Photographer: Kevin Stillman

Travel an aquatic journey from the shore to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico and have the opportunity 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 in entertaining and educational exhibits. Get up close and personal with 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 Amazon. Don’t forget the Living Shores, where you can really get your hands wet! The newest exhibit, the Hawn Wild Flight Theater, features birds of prey, including hawks, owls, falcons and parrots. Tortuga Cay, a new sanctuary exhibit for rehabilitated sea turtles, offers visitors 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 daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Memorial Day-Labor Day open daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving and Dec. 25. Admission fee. Parking fee. Located at 2710 North Shoreline. 361/881-1200, 800/477-GULF. www.texasstateaquarium.org.