Zoo & Aquarium

Aquarium of the Pacific

📍 Bicycle Route 17, Long Beach, California, USA

1 photos

3.5/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: USA, Los Angeles
Category: Zoo & Aquarium
Duration: 1 day
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00-18:00, last entry 17:00
Ticket Price: Adult $44.95, child (3-11) $29.95, senior $41.95
Address: Bicycle Route 17, Long Beach, California, USA
Coordinates: 33.7620, -118.1970

Introduction

The Aquarium of the Pacific sits on the harbor in Long Beach and is one of the largest aquariums in the United States, home to more than 12,000 animals representing the diverse marine life of the Pacific Ocean. Its three permanent galleries explore Southern California and Baja, the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific, while signature exhibits like Shark Lagoon and the June Keyes Penguin Habitat let visitors circle the Pacific in just a few hours. Top experiences include eye-to-eye encounters with Magellanic penguins, hands-on touch pools for sharks and rays, and watching sea otters devour their meals with irresistible charm. As a leader in ocean conservation and endangered species breeding, the aquarium is a favorite for Los Angeles family outings and marine education, and its popular overnight programs let guests sleep beside towering tanks.

✨ Highlights

Three Pacific Galleries

The Southern California, Northern Pacific, and Tropical Pacific galleries showcase the full ecological diversity of the Pacific Ocean in one visit.

Shark Lagoon Touch Pool

Visitors can hand-touch bamboo sharks and rays in an open pool, a rare chance to feel cartilaginous fish up close.

Magellanic Penguin Habitat

A dedicated habitat lets you lock eyes with lively Magellanic penguins through the glass, with scheduled feeding and swim talks.

Sea Otter Feeding Show

Charming sea otters roll in the water cracking shells, one of the most beloved animal behavior demonstrations in the aquarium.

Sleep with the Sharks

Families can bed down beside massive tanks overnight, falling asleep as sharks glide by for an unforgettable science experience.

Conservation Leader

Active in endangered species breeding and plastic pollution research, the aquarium hosts lectures urging the public to protect the blue planet.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time：Weekday mornings are quieter; weekends and holidays get crowded

→Transport：On Long Beach harbor; drive or take Metro Blue Line to Downtown Long Beach then bus

→Duration：About 3 to 4 hours

→Parking：Aquarium lot $8 per day

→Opening Hours：Daily 9:00-18:00, last entry 17:00

→Ticket Information：Adult $44.95, child (3-11) $29.95, senior $41.95

💡 Tips

• Purchase on the official website to skip queues and catch periodic discounts and combo deals.

• Check the daily feeding and talk times online beforehand to catch multiple shows in one visit.

• Touch pools splash; bring a change of clothes or apron for kids, plus a light jacket as the aquarium is cool.

• The aquarium sits next to the Queen Mary in Long Beach; combo tickets cover both in one day.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Aquarium of the Pacific?

Daily 9:00-18:00, last entry 17:00

How much is the admission for Aquarium of the Pacific?

Adult $44.95, child (3-11) $29.95, senior $41.95

Any practical tips for visiting Aquarium of the Pacific?

Purchase on the official website to skip queues and catch periodic discounts and combo deals. Check the daily feeding and talk times online beforehand to catch multiple shows in one visit.