City: Mystic, CT

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (860) 572-5955

Address: 55 Coogan Blvd.

Description: Recently redesigned and expanded, the Mystic Aquarium is transforming from a solid marine-life attraction to the best aquarium in New England. You will explore the estuaries, coral reefs, and upwelling zones of the world’s oceans as you walk around this extensive, living museum. There are also exhibits on the Titanic and other shipwrecks in the Institute for Exploration created by oceanographer and explorer Robert Ballard. Budding explorers can also try the climbing wall, in case they need to rappel down a cliff to examine a gannet or reach a hidden cove. For the more sedentary among us, there is a 3-D motion theater and a marine theater starring trained sea lions. There’s also a neat little spot where you can watch the veterinary care lab, where you’ll often get the chance to view scientists and doctors at work. You can even touch the rays and watch them gather around and make noise in anticipation of their feeding (a decidedly strange experience). You’ll see seals, sharks, penguins, and beluga whales. What more could you want?