$6 to $8

Closed for the past two and a half years to accommodate visitors’ growing expectations, this aquarium on one of the state’s barrier islands, 147 miles southeast of Raleigh, reopened in May at three times its previous size. The exhibits are bigger and better (to the tune of $25 million), but, in keeping with today’s top facilities, the aquarium includes a new 150-seat auditorium, more classrooms, a larger gift shop, and increased guest parking. While you’re there, make a point to check out Blackbeard’s sunken pirate ship and the German submarine in the 300,000-gallon Living Shipwreck exhibition.

Seattle Aquarium
(206) 386-4300
www.seattleaquarium.org
$6 to $13

Seattle’s 29-year-old public aquarium is currently in the midst of a $37 million expansion and renovation (scheduled for completion in June 2007). While some of the changes are structural (the aquarium sits on a 100-year-old pier), the enhancements include a 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Waters exhibit, which boasts a 20-by-40-foot panoramic viewing window.