ATTRACTIONS — USA:
New England Aquarium

If you’re looking to take a trip to exotic waters without leaving the United States, the New England Aquarium in Boston is the place to go. Here, you can experience more than 70 exhibits that feature aquatic animals from all over the world. As you enter, you can greet the African penguins. Then, you can feel the smooth wing of a cownose ray, until you wind your way around the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, where you find a huge Carribbean coral reef. After that, you can go back out and see the Northern fur seals. They are in action in their very own open-air exhibit. End the visit with the Atlantic harbor seals out front, and you’ll be sure to leave the park happy!

But what’s really great about the park is that the animals seem to be happy, too. The New England Aquarium seeks to make a lasting global impact, and through its conservation and research programs, aspires to develop and implement new solutions to protect the oceans and balance the human impacts on them. Through the plethora of education programs, you, too, can become part of this lasting impact.

Prices vary depending on whether you purchase just aquarium admission or if you want to enter the IMAX theatre or Whale Watching as well. Combo tickets are also available. Visit the official website for details on pricing. Check Boston Hotels for the latest hotel deals.

In terms of getting there, the easiest way is by subway. The closest subway stop is just 100 yards from the Aquarium. It is the Aquarium stop on MBTA’s Blue Line. Many other subway lines connect to the Blue Line, and stops off all of the lines are only a short walk from the Aquarium, including the State stop on the Orange Line (8-minute walk), the Government Center stop on the Green Line (10-minute walk), and the South Station stop on the Red Line (10-15-minute walk).