Cities
Explore Texas Aquariums by City
From urban rainforests to coastal dolphin bays, Texas offers some of the most diverse and breathtaking aquarium experiences in the U.S. Use our city guides to plan your next marine adventure – complete with ticket deals, nearby hotels, and travel tips.
City Spotlight Grid
Texas is home to an extraordinary mix of aquatic destinations – each offering its own personality, wildlife, and family experience.
Whether you’re planning a day trip in Dallas, a weekend in Galveston, or a Gulf-coast getaway in Corpus Christi, these cities let you immerse yourself in the magic of the ocean without leaving Texas.
Step into the lush rainforest inside the Dallas World Aquarium, where reef fish, flamingos, and manatees co-exist beneath a canopy of tropical plants. This indoor wonder in Downtown Dallas offers a rare blend of zoological and marine life. Perfect for families and photographers alike.
🎟️ Book Tickets & Tours →
🪸 Highlights: Orinoco Rainforest exhibit, stingray touch tank, rare birds.
🏨 Stay Nearby: Hotels within walking distance of Downtown Dallas.
🪸 Grapevine – Family Fun at SEA LIFE Aquarium
Inside Grapevine Mills Mall, the SEA LIFE Aquarium features 360° ocean tunnels, colorful coral reefs, and interactive touch pools for kids. Pair your visit with LEGOLAND Discovery Center for a full day of family fun.
🎟️ Book Tickets →
🐙 Highlights: Shark tunnel, sea turtle rescue center, child-friendly tours.
🛍️ Tip: Shop or dine in Grapevine Mills after your visit.
🏝 Galveston – Rainforest Meets the Gulf
At Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid, you’ll find penguins, jellyfish, and sea lions set against the backdrop of the Gulf Coast. Combine it with the Rainforest Pyramid and IMAX for a complete eco-adventure.
🎟️ Book Tickets →
🐧 Highlights: Penguin habitats, reef tunnel, family IMAX shows.
🌴 Stay: Moody Gardens Hotel packages with exclusive early access.
🐠 Houston – Downtown Dining & Diving Experiences
The Downtown Aquarium Houston combines a thrilling adventure park with a world-class aquarium featuring over 200 species of marine life. Ride the Shark Voyage train, dine next to a 150,000-gallon tank, and explore immersive reef exhibits.
- 🐬 Highlights: White tigers, touch tanks, carousel, and restaurant.
- 🍽 Tip: Reserve a table for aquarium-view dining.
- 🎟️ Book Tickets →
🌊 Corpus Christi – Dolphins & Coastal Conservation
The Texas State Aquarium celebrates the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico. Meet dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays in award-winning habitats that inspire ocean stewardship.
- 🐢 Highlights: Caribbean Sea Exhibit, H-E-B Caribbean Bay, Discovery Center.
- ⚓ Stay: Beachfront hotels with family rooms and Gulf views.
- 🎟️ Book Tickets →
FAQs
What are the best aquariums to visit in Texas?
Texas is home to five major aquariums worth visiting:
Texas State Aquarium (Corpus Christi) – The largest aquarium in Texas with dolphins, sea turtles, and Gulf exhibits.
Dallas World Aquarium (Dallas) – A rainforest-style indoor zoo and marine park.
SEA LIFE Grapevine (Grapevine) – Family-friendly aquarium with a 360° ocean tunnel.
Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid (Galveston) – Massive marine exhibits featuring penguins and jellyfish.
Downtown Aquarium Houston – Combines aquarium exhibits with dining and amusement rides.
How long should I plan for each aquarium visit?
Most aquarium visits take 2–3 hours, but allow half a day if you plan to include nearby attractions, dining, or tours. Dallas and Galveston’s locations offer full-day experiences with multiple exhibits and on-site restaurants.
Are Texas aquariums good for kids and families?
Absolutely. Every aquarium listed features interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and educational programs designed for children.
Dallas World Aquarium and Texas State Aquarium are perfect for school-age children and teens interested in conservation or marine biology.
SEA LIFE Grapevine and Moody Gardens are especially popular for families with younger kids.
Can I buy aquarium tickets online?
Yes all featured aquariums offer online ticketing through trusted affiliates like Viator and Booking.com.
You can compare prices, bundle tickets with nearby attractions, and skip the line by booking ahead:
What’s the best time to visit aquariums in Texas?
Weekday mornings (especially Tuesday–Thursday) tend to have fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
Avoid peak times like weekends, holidays, and spring break when visitor traffic is highest.
Which Texas aquarium has dolphins?
The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi is the only one featuring live dolphin shows. It also includes a sea turtle rescue center and the Caribbean Sea exhibit – a must-see for animal lovers.
Are there hotels near each aquarium?
Yes – we’ve partnered with Booking.com to showcase hotels within 5–10 minutes walking distance of each aquarium.
Most offer flexible cancellation, family suites, and nearby dining options.
Look for the “Hotels Near Each Aquarium” section on every city page once your affiliate widgets are approved.
Do aquariums in Texas offer combo or bundle tickets?
Yes. Several destinations, especially Grapevine and Galveston, offer combo deals:
- SEA LIFE Grapevine + LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- Moody Gardens Aquarium + Rainforest Pyramid or 3D Theater
You can book these packages directly through Viator or on the aquarium’s website.
Are Texas aquariums wheelchair-accessible?
All major aquariums in Texas are ADA-compliant with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Visitors may request wheelchair rentals or accessibility maps at guest services.
Still have questions?
Visit our Contact Page or follow us on Instagram @dallasaquariumlife for updates and new aquarium openings.