National Marine Fisheries Service Aquarium

National Marine Fisheries Service Aquarium Review

The compact National Marine Fisheries Service Aquarium displays 16 tanks of regional fish and shellfish in several rooms, cramped but nonetheless crammed with stuff to see. Magnifying glasses, a dissecting scope, and mini-squeegees hanging from the frosty tanks (a favorite tool for kids passing through) help you examine marine life. Several hands-on pools hold banded lobsters, crabs, snails, starfish, and other creatures. The top attraction is two harbor seals, on view in the outdoor pool near the entrance in summer; you can watch their feedings weekdays at 11 and 4. The aquarium's status as a federal facility mandates a check of your driver's license or other valid ID at the door, so come prepared with credentials and expect to wait in line for a few minutes, particularly on rainy days.