At the aquarium you’ll meet a wide variety of fish and marine animals, from seahorses and starfish to turtles, seals, sharks, and even an octopus. Galleries and habitats include the Tropical Pacific, Northern Pacific, and Southern California and Baja, while additional exhibits such as Our Water Future educate the public about conservation.
With its waterfront location near Shoreline Village, the Aquarium of the Pacific is easy to visit during a day of sightseeing in Long Beach and Los Angeles. Purchase a skip-the-line ticket to save time, or opt for an LA sightseeing card if you’re planning to visit more attractions in the area. Aquarium of the Pacific tours are limited to behind-the-scenes visits, which are ideal for kids.
The aquarium is ideal for animal lovers and families with children.
There is an on-site café for snacks and light meals.
The complex is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; guests can borrow wheelchairs for no fee.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is on Aquarium Way at Long Beach’s Rainbow Harbor. It’s a 10-minute walk from the downtown Transit Mall, and the city’s Passport bus line stops outside. If you’re driving, there is paid parking in the aquarium’s parking structure.
The aquarium is open from 9am to 6pm every day of the year. It’s the busiest on weekends and in summer, so if you’re visiting during one of those times, go in the morning to avoid the crowds. On weekdays, school groups often visit until the early afternoon. Check the aquarium’s online calendar for annual events such as Shark Lagoon Nights and a children’s festival.
In addition to the exhibits, the aquarium offers a variety of activities that provide a more in-depth look at the animals and the facility. For additional fees, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour (guests must be at least 7 years old), participate in an animal encounter with penguins or sea lions, or even head out to sea on a dolphin- and whale-watching cruise.