Crescent City, California: Ocean World Aquarium

The nice aquarium folks at Ocean World sent us this insight: "Our hours are seasonal because our aquatic exhibit is lighted with natural lighting and changes as the seasons change." Before visiting you can call or check their website at oceanworldonline.com to confirm times they are open.

The sea lion statue at the entrance is always visible.

In the thick of redwood forest attractions, Ocean World reminds us that we are also driving along the coast of an entire ocean. The venerable aquarium has plenty to offer, but we only had time to run around and note the free stuff: two big sea lion statues at the parking lot entrance, a surfing photo op, a couple of sharks dangling on chains, a gift shop catering to pirates. The "Shark Petting" must be popular; interested visitors sign up in advance, under the dead-eyed stare of a maneater chomping a human arm.

CA's north coast equivalent to Sea World features some wildlife attractions such as otters, and small sharks. Also has a giant shark that visitors can take pictures in and around.