Tampa's Florida Aquarium Named No. 3 In Country In USA Today Poll

TAMPA, FL — While you're making your summer bucket list, you might want to include The Florida Aquarium.

The aquarium in Tampa was just named among the top 10 best aquariums in the United States in USA Today's 10Best readers poll.

The Florida Aquarium at 701 Channelside Drive in Tampa was voted No. 3 by readers.

USA Today called the nonprofit aquarium one of the top aquariums in the South, displaying some 8,000 plants and animals from a range of fresh and saltwater environments, including alligators, sharks, seahorses, river otters and free-flying birds.

"The Florida Wetlands Trail highlights regional life in a recreated mangrove forest, while the Journey to Madagascar takes visitors across the globe to observe a host of interesting animals – ring-tailed lemurs, hissing cockroaches and colorful chameleons. At Stingray Beach, visitors are invited to touch stingrays and sharks."

The Florida Marine Aquarium shares honors with some heady company:

Here's the complete list of winners this year:

1. Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield, Missouri

2. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

3. The Florida Aquarium

4. North Carolina Aquariums

5. Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas

6. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, Louisiana

7. Newport Aquarium, Newport, Kentucky

8. Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee

9. Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey

10. Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut

Last year, The Florida Aquarium celebrated its 25th anniversary with 14 months of infrastructure expansion, enhanced exhibits and community events.

The aquarium opened its doors on March 31, 1995, in what was then a mostly undeveloped Channel District. Since then, The Florida Aquarium has grown into a major Tampa Bay attraction and a world conservation leader.

See related stories:

• Florida Aquarium Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Expansion
• Coral Rescue Operation Brainchild Of FL Aquarium, U Of Miami
• Florida Aquarium Opens Home For Injured Turtles In Apollo Beach
• 6 Cold-Stunned Turtles From Northeast Get Warm Reception In Tampa