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Aquarium of the Pacific in Los Angeles
Museums · Long Beach

Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is Long Beach's premier marine attraction, home to thousands of animals representing the diverse habitats of the Pacific Ocean. Interactive touch pools, a shark lagoon, and conservation-focused exhibits make it a top family destination.

Why visit

The aquarium brings the breadth of the Pacific Ocean within reach, from petting a stingray to watching sea otters play and gazing into a vast blue-tank window. Its strong conservation mission, daily programs, and family-friendly design make it both entertaining and genuinely educational, ideal for a half-day on the Long Beach waterfront.

Located on the Long Beach waterfront at Rainbow Harbor, the Aquarium of the Pacific showcases life from the sunny Southern California and Baja coast to the frigid northern Pacific and the colorful tropics. Visitors encounter sea otters, sea lions, penguins, moon jellies, and a soaring three-story tank, plus hands-on touch pools where you can meet rays and small sharks.

Beyond the tanks, the aquarium emphasizes ocean conservation and climate education through immersive media exhibits, daily animal feedings, and naturalist talks. With its central waterfront setting, the aquarium pairs easily with a harbor stroll, and its well-designed galleries and programming make it engaging for both young children and curious adults.

History

The Aquarium of the Pacific opened in 1998 as part of Long Beach's waterfront redevelopment, quickly becoming one of the largest aquariums in the United States. It has since expanded with major additions, including the Pacific Visions wing that opened in 2019 to focus on environmental and human-impact storytelling, cementing its role as a leading center for marine science education and conservation.

Insider Tips

  • ✦Arrive at opening to enjoy popular touch pools before they get busy.
  • ✦Plan your visit around the posted feeding and show times.
  • ✦Combine the aquarium with a relaxed waterfront walk around Rainbow Harbor.

Photo Tips

  • 📸Photograph the three-story blue-tank window for dramatic scale and color.
  • 📸Capture the jellyfish galleries, where backlighting creates glowing images.
  • 📸Time the sea otter and penguin habitats around feeding demonstrations.

Before You Go

  • ✓Book timed tickets online in advance to save money and skip lines.
  • ✓Check the daily schedule for feedings and naturalist talks.
  • ✓Validate parking at the on-site garage for a reduced rate.

Visiting with family

Touch pools, the shark lagoon, and frequent feeding shows keep kids engaged, and strollers are easy to navigate throughout the galleries.

Where to Eat Nearby

🍽️ On-site Cafe Scuba at the Aquarium of the Pacific🍽️ Waterfront restaurants at Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor🍽️ Pine Avenue dining in Downtown Long Beach

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Aquarium of the Pacific FAQ

How long does a visit take?

Most visitors spend two to four hours, longer if you attend multiple feedings, talks, and the Pacific Visions exhibits.

Are there touch pools?

Yes, the aquarium has interactive touch exhibits where you can gently meet rays, small sharks, and other tide-pool animals.

Is the aquarium good for young kids?

Absolutely; touch pools, feedings, and stroller-friendly galleries make it one of the region's best family attractions.

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