Unlike the Atlantic coastline, where much of its expanse is built up with tourist towns and beach resorts, much of the Oregon and Washington coastline is undeveloped. However, if you are traveling the coastline with your family, you have a few aquarium options to choose from.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, set on Yaquina Bay, offers you the chance to view examples of marine life living in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. Listed by Forbes Traveler and USA Today as one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation, the Oregon Coast Aquarium features a jellyfish exhibit, a mock tide pool where you can pet starfish and sea anemone, a walk through shark tank and mammals like otters and sea lions. After visiting the aquarium, visit Newport, a fishing town with some good restaurants and the Rogue Ales brewery.
Located 120 miles up the Oregon coast, Seaside is a tourist town complete with boardwalk and numerous tourist attractions. Among them is the Seaside Aquarium, a privately owned aquarium that has been in existence since 1937. One of the main attractions of the Seaside Aquarium is its collection of harbor seals. For kids, the aquarium's touch tank features sea urchins and starfish. While not as expansive as the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Seaside Aquarium gives you an opportunity to come face-to-face with Pacific Ocean marine life.
Point Defiance's Aquarium, located near Tacoma, Washington, and its Marine Discover Center, is another opportunity for you and your kids to learn about Pacific marine life. The aquarium is known for its seahorse exhibit, which features numerous species of these fascinating creatures. Your ticket to the aquarium also includes admission to the nearby Port Defiance zoo, where you can see penguins and polar bears, adding to your watery experience.
Just a few minutes from the Space Needle and the Washington State Convention Center, the Seattle Aquarium features "Window on Washington Waters," where you can see fish and plants that live in the Puget Sound. Located in Seattle's Waterfront Park, the aquarium also features a dome where you can get a panoramic view of salmon, shark and other sea creatures. Since the aquarium is so centrally located, you can visit the rest of Seattle's attractions as part of the trip.
