NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

What is it?

Opened in 1976, the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium location has served over 11 million visitors (and counting). The aquarium received a major renovation from 2003-2006, tripling it in size. Open from 9am to 5pm and located only 13 minutes from the Atlantic Beach Causeway, and right down the road from prime Atlantic Beach and Pine Knoll Shores rentals right on the coast, the aquarium offers a vast array of exhibits, detailing things “from the mountains to the sea”.  They host tours, free programs, camps, and special events.

The Tours

Tours at the aquarium include outdoor and indoor activities. For outdoor, depending on the time of year, you’ll find clam and crab catching, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, and more. For indoor, on rainy days, you can enjoy behind the scenes tours.  Reserve your spot for these tours online!

Amazing Exhibits

There is an exciting array of exhibits to learn about and see while on your visit as well. Journey with loggerhead sea turtles, unique art exhibits, nature trails, outdoor play areas, and more. Witness feeding time at various exhibits. Touch sea turtles and sting rays in the large kid-friendly touch tanks. See the otters as they come out to play. And you will constantly be learning, as the educated tour guides are ready and willing to teach you all they know.

Cost Friendly

General admission to the aquarium for adults is $10.95, seniors are $9.95, and children are $8.95. They also offer a military discount at $9.95. Group and school discounts are also offered. All visitors are admitted free of charge on Veterans Day and the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Location

Located at 1 Roosevelt Blvd in Pine Knoll Shores, the aquarium is a must-see destination when you come to the Crystal Coast. They can be reached by phone at (252)247-4003 or by website at http://www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores. Check them out online to see their “Today at the Aquarium” page, which features a detailed schedule of all the events for the upcoming week and make sure to take some time and visit one of the community’s favorite local attractions!

(All pictures property of Google Images)

Written by Megan LeClair • Contact: megan.leclair@hotmail.com • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meganeleclair