AquariumUS

Aquarium of the Pacific

Experience marine wonders at Long Beach's Aquarium of the Pacific, a world-class institution celebrating the Pacific Ocean's vast biodiversity.

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About

Experience marine wonders at Long Beach's Aquarium of the Pacific, a world-class institution celebrating the Pacific Ocean's vast biodiversity. As the largest aquarium in California, it showcases over 12,000 animals representing more than 500 species across its 360,000-square-foot facility. The Aquarium's mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems through engaging exhibits and conservation initiatives.

Explore three main galleries: the frigid Northern Pacific, the temperate Southern California/Baja, and the vibrant Tropical Pacific. Highlights include the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, home to Magellanic Penguins, and the immersive Shark Lagoon, where visitors can safely touch small sharks and rays. Discover playful sea otters in their dedicated habitat, marvel at the graceful movements of sea jellies in Jelly Dreamscapes, and observe colorful lorikeets in an outdoor aviary. The Pacific Visions expansion offers an immersive theater experience with animal shows and interactive art installations, connecting visitors to critical ocean conservation themes.

A visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific is an unforgettable journey that combines education with entertainment. Its commitment to conservation, engaging exhibits, and opportunities for hands-on learning make it a memorable destination for all ages. Whether you're coming face-to-face with a shark or learning about endangered species, the Aquarium fosters a deeper appreciation for the marine world and inspires action for its protection. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

The Aquarium of the Pacific first opened its doors on June 20, 1998, quickly becoming a significant cultural and educational attraction in Long Beach, California. Since its founding, it has operated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, guided by a mission to instill wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean. A major milestone in its history was the opening of the Pacific Visions wing in May 2019. This 29,000-square-foot expansion significantly enhanced the Aquarium's offerings with state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and an immersive theater, furthering its commitment to sustainability and ocean conservation. The Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), underscoring its dedication to animal care and conservation.

What to do here

Participate in touch pools to feel stingrays, small sharks, sea anemones, and starfish.

* Attend daily shows and animal feeding sessions, such as sea otter feedings.

* Explore the Pacific Visions building for an immersive experience with projections and interactive displays.

* Consider add-on experiences like whale watching tours or harbor cruises (additional fee).

* Check the daily schedule upon arrival for presentations and feeding times.

Seasonal info

Southern California weather is generally pleasant year-round, making outdoor exhibits enjoyable. The Aquarium hosts various cultural festivals and special events throughout the year.

Accessibility

The Aquarium of the Pacific and all its exhibits are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available for free checkout at the Information Desk. Touch pools are accessible for guests in wheelchairs, and staff can assist. Services for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing include sign language interpreters (with advance notice) and listening devices in theaters. For guests who are blind or have low vision, Braille visitor guides and touch exhibits are available, and the visitor guide app includes Voice Over technology.

Don't miss

Shark Lagoon

An outdoor display featuring various shark species, including zebra, grey reef, bamboo, and epaulet sharks, with a touch pool for smaller sharks and rays.

June Keyes Penguin Habitat

Home to a lively group of Magellanic Penguins, viewable from above and through a crawl-through tunnel.

Tropical Pacific Gallery

Houses a 350,000-gallon Tropical Reef habitat with over 1,000 animals, including colorful fish and coral.

Northern Pacific Gallery

Features sea otters, giant Pacific octopuses, and a diving birds exhibit with puffins and auklets.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Great Blue Heron

Monarch Butterfly

Brown Pelican

Rock Pigeon

Ring Billed Gull

Western Fence Lizard

Double Crested Cormorant

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early

Visit on weekdays and shortly after opening to avoid the largest crowds.

Purchase Tickets Online in Advance

This often saves time and may be required for weekend and holiday visits.

Validate Parking

Remember to get your parking ticket validated at the Aquarium to secure the $8 daily rate.

Download the Visitor Guide App

The app provides maps, animal IDs, and the daily schedule of shows and feedings.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The Aquarium is quite large (over 360,000 square feet) and involves a lot of walking.

Check Daily Schedule

Upon arrival, check the schedule for animal feedings, presentations, and any special events to plan your visit efficiently.

Frequently asked questions

: The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, on Rainbow Harbor in downtown Long Beach. Parking is available in an adjacent structure at 99 Aquarium Way for $8 per day with validation from the Aquarium.
: No, outside food or beverages are generally not allowed inside the Aquarium. However, there are on-site dining options such as Café Scuba, Bamboo Bistro, and the Blue Whale Café coffee cart.
: The average visitor spends about 3 hours exploring the Aquarium. However, the duration can be extended by engaging with shows, special events, or educational activities.