A survey of USA Today readers put together a list of the 10 best aquariums in the country. Tampa Bay is host to two of them. Where are they and what do they offer?

In one of USA Today‘s latest “10Best” lists, the publication wanted readers to make their choice (from a select list). Which is the best (or their favorite) aquarium in the United States.

There were two states that each boasted two spots on the list. One was Florida. The other Tennessee. The two Florida aquariums on the list are each located in the Tampa Bay area. Which two are they?

• #8 out of 10: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa

  Located in the Channeside area of downtown Tampa, the Florida Aquarium is right next to Port Tampa.

  

  One of the 10 Best Aquariums in the United States.
  (Photo By Andrew M./BBGI)

• The Florida Aquarium is more than just a place to view sea life

  The Florida Aquarium also rescues animals such as these Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles which where released back into the Atlantic Ocean.

  Find your #MondayMotivation with some exciting news from The Florida Aquarium! Our team released three rescued Kemp's Ridley sea turtles back into the ocean!
  
  Staff brought Stevie, Sully and Echo to St. Augustine to round out another successful rescue story. Thanks to the… pic.twitter.com/prlQLII4Gb

  — The Florida Aquarium (@floridaaquarium) April 3, 2023

• Still, it's a world-class aquarium

  If you haven’t already, you need to come see the amazing fish and other sea life. The Florida Aquarium is in the middle of a $40-million expansion.

  ✅ The Florida Aquarium has been nominated! It's time to cast your vote for @USATODAY @10Best aquariums in the country!https://t.co/4exAnpb9QL

  — The Florida Aquarium (@floridaaquarium) February 6, 2023

• #2 of 10: Clearwater Marine Aquarium

  It’s a well-deserved honor to be among the best in the nation. Cleawater Marine Aquarium gained worldwide acclaim as the film Dolphin Tale put the facility on the map.

  Calling all CMA Fans! It’s the last full day to vote CMA for USA Today’s Best Aquarium. Visit the link to cast your vote. https://t.co/iH2J0atP2P

  — Clearwater Aquarium (@CMAquarium) March 5, 2023

• Winter became the face of Clearwater Marine Aquarium

  The 2011 film led so many fans from around the world to visit the aquarium to see Winter.

  As we continue to look back all month long during the Dolphin Tale 10th Anniversary, @AustinHighsmith, who played Phoebe, joins us to share her memories from the movie. pic.twitter.com/ox6VOo4mlY

  — Clearwater Aquarium (@CMAquarium) September 10, 2021

• CMA rescues and rehabs many animals

  Dolphins, sea turtles, manatees and other wildlife are rescued by MCA

  On Thursday, our biologists, LE officers and @CMAquarium rescued a #manatee in poor body condition near Deland. The animal was successfully rescued and taken to @SeaWorld for rehabilitation. pic.twitter.com/gZP87fY8zo

  — MyFWC (@MyFWC) March 31, 2023

  Celebrate #SeaTurtleAwarenessDay in style tomorrow at CMA from 10am - 3pm! The Sea Turtle Conservation Program will be preparing for sea turtle nesting season with nesting presentations, nest stake painting, Protect the Nest plaques, and so much more! https://t.co/Fy4a6coc5x pic.twitter.com/ziysxts5bF

  — Clearwater Aquarium (@CMAquarium) March 31, 2023

  Let’s celebrate Rocky’s release! Rocky is a subadult green sea turtle who was found floating and struggling to stay submerged offshore of Homosassa in February. Radiographs revealed that Rocky had gastrointestinal issues which likely caused their buoyancy. pic.twitter.com/mrsPR11ten

  — Clearwater Aquarium (@CMAquarium) March 30, 2023

  Our sea turtle rehab patient Shenandoah is showing positive improvement! This turtle was rescued off Indian Shores beach, lethargic and in need of help. Upon intake, he was diagnosed with exposure to red tide. pic.twitter.com/U5LcJCQ6q9

  — Clearwater Aquarium (@CMAquarium)

  Our sea turtle rehab patient Shenandoah is showing positive improvement! This turtle was rescued off Indian Shores beach, lethargic and in need of help. Upon intake, he was diagnosed with exposure to red tide. pic.twitter.com/U5LcJCQ6q9

  — Clearwater Aquarium (@CMAquarium) March 19, 2023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2023">

  Our sea turtle rehab patient Shenandoah is showing positive improvement! This turtle was rescued off Indian Shores beach, lethargic and in need of help. Upon intake, he was diagnosed with exposure to red tide. pic.twitter.com/U5LcJCQ6q9

  — Clearwater Aquarium (@CMAquarium)

  Our sea turtle rehab patient Shenandoah is showing positive improvement! This turtle was rescued off Indian Shores beach, lethargic and in need of help. Upon intake, he was diagnosed with exposure to red tide. pic.twitter.com/U5LcJCQ6q9

  — Clearwater Aquarium (@CMAquarium) March 19, 2023

  ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2023

• In case you were wondering who was #1 on the list...

  Readers voted Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, as the number one aquarium in the U.S.

  If we could describe a day at WOW with three emojis, what would they would be… 🥰 🦈 🐢
  
  📷 Molly Jordan pic.twitter.com/bxULWz0BIC

  — Wonders of Wildlife (@WOWaquarium) March 16, 2023

  It's o-fish-ially awards season! 🎉 🏆
  The nominees are in for America's Best Aquarium, and we're thrilled Wonders of Wildlife is once again in the running! Show your support and cast a vote for conservation— now through March 6: https://t.co/xI89xWs7Rg pic.twitter.com/tMuNf7svep

  — Wonders of Wildlife (@WOWaquarium) February 6, 2023

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