"A modern, hands-on aquarium, the fourth most-visited in the United States, the Aquarium of the Pacific is home to more than 11,000 sea creatures, all presented in a surprisingly intimate way. The aquarium has everything from sea otters to sharks to stingrays, and the close-up encounters are seriously mind-blowing. There's even a shark and stingray touch pool; after feeding time, guests can “pet” a group of gentle sharks and small rays. Don't worry—this is only allowed after feeding time, so none of the creatures mistake a hand for a midday snack." - Mel Kaspin Blume
Alamy