Last Updated on November 4, 2022 by Usama
Florida Aquarium Parking
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa’s Channel District is among the best aquariums in the United States. It features over 8,000 animals and many exciting exhibits, creating an attractive place for all residents and visitors. If you plan to visit the Florida Aquarium, our guide will provide directions and help you find the cheapest public lot or garage in the vicinity. You’ll also learn about public transit in Tampa, FL, in case you decide to lower your costs and skip parking at the Aquarium.
Florida Aquarium Tickets & Hours
Although some tickets are available at the ticket office, the Aquarium urges visitors to purchase them in advance. This way, you’ll be sure to enter the building at a convenient time and for a smaller fee. Ticket prices vary according to the day of the week, event, attendance, and other factors; the cost is approximately $30 per person. The earlier you reserve, the lower the price.
The Florida Aquarium hours are from 9:30 AM to 5 PM daily, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. For additional info about memberships or military discounts, click here and use the “Chat with Us” function in the bottom right corner.
Convenient Parking for the Florida Aquarium Guests
The official Florida Aquarium parking structure is placed at the Channelside Drive and York Street corner, in front of the Cruise Terminal 3. It opens at 9:15 AM Monday through Sunday. The lot is huge and provides ample parking spaces for all visitors, including those with disabilities.
The entrance to the lot is north of the Aquarium, and the address for driving directions is 1371-1387 E York St, Tampa, FL 33602. Although the parking gate isn’t so close to the building, you’ll get to the spots near the Aquarium when you drive straight through the lot.
How Much Is Parking at the Florida Aquarium?
The Florida Aquarium parking price is $10 per vehicle, while members enjoy free parking. Reservations aren’t available, and spots are obtainable on a first-come, first-served basis. For this reason, we suggest that you arrive early and snatch a spot near the Aquarium’s entrance.
ADA Parking & Accessibility
The official Aquarium parking lot provides a limited number of accessible parking stalls as close to the building as possible. The visitor drop-off area is at 701 Channelside Drive, and all public access doors and areas are wheelchair-accessible. The Aquarium also offers wheelchairs and scooters to rent for $8 and $15. For more information or special requests, call the facility at (813) 273-4000.
Additional Parking Near the Florida Aquarium
All nearby parking facilities charge the same or higher daily rates. We singled out a couple of the most convenient options and included the essential details below.
Post Harbour Garage is half a mile away from the Aquarium and has a $10 daily rate. Unlike the Florida Aquarium parking lot, this structure allows online reservations, which is great if you plan to visit on a weekend or holiday. Head to Harbour Post Drive and look for a “Public Parking” sign, which is posted next to the entrance.
The most convenient alternative is Channelside Parking Garage, placed across the street from the Aquarium. It’s a safe and well-maintained covered parking garage with outdoor parking spots. The entrance is at 369 S. 12th Street—see the photo below. Standard parking rates are $1 per 30 minutes or $15 per day.
Aside from off-street structures, you may come across a vacant on-street parking space on several streets in the area. We suggest S. 12th Street—it offers convenient three-hour spots near the Aquarium accessible between 8 AM and 6 PM.
Take Public Transit to Channel District
Those who reside in the area or plan to stay in a city hotel can use public transportation options to get to the Aquarium. The free TECO Line Streetcar runs between Downtown Tampa and Ybor City and stops along Channelside. The Cumberland Avenue Station and Amalie Arena Station are within short walking distance of the building. Click here to see the schedule and other info.
HART Bus #9 picks up and drops off at the Meridian Ave @ Cumberland Ave stop, approximately a 5-minute away from the Aquarium. The one-way cash fare is $2.
Pirate Water Taxi’s starting point is next to the Florida Aquarium, and it has over 15 stops around Downtown. Click here to look at the map with all stops and nearby attractions. Purchase Water Taxi tickets on board, online, or at the ticket booth at Stop #7. Check out the prices:
| Age | One-Way Pass | All-Day Pass |
| Adult (16+) | $15 | $25 |
| Child | $10 | $15 |
Find Parking in Tampa Effortlessly
The Parking Access team creates guides for major airports, venues, and attractions across the state. Whenever you’re planning a trip or attending an event, look us up and find a convenient parking spot that fits your needs and budget.
In addition to the Florida Aquarium parking guide, Tampa residents and visitors may use our assistance to learn more about the following.
Use the booking form in our airport parking guide to discover, compare, and reserve parking near TPA in a few clicks.