Tennessee Aquarium Named Country’s Best Aquarium In Newsweek Readers’ Choice Poll

  • Monday, April 29, 2024
  • Doug Strickland

The Tennessee Aquarium’s legacy of introducing guests to the wonders of aquatic life for more than 30 years has been recognized with a top honor from one of the country’s most prestigious publications.

Newsweek Magazine readers chose the Tennessee Aquarium as the nation’s best aquarium in a recent readers’ choice poll. Voters chose from a selection of aquariums nominated by a panel of comprised of travel writers, journalists, bloggers and editors.

“We are thrilled that the Aquarium’s dedication to preserving freshwater ecosystems and connecting visitors to Chattanooga with water and wildlife is reflected in this recognition as the country’s top aquarium,” says Aquarium President and CEO Keith Sanford.

The Tennessee Aquarium was among a who’s who of preeminent competitors, including Monterey Bay Aquarium (No. 8), Shedd Aquarium (No. 9), Audubon Aquarium (No. 6) and Georgia Aquarium (No. 3).

The selection committee cited the role aquariums play in ocean and wetland conservation and highlighted the “diverse array of aquatic environments and engaging education opportunities” offered by the ten finalists.

The Tennessee Aquarium is currently in competition for another top spot in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice 2024 poll to select the country’s best aquarium.

Readers can vote in this latest contest once per day until noon on Monday, May 13. Registration is not required to cast your vote. A winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 22.

Travel
McLemore Announces International Hospitality Partnership With Seaton House And Dunluce Lodge
  • 6/23/2025

McLemore, a golf club and resort destination perched atop Lookout Mountain, announced a collaboration with recently opened and already famed United Kingdom hospitality properties, Seaton House ... more

Record 1.6 Million Tennesseans Expected To Travel For July 4th Week
  • 6/20/2025

AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the Independence Day holiday period (Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6). This represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers ... more

Chattanooga To Host Global Storytellers For 2026 Women In Travel Summit
Chattanooga To Host Global Storytellers For 2026 Women In Travel Summit
  • 6/19/2025

Chattanooga has been selected as the host city for the 2026 Women in Travel Summit (WITS), taking place May 29–31, 2026, at The Chattanoogan Hotel. Organized by Wanderful, WITS is the premier ... more