Attractions· zoo-aquarium
The Florida Aquarium
Channel District, Tampa|$$$
The Florida Aquarium's signature Wetlands Trail winds under a glass dome past free-flying birds, river otters, and alligators before descending to the 500,000-gallon Coral Reef gallery with its walk-through tunnel and sand tiger sharks. Regularly ranked among America's best aquariums, it also runs a serious coral conservation program you can learn about on-site. The outdoor Splash Pad is a lifesaver for parents with toddlers, and Wild Dolphin Cruises depart from the back dock into Tampa Bay.
Why our team sends guests here
It sits right on the Riverwalk's eastern end next to Sparkman Wharf — do the aquarium in the morning, then lunch at the wharf's shipping-container food stalls.
Stay near Tampa
Book direct with the team that wrote this guide — no Airbnb-style service fees.
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