Texas has many different aquariums where you can embark on an undersea adventure, but one rises above all the others. Downtown Aquarium in Houston is among the best aquariums in the nation and it constantly appears on lists of the best attractions in Texas. We can’t help but agree – with 500,000 gallons of exhibits, rides, and games galore, and a restaurant that features a massive fish tank, this aquarium is tons of fun for the whole family.

Perhaps the most iconic aquarium in Texas, Houston's Downtown Aquarium boasts 500,000 gallons of fascinating underwater exhibits, plus rides, games, and dining and shopping opportunities to keep the fun going all day long.
Google/REbranding 360
There are several must-see exhibits in this epic aquarium, featuring everything from the alligators of the Texas bayous to coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life.
Facebook/Downtown Aquarium - Houston
Several 180-degree aquatic tunnels afford visitors the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vast world that exists beneath the surface of the ocean. Prepare to be mesmerized as colorful fish and other exotic, seldom-seen species swim past all around you.
You can even get up close and personal with live stingrays at Stingray Reef!
Facebook/Downtown Aquarium - Houston
One-of-a-kind touch tanks let you interact with the normally elusive, deep-water dwelling creatures, feeling their silky smooth skin and feeding them out of the palm of your hand.
Six fun-filled rides each showcase a different aspect of the aquarium, with the Shark Voyage being the crowd favorite.
Facebook/Downtown Aquarium - Houston
You'll climb aboard the C.P. Huntington train and ride straight through the center of a 200,000-gallon shark tank, watching the ocean's fiercest predators stalk the water just inches above your head.
Outside, you'll find even more fun and games, with a 100-foot-tall Ferris wheel, aquatic-themed carousel, and many more amusement park rides and other attractions for all ages.
Facebook/Downtown Aquarium - Houston
Kid or kid at heart, you're never too old to ride on the back of a dolphin or endure an exhilarating, 65-foot vertical drop with awe-inspiring views of the Houston skyline.
Before you leave, don't forget to stop by the Aquarium Restaurant for a delicious meal.
Facebook/Downtown Aquarium - Houston
The dining room features a floor-to-ceiling, 150,000-gallon aquarium that over 100 species of marine life call home, and every table has a front-row seat. As for the menu, it's largely seafood-inspired, but also includes steak and chicken entrees, salads, pasta dishes, decadent desserts, and so much more.
Address: 410 Bagby Street, Houston, TX, 77002.
Google Maps

Visit the Downtown Aquarium website or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever been to the Downtown Aquarium in Houston? Do you agree it’s one of the best attractions in Texas… and the country?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Best Attractions in Texas

Sarah M. | January 04, 2023

What are some of the best attractions in Texas?

There's no shortage of world-class attractions in the Lone Star State, a place known for taking everything to the next level. In addition to Downtown Aquarium, here are some more of the best attractions in Texas:

  • Aquatica. Aquatica in San Antonio features an unforgettable tubing experience that takes riders beneath an underground habitat of stingrays and other tropical fish. It’s the perfect summer family adventure, and you’ll want to come back again and again.
  • Balmorhea State Park. With its crystal-clear water and breathtaking mountainous surroundings, Balmorhea State Park contains the world's largest spring-fed pool.
  • Hamilton Pool. This beloved attraction features a waterfall and a mystical grotto that's sure to transport you to a Disney movie-esque world full of happiness and dreams come true.
  • Big Bend. Not only do canyons abound in Texas, but mountains stretch as far as the eye can see as well. The Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park just might be the most beautiful natural wonder in the state.
  • Route 66. Along the 79,000+ miles of Texas highways and roadways, you will see long stretches of nothing but cattle, farms, and towering trees that go on for days. But, somewhere in the mix, you’ll spot some pretty odd structures and attractions off the side of the road that just might add a little excitement to those long road trips.
  • San Antonio River Walk. The River Walk might be one of the most "touristy" places in the state, but it's not a trap in any way, shape, or form. There's no better way to experience the lively, authentic Mexican culture of San Antonio than to fully immerse yourself in it. Restaurants and shops abound, and you can even get chauffeured in a gondola if you don't feel like walking the entire stretch!

Related Articles

Explore Texas

Featured Addresses
Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, USA