The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a coastal aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores, five miles west of Atlantic Beach. Its four galleries trace North Carolina habitats from the mountains to the ocean, and outdoor areas add nature trails and an eagle habitat; the aquarium is about 5.3 miles from Bali Hai.
- Location: 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
- Typical visit: About two hours
- Opening pattern: Open daily
- Admission: Adult tickets are $15; advance tickets and member reservations are required
Where the Aquarium Is
The aquarium is at 1 Roosevelt Blvd. in Pine Knoll Shores, west of Atlantic Beach on Bogue Banks. Signs along US 70 and NC 58 point the way.
From NC 58, turn onto Pine Knoll Boulevard at the Milepost 7 stoplight, then turn left onto Roosevelt Boulevard. The aquarium has inspired wonder since 1976.
For a broader look at the nearby coast, the Atlantic Beach visitor guide covers the town and its setting.
Aquatic Exhibits and Outdoor Areas
The aquarium’s four main galleries take you through North Carolina habitats, from mountain environments to the ocean. The displays contain more than 430,000 gallons of saltwater and freshwater combined, and the largest habitat holds 306,000 gallons of saltwater.
Highlights include a 32-foot Smoky Mountain waterfall, river otters, a shark habitat and shipwreck exhibits. Outside, two American bald eagles live in an outdoor habitat, and two nature trails offer a chance to walk through the surrounding landscape: the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Area trail and the Alice Hoffman Nature Trail.
Most visitors spend about two hours touring the aquarium. You can allow time for the galleries and then walk one of the trails; the Theodore Roosevelt Trail is open to leashed animals.
Tickets, Hours, and Reservations
The aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Opening hours, prices and ticket requirements can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
General admission is $15 for adults ages 13–61, $14 for seniors ages 62 and older, $14 for military visitors and $13 for children ages 3–12. Children age 2 and younger and North Carolina Aquarium Society members enter free; taxes are not included.
Advance tickets and member reservations are required. Tickets are timed, and only a limited number are available per hour, so arrange admission before setting out. Admission includes free daily programs such as animal encounters, educator talks and habitat feeding programs. Check the daily schedule on arrival, since program details can change.
Accessibility and Visitor Facilities
The aquarium provides accessible parking, a ramp at the entrance and wheelchair-accessible routes to the Marsh Boardwalk and overlooks. Parking is free, and the main lot has eight accessible spaces near the aquarium entrance.
You can borrow wheelchairs, strollers and sensory bags free of charge at the Visitor Services Desk, on a first-come, first-served basis. Personal wheelchairs and electric conveyance vehicles are permitted on the grounds; electric conveyance vehicles should be set to walking speed.
Trained service animals are welcome. Check in with Admissions when you arrive; emotional support animals are not allowed inside. Some exhibits may close temporarily for maintenance, and animals may be off habitat for scheduled veterinary visits.
Driving from Atlantic Beach
The aquarium is five miles west of Atlantic Beach, making it an easy addition to a day along Bogue Banks. From NC 58, use Pine Knoll Boulevard at the Milepost 7 stoplight, then turn left onto Roosevelt Boulevard.
With about two hours typically spent touring the aquarium, you can pair the visit with another Crystal Coast stop. Fort Macon State Park offers a different kind of outing, with beaches and fort tours.
Fort Macon State Park’s beaches and fort tours make a natural companion to an aquarium visit when planning time on the coast.
FAQs
How long should you plan for the aquarium?
Most visitors spend about two hours touring the aquarium. The two nature trails are additional outdoor options.
Do you need to book aquarium tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance tickets and member reservations are required, and tickets are timed with a limited number available per hour.
Is parking free at the aquarium?
Yes, parking is free. The main lot has eight accessible spaces, with designated accessible parking near the entrance.
Can you bring a dog to the aquarium?
Leashed animals are allowed on the Theodore Roosevelt Trail. Trained service animals are welcome inside after checking in with Admissions, but emotional support animals are not allowed inside.