Since opening its doors on March 31, 1995, The Florida Aquarium has:

• Generated an estimated $275 million in annual economic impact
• Contributed $53.6 million in annual output for Hillsborough County, including a Gross County Product contribution of $28.8 million
• Reached more than 2 million children through education programs
• Advanced critical marine conservation efforts focused on coral reef restoration and sea turtle rehabilitation

As Tampa Bay heads into Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer travel season, guests are invited to experience one of the nation’s top-ranked aquariums firsthand.

In appreciation of those who serve, The Florida Aquarium will offer free admission to military service members from Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25 as part of its “A Tribute to Bravery” Memorial Day weekend recognition. Guests can also enjoy extended hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. over the three-day weekend.

Visit flaquarium.org to plan a visit and see why The Florida Aquarium continues to be ranked among the best aquariums in the country—right here in Tampa Bay.