Photo of North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores in North Carolina1 / 3
Aquariums

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

πŸ“ Pine Knoll Shores, NC

β˜…4.7(2,998 Google reviews)

The NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores sits at 1 Roosevelt Blvd on the Crystal Coast.

βœ“ aquariumβœ“ Crystal Coastβœ“ marine lifeβœ“ educationalβœ“ curator toursβœ“ family outing
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by DC Buchanan

Curators at the aquarium,Curt and Emily were both amazing at showing me around the facility today! Thanks guys!

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

An excellent stop for beach-vacation families visiting the Crystal Coast with children of any age. Younger kids engage with hands-on touch areas and marine life displays; older kids and teens benefit from curator-led educational experiences. School groups are well-accommodated. Combine with a beach day for a full coastal itinerary.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Ask about curator-led behind-the-scenes tours when you arriveβ€”they provide a significantly richer experience than the standard walkthrough.
⏰NC Aquarium Society membership covers all three state aquariums and pays off if you're visiting multiple locations during your trip.
🎟️Arrive early to avoid afternoon crowds, especially during summer beach season.
πŸš—Combine your visit with nearby Fort Macon State Park for a full day on Bogue Banks.

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.7
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2,998 Google reviews

Exceptional staff and curator tours60%
Educational and engaging exhibits25%
Clean well-maintained facility15%
D

DC Buchanan

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œCurators at the aquarium,Curt and Emily were both amazing at showing me around the facility today! Thanks guys!”

Reviews from Google

Overview

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a state-operated facility on Bogue Banks, offering marine exhibits that reflect the rich coastal ecosystems of the Crystal Coast. Curators provide hands-on behind-the-scenes tours for visitors seeking a deeper look at the facility's marine life and conservation work. The aquarium serves as a strong educational anchor for beach-vacation families and school field trips alike.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday09:00 – 17:00
Tuesday09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday09:00 – 17:00
Thursday09:00 – 17:00
Friday09:00 – 17:00
Saturday09:00 – 17:00
Sunday09:00 – 17:00