Directions To Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium
Introduction
If you're looking for a fun, educational, and family-friendly activity to do in Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina, then the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium is the perfect destination. This aquarium is home to a variety of marine animals and offers visitors a chance to learn about the ocean ecosystem and conservation efforts. In this article, we'll provide you with directions and helpful tips to make your visit to the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium a success.
Location
The Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium is located at 1 Roosevelt Blvd, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512. It's situated on a beautiful 300-acre campus that also includes the North Carolina Aquariums headquarters and the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area.
Directions
If you're driving from the north, take US-70 E towards Morehead City. Turn right onto NC-58 S and continue for approximately 3 miles. Turn left onto Roosevelt Blvd and follow the signs to the aquarium.
If you're driving from the south, take NC-58 N towards Atlantic Beach. Turn right onto Roosevelt Blvd and follow the signs to the aquarium.
If you're taking public transportation, you can take the Island Express bus from Morehead City to Pine Knoll Shores. The bus stop is located near the aquarium, and you can easily walk to the entrance.
Ticket Prices and Hours
The Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with the last admission at 4 pm. The aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
The ticket prices for the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium are as follows:
- Adults (ages 13-61): $12.95
- Seniors (ages 62+): $11.95
- Military (active duty and dependents): $11.95
- Children (ages 3-12): $10.95
- Children 2 and under: Free
Exhibits and Activities
The Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium offers a variety of exhibits and activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular attractions include:
- The Living Shipwreck exhibit, which features a replica of a sunken ship and a variety of marine animals that live in the surrounding waters.
- The Touch Tank, where visitors can touch and interact with live sea creatures such as starfish and sea urchins.
- The Marsh Walk, a boardwalk that takes visitors through a coastal marsh ecosystem and allows them to see a variety of birds and plants.
- The Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center, where visitors can learn about the aquarium's efforts to rehabilitate and release injured sea turtles back into the wild.
In addition to these exhibits, the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium also offers daily programs and activities such as animal feedings, behind-the-scenes tours, and educational talks.
Tips for Your Visit
Here are some helpful tips to make your visit to the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium a success:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and may get wet in some exhibits.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat, as some of the exhibits are outdoors and exposed to the sun.
- Plan to spend at least two hours at the aquarium to fully experience all of the exhibits and activities.
- Check the daily program schedule to see what animal feedings and talks are happening that day.
- Consider purchasing a membership to the North Carolina Aquariums, which gives you unlimited access to all four aquariums in the state and discounts on programs and events.
Conclusion
The Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life and conservation. With its variety of exhibits, activities, and educational programs, there's something for everyone to enjoy. By following these directions and tips, you'll be sure to have a memorable and enjoyable visit to the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium.