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South Carolina Aquarium

4.5
·8k reviews·Charleston, United States

Discover South Carolina's aquatic wonders, from mountain streams to the Atlantic Ocean, with captivating exhibits and conservation efforts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Caretta the star of our Great Ocean Tank

South Carolina Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover South Carolina's aquatic wonders, from mountain streams to the Atlantic Ocean, with captivating exhibits and conservation efforts.

4.5
(8k reviews)

"Amazing aquarium! Beautiful tanks, informative talks, and tons of interactive exhibits."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your South Carolina Aquarium tickets in advance online.

🚗 Parking Costs

Be aware that parking can be expensive, so factor this into your budget for the day.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 8,036 reviews

Type

Aquarium

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Ocean Tank

The Great Ocean Tank

Ocean Realm

Immerse yourself in a massive tank teeming with marine life, offering a breathtaking underwater spectacle.

Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center

Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center

Sea Turtle Hospital

Witness the vital work of rehabilitating sea turtles and learn about conservation efforts.

Touch Tanks

Touch Tanks

Various Exhibits

Engage directly with marine creatures in interactive touch pools, a hit with all ages.

Bald Eagle Exhibit

Bald Eagle Exhibit

Mountains to Midlands

See a majestic bald eagle up close and learn about its role in South Carolina's ecosystem.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Save

Visiting on a weekday morning, especially outside of school holidays, can mean fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to potentially save time and money, and check for any special events or discounts.

Parking & Accessibility

Parking can be a bit pricey, so factor that into your budget. The aquarium is generally well-laid out and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, with clean facilities and helpful staff.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Tuesday mornings
Why
Not very busy
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Unique experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

South Carolina Aquarium Aglow | Night full of marine animals and Christmas lights! #scaquarium #charleston #sc #christmaslights #night #fyp #foryou
@val.evans
79.5K likes • 830.3K views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your South Carolina Aquarium tickets in advance online. Instagram

🚗 Parking Costs

Be aware that parking can be expensive, so factor this into your budget for the day. Reddit

Thank you @South Carolina Aquarium for an awesome day for me and Kate!! We had so much fun!
@tannerwiththe_tism
32K likes • 236.7K views
SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM Charleston, SC 🤩TODDLERS 0-2 ARE FREE! Most locals have been here & it's easy to see why. We visit the aquarium at least once a month and it feels like the first time, everytime. My daughter loves this place. 🐟 BEST TIP: If your kids are under 3, buy the "Individual Plus Membership". You'll be able to get one listed adult + one guest per day. 💛 This will get 2 adults...
charlestontoddlers
34 likes • 8.1K views

🦦 Otter & Turtle Fanatics

Don't miss the adorable otters and the important sea turtle rehabilitation center! TikTokReddit

👶 Toddlers Go Free

Children aged 0-2 get free admission, making it a great outing for young families. Instagram

South Carolina Aquarium was recently voted Chalrleston’s most kid friend venue by CHStoday and a family favorite venue runner up! “Wildlife surrounds you at the South Carolina Aquarium. With thousands of animals, dozens of exhibits and stunning waterfront views, you can connect with the natural world your way. Your Aquarium experience allows us to care for sick and injured sea turtles, provide ed...
amandathomascharlestonsc
0 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your South Carolina Aquarium tickets in advance online. Instagram

🚗 Parking Costs

Be aware that parking can be expensive, so factor this into your budget for the day. Reddit

🦦 Otter & Turtle Fanatics

Don't miss the adorable otters and the important sea turtle rehabilitation center! TikTokReddit

👶 Toddlers Go Free

Children aged 0-2 get free admission, making it a great outing for young families. Instagram

✨ Evening Events

Check for 21+ evening events like 'Beer From Here' for a unique after-hours experience. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the South Carolina Aquarium for its engaging exhibits, particularly the impressive Great Ocean Tank and the vital Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center. The interactive touch tanks are a highlight for families, and the overall cleanliness and friendly staff contribute to a positive experience. Some find the admission and parking costs to be a bit high compared to other aquariums.

"We had a great time! So many things to look at and learn about. We loved how we could see the Sea turtles they are rehabilitating. My son loved all the touch tank experiences."

Ashley W.

"Went to this aquarium for the first time on a Tuesday morning around 10am, not very busy. Parking in the garage was easy and cheap. The design and layout of the building was great.

Animals all look well taken care of. My favorite was the turtle health area where we had fun with the interactive displays with xrays etc to look at.

Kid areas looked fun, though my kids are too old for that sort of thing. Bathrooms were clean. Staff was friendly. The outdoor areas of the aquarium were very nice. I like the sea turtles, otters and bald eagle the best. We also got to see an opossum running in a giant hamster wheel, which was fun to watch!

We purchased a stuffed otter in the gift shop, its love one of the sweatshirts but could not justify paying $75 for it. I thought it should have been cheaper then that.

It took me and my teens about 1 hour to go through the whole aquarium. Touch tanks were nice and large. I loved the hand wash stations (I included a picture of them), they were very unique, I've never seen them before and was impressed!

Worth a visit especially if you have younger kids."

Kristin

"The parking is expensive- like $30/day. The cost of entrance is exorbitant for how engaging each exhibit is if you're an out of town visitor compared to other aquariums like Ripley's or the Georgia Aquarium. Few large showcase exhibits. No sharks in showcase exhibits. Touch pools the best part hands down. Nice that it's on the water. Nice atmosphere for families and beautiful surroundings. Plan to have at least three major things to do on your hit list for Charleston in a trip with this as one of them and you'll have a great time."

Alicia Fader

What People Like

Great Ocean Tank
Sea Turtle Hospital
Interactive touch tanks

What People Dislike

High admission cost
Expensive parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The South Carolina Aquarium is located at 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors find parking in the nearby garage. Public transportation options are also available within Charleston. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking garage adjacent to the aquarium. However, be prepared for parking fees, which can be around $30 per day according to some visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! The aquarium is designed with accessibility in mind, making it very stroller-friendly and easy to navigate with young children. Instagram

While specific routes may vary, Charleston does have public transportation options. It's best to check the local transit authority's schedule for routes that service the waterfront area near the aquarium. Reddit

If you're staying in downtown Charleston, the aquarium is within walking distance for many, or a short taxi/rideshare trip. The waterfront location makes it a pleasant destination to reach. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but it's recommended to check the official South Carolina Aquarium website for the most current pricing. Some visitors have noted the cost can be considered high for out-of-town visitors compared to other aquariums. Reddit

Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the door, but buying them online in advance is often recommended to save time and potentially secure better rates. Instagram

Look for potential discounts online or through membership programs. Some visitors mention that the cost can be a factor, so exploring all options is wise. Reddit

Yes, toddlers aged 0-2 years old typically receive free admission to the South Carolina Aquarium, making it a great value for families with very young children. Instagram

Operating hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's always best to check the official South Carolina Aquarium website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the massive Great Ocean Tank, the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, interactive touch tanks, and the bald eagle exhibit. Many visitors also enjoy the otters and the unique hand-washing stations. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's highly regarded as a kid-friendly venue, with interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and engaging displays that captivate younger visitors. InstagramReddit

Most visitors, including those with teens, find that it takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore the entire aquarium. Families with younger children might spend a bit longer. Reddit

The aquarium boasts numerous interactive exhibits, most notably the touch tanks where you can feel starfish and other marine life. There are also educational displays and opportunities to learn from staff. InstagramReddit

Yes, the aquarium hosts various special events throughout the year, including 'Aquarium Aglow' during the holidays and 21+ events like 'Beer From Here'. TikTokInstagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe or dining area within the aquarium where you can purchase snacks and meals. Reddit

The offerings typically include standard cafe fare like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. It's a convenient option for a quick bite during your visit. Reddit

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium. It's best to consume them before entering or plan to purchase food on-site. Reddit

Being located on Charleston's waterfront, there are numerous restaurants and dining options in the surrounding area if you prefer to eat outside the aquarium. Instagram

Some visitors have noted that prices for food and gift shop items can be on the higher side, so keep that in mind when budgeting. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the South Carolina Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals. Instagram

The Great Ocean Tank offers stunning photo opportunities, as do the sea turtle exhibits and the various marine life displays. The waterfront views outside are also picturesque. InstagramReddit

Yes, visitors are encouraged to photograph the sea turtles in the rehabilitation center to raise awareness about conservation efforts. Reddit

While personal photography is fine, commercial photography or videography may require special permission. Always check with aquarium staff if you have specific plans. Instagram

A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for aquarium photography. Many visitors use their smartphones, which are great for capturing quick shots and videos. Instagram

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