St. Lucie County Aquarium Smithsonian
Discover Florida's vibrant marine ecosystems and conservation efforts at this impactful Smithsonian exhibit, perfect for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission!
St. Lucie County Aquarium Smithsonian
Best Time
Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Florida's vibrant marine ecosystems and conservation efforts at this impactful Smithsonian exhibit, perfect for all ages.
"Don't let the size fool you; this aquarium is mighty in impact and truly special."
🎯 Free Admission Day
Visit on the first Tuesday of the month for free entry! :ticket:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Enjoy the nearby park and playground after your aquarium visit. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit
Explore Florida's unique marine life and local waters through thoughtfully curated educational exhibits.
Touch Tank & Seahorse Nursery
Get hands-on with marine creatures and witness the wonder of new seahorse babies.
Passionate Staff & Conservation Focus
Engage with knowledgeable staff dedicated to marine life care and conservation advocacy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission Days & Timing
Plan your visit during operating hours (Tues-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12 pm-4 pm) to catch educational tours and see the marine life at its most active. Beyond the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Day
Visit on the first Tuesday of the month for free entry!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Enjoy the nearby park and playground after your aquarium visit. :child:
📚 Educational Tours
Catch informative tours led by passionate staff. :books:
💡 Joint Ticket Option
Combine with the History Center for a fuller experience. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Day
Visit on the first Tuesday of the month for free entry!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun Zone
Enjoy the nearby park and playground after your aquarium visit. :child:
📚 Educational Tours
Catch informative tours led by passionate staff. :books:
💡 Joint Ticket Option
Combine with the History Center for a fuller experience. :camerawithflash:
🌧️ Rainy Day Escape
A perfect indoor activity for a cloudy or wet day. :cloud_rain:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The St. Lucie County Aquarium, though small, offers a mighty educational impact, highlighting Florida's unique marine life and conservation efforts. Visitors consistently praise the passionate and knowledgeable staff, the engaging exhibits, and the overall value, especially with free admission days and nearby family amenities. While some note the compact size can lead to crowds and basic restroom facilities, the meaningful and inspiring experience makes it a highly recommended stop.
"The St. Lucie County Aquarium may be small in size, but it is mighty in impact. What makes this place truly special is how well it highlights and advocates for the unique marine life and local waters that make this part of Florida so extraordinary. Every exhibit is thoughtfully put together with education in mind, and it’s an experience that’s truly enjoyable for all ages—from kids to adults.
The staff here deserves special recognition. They are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about what they do. You can tell they work hard to care for the marine life inside the aquarium while also advocating for conservation beyond its walls. Their kindness and enthusiasm make the experience even more memorable.
Another wonderful feature is that if you’re a history buff—or just curious to gain a bigger picture—you can purchase a joint ticket to the St. Lucie County Regional History Center right across the park. Visiting both helps connect the dots between the area’s natural environment and its cultural development, showing how the waterways were once vital for travel and income. Together, the two attractions give you a fuller sense of what makes this part of Florida so unique.
If you’re looking for a flashy, oversized attraction, this isn’t it. But if you want a meaningful, educational, and inspiring visit that reflects the heart of Florida’s coastal environment, the St. Lucie County Aquarium (and its neighboring history center) are absolutely worth your time."
Nash Camacho
"Great experience. Don't let the size fool you. The staff are very friendly and informative. We came in on the last 5 minutes of Lisa's tour and were amazed at all the sea life there was to see.
We spend an hour there. Well worth the $5 entry fee."
Russell S.
"Stopped by for a quick visit with my wife, her sister, and her boyfriend.
I would agree with a previous reviewer saying it's a small quaint aquarium. We got to see some cool marine life and corals.
They have some endangered sea life, and you get to see their laboratory. It's a fun little exhibit that has some good teaching moments.
Also, when we went, there was a new batch of seahorse babies.
I will say due to the smaller space, it got easily crowded with the couple families that were there.
The bathrooms are outside behind the building, and are like the bathrooms you use in an outdoor park. Not a port-a-potty, but it smelled like urine, and is a public restroom."
Kevin Ballantine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The aquarium is located in Fort Pierce, just over the causeway. It's easily accessible by car and is situated near a park and playground, making it a convenient stop for families.
While specific parking details aren't always highlighted, its location near a park suggests ample parking is usually available in the vicinity.
Absolutely! The aquarium is a great addition to a day trip exploring Fort Pierce, especially with the nearby park and the option to visit the History Center.
Fort Pierce is accessible via major roadways in Florida. Depending on your starting point, you can use GPS navigation to find the most direct route.
Information on public transport is limited, but driving is the most common method of access for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically a modest fee, with one reviewer mentioning it was well worth the $5 entry. Check their official hours and pricing for the most current information.
Yes! The first Tuesday of every month offers free admission to the aquarium, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option.
The aquarium is generally open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Advance ticket purchase information is not widely available, but given the modest entry fee and size, purchasing tickets upon arrival is usually straightforward.
Yes, the aquarium hosts 'Aquarium After Dark' events on select dates, offering a unique evening experience.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of Florida's marine life, including fish, corals, and even endangered sea life. They also have a seahorse nursery.
Absolutely! It's described as a perfect location for teaching and hands-on learning about marine wildlife, especially for little ones.
This exhibit focuses on educating visitors about the diverse and beautiful marine ecosystems found in Florida's waters.
Yes, the aquarium features a touch tank where visitors can get hands-on with marine creatures.
Restrooms are located outside behind the building and are described as public park-style restrooms.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific food services mentioned within the aquarium itself. Visitors often bring snacks or plan to eat at nearby establishments in Fort Pierce.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for smaller attractions to allow outside food and drinks, especially if you plan to picnic in the adjacent park.
Fort Pierce offers various dining options, from casual eateries to seafood restaurants, located a short drive from the aquarium.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted, allowing you to capture the vibrant marine life and exhibits.
The touch tank and the diverse coral displays offer great opportunities for unique and colorful shots.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it might disturb the animals.
Photography is usually allowed during special events, offering a different ambiance for your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will love the touch tank and the chance to see seahorse babies. 💰 Budget Travelers
Even on regular days, the entry fee is modest, making it a great value for the educational experience. 📚 Educational Seekers
+1 The passionate and knowledgeable staff offer valuable insights through tours, making it a truly educational experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit
+1 The exhibits highlight the unique marine life and local waters that make this region so special, emphasizing conservation and the interconnectedness of these ecosystems. What sets this exhibit apart is its commitment to showcasing endangered sea life and providing insights into conservation efforts.
Family-Friendly Features and Activities
+1 The touch tank provides an engaging, hands-on experience for children, allowing them to interact directly with some of the sea creatures under supervision. Beyond the aquarium itself, the location boasts a nearby park and playground, making it an ideal spot for a full day of family fun.
For those looking to extend their learning, a joint ticket with the St. Lucie County Regional History Center offers a broader perspective on the area's development, connecting the natural environment with its cultural past. Community Insights and Visitor Experiences
While the aquarium is generally well-received, some visitors note that the smaller space can get crowded with just a few families present.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit