The Florida Aquarium’s Tide Pool exhibit has been ranked as the fifth best new attraction in the United States by USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. The ranking was determined by a panel of travel experts and a nationwide reader vote, placing both the aquarium and Tampa Bay in the national spotlight.
The Tide Pool was one of only two new attractions in Florida to be nominated this year. The recognition highlights its significance for both The Florida Aquarium and the broader Tampa Bay region.
Roger Germann, President and CEO of The Florida Aquarium, commented on the achievement: “This Top 5 national ranking is an incredible honor and a direct reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing world-class experiences that integrate ground-breaking exhibit design with animal wellbeing and guest expectations. The Tide Pool sets a new standard for animal exhibit and creates a meaningful, hands-on connection with ocean life. Seeing it recognized on a national stage reinforces our shared purpose to inspire conservation through unforgettable experiences.”
The Tide Pool exhibit opened on August 1, 2025. It is among the few cold-water touch habitats located on Florida’s west coast. The exhibit features a 60-foot, 4,000-gallon habitat designed to replicate the Pacific Northwest shoreline environment. It houses more than 250 marine invertebrates from 22 species, including anemones, sea stars, squat lobsters, and painted greenling fish.
To maintain authenticity, the water temperature is kept at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The exhibit includes lifelike rockwork, an advanced wave-motion system, immersive soundscapes, and a custom mural that transitions from sunrise to starlight across its length. Built in six segments, it offers guests hands-on opportunities intended to foster curiosity about ocean conservation.
This recognition adds to other accolades received by The Florida Aquarium. It has been named one of USA TODAY’s Top 10 Best Aquariums seven times and was ranked eighth in 2025—the only aquarium from Florida included that year.
The Tide Pool marks the second phase of a multi-year $45 million expansion at The Florida Aquarium. Previous additions include the MORPH’D gallery launched in 2023. Planned future expansions feature puffins arriving in 2027 as well as California sea lions and an expanded African penguin habitat set for completion in 2028.
In addition to welcoming around one million visitors annually, The Florida Aquarium has played a role in transforming Tampa Bay into a global destination since its opening in 1995. As a nonprofit organization focused on environmental stewardship through conservation efforts, research initiatives, education programs, and outreach activities, it continues to lead research and rescue operations aimed at restoring coral reefs and supporting sea turtle populations across Florida.
For more information about visiting or learning more about The Tide Pool exhibit or other programs at The Florida Aquarium, visit flaquarium.org.
