South Carolina Aquarium

South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, features observation decks with viewing scopes overlooking Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River. Free-flying birds inhabit the open-air aviary in the Mountain Forest Gallery, which includes indigenous plant life, river otters and stocked streams. The Piedmont Gallery explores the hill country's estuaries, reservoirs and aquatic species. The Saltmarsh Aviary features birds, diamondback terrapins, marine life and plants found in salt marsh tidal creeks.

Kids Coast is an interactive exhibit that simulates water filtration through hands-on activities. The Coast Gallery includes aquatic life that can be found in the city's harbor, and the Ocean Gallery's two-story, 385,000-gallon tank is home to hundreds of sea animals. Snakes, turtles, alligators, frogs and fish live in the waters of the Coastal Plain Gallery, and the Touch Tank exhibit is filled with sea stars, horseshoe crabs and small sharks.

In the Sea Turtle Care Center™, sick and injured sea turtles receive treatments and rehabilitative care; they are released back into the ocean once they are given a clean bill of health. Guests are invited to learn more about the sea turtle patients and their rehabilitative care through the hospital located on the first floor of the aquarium.

Guided tours are available. Food is available. Time: Allow 1 hour, 30 minutes minimum.