For 60 years, the Miami Seaquarium has entertained and educated millions of visitors with alluring and important marine life. It's currently the nation's oldest oceanarium, and one of the flagship attractions in Miami. Drawing more than a half million visitors every year, the Seaquarium is one of the city's most visited and most in-demand attractions. It's proven to be an awesome aquatic experience.
Must-See Attractions at Miami Seaquarium
Killer Whale & Dolphin Show: A visit to the Miami Seaquarium isn't complete without seeing Lolita the Killer Whale. She's the oldest orca in the world living in captive quarters, and has been at the Seaquarium since 1970. Paired with a Pacific white-sided dolphin, they entertain crowds with graceful and alluring stunts and big splashes.
Manatee Exhibit: You can't go wrong with an exhibit that's fascinating and educational. The Miami Seaquarium operates a program that rescues injured or ailed manatees and nurse them back to health. These mammals are featured in the exhibit, and visitors can obtain information how to take part in protecting this endangered species.
Where to Stay Near Miami Seaquarium
Hotels in Downtown Miami are the best choice because of the location. The Seaquarium is only a 6 mile drive from downtown, and close to Interstate 95, which makes getting to other major Miami attractions like South Beach quick and easy. The InterContentinal Miami is a four-star hotel offers plenty of luxury and elegant. For a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on quality, choose the Holiday Inn Port of Miami, which is less than 20 minutes away from Miami International Airport.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Miami Seaquarium
The best time to visit the Miami Seaquarium is during the months of late November through April. The weather is much milder and inviting, making it much easier to enjoy the park.
May through early November is the worst time to go to the Seaquarium. This time frame encompasses summer, which is the park's busiest season – which means long lines, major crowds, intense heat and a ton of rain.
Discounts at Miami Seaquarium
The Annual Pass is the best deal for admission to the Seaquarium. For one price, visitors can go to the park as many times as they like for an entire year. For a double savings, look for hotels offering packages that include tickets to the Seaquarium. The Seaquarium also offers discounts for Florida residents, military personnel, seniors, AAA members, and more.
Food at Miami Seaquarium
The Seaquarium offers five dining options:
For your favorite handheld foods, the Dolphin Lobby Snack Bar is easy accessible and offers tasty treats like pretzels and popcorn.
The Manatee Bay Café is a casual dining venue that features favorites like chicken fingers and salads.
Pink's Hollywood Hot Dogs, the theme park's newest dining venue, maintains the legendary status of high quality hot dogs made famous in Hollywood.
Pizza lovers will find a satisfying slice at Whale Spout Pizza, where you grab a whole pie or a individual slice if you're on the go.
Paradise Cove BBQ cures the craving for authentic BBQ with mouthwatering pork, chicken, and other favorites.
Parking at Miami Seaquarium
The Miami Seaquarium offers onsite parking for a nominal fee.
Transportation Alternatives at Miami Seaquarium
One of the most cost effective alternatives is public transit. Route B, operated by Miami-Dade Transit takes you directly to the Miami Seaquarium from the Brickell station of the Metrorail, the commuter train service also operated by the country transit agency. You can also find taxi service and shuttle service to be transported from your hotel to the Seaquarium (check the Miami Seaquarium website for further details.)
Author's bio: Shawanda James is a busy freelance writer, wife, and mom of four in Miami. She giddily writes about travel on the It's All Travel Blog. She's written local and national articles for CBS. Follow Shawanda on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Tampa Bay Times Forum is a stadium located in Tampa, Florida. The stadium opened as the Ice Palace on October 20, 1996 with the construction taking just under two years at a cost of just over $139 million, $203 million in present day dollars. Currently, the Tampa Bay Times Forum houses the Tampa Bay Lighting and the Tampa Bay Storm.
The Tampa Bay Lighting are one time Stanley Cup Champions and are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference within the NHL. They are known by their team colors consisting of blue and white. The current owner of the Tampa Bay Lighting is Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment.
The Tampa Bay Storm are members of the South Division of the American Conference within the Arena Football League. They are known by their team colors consisting of blue, gold and white. The current owner of the Tampa Bay Storm is Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment.
The stadium currently holds 19,204 fans for hockey games. There are 28 luxury suites and thousands of seats at the club level. Currently, it was the seventh largest stadium in the NHL. Tampa Bay Times Forum is also a great venue for concerts, which have hosted the likes of Britney Spears. In 2012 the stadium was host to the Republican National Convention.
Season tickets are available for most games. Lighting and Storm fans can typically find available tickets at ticket exchanges.
