Top 10 U.S. Locations to Spot Mermaids

Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan

Stories about mermaids—legendary creatures that are half human and half fish—have surfaced throughout the globe in various folkloric traditions. Examples include Scheherazade’s tale of “Djullanar the Sea-girl,” the sirens of ancient Greece, Scotland’s selkies, Thailand’s Suvannamaccha, the Mami Wata of the African diaspora, Indonesia’s Nyai Roro Kidul, Brazil’s Iara, Slavic rusalki, and Hans Christian Andersen’s (and, by extension, Walt Disney’s) “Little Mermaid.” Today, mermaids—represented by humans in mermaid costumes—can be found across the U.S., in a variety of settings from aquariums and bars to roadside attractions and popular festivals.

1. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Spring Hill, Florida

Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of the oldest roadside attractions in the state, boasting an underwater theater and live mermaid shows since 1947. Established as a state park in 2008, it continues to draw visitors from all over the U.S. who come to witness the enchanting mermaids swim, enjoy the idyllic springs, and learn about the local wildlife.

2. The Wreck Bar: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Florida clearly embraces its mermaid lore. Fort Lauderdale’s The Wreck Bar has been captivating audiences with live mermaid shows since 1950. This vibrant bar features aquariums for windows alongside ship-style lanterns and nautical decor. The venue offers a range of events from family-friendly performances featuring the Coral Reef Mermaids to adult-oriented Aqua Burlesque and Aquamen Boylesque shows.

3. Ripley’s Aquarium: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The mermaids at Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, S.C., stroll through Ray Bay alongside various species like cownose and spotted eagle rays as well as bonnethead and leopard sharks. A unique feature is the opportunity to have breakfast with a mermaid, which includes a hot meal, a meet and greet, story time, and a souvenir photo. Admission to the aquarium is included so visitors can enjoy the other exhibits afterward. For dates and details about special events, it’s advisable to check the website.

4. The Mermaid Parade: Brooklyn, New York

Coney Island’s iconic Mermaid Parade in New York provides spectators with an annual spectacle featuring merfolk of all shapes and sizes. Celebrating the start of summer since 1983, this lively event occurs on the Saturday closest to the season’s kickoff and dives deep into Coney Island’s rich and carnivalesque history.

5. Silverton Casino: Las Vegas, Nevada

There are also splendid mermaids to discover in the desert. Every Thursday through Sunday, Silverton Casino in Las Vegas showcases mermaids in its impressive 117,000-gallon aquarium, filled with thousands of fish. For children aged 7 to 12, the casino offers “Mermaid School” for $175, providing a 90-minute immersive experience.

6. Downtown Aquarium: Denver, Colorado

At Denver’s Downtown Aquarium restaurant, guests can watch underwater performances that take place right before their eyes in the dining room. Mermaids swim while imparting valuable environmental lessons. For a truly special experience, you can arrange a private 45-minute meet and greet session (costing $200 for up to eight attendees) to interact with a mermaid, witness their aquatic tricks, and receive a personalized shell and pearl as a keepsake. The aquarium also features more than 500 species across a million gallons of water, presenting endless wonders beyond just the mermaids.

7. Dive Bar: Sacramento, California

Sacramento’s Dive Bar lives up to its name with an impressive 7,500-gallon aquarium above the bar, where mermaids and mermen frolic every day. The venue hosts themed shows from Thursday through Sunday nights. Their unique mermaid tails were specially crafted for the bar by “The Mertailor.”

8. Siren School: San Diego, California

For aspiring merfolk who wish to engage actively, San Diego’s Siren School offers Mermaid Bootless Camps. This two-day program, based in Long Beach, California, guarantees participants a hands-on experience with fins. Attendees are advised to bring their own tails for the adventure!

9. Sirens of New Orleans: New Orleans, Louisiana

The Sirens of New Orleans are a dynamic marching group transforming into mermaids annually during the Mardi Gras festivities. Established in 2010, the group now boasts over 155 dancers and supporters showcasing their scales throughout the year in various parades and charitable events.

10. Sip ‘n Dip Lounge: Great Falls, Montana

In Great Falls, Montana, the Sip ‘n Dip Lounge features an underwater view of a hotel pool at the O’Haire Motor Inn, with designated times for mermaid-only swimming. Even celebrities like Daryl Hannah have enjoyed a swim here. Merfolk typically swim Monday through Saturday starting at 6 p.m., but guests under 21 must leave by 8 p.m.