Clearwater Marine Aquarium Named No. 2 Aquarium In U.S.

CLEARWATER, FL — The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been named the No. 2 aquarium in the country. The aquarium received the ranking following nationwide voting in the 2023 USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Travel Awards.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is best known as the home of Winter the Dolphin, whose story was told in the movie, "Dolphin Tale," starring Winter, who lost her tale after she was trapped in a crab trap line. The film also starred Harry Connick Jr., Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd.

Although Winter died in 2021, her legacy remains as the aquarium continues to focuses on animal care and education including dolphins, manatees and sea turtles.

"I love this place because they focus on rescue, rehab and release of aquatic animals," 10Best expert Nikky J. said. "Plus, it's a fun place to hang out with the family for a few hours."

USA Today's list of the top 10 aquariums in the country for 2023 include:

• No. 1: Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium - Springfield, Missouri
• No. 2: Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• No. 3: Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• No. 4: Adventure Aquarium - Camden, New Jersey
• No. 5: Audubon Aquarium - New Orleans, Louisiana
• No. 6: Texas State Aquarium - Corpus Christi, Texas
• No. 7: Mystic Aquarium - Mystic, Connecticut
• No. 8: The Florida Aquarium - Tampa
• No. 9: Newport Aquarium - Newport, Kentucky
• No. 10: Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga, Tennessee

10Best, which provides travel advice to more than 40 million travelers annually, asks its readers to choose the 10Best in a single category ranging from food, lodging and destinations to travel gear and things to do. 10Best’s travel experts select the top 20 nominees for each category and have the readers vote to determine the top 10 selections.

See related stories:

• Izzy The Dolphin Finds Permanent Home At Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Oldest Dolphin, PJ, Dies At Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium Unveils New Viewing Areas
• New Dolphintopia Experience Opens At Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of experts which include a combination of editors from USA Today; editors from 10Best.com; contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. The nomination panel for each award category is displayed on its associated contest page.

All voting by the public is digital and the 10Best Readers' Choice Award contest is accessible on the 10Best.com website.