Gulf Coast Wonder: The Story of the Aquatarium

The Aquatarium opened in 1964 and quickly became one of Pinellas County’s most memorable tourist attractions. Located on 17 acres between 64th and 66th avenues right on the Gulf of Mexico, the Aquatarium welcomed visitors from across the country for more than a decade.

Its centerpiece was a massive circular marine tank, sheltering daily shows with trained dolphins, sea lions and other marine life under a striking 160-foot golden geodesic dome. The tank itself was 100 feet in diameter and held more than a million gallons of seawater, creating an immersive setting unlike anything else on Florida’s Gulf Coast at the time.

Families came to see dolphins leap high into the air, watch sea lions balance balls, and enjoy an up-close look at ocean creatures that many people would otherwise never see. The park at times added a zoological section to round out its attractions.

Despite its popularity in the 1960s and early 1970s, changing tourism patterns and competition from larger theme parks took a toll. The Aquatarium closed at the end of the 1977 summer season and was eventually demolished, leaving behind fond memories of its place in St. Pete Beach history.