ZooCalifornia, US

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Discover the wonders of Southern California's marine life up close at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.

About

Discover the wonders of Southern California's marine life up close at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Situated beautifully adjacent to Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park in San Pedro, this public aquarium stands out for its dedicated focus on the local marine environment, offering accessible, science-based education that inspires understanding and protection of our oceans. It serves as a vital resource for both community members and visitors, providing a unique blend of interactive exhibits and educational programs centered around the rich biodiversity of Southern California's waters.

Explore a diverse array of local habitats, from the bustling rocky shores and serene sandy beaches to nutrient-rich kelp forests and mysterious open ocean ecosystems, all housed within the Susanne Lawrenz-Miller Exhibit Hall. Key exhibits include the engaging Tidepool Habitat touch tank, where visitors can gently interact with sea stars and prickly urchins, and the dynamic Kelp Forest, home to creatures like kelp bass and garibaldi. Don't miss the Jelly Lab's delicate moon jellies, the Aquatic Nursery showcasing marine life research, or the interactive Exploration Center, which allows you to crawl beneath a tank to experience marine life from a unique perspective.

A visit to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is more than just observing; it's an invitation to connect with the ocean. With its emphasis on hands-on learning and interactive displays, the aquarium offers a memorable experience for all ages, fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation. Its intimate scale, combined with educational programs and its proximity to natural tide pools, makes it a truly special destination for anyone eager to learn about and protect Southern California's precious marine heritage. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's roots trace back to 1935, beginning as a modest collection of marine specimens housed in the Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse. Its popularity grew significantly under the directorship of John Olguin, who began giving impromptu tours to school groups and initiated the now-famous evening programs for viewing grunion mating practices on the beach. In 1981, the aquarium moved into a new, purpose-built facility designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, featuring a distinctive semi-industrial design that incorporated chain link to evoke the area's fishing and dockworking heritage. The institution, originally known as the Cabrillo Marine Museum, changed its name to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in 1993 to better reflect its living collections. Further expansions, including an Exploration Center, Aquatic Nursery, and research library, were completed in 2004, continuing its evolution as a leader in marine science education.

What to do here

Engage with the interactive touch tanks, observe sharks and rays, explore the jellyfish exhibits, and learn about local marine conservation. Consider a guided walk to the natural tide pools during low tide or attend special seasonal events like the Grunion Runs.

Seasonal info

Spring/Summer (March-July): Best for Grunion Run events, where you can witness these unique fish spawning on the beach.

Winter (December-March): Opportunities for whale watching, often accompanied by educational programs.

Year-round: Check local tide tables to experience the nearby natural tide pools at their best during low tide.

Accessibility

The aquarium is fully accessible and located on one level, with benches throughout the courtyard. Accessible restrooms and a gender-neutral restroom are available. Two beach wheelchairs can be requested for use on a first-come, first-served basis. ASL interpreters can be provided with advanced notice. The aquarium is also KultureCity certified, offering sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

Don't miss

Tidepool Habitat

A popular touch tank offering hands-on interaction with sea stars and urchins.

Kelp Forest

An impressive exhibit showcasing the vibrant life within Southern California's kelp forests, including kelp bass and garibaldi.

Aquatic Nursery

Observe ongoing research and conservation efforts, and see young marine life.

Exploration Center

Engage with interactive displays, including a crawl-under tank for an immersive view of marine creatures.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Western Fence Lizard

Italian Wall Lizard

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

Check the Tide Tables

Enhance your visit by checking the local tide tables for Cabrillo Beach. Low tide is the best time to explore the natural tide pools located just outside the aquarium.

Budget for Parking

There is a public, fee-based parking lot on-site. Parking costs $1 per hour.

Pack a Picnic

While the aquarium does not sell food, there are picnic tables and BBQ facilities nearby on Cabrillo Beach. Consider bringing your own snacks or lunch to enjoy in the adjacent coastal park.

Explore the Coastal Park

Don't limit your visit to the aquarium's indoor exhibits. The Cabrillo Coastal Park offers walking trails, the salt marsh, and additional opportunities for birdwatching and observing marine life.

Inquire About Programs

Check the aquarium's schedule for special programs, such as Grunion Runs (seasonal), feeding demonstrations, or guided tidepool walks, which offer unique insights and experiences.

Utilize Accessibility Resources

If you or a family member has accessibility needs, take advantage of the available beach wheelchairs or inquire about sensory bags provided by the KultureCity certification.

Frequently asked questions

: The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is generally open Tuesday through Friday from 12 PM to 5 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission to the aquarium is free, though a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors is appreciated to support its programs.
: Yes, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium features a popular Tidepool Habitat touch tank where visitors can gently touch and observe various rocky shore marine life, including sea stars and prickly urchins, with guidance from educators.
: Yes, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible, with all facilities located on a single level. The venue provides accessible restrooms, benches throughout the courtyard, and even offers beach wheelchairs for use by visitors.