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Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific offers an immersive journey into the wonders of the world's largest ocean.

About

The Aquarium of the Pacific offers an immersive journey into the wonders of the world's largest ocean. Located in Long Beach, California, this expansive public aquarium showcases the diverse aquatic life and ecosystems of the Pacific. It's a vibrant center for marine education and conservation, inspiring millions of visitors annually.

Explore three main galleries dedicated to the frigid Northern Pacific, the temperate Southern California/Baja region, and the colorful Tropical Pacific. Witness playful sea otters, majestic sea lions, and an array of sharks and rays in interactive touch pools. Don't miss the vibrant Tropical Reef Habitat, home to sea turtles and exotic fish, or the enchanting Lorikeet Forest, where colorful birds may perch right on your arm. The Pacific Visions wing offers an innovative immersive theater and interactive exhibits, delving into pressing environmental issues and pathways to a sustainable future.

Visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific is an engaging experience for all ages, combining education with breathtaking displays of marine life. Its commitment to conservation, alongside its captivating animal encounters and innovative exhibits, makes it a memorable destination. Whether marveling at the giant Pacific octopus or experiencing the interactive displays, the aquarium fosters a deep appreciation for the ocean and its precious inhabitants. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.

The Aquarium of the Pacific opened its doors on June 20, 1998, with a mission to instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, it has grown to become Southern California's largest aquarium, attracting approximately 1.5 to 1.7 million visitors each year. In 2019, the Aquarium celebrated a significant milestone with the opening of its first major expansion, the Pacific Visions wing. This 29,000-square-foot addition features a state-of-the-art immersive theater, an art gallery, and interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors with environmental issues and solutions for a sustainable future.

What to do here

Engage with marine life at various touch pools in the Shark Lagoon, Ray Habitat, and the Northern Pacific Gallery for sea anemones and starfish. Attend daily presentations and animal feedings. Explore the Pacific Visions theater and interactive displays.

Seasonal info

Summer, holidays, and school vacations are peak times, resulting in larger crowds. The Aquarium is an all-weather venue, suitable for visiting year-round.

Accessibility

The Aquarium of the Pacific is wheelchair accessible, with free wheelchairs available for checkout at the Information Desk. Touch pools are accessible, and staff can assist if needed. Exhibit videos are closed-captioned, and sign language interpreters can be arranged with four days' advance notice. Listening devices are available for shows, and assisted listening technology is provided in the Honda Pacific Visions Theater. Service animals are permitted. A drop-off area is available at the front of the Aquarium if parking structure elevators are out of service.

Don't miss

Southern California/Baja Gallery

Features the impressive three-story Honda Blue Cavern, showcasing marine life from Catalina Island, and the 211,000-gallon Seal and Sea Lion Habitat. Also includes the Amber Forest with colorful Garibaldi fish and the Shark Lagoon touch pools.

Northern Pacific Gallery

Home to playful sea otters, the Giant Pacific Octopus, Diving Birds (puffins and auklets), and diverse sea jellies and Japanese spider crabs.

Tropical Pacific Gallery

Houses the largest exhibit in the Aquarium, the 350,000-gallon Tropical Reef Habitat, with vibrant coral, sea turtles, and zebra sharks.

Pacific Visions

An immersive experience with a 180-degree curved screen theater, art installations, and interactive exhibits on ocean conservation.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Sea Otter

Leopard Shark

Cownose Ray

Octopus

Sea Lion

Harbor Seal

Sea Turtle

Poison Dart Frog

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 or Later

To avoid the largest crowds, especially on weekends and holidays, consider arriving right at opening (9:00 AM) or later in the afternoon after 2:00 PM.

Validate Parking

Remember to validate your parking ticket inside the Aquarium to secure the $8 daily rate at the adjacent parking structure.

Utilize Public Transportation

The Aquarium is accessible via the Metro A Blue Line, with the Downtown Long Beach stop a 10-minute walk away. Long Beach Transit also offers a free shuttle.

Hands-On Experiences

Prioritize the touch pools in Shark Lagoon and the Northern Pacific Gallery for interactive animal encounters. Consider purchasing nectar to feed the lorikeets for an up-close experience.

Plan for Shows

Check the daily schedule upon arrival for animal presentations, feedings, and immersive theater showtimes to integrate them into your visit.

Accessibility Calls

If you have specific accessibility needs, especially regarding parking structure elevators, it's advisable to call the Aquarium in advance.

Frequently asked questions

: No, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the Aquarium. However, there are picnic tables available on the plaza where visitors can consume their own snacks or meals. On-site dining options, including a café, are available.
: Parking is available in an adjacent structure (99 Aquarium Way) for a flat rate of $8.00 per day with Aquarium validation. Payment can be made at kiosks or upon exit with a credit card.
: Yes, same-day re-entry is permitted. Visitors should ensure they receive a hand stamp before exiting to be allowed re-entry.