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Alaska SeaLife Center - Seward, Alaska

Image: David Clode

Alaska truly is the last frontier. Its wildlife is as vast as its land, and its sealife is equally incredible. To get a closer look at many of these creatures, the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward offers an excellent opportunity.

The only public aquarium in the state, the center combines regional exhibits with marine research, education, and wildlife rehabilitation. At this unique facility, visitors can observe regional birds in the aviary, view an undersea kelp forest, or watch seals and Steller sea lions at play in the Rocky Coast exhibit.

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National Aquarium - Baltimore

Image: naomi tamar

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is home to a wide range of exhibits, from an Amazon River forest to an Atlantic coral reef and more. Visitors can encounter an incredible array of creatures , enjoy interactive experiences , watch 4D films , and even participate in aquarium sleepovers .

Aside from its exhibitions, the National Aquarium's conservation work is geared toward combating climate change, protecting wildlife and their habitats, and reducing plastic pollution. Recent visitors have also raved about the dolphin show.

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Shedd Aquarium - Chicago

Image: Caroline Hernandez

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago gives visitors an up-close view of a variety of aquatic animals, including jellyfish, seahorses, and giant Pacific octopuses. The aquarium offers animal encounter experiences with beluga whales, sharks, penguins, stingrays, and sea otters.

There are also plenty of exhibits to explore. Pacific white-sided dolphins, belugas, California sea lions, and sea otters can be observed from both underwater and above-water viewing areas. The Polar Play Zone allows children to learn about life at the North and South poles in a kid-sized submarine, feeling the texture of a starfish in the touch pool, and admiring the underwater viewing area.

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Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Image: Shane Rounce

The Tennessee Aquarium is divided into two separate buildings for freshwater and ocean exhibits , showcasing thousands of animals, including the macaroni penguin, sand tiger shark, alligator snapping turtle, hellbender, and giant Japanese spider crab.

The River Journey building features the Turtles of the World gallery, an Appalachian cove forest habitat, the River Giants exhibit, and more. In Ocean Journey , visitors will find a butterfly garden, a tropical cove habitat, and the Boneless Beauties exhibit, among other highlights.

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Seattle Aquarium - Seattle

Image: Craig Lovelidge

Aquatic life in Puget Sound can be witnessed through the Seattle Aquarium's one-of-a-kind, 360-degree Underwater Dome , which displays local fish in a 400,000-gallon habitat . Set on two historic piers, the aquarium educates visitors about Puget Sound and the ocean at large through exhibits, events, conservation and education programs, research activities, and more.

At the Family Activity Center, guests of all ages can participate in hands-on activities to learn about the majestic orcas of the Pacific Northwest. The aquarium's species recovery program works to save animals from extinction through research, field conservation, and more.

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Aquarium of the Pacific - Long Beach, California

Image: Julien Maculan

The Aquarium of the Pacific, in Long Beach, California, features habitats from the tropical Pacific Ocean, northern Pacific waters, and the Southern California/Baja region. As Southern California's largest aquarium, it houses more than 12,000 animals across 100-plus exhibits highlighting aquatic life in the Pacific Ocean.

The state-of-the-art Pacific Visions wing offers guests an interactive experience through film, art, and technology. Visitors can see what it's like to be an aquatic vet at the Molina Animal Care Center, and then learn about water sources and conservation at the Our Water Future exhibit.

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New England Aquarium - Boston

Image: David Clode

The New England Aquarium features an open-air exhibit space for seal and sea lion training, the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, an Indo-Pacific coral reef habitat, an exhibit spotlighting Atlantic harbor seals , and the Simons Theatre with its nearly five-story-tall movie screen.

Aside from the indoor and outdoor exhibits, the aquarium's research division conducts ocean exploration and conservation through a plethora of initiatives like saving sea turtles and protecting North Atlantic right whales.

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Shark Reef Aquarium - Las Vegas

Image: SGR

An aquarium is probably not the first thing that comes to one’s mind when thinking about Las Vegas, but the Shark Reef Aquarium is well worth a visit. With more than 2,000 animals, it features jellyfish, sharks, sea turtles, and even crocodiles.

Guests can feed stingrays, sea turtles, or even a zebra shark, or try out the Undersea Explorer VR Theater for an immersive digital experience.

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Aquarium of Niagara - Niagara Falls, New York

Image: Shaun Low

Visitors can find more than 120 animal species at the Aquarium of Niagara, including many rescues that are unable to survive in the wild. The Penguin Coast exhibit is home to a colony of 14 Humboldt penguins , and the aquarium showcases over 100 species of fish and invertebrates from both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems , as well as several species of seals and sea lions .

In the summer of 2024, the aquarium unveiled the Great Lakes 360 experience with an interactive sturgeon touch pool and 16 new exhibits highlighting animals from the Great Lakes and Niagara River ecosystems.

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Georgia Aquarium - Atlanta

Image: David Clode

At the enormous Georgia Aquarium, visitors can get close to rays, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and sea otters, or even go behind the scenes at a dolphin training session. The aquarium focuses on conservation education and fostering positive connections between humans and animals.

The Ocean Voyager exhibit features a 100-foot-long underwater walk-through tunnel that displays more than 50 species.

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Lassie: TV’s Most Loyal Friend

Image: Kanashi

Lassie is the ultimate hero in a fur coat. The famous Rough Collie first appeared in a 1938 short story before becoming the star of her own TV show. Week after week, Lassie showed audiences how a dog’s loyalty and bravery could save the day.

Maybe she was alerting her family to danger or helping strangers; in any case, she was always there to lend a paw. Lassie’s adventures inspired generations of viewers and cemented her place as a true American icon. She was a devoted friend with a loving nature and a natural instinct to know when to act. She became more than just a dog; she became a family member to millions.

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Rin Tin Tin: From Battlefield to Box Office

Image: Christoph Schmid

Rin Tin Tin’s journey is one for the history books. He was rescued by a soldier during World War I. This German Shepherd was brought to America and became a Hollywood sensation in no time.

With his expressive eyes and fearless nature , Rin Tin Tin starred in over 25 silent films, performing stunts that left audiences in awe—can you believe that? He helped shape the early days of cinema and became a household name of its own.

Rin Tin Tin was more than a movie star, he was a hero in his own right, and that is what guaranteed his name is still popular today.

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Toto: The Little Dog with a Big Heart

Image: Paul Cuoco

Toto, Dorothy’s loyal companion in The Wizard of Oz , may have been small, but he was packed with personality. A Cairn Terrier named Terry actually played Toto in the iconic 1939 film, winning hearts with her expressive face and boundless courage.

Toto stuck by Dorothy through all of her Oz adventures. Regardless of his small size, his impact was completely the opposite! And we’re not just talking about the movie. Of course, in each scene, Toto showed loyalty and an instinct for getting into and out of trouble, much like our own beloved pets. But his bond with Dorothy was genuine, and fans could feel that connection. Toto’s spirit made him unforgettable, and he’s still celebrated as one of America’s favorite movie dogs.

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Old Yeller: The Ultimate Frontier Hero

Image: Caleb Fisher

Only a few dogs stuck and became part of America’s identity like Old Yeller. Set in the rugged Texas frontier, his story was all about bravery, family, and love in a world that was nothing but harsh.

The big, yellow dog feared nothing. He didn’t back down from protecting his family from wild animals, sickness, and any threat that came their way. He taught the family he lived with about sacrifice and courage. And we all learned that too!

When you think of Old Yeller, you think of resilience, even though his tale is bittersweet. Even decades later, people remember Old Yeller as a classic story of love and loss.

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Balto: The Husky that saved a village

Image: Chalo Gallardo

If a dog has a statue, he certainly must have earned it, right? Balto for sure did. His heroic journey is as inspiring as it is legendary.

Back in 1925, a diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska, needed urgent medicine, and Balto led the sled dog team through snow and freezing temperatures to deliver it. This brave Siberian Husky’s courage in the face of life-threatening conditions not only saved lives but also made him a hero.

Naturally, his success story spread across America, and New York’s Central Park even built a statue in his honor. Balto became the face of courage and teamwork, and his story has been immortalized in books, movies, and history.

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Benji: Hollywood’s Lovable Underdog

Image: Johannes W

Has your heart melted already? We certainly have, like two dogs ago, but let’s keep it going with the next one on our list: enter Benji.

Benji charmed his way into American hearts in the 1970s with his scruffy, humble looks and sharp problem-solving skills . This mixed-breed dog starred in a series of movies where he often found himself rescuing people or outsmarting bad guys.

Benji wasn’t big or flashy, but he didn’t need that. He made up for it with his resourcefulness and charm. Viewers loved his quiet bravery and knack for getting out of sticky situations. And of course, that little charming face of him, duh!

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Eddie: Frasier’s scene-stealing sidekick

Image: Egor Gordeev

Regardless of the director’s intention, dogs will always find a way to become the star of the show. Eddie is an example of that! The Jack Russell Terrier from the hit sitcom Frasier stole scenes with his hilarious antics and unforgettable stares.

In the series, Eddie kept Frasier on his toes, and audiences couldn’t get enough of him. His expressions were worth a thousand words, bringing both humor and heart to the show. The show was a hit, but this character made it relatable. Who hasn’t experienced the mischief of a furry friend? For such a small dog, Eddie made a huge impact and is still fondly remembered.

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Hachiko: Loyalty That Knows No Boundaries

Image: Oskar Kadaksoo

Hachiko’s story isn’t just famous in Japan; it resonated deeply with American audiences, too. An Akita known for waiting for his owner each day at a train station, Hachiko continued his routine for years after his owner’s passing. How moving is that?

His loyalty became legendary and eventually inspired the American film Hachi: A Dog’s Tale , which introduced his story to US viewers.

If there was any doubt concerning the kind of bonds formed between a human and a dog, Hachiko got rid of all of them! Even in America, Hachiko is celebrated as a symbol of unwavering dedication.

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Buddy: America’s first guide dog

Image: Brands&People

Speaking of special bonds, Buddy, a German Shepherd, changed countless lives in the 1920s by becoming America’s first official guide dog.

Her owner, Morris Frank, helped establish guide dog schools across the country, proving the incredible help dogs could offer to the visually impaired. Buddy’s intelligence and dedication paved the way for service dogs, and her influence continues to shape assistance programs today.

Her gentle guidance provided not only hope but also independence to many people with disabilities. Buddy’s groundbreaking work showed what dogs could do beyond companionship, which was an invaluable gift in itself!

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Scooby-Doo: The Detective dog

Image: Dinu J Nair

America has more than just 10 beloved dogs, and the ones we’ve mentioned so far were all real-life dogs. But let’s not forget that cartoon dogs also hold a special place in America’s heart. Take Scooby-Doo, for example.

Scooby-Doo is a fun-loving Great Dane who has been solving mysteries with his human friends since the 1960s. Yes, he was a detective. And yes, he was also very much afraid all the time!

Scooby has become a cartoon favorite and has starred in countless TV shows, movies, and comic books. With his human friend Shaggy by his side, Scooby always stumbled upon clues that saved the day—usually with a few treats along the way. Scooby-Doo’s legacy as a cartoon icon endures, and he has lots of fans around the globe!

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Goldfinger: Aston Martin DB5

Image: Ulf Meyer

The ultimate Bond ride came dressed in silver-gray elegance, blending timeless style with secret-agent swagger. Beneath its polished curves, it packed a clever arsenal—hidden machine guns, retractable defenses, and even an ejector seat! Tipping the scales at roughly 3,300 pounds, it could push up to 145 miles per hour, a thrill worthy of 007 himself. And while that famous red eject button looked ready for action, it was all Hollywood magic—no villains actually took flight.

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Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: Ferrari 250 GT California

Image: Joshua Koblin

Even though the Ferrari in John Hughes’ popular teen comedy, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, was actually a replica —made to protect the real $250,000 classic from any on-set mishaps—it looked every bit as stunning as the genuine Italian beauty. With its smooth, elegant curves and that unmistakable engine roar, it captured the hearts of viewers and brought pure charm to the big screen. The Ferrari 250 GT California is as much a star as Ferris himself.

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The Love Bug: Volkswagen Beetle

Image: kampfmonchichi

"Herbie" wasn’t just a car—he was a character with personality, spunk, and a soft spot for underdogs. Painted bright white with bold racing stripes and the unmistakable number 53, this little Volkswagen Beetle won hearts on and off the track. And here’s the charming part: no fancy computer wizardry brought him to life. Every wink, bounce, and "expression" you saw was pulled off with clever mechanics and old-school camera magic.

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The Graduate: Alfa Romeo 1600 Duetto Spider

Image: emkanicepic

This bright red convertible became nearly as iconic as the tune "Mrs. Robinson" itself. Sleek, nimble, and full of charm, it could glide along the road at around 118 mph, turning heads wherever it went. More than just a prop, it became part of the film’s personality. And here’s a little nugget of trivia: before filming began, Dustin Hoffman had never driven a stick shift. Once he got the role, he had to master the art of shifting gears in record time, adding a dash of real-life nerves to those on-screen drives.

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Bullitt: 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390

Image: Zhiqiang Wang

Steve McQueen and this dark green Mustang delivered pure cinematic thrills on the steep streets of San Francisco. The chase ran close to 10 full minutes—a rumbling, tire-squealing ballet that filmmakers have tried to imitate ever since. Under the hood, a growling V8 provided the muscle, while McQueen himself slid behind the wheel for many of the hair-raising maneuvers. Every jump, skid, and sharp corner helped cement it as one of cinema’s all-time great rides.

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Ghostbusters: 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor

Image: voltamax

The Ghostbusters’ unforgettable Ecto-1 was based on a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance/hearse. For the movie, it was transformed into a quirky, gadget-covered ghost-chasing machine, complete with flashing lights, sirens, and a roof stacked with mysterious equipment. This Cadillac became as much a character as the crew itself. Its over-the-top look made it instantly recognizable and turned it into a pop culture legend.

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Back to the Future: DeLorean DMC-12

Image: Joel Muniz

With its brushed stainless steel body and those dramatic gull-wing doors that unfolded like a bird in flight, the DeLorean already looked futuristic before the time-travel magic began. On screen, it came equipped with the now-legendary "flux capacitor," a gizmo that, sadly, was pure movie magic. Even so, the rules of the story were clear; if you wanted to bend the laws of time, you had to floor it to exactly 88 mph. And yes, fans still quote that number like gospel.

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Smokey and the Bandit: 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

Image: Photogon (Warren Valentine)

Burt Reynolds and that sleek black Trans Am—complete with the glittering golden firebird splashed across its hood—were a match made in movie heaven. With a top speed around 110 mph, it wasn’t just for show; this car had the muscle to back up its attitude. The stunt work was just as daring as it looked, with jaw-dropping jumps that thrilled audiences. Of course, the landings weren’t always smooth—more than a few Trans Ams met their end for the sake of those unforgettable scenes!

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The Spy Who Loved Me : Lotus Esprit Series I

Image: Andras Stefuca

In the 1970s, more sleek, wedge-shaped sports cars replaced the curvy styles of earlier years. Cars like the Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Countach changed the game with their sharp, futuristic look. Following that trend, Roger Moore slid behind the wheel of a white Lotus Esprit Series I in The Spy Who Loved Me . But what people remember the most about it is when Bond drives it straight into the sea, where it morphs into a fully equipped submarine! Fins and stabilizers pop out as it glides underwater, then it drives back onto the beach, leaving onlookers truly amazed.

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The Italian Job: Mini Cooper S 1275

Image: Alex P

Compact, nimble, and unmistakably British, the Mini Coopers in The Italian Job didn’t just drive—they darted. On screen, they bounced down staircases, squeezed through narrow alleys, and even sped through tunnels like they were built for it. The funny part? British Motor Corporation wanted nothing to do with the film, so the production had to buy 36 cars outright. And here’s a bit of trivia to impress your friends: despite being the star, Michael Caine never once drives any of the Minis in the movie .

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Vanishing Point: 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T

Image: Jonathan Nabais

This powerful white muscle car tore through the roads from Denver to San Francisco, racing against the clock. Weighing roughly 3,800 pounds, it packed a mighty HEMI engine under the hood—enough raw power to leave most challengers in the dust. With speed, grit, and sheer determination, it pushed the limits, turning the journey into one thrilling, high-octane ride to remember.

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Batman: Lincoln Futura

Image: Bull-Doser, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Before it became the legendary Batmobile we all know, this 19-foot futuristic prototype was showing off its sleek lines at auto shows. Then, in just 15 days, American designer and builder of Hollywood custom cars, George Barris, worked his magic. He added those unforgettable fins, jet engines, and clever gadgets that turned the Lincoln Futura into a TV icon. What began as a simple concept became one of the most recognizable cars in television history.