If you ever find yourself strolling along Seattle’s bustling waterfront, make sure to drop anchor at the Seattle Aquarium. Since opening on May 20, 1977, this public aquarium has been captivating visitors with its fascinating displays of marine life from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Located at Pier 59 and Pier 60 on Seattle’s Elliott Bay, it’s the perfect spot for both families and ocean lovers to learn, play, and get hands-on with marine creatures.
Discover the Aquarium’s Signature Exhibits
The Seattle Aquarium isn’t your run-of-the-mill fish bowl. It boasts six major exhibits spread across three buildings, including the recent addition, the Ocean Pavilion, which opened in August 2024. The heart of the aquarium lies in its dedication to showcasing the marine world native to Washington state, with a splash of tropical life for good measure.
The Window on Washington Waters is a stunning 120,000-gallon tank replicating the coastal waters from 5 to 60 feet deep. Here, you can watch salmon dart through the water alongside rockfish and sea anemones. What makes this exhibit extra special are the daily dive shows where divers don masks that let them talk to visitors underwater — imagine chatting with a scuba diver while surrounded by fish!
For those who like a bit of hands-on fun, Life on the Edge offers touch pools where you can gently feel sea stars, sea cucumbers, and urchins. It’s a rare chance to get up close with tide pool inhabitants without the worries of tides or slippery rocks. And if you want to witness a real slice of Washington’s marine life, the Crashing Waves exhibit delivers a 40-foot wave tank that mimics the shoreline’s rocky intertidal zone, featuring creatures perfectly adapted to the splash zone.
One of the crowd favorites is the Ring of Life, where visitors are enclosed in a 12-foot-high glass “donut” surrounded by glowing moon jellies. It’s a serene and otherworldly experience that’s both calming and mesmerizing. Don’t miss the regional superstar, the Giant Pacific Octopus. Native to Puget Sound and waters stretching from California to Japan, this octopus lives in a round tank providing 360-degree views of its clever moves and color changes.
Feeding Shows, Virtual Reality, and Play Spaces
The Seattle Aquarium serves up more than just static tanks. Dive shows and animal feedings occur daily, turning simple observation into an interactive marine theater. For the tech-savvy visitor, there’s a virtual reality experience every 15 minutes that will transport you to the underwater world without even getting wet.
Families with kids will love the Caring Cove Play Space, designed for young explorers to dress up, play, and learn about the ocean in a playful setting. After all this discovery, grab a bite at the café right on site, which offers fresh-baked treats, local microbrews, and a glass of Washington wine — all with a view of the waterfront that’s hard to beat.
Planning Your Visit: Hours and Location
The Seattle Aquarium is open daily, welcoming guests from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s located at 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, Washington 98101, right on the picturesque downtown waterfront. Whether you’re popping in for an hour or planning to spend the whole day, the Seattle Aquarium offers a unique mix of education and entertainment that’s worth every minute.
Thinking About Making Seattle Home?
Now, imagine if this incredible marine playground were just outside your doorstep. Seattle’s waterfront lifestyle offers so much more than scenic views and fresh seafood. Living here means you’re stepping into a community that’s deeply connected to nature and committed to conservation. The Seattle Aquarium is a shining example of this commitment, inspiring locals and visitors alike to appreciate and protect our oceans.
Plus, Seattle is more than just the water — it’s a hub for art, culture, and technology, where coffee shops buzz, music fills the streets, and parks and trails invite you to explore nature steps from downtown. With vibrant neighborhoods, excellent schools, and easy access to outdoor adventures, living in Seattle means your weekends can be just as exciting as your weekdays. After a visit to the aquarium, you might just find yourself dreaming of waking up to the sound of waves and the sight of a salty breeze every day.
Explore Seattle’s Marine Marvels and More
Seattle Aquarium is more than just tanks and fish. It’s about connecting people—kids and adults alike—to the ocean and the critical role we play in preserving it. Its fun exhibits, engaging dive shows, and vibrant marine life offer a memorable educational adventure for all ages.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this ocean getaway on the city’s waterfront promises a splash of wonder that will keep you coming back for more. So, grab your family or friends and dive right into the Seattle Aquarium experience — where the magic of the sea meets the heart of the city.
Source: seattleaquarium.org
Header Image Source: Seattle Aquarium – GMB
