When your options for leisure, entertainment, learning and adventure include everything Charleston has to offer, the South Carolina Aquarium may not be the first place that pops into mind when looking for something fun to do. Some may assume we’re meant for kids, but we’re here to prove otherwise! From finding your peace or enjoying a day date to living out childhood dreams or marveling at views of the Charleston Harbor, there is so much to experience at the Aquarium!
Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
Did you know bald eagles call South Carolina’s mountain forests home? At the Aquarium, you can journey through the whole state — from the peaks of the Upstate to the waves of the coast — all in one visit. Every animal you’ll meet here is native to South Carolina, giving you a closer look at the incredible wildlife you might spot on your own outdoor adventures.
If you’re a local, chances are it’s been a while since you’ve played tourist in your own backyard. Why not see Charleston from a fresh perspective? From our waterfront location, enjoy stunning views of the Ravenel Bridge and the USS Yorktown, making for perfect photo moments before you head downtown for dinner or a night out. A stop at the Aquarium is the perfect way to kick off a day of exploring!
Even if you're a local, enjoy new views of Charleston at the Aquarium!Give Yourself Permission To Play
As we mature, we tend to play less and less. Moments of spontaneous joy and imaginary adventures switch from recalls of recent memories to nostalgia over time. Switch up your routine and take time to play at the Aquarium! Head to the Boneyard Beach Touch Tank Experience to meet coastal creatures up close, then see what you can uncover in our interactive Fossil Hunt.
Adrenaline junkies will love our Undersea Explorer Virtual Reality Experience. Enjoy a group adventure aboard this 360-degree motion-enabled experience during your visit, then snap a selfie in front of underwater ocean views to capture the moment forever!*
The Aquarium is the perfect place to enjoy playing — no matter your age.Treat Them to a Date That Does Good
Dinner and a movie? Nice, but expected. A jet-setting adventure? Romantic, but expensive. If you’re looking for a date idea that’s totally unique, visit the Aquarium! Whether it’s your first date or you’ve been together for decades, there’s an extra special bond that comes with seeing sick and injured sea turtles get a second chance at life. Learn the remarkable work it takes to rescue, rehabilitate and release these animals, then see some of our current patients up close!
Rediscover the Joy of Learning
Remember how much fun field trips were as a kid? Even though you’re grown up now, we know there’s a kid at heart who would love to discover something new! Heal your inner aspirational marine biologist or veterinarian by attending a Turtle Talk to hear from our expert biologists about the work they do daily!
A glance at our Daily Programs during your visit can direct you to an interactive dive show or an animal encounter, too! You can even try your hand at husbandry by hand-feeding our cownose rays in The Shallows.**
Daily Programs give you the chance to interact with our staff experts.Open Your (Blue) Mind To Calm
If you’re feeling worn out by all those “unprecedented times,” find a moment of calm at the Aquarium. It’s the perfect place to tap into your blue mind — that sense of serenity and stress relief we feel around water. Take a seat on one of our observation decks and soak in the ocean breeze, or unwind under the soothing glow of the Great Ocean Tank (the deepest tank in North America). It’s the reset you didn’t know you needed.
Pro tip: Bring a pair of headphones to immerse yourself in your favorite music as you enjoy your calm!
Whether solo or with a friend, enjoy peaceful blue mind moments during your visit.Connect To Something Greater Than Yourself
Every visit to the Aquarium directly contributes to our efforts in animal care, education and conservation. Your day of play means we can continue providing innovative world-class care to sick and injured sea turtles. Your journey to learn more about the world around you means we can help high school interns on the path toward STEM careers. Your moment of peace means we can rejuvenate another local saltmarsh to keep our lands and communities healthy and thriving.
Every visit contributes to our work in animal care, education and conservation.We weren’t KIDding when we said a visit is fun for adults, too! No matter what a fun day at the Aquarium means to you, you’ll find it here.
Published July 22, 2025
* A general admission ticket or member entry reservation to the Aquarium is required to ride. Undersea Explorer tickets are $8 per rider and $7 per Aquarium member. Tickets can be purchased at the VR experience location on the second floor of the Aquarium.
**Feeding vouchers are $5 per guest. Vouchers can be purchased at Admissions or the Info Desk. Available 10:15 a.m.–4 p.m. daily, while supplies last.