Seattle Aquarium
- Trevor
- March 17, 2021
- Last Updated: September 15, 2023
Location
1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
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Description
Welcome to the Seattle Aquarium! Get ready to explore the spectacular underwater world and meet some amazing sea creatures. You’ll love watching playful sea otters, the graceful octopus, and luminous moon jellies. Don’t miss the Window on Washington Waters exhibit, which features 120,000 gallons of Northwest sea life. And be sure to check out Life on the Edge, where you can touch live sea stars and urchins.
Visiting with kids? Be sure to check out the upper level Caring Cove, an immersive play area for kids.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the café for a delicious meal or a much-needed coffee break. And don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to take home some unique souvenirs to remember your Seattle Aquarium experience.
Founded in 1977, the Seattle Aquarium has been inspiring the conservation of our marine environment for over 40 years. As a non-profit 501c3, they remain committed to educating and inspiring people to protect the ocean we all share. Come visit the Aquarium on Seattle’s scenic downtown waterfront and discover the wonder of the underwater world.
Table of Contents
Photo By Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
Meet the Animals
Step through our short tunnel and immerse yourself in an extraordinary undersea experience. The Underwater Dome, with a breathtaking 360-degree view into a 400,000-gallon habitat, home to hundreds of interesting Puget Sound fish, you’ll have plenty to see! The largest habitat features a beautiful snapshot of life in Puget Sound. Watch schools of open-water salmon, lingcod, sharks, Pacific spiny lumpsuckers, and more. Be charmed by our playful sea otters, river otters, harbor seals, and fur seals. And don’t forget to join for one of our daily talks and animal feedings!
While at the Marine Mammals exhibit, choose your view, either from the underwater exhibit, surface area, or comfortable seating. Their harbor seal exhibit is a must-see, with spacious rest areas, a large pool, and acrylic viewing panels.
But the wonders don’t end here! Visiting the open-air exhibit lets you closely observe the daily routines of the many species of birds that can be found along Puget Sound’s rocky shoreline. You’ll even get to experience the scent and feel of fresh sea breeze!
And lastly, explore our beautiful Ring of Life exhibit filled with luminous moon jellies and fascinating creatures such as the giant Pacific octopus. Lean over, reach in, and get your hands wet as you touch a sea cucumber, or feel the prickly spines of a sea urchin at Life on the Edge. Don’t forget to take in the scent of seawater!
Seattle Aquarium Timed Tickets
The Seattle Aquarium now offers timed ticketing and plan-ahead pricing. This program enables you to plan around your budget and schedule, as prices vary depending on the day, and busy periods. Additionally, you can reap the rewards of becoming a member and receive unlimited entry to the aquarium throughout the year, along with two half-priced guests per membership. As a member, you’ll also enjoy exclusive discounts and other perks.
Get the City Pass and save on admission at Seattle’s top attractions (including the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Pop Culture, Woodland Park Zoo, Chihuly Garden, and Pacific Science Center).
Is There Parking At The Seattle Aquarium?
While the Seattle Aquarium doesn’t have designated parking on-site, they have some great options for you! The Seattle Historic Waterfront Association is currently offering two free hours of parking at the Pike Place Market Garage when you visit the Seattle Aquarium or any other participating waterfront location. This is a great way to save money and enjoy everything our historic waterfront has to offer. Please keep in mind that the free parking offer is only valid for daytime admission and only while supplies last.
If you prefer, you can also try your luck with street metered parking, which is limited to four-hour parking if available along Alaskan Way. We hope you have a wonderful time at the aquarium and on the waterfront!
Caring Cove - Immersive Play Space For Kids
You’re going to love the toddler area upstairs at the aquarium. It’s only open during designated times, but when it is, your little ones can let loose and have a blast. There’s a water table, a painting area, and plenty of space to run around. Best of all, they can pretend to be an aquarium staff member and care for the animals in the play space. There’s even a costume and animal area where they can choose a plush animal and give it a checkup. The holding habitat is perfect for animals to rest and play, too.
For the smallest guests, there’s an artificial tide pool area where they can explore carefully. They can design their own underwater ecosystem or animal home on the felt wall, read children’s books in the reading area, or take a break on the benches. The Caring Cove is designed for toddlers and children up to age 10 and is a great way for the whole family to support the empathy work at the aquarium.
Note to Self
- There are lots of restrooms around the aquarium.
- There is a café with plenty of chairs to sit and feed a child if needed.
- If you are a Washington resident, you can get a discount on the entry ticket.
- Receive a two-hour free parking voucher from the Aquarium if you park at the Pike Place Market Parking Garage
- The aquarium does not have designated parking on-site. Street parking or park at the Pike Place Market Parking Garage.
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Four cousins on their journey to enjoy life. We spend our days exploring Seattle, Washington, surrounding areas, and the world to find the best things to do, eat, and see.
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