How to Plan an Aquarium Trip Using Points (Flights, Hotels, Timing)

Planning an aquarium trip using points is usually simpler than people think. Most major aquariums are in big cities with solid flight options and plenty of hotels. The real decision isn’t which airline to book first. It’s whether this should be a fly trip, a drive trip, or a mix of both. While most aquariums don’t allow you to redeem any kind of points directly for admission tickets, you can absolutely use points to cover the biggest costs of the trip, flights and hotels.

After doing aquarium trips in Chicago, Atlanta, Monterey, and here in North Carolina, I’ve realized something. The transportation decision shapes everything else.

This article is part of my Trip Planning & Redemptions series, where I share simple, practical ways to turn points into trips that actually work for real families. Also check out other Aquarium Travel Resources.

Step 1: Decide if You Should Fly or Drive

Before you look at award charts or hotel categories, look at a map.

Some aquariums are in major downtown areas with nonstop flights from everywhere. Others are in smaller towns where flying adds layers of complexity.

That first decision determines your entire strategy.

airplane-wing-from-air-night-shot-from-window

Major City Aquariums: Flights + Hotel Points Work Well

Aquariums like:

are located in major metro areas. That means more nonstop routes, better award availability, and larger hotel footprints.

When we planned our Chicago trip, we were determined to use a Delta companion pass. The flights had a layover and ended up costing more overall. We were about to accept a longer travel day just to use the certificate.

Eventually we stopped trying to force it. We booked a nonstop on United instead. No regrets.

That trip reinforced something important for me. Points and perks should make the trip easier. If they’re adding stress or extra cost, it’s okay to pivot.

For Chicago, we used a Hilton free night certificate at The Sable at Navy Pier Chicago. It’s technically walkable to Shedd, and we walked back along the Lake Michigan path. It’s scenic and you can stop at playgrounds in the park like we did. But it is a solid walk. Distance matters more than it looks on a map when you’re traveling with kids.

Regional Aquariums: Pair Them With Something Bigger

Not every aquarium sits next to a major airport.

Some are in coastal towns or regional destinations where airport access is limited. Even if there is a small airport nearby, nonstop options may be limited or expensive. Once you factor in rental cars and connections, flying doesn’t always save meaningful time.

That is what we ran into with both

These aquariums are in beach areas. They are not walkable from major hotel zones, and there is not a large airport right next door with tons of nonstop options. You can technically fly into the region, but it adds layers.

For us, driving made far more sense.

We paired the aquarium with beach time and used hotel points nearby. Instead of turning it into a long day trip, we made it a relaxed overnight.

Entrance to indian beach with shells hanging on a wood fence opening to the sand and ocean

You see this same pattern in other parts of the country. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies sits near Dollywood. Families often combine those into one regional weekend. There is not a major hub airport in Gatlinburg itself. Most visitors drive.

In these cases, the aquarium is part of a larger destination. That changes the strategy.

If the aquarium is:

In a coastal or mountain town
Not near a major hub airport
Already part of a regional vacation area

Then driving and using hotel points is often the simpler move.

After planning several of these trips, I’ve found that geography matters more than award charts. Start with the map. It usually tells you which strategy will work best.

Hybrid Strategy: Fly to a Hub, Then Drive

Some aquariums fall somewhere in between.

For Monterey Bay Aquarium, there is a smaller airport in Monterey and United services it. But there are fewer nonstop options and limited schedules compared to a major hub.

Since we were flying from the East Coast, it was already going to be a long travel day. We didn’t want to fly all that way for a quick in-and-out trip. We wanted to stretch it into something bigger.

So we flew into San Francisco instead.

That gave us:

More award availability
More flight times to choose from
The ability to layer in other experiences

We spent time in San Francisco, visited Alcatraz, then drove to Santa Cruz where we used Hilton points for two nights and made the drive to Monterey.

Cannery-row-shop-restaurants-near-monterey-bay-aquarium

Monterey does have a lively waterfront area with shops and restaurants near the aquarium. But it’s still a rental car trip for most families, especially if you want flexibility.

For us, the longer flight justified turning the aquarium into part of a multi-city itinerary. If you are flying across the country, sometimes it makes more sense to build a bigger trip around it instead of treating it as a one-night stop.

Step 2: Choose the Right Hotel Location

Aquarium trips are usually short. You’re not spending all day at the hotel.

For these trips, proximity matters more than upgrades.

Look at:

Walking distance to the aquarium
Public transportation access
Whether you can Uber from the airport and avoid a rental car
Nearby food options

In major cities, staying close to the aquarium can simplify the entire trip.

If your hotel is walkable, you might:

Uber or take public transportation from the airport
Skip the rental car completely
Avoid paying for downtown parking
Easily return to the room for a midday break

That adds up.

For example, when we stayed at The Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, we were technically walkable to Shedd Aquarium. It was a longer walk than I expected, but being near the lakefront kept everything compact and manageable.

In larger cities, a slightly higher points rate for a well-located hotel can actually reduce overall stress and ground costs.

Location often has a bigger impact than room category.

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Step 3: Plan the Length of the Trip

Before you finalize flights or hotels, decide how long this trip should actually be.

Is this:

A same-day outing
A one-night weekend
A longer layered trip

We once flew to Georgia Aquarium for the day and flew home that evening. It worked. My daughter loved her first flight.

But we were exhausted.

Most people wouldn’t plan it that way, and I would not recommend it unless you truly enjoy tight schedules.

Even one overnight stay can completely change the feel of the trip. You aren’t racing the clock. You can arrive earlier, take breaks, and enjoy it.

On the other end of the spectrum, when we flew across the country for Monterey Bay Aquarium, we knew it didn’t make sense to travel that far for one night. That’s why we layered in San Francisco and even did a stopover in Denver on the way home.

If you’re traveling a long distance, consider expanding the itinerary instead of compressing it.

Aquarium trips feel better when they’re not rushed.

Step 4: Timing Matters More Than Points

Most aquariums are busiest:

Midday Saturdays
Holiday weekends
School breaks

Arriving the night before and visiting right at opening changes the entire experience.

Even when flights are booked on points, ground logistics matter. Rental cars, traffic, walking distances, and parking costs can shape the day more than the redemption itself.

I’ve learned to pay closer attention to those details.

Common Mistakes I’ve Made

Trying too hard to use a certificate or perk
Booking same-day fly in, fly out trips (exhausting)
Underestimating walking distances
Forgetting rental car logistics
Assuming one day is always enough

After trying big cities, beach towns, and long-haul trips, the patterns are pretty consistent.

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Quick Planning Test

Before you book anything, answer these:

Is this within realistic driving distance?
If yes, will a hotel night improve the experience more than a flight would?
Is there strong nonstop access into a major airport nearby?
If yes, flights on points may be simple.
Are you flying a long distance?
If yes, should you layer in another city so the trip feels worthwhile?
Is the aquarium the main event or part of something bigger?
That answer usually determines your strategy.
Would adding one overnight stay reduce stress?
If yes, that’s often the better move.

Is It Worth Using Points for an Aquarium Trip?

I do it often, so I would say yes, especially for:

Beginner redemptions
Weekend getaways
Driveable trips with hotel stays
Major city trips with good nonstop access

Aquarium trips are predictable, flexible, and family friendly. That combination makes them one of the easiest ways to practice using points without overcomplicating the process.

If you’re still deciding which aquarium to build a trip around, I share my picks in my guide to the top aquariums in the U.S., along with detailed reviews of Chicago, Atlanta, Monterey, and both North Carolina locations.

Is it worth using points for a short aquarium trip?

Yes, especially for weekend or one-night trips. Aquarium destinations are usually in major cities or regional vacation areas, which makes flights and hotels relatively easy to book with points. They’re predictable trips, which makes them ideal for practicing redemptions without adding unnecessary complexity.

Should I fly or drive to an aquarium destination?

Start with geography. If the aquarium is within a comfortable driving distance, using hotel points for an overnight stay can create more value than booking flights. If it’s in a major metro area with strong nonstop access, flights on points may be simple and efficient.

How many days do you need for an aquarium trip?

Most aquariums can be comfortably visited in half a day, but the overall trip often feels better with at least one overnight stay. Same-day fly in and fly out trips are possible, but they can feel rushed and exhausting, especially with kids.

Do I need a rental car for an aquarium trip?

It depends on location. In major cities, staying near the aquarium may allow you to use public transportation or rideshare and skip the rental car entirely. In coastal or regional destinations, a rental car is often necessary because hotels and attractions are spread out.

What is the best time to visit an aquarium?

Weekday mornings or right at opening are typically the least crowded times. Arriving the night before allows you to visit early and avoid peak midday crowds, especially during school breaks or holiday weekends.

Can you combine an aquarium with another destination?

Yes, and in many cases it makes sense. Some aquariums are part of larger vacation areas like beach towns or mountain destinations. If you’re flying a long distance, layering in another city can make the trip feel more worthwhile.