Top Aquariums – New York Aquarium at Coney Island, New York

It’s not time for our list of the top 10 aquariums in America just yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start picking our favorites. The New York Aquarium at historic Coney Island is a decided contender. Awesome attractions, spirited staff, charming surroundings and a volume of history to boot – how can we not give this zoological landmark some love?

First opened in Battery Park all the way back in 1896, the New York Aquarium is the country’s oldest continually-operating aquarium. At the time, the aquarium was located in an adapted form the Park’s Castle Clinton, and the gorgeous site (see image) became New York’s most popular attraction.

Controversially, the 1941 construction of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel forced the aquarium’s relocation to nearby Coney Island, where it sits today. While the new digs may never capture the magnificence of that original site (come on, it was in a freakin’ castle), what’s done is done, and any New Yorker or visitor will tell you that the New York Aquarium still has lots to love.

Today the aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals across about 350 species. The full breadth of the ocean has come for a swim: sea lions, horseshoe crabs, stingrays, penguins, walruses, sea turtles, sharks, jellyfish, a giant octopus and gobs of fish are on display. Even after seeing them all, you’ll want to go back again.

Our favorite, your favorite, everyone’s favorite is the tranquil, hypnotic and ever-so-slightly creepy Alien Stingers, the jellyfish exhibit. One of the few permanent exhibits in the world dedicated to the entrancing creatures, the exhibit houses the quintessential specimen, moon jellies, as well as the vibrant and considerably more rare flower hat jelly. Red striped sea nettles complete the roster. Honestly, I could stay in this exhibit all day.

But you certainly don’t have to. Another must-visit exhibit is the massive floor-to-ceiling shark tank. Sting rays and sea turtles are just the bit players in this 90,000-gallon tank populated with reef sharks, sand sharks and the menacing, yet docile, nurse sharks. No doubt the best time to view the shark tank is at the daily feeding time, usually held in the morning around 10:30 a.m.

Additional exhibits include live guided tours of the entire aquarium (with excellent narration, really), the sea cliffs featuring seals, otters walruses and penguins, a sea lion show and a 4-D short film (extra admission depending on your ticket).

The aquarium is accredited by the American Zoological Association (AZA) and is a member of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).  Support the aquarium and support a great cause.

The New York Aquarium is open all year long. General adult admission is $13.00, or you can get a slight savings on the 4-D movie by purchasing the Total Experience ticket upfront at $17. After 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, the aquarium switches to a pay-as-you-wish system with a suggested donation of the standard $13. Learn more.

Flying in? For JFK Airport hotels we’ve had success in the past with the Holiday Inn JFK Airport Hotel. Free Internet, airport shuttle and parking are always good perks near the Big Apple.

Have fun!

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