Downtown Aquarium: Denver's Underwater Oasis

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Explore underwater worlds in the heart of Denver! Dive into aquatic adventures, dining, and entertainment at the Downtown Aquarium.

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Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver offers an immersive aquatic experience with over a million gallons of underwater exhibits. It's more than just an aquarium, combining entertainment, dining, and education, making it a unique destination in the Mile High City.

A brief summary to Downtown Aquarium

700 Water St, Denver, Jefferson Park, Colorado, 80211, US
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Monday 10 am-8 pm
Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
Thursday 10 am-8 pm
Friday 10 am-9 pm
Saturday 10 am-9 pm
Sunday 10 am-8 pm

Local tips

Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the aquarium, including exhibits and shows.
Check the aquarium's website for the mermaid show schedule and other special events.
Dine at the Aquarium Restaurant after 6 PM and bring your parking card for validation.
Consider purchasing a CityPASS to save up to 45% on admission and other Denver attractions.
Service animals are welcome in most areas, except for the tiger exhibit.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Denver Union Station, take the free MallRide shuttle bus to the 16th Street Mall. Transfer to the free MetroRide bus and ride to the intersection of 19th Street and Chestnut Place. From there, walk west along 19th Street, then turn left onto Water Street. The Downtown Aquarium will be on your right. A single bus fare is typically around $3.
Walking

From the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, head north on 15th Street towards Delgany Street. Turn left onto Delgany Street, then turn right onto Water Street. Continue on Water Street, and the Downtown Aquarium will be on your left. The walk is approximately 0.6 miles and should take about 12 minutes.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 700 Water Street, Denver, CO 80211. A parking lot is located across the street from the aquarium. Parking fees vary and are subject to change. The restaurant validates parking passes for dining after 6 PM. Expect to pay around $10-20 for parking.

Discover more about Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver, originally known as Colorado's Ocean Journey, is a captivating entertainment and dining complex centered around a public aquarium. Located at the intersection of I-25 and 23rd Avenue, near the South Platte River, the aquarium spans a 17-acre site with a 107,000-square-foot main building. Initially founded as a non-profit to educate visitors about the connection between freshwater ecosystems and the ocean, the aquarium highlights the journey of water from the mountains to the sea. It originally focused on the Colorado River in North America and the Kampar River in Indonesia. Exhibits showcase a diverse array of fish and other creatures, with a total tank volume of approximately 1 million gallons. In 2003, Landry's Restaurants, Inc. purchased the aquarium and reopened it in 2005 as the Downtown Aquarium after undergoing renovations. These renovations included the addition of a full-service restaurant, bar, and ballroom, along with a 150,000-gallon marine aquarium in the restaurant area. Today, visitors can explore various exhibits, including interactive touch tanks and a 4D cinema. The Aquarium Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with underwater views. Don't miss the Mystic Mermaid Dining Show for added entertainment.