CTBSmallLogo Visiting Boston
Boston Visitor Map>
Boston Visitor Map
CTBSmallLogoVisiting Boston
New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a popular must-see attraction right on the Boston waterfront. It offers a rich and multifaceted experience of marine life, from a giant penguin colony to a giant circular Caribbean tank that reaches across all floors of the aquarium. Here are some of its major attractions:

Giant Caribbean coral reef
The centerpiece of the aquarium, this 200,000-gallon cylindrical tank offers an immersive look at a Caribbean coral reef. Visitors can see an array of marine life, including Myrtle, the 90-year-old green sea turtle, sharks, stingrays, and countless colorful fish. 

Penguin Colony 
At the base of the Giant Ocean Tank, the penguin exhibit is home to African, Rockhopper, and Little Blue Penguins. Watching their playful antics and learning about their distinct behaviors offers a unique and delightful experience for all ages.

Harbor Seals 
The Marine Mammal Center showcases adorable and intelligent harbor seals. Interactive training sessions and educational talks highlight their natural behaviors and the care they receive.

Hands-On Experiences
Edge of the Sea Touch Tank: This exhibit allows visitors to get up close and personal with tide pool animals like starfish, crabs, and sea urchins.

Shark and Ray Touch Tank: Located in the Science of Sharks exhibit, this tank provides a safe opportunity to touch small, gentle sharks and rays, deepening the understanding and appreciation of these fascinating creatures.

Whale-watching tours are departing from the aquarium, providing an unforgettable adventure. These tours take visitors to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, where they can see humpback whales, finbacks, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat.

Accessibility 
The aquarium is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators to accommodate all visitors.

 

 

More about the New England Aquarium

 

Restaurants near the New England Aquarium

Authentic, flavorful options with great quality and value—perfect for casual dinners, business lunches, or enjoying a meal with harbor views after visiting the New England Aquarium. A mix of budget-friendly, mid-price, and upscale dining in the Downtown Waterfront area.

NameType & DescriptionReserve at OpenTable
Boston Sail Loft Seafood / American *4.5 $$–$$$ 3 min walk (map)
Casual waterfront favorite with fresh lobster rolls, clam chowder, and harbor views. Relaxed vibe ideal for a quick bite or leisurely lunch near the Aquarium.
Reserve
Bostonia Public House American / Contemporary *4.6 $$$ 5 min walk (map)
Lively upscale pub with creative comfort food, excellent cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere just steps from the waterfront.
Reserve
State Street Provisions American *4.7 $$$ 4 min walk (map)
Modern American spot with flatbreads, seafood, and hearty dishes. Great for families or business lunches with a kid-friendly menu.
Reserve
Chart House Seafood / Steak *4.5 $$$$ 2 min walk (map)
Historic waterfront restaurant on Long Wharf serving fresh seafood, prime rib, and classic New England favorites with beautiful harbor views.
Reserve
Joe's Waterfront Seafood / American *4.5 $$–$$$ 3 min walk (map)
Casual waterfront dining with fresh seafood, lobster rolls, and harbor views. Relaxed setting perfect after visiting the Aquarium.
Reserve
James Hook & Co Seafood *4.5 $$ 5 min walk (map)
Iconic lobster and seafood shack offering fresh lobster rolls, chowder, and affordable seafood. Budget-friendly quick-service favorite.
Walk-in / no reservations
1928 Rowes Wharf American / Contemporary *4.5 $$$$ 6 min walk (map)
Elegant waterfront dining with sophisticated New England-inspired dishes and stunning harbor views. Ideal for upscale meals.
Reserve
North Street Grille American / Contemporary *4.6 $$–$$$ 7 min walk (map)
Cozy neighborhood spot with creative American fare, brunch favorites, and a welcoming vibe near the waterfront.
Reserve
Legal Sea Foods (Long Wharf) Seafood *4.5 $$$ 4 min walk (map)
Classic Boston seafood chain known for fresh fish, lobster rolls, and clam chowder. Reliable mid-price option with harbor proximity.
Reserve
Joia Italian *4.6 $$$ 5 min walk (map)
Modern Italian with seasonal pastas, fresh ingredients, and a lively atmosphere. Great mid-to-upscale choice steps from the Aquarium.
Reserve

 

 

Hotels near the New England Aquarium

citizenM Boston North StationNorth Station / West End$$Scored 8.8* Check Restaurant
Cambria Hotel Boston Logan AirportAirport$$ Check Restaurant
The Bostonian Hotel BostonDowntown / Faneuil Hall$$Scored 7.6* Check Restaurant
Revere Hotel Boston CommonDowntown$$Scored 8.4* Check Restaurant
Hilton Boston Park PlazaTheater District / Downtown$$Scored 7.4* Check Restaurant
Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, BostonDowntown / Financial District$$Scored 8.4* Check Restaurant
The Westin Boston Seaport DistrictSeaport$$Scored 8.5* Check Restaurant
Moxy Boston DowntownDowntown$$Scored 8.0* Check Restaurant
The Revolution HotelBack Bay$$Scored 8.5* Check Restaurant
Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport DistrictSeaport$$Scored 8.9* Check Restaurant
The Godfrey Hotel BostonDowntown$$Scored 9.0* Check Restaurant
Courtyard by Marriott Boston CambridgeCambridgeport, Cambridge$$Scored 8.2* Check Restaurant
Courtyard by Marriott Boston CambridgeCambridgeport, Cambridge$$Scored 8.2* Check Restaurant
Boston Omni Parker House HotelDowntown$$$Scored 8.3* Check Restaurant
enVision Hotel Boston-EverettEverett$$$Scored 8.2* Check Restaurant
The Langham, BostonDowntown$$$Scored 9.2* Check Restaurant
Pennyweight Hotel Boston, Curio Collection by HiltonWest End$$$Scored 8.2* Check Restaurant
Hotel AKA Boston CommonDowntown$$$Scored 8.3* Check Restaurant
Hyatt Regency Boston HarborAirport / Harbor$$$Scored 8.5* Check Restaurant
Battery Wharf Hotel, Boston WaterfrontNorth End / Waterfront$$$Scored 8.3* Check Restaurant
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor WharfWaterfront$$$Scored 8.8* Check Restaurant
Good Hotels BostonDowntown$$$$Scored 7.8* Check Restaurant
The Ritz-Carlton, BostonDowntown$$$$Scored 8.5* Check Restaurant
The Whitney Hotel BostonBeacon Hill$$$$Scored 9.1* Check Restaurant
Courtyard Boston Copley SquareBack Bay$$$$Scored 8.7* Check Restaurant