Wedding & Reception Sites in South Charleston, South Carolina

Perched along the Cooper River in historic downtown Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium takes visitors through 60 unique habitats, many of which represent the natural environments of the Palmetto State — from the mountains in the state's northwest corner to its scenic coast. By land or by sea, wildlife abounds, from bald eagles and river otters to alligators, sharks, stingrays and giant loggerhead turtles. Other highlights include a 4-D theater and several touch tanks.

Best and worst time to go to the S.C. Aquarium
Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, the aquarium is closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. You'll find smaller crowds before 11 a.m. and after 2 p.m. on weekdays. The vast majority of the aquarium's exhibits are indoors, but weather-wise, if you're planning to be visiting Charleston's many other attractions, Lowcountry summers can be scorching, especially in July and August. However, spring (April to early June) and fall (mid-September to early November) bring pleasant daytime temperatures and comfortably cool evenings.

Must see/do at the S.C. Aquarium
The aquarium's two-story Great Ocean Tank holds 385,000 gallons of water and is home to several varieties of sharks and stingrays, a 220-pound loggerhead turtle, jellyfish and other colorful creatures of the sea. Afterward, get an even closer look at Shark Shallows, a 20,000-square-foot touch tank that allows you to touch bonnet head sharks and an array of rays. Other touch tanks have hermit and horseshoe crabs, sea urchins and whelk. Make time for the Madagascar Journey, which includes habitats patterned after the island off the coast of Africa, native animals such as a Nile crocodile, ring-tailed lemurs and white-spotted bamboo sharks, and a toddler's play area dubbed Mini-gascar. And be sure to take in a show in the aquarium's 4-D theater, where you can watch a family friendly 3-D movie while experiencing water splashes, the feeling of rolling waves and wind gusts.

Admission to the S.C. Aquarium
Tickets range from $25 to about $30 for adults, with the higher "Premier Pass" price including entrance to the 4-D theater. Tickets are about $7 less for children ages 3 to 12, with ages 2 and under free. An extra option: Touring the aquarium's Sea Turtle Hospital, where you can view sick and injured sea turtles receiving care from staff members. Tours are twice daily (noon and 2 p.m.) and cost about $10 for adults and $5 for ages 3 to 12. The tour often sells out quickly, so the aquarium recommends buying tickets online before your visit.

Parking at the S.C. Aquarium
The City of Charleston parking garage at 24 Calhoun Street ($1 per half-hour, with a $16 daily maximum) has ample parking a short walk from the Aquarium. Metered spots are also available along Washington Street and Concord Street.

Public Transportation to the S.C. Aquarium
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) has a downtown trolley that stops directly at the aquarium (College of Charleston/Aquarium line). A CARTA bus route – Route 4 (North Charleston/Downtown) – runs from Charleston International Airport to the Charleston Visitors' Center, where you can then walk or catch the trolley to the aquarium. Visit the CARTA website to view connecting trolley and bus routes and times from various sections of the city.

Food at the S.C. Aquarium
The on-site Sea Turtle Cafe serves up fast-food favorites and snacks such as pizza, sandwiches, chips and ice cream.

Insider tip for visitors to the S.C. Aquarium
Reserve at least a few minutes to walk out on the aquarium's outside decks, where you can soak in the panoramic views of Charleston Harbor, watch ships and sailboats cruise by, and — more often than not — spy a few cavorting dolphins.

Author's bio: Kevin Adams is a freelance writer who is a South Carolina native and has had travel articles appear on USAToday.com and in Golfweek magazine.