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 recognition highlights both the aquarium and the Tampa Bay area as a leading destination for immersive attractions. The ranking was determined by a panel of travel experts and nationwide reader votes.
The Tide Pool was one of only two new attractions in Florida to be nominated this year, making its placement in the top five notable for both the aquarium and the region.
Roger Germann, President and CEO of The Florida Aquarium, said, “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 opened on August 1, 2025. It is one of the few cold-water touch habitats on Florida’s west coast. The exhibit spans 60 feet and holds 4,000 gallons of water kept at 50 degrees Fahrenheit to simulate Pacific Northwest conditions. It features more than 250 marine invertebrates from 22 species, including anemones, sea stars, squat lobsters, and painted greenling fish. The space includes lifelike rockwork, an advanced wave-motion system, immersive soundscapes, and a custom mural that transitions from sunrise to starlight.
The exhibit is part of the aquarium’s ongoing $45 million expansion plan. This multi-year project began with the MORPH’D gallery opening in 2023. Future plans include adding puffins in 2027 as well as California sea lions and an expanded African penguin habitat in 2028.
The Florida Aquarium has previously been named one of USA TODAY’s Top 10 Best Aquariums seven times. In 2025 it was ranked eighth nationally—the only Florida aquarium to make that list.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, The Florida Aquarium is a nonprofit organization focused on environmental stewardship through conservation work, research, education programs, and outreach efforts. Since opening in 1995, it has welcomed about one million guests annually and continues to play a role in marine wildlife protection initiatives such as coral reef restoration and sea turtle rescue.
More information about visiting The Tide Pool can be found at flaquarium.org.
