Why visit
It offers a genuinely local, hands-on look at the marine life right off Los Angeles's own coast, with touch tanks and tide-pool programs that delight kids and curious adults alike. Paired with the adjacent beach, it makes for an affordable, low-stress half-day by the sea.
Operated by the City of Los Angeles, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium specializes in the species and habitats of the Southern California coast, from kelp forests and sandy bottoms to rocky tide pools. Exhibits include tanks of local fish, invertebrates, and seasonal displays, along with a touch tank where visitors can gently meet creatures like sea stars and urchins. The aquarium designed by architect Frank Gehry sits next to Cabrillo Beach and nearby tide pools.
The aquarium emphasizes education and conservation, offering programs such as guided tide-pool walks, grunion-run viewings in season, and special events for families. Its compact, approachable scale makes it easy to explore in a couple of hours, and its beachside setting encourages combining a visit with time outdoors on the sand.
History
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium traces its roots to a small seaside museum that opened decades ago in San Pedro and later moved into its current facility, designed by architect Frank Gehry and opened in the early 1980s. It has long served as a center for marine education focused on the Southern California bight, run by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Insider Tips
- ✦Combine your visit with time on Cabrillo Beach and the nearby tide pools.
- ✦Check the calendar for grunion-run nights and guided programs.
- ✦Bring small bills or a card for parking and any suggested donation.
Photo Tips
- 📸Use a fast shutter and no flash to capture fish in the dim exhibit lighting.
- 📸Get low at the touch tank for engaging close-ups of sea stars and kids' reactions.
- 📸Step outside to frame the aquarium architecture against the beach and breakwater.
Before You Go
- ✓Confirm open days and hours, since the aquarium is closed certain weekdays.
- ✓A common mistake is underestimating the beach parking fee and busy weekend lot, so plan to arrive early.
- ✓Check tide times and any program schedules if you want to combine your visit with tide pools or grunion runs.
Visiting with family
The touch tank and approachable exhibits are ideal for young children, and tide-pool programs add outdoor exploration. Bring towels and sunscreen if you plan to continue onto the beach.
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Cabrillo Marine Aquarium FAQ
How much does Cabrillo Marine Aquarium cost?
Admission is commonly suggested-donation, with a separate beach parking fee; confirm current amounts on the official website before visiting.
Is there a touch tank?
Yes, the aquarium features a touch tank with local marine creatures, which is especially popular with kids.
What days is it open?
It's typically open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on certain weekdays, but hours vary, so check ahead.
Nearby Neighborhoods
HarborSan Pedro
San Pedro is Los Angeles's salty harbor town, wrapped around the busy Port of Los Angeles and edged with tide pools and bluff-top views. It blends a blue-collar maritime heritage with seafood markets, museums, and one of the city's most dramatic coastlines.
South BayTorrance
Torrance is a spacious South Bay city pairing a quiet, walkable beach with leafy residential neighborhoods, a thriving Japanese-American community, and some of the region's best ramen, sushi, and craft beer. It's an easygoing, family-oriented base just south of LA's busiest beach towns.
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Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on the map
See Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and what's nearby in San Pedro.
Map pins are approximate and for visitor planning only — they may not mark the exact entrance or parking. Please check official directions before visiting.
Places shown on this map (6)
- Cabrillo Marine Aquarium — Museums
- Point Fermin Park — Parks
- Angels Gate Park — Parks
- Korean Bell of Friendship — Landmarks
- San Pedro — Neighborhood
- Torrance — Neighborhood