South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston (must see)

In May 2000, the South Carolina Aquarium opened its doors to the public, marking a significant moment in Charleston's tourism landscape. This nonprofit institution, which operates on a self-supporting basis, serves as an educational facility dedicated to informing the public about South Carolina's distinctive aquatic environments while actively contributing to their conservation. One remarkable aspect is that it was the first aquarium in the U.S. to open with a complete Education Master Plan in place. Various forms of media are employed to enhance the overall experience, with interactive elements, areas designed for young children, and educational stations for discovery labs and classrooms.

The facility features over 60 exhibits, encompassing more than 6,000 plants and animals representing over 500 species. Visitors can encounter a wide array of creatures, including otters, birds, turtles, fish, venomous snakes, reptiles, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, and insects. The exhibit path leads through five major regions found in South Carolina's Southeast Appalachian Watershed: the Mountain Forest, the Piedmont, the Coastal Plain, the Coast, and the Ocean.

The Great Ocean Tank is the largest exhibit, extending from the first to the third floor of the aquarium. It is North America's deepest tank, with a depth of 42 feet and a capacity of over 385,000 US gallons (1,460,000 liters) of water, housing more than seven hundred animals. Elsewhere, at the Touch Tank, visitors can interact with marine animals like horseshoe crabs and Atlantic stingrays.

Tip:
To enhance your visit, consider taking a "backstage" tour, which provides an opportunity to explore behind-the-scenes areas, including the top of the tank, food preparation areas, and close encounters with sea creatures.
Additionally, consider bringing a refillable water bottle for the available bottle/water fountain and your own snacks to enjoy in the designated eating area.
If you prefer a quieter experience, you might want to visit later in the day, especially during the school year.