Best of 2001: Best Free Aquarium

Fountain's Aquarium
7575 University Avenue, La Mesa
619-465-5333

Just shy of Parks on University Avenue, Fountain's Aquarium is an aquatic feast for the eyes, even from the road. Muraled windows of sea life beckon customers and gawkers. Just inside the door is a koi pond swarming with orange and white fish. Bubble walls and soothing sounds of waves and seagulls keep you looking. The back room is illuminated by the lights inside about 200 tanks teeming with frogs, crabs, snowflake eels, tetras, shrimp, swordtails and rosey barbs, redtail sharks, danios, clownfish, and the porcupine puffer -- this is a diverse aquarium. Staff members are attentive and full of answers to your aquarium questions, but they won't mind you walking around just looking.