Southern Byways

You have to admit that the underwater world is fascinating. It is filled with all types of plant life and creatures - some that you might be familiar with and some that you may not.

Aquariums allow us the opportunity to view and to learn about this world up close, and the south is filled with large and small public aquariums throughout the region

Located in Alabama, The Estuarium, found in Dauphin Island, features the four habitats of Coastal Alabama. Exhibits include The Living Marsh Boardwalk and the popular touch tanks.

Delta River Nature Center in Pine Bluff, Ark., includes a 20,000 gallon river aquarium and a 20,000 gallon Oxbow Lake aquarium.

When you are visiting D.C., be sure to stop by the National Aquarium.

In Florida, there is the Florida Aquarium in Tampa explores Florida’s underwater world. Mote Aquarium in Sarasota is also devoted to creatures in Florida’s water. Their exhibits include a shark habitat and manatee habitat.

You have probably heard that Georgia is home the the world’s largest aquarium - the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Saying that it is large is somewhat of an understatement. With 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water, there are over 100,000 animals representing about 500 species from around the world.

At the Flint RiverQuarium, in Albany, Ga., you can learn more about the importance of the blue hole springs. Another unique exhibit is the live fish hatchery.

Learn what lives in the Ohio River, and see a jellyfish gallery at the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Ky. The aquarium features over 70 exhibits and 14 galleries.

Louisiana has the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans.

Not to be confused with D.C.’s aquarium, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Md., is a little larger, featuring over 16,5000 animals.

North Carolina Aquariums are made up of three aquariums in different parts of the state. All feature exhibits on North Carolina’s underwater world.

The South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston shows what creatures are found in the Piedmont region and the Coastal Plain region in addition to other points. Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach features sharks and other sea creatures.

Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is the largest freshwater aquarium in the world. The exhibits are divided into two separate buildings -River Journey and Ocean Journey. Happen to be visiting Gatlinburg? Don’t miss Ripley’s Aquarium.

Given the size of Texas, it make sense there are a lot of aquariums. If you find yourself visiting the Lone Star state, consider stopping by the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. Exhibits include the entertaining Otter Space and the fascinating Island of Steel, an exhibit where you can view a habitat that has formed around an oil platform in the Gulf. Houston’s Downtown Aquarium galleries includes a shipwreck and sunken temple.

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Center in Virginia Beach features the largest collection of Chesapeake Bay fish in the world. Also, don’t miss the sea turtles.