Fodor's Expert Review Newport Aquarium

On the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, this aquarium is just a two-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati. The fish are visible through clear, seamless tunnels, so you can get up close and personal—sharks swim around you, separated by only 2½ inches of acrylic. Highlights include the 5,000-gallon touch tank at Shark Central; Kroger Kingdom of Penguins, featuring king and gentoo penguins; Gator Bayou; Jellyfish Gallery; and the Bizarre and Beautiful, where you'll see poison frogs and puffer fish.