Attractions

Take an aquatic journey from the shore to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico to experience dive shows, animal feedings, training sessions, and "hands-on" programs with sharks and stingrays. Thousands of animals representing more than 250 species are displayed. Get up close to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from above and below the water in Dolphin Bay. Visit the Islands of Steel exhibit, modeled after an offshore oil platform. Sharks and sea turtles live among schools of snapper, tarpon, redfish, jacks and grouper. Encounter colorful exotic birds, poison-dart frogs, fresh-water stingrays and boa constrictors in the Amazon exhibit. The Living Shores has three large touch pools. The Hawn Wild Flight Theater features birds of prey, including hawks, owls and falcons. Tortuga Cay, a sanctuary exhibit for rehabilitated sea turtles, offers a view of the turtles from above and below the water. Learn about the various species of turtles, their injuries and what people can do to help protect them in the wild. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily and Memorial Day–Labor Day 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 25. Admission charge. Parking charge. 2710 North Shoreline. 361/881-1200, 800/477-GULF. www.texasstateaquarium.org.