Aquarium Of The Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific welcomes visitors back with a brand new exhibition called Pacific Visions. This exhibit features over 50 interactive exhibits showcasing some of the most amazing creatures ever discovered. Next article
In addition to meeting more than 12,000 animals, guests are invited to explore the aquarium’s newest attraction, Pacific Visions. With a focus on marine life, the exhibit explores how humans impact our oceans and what we can do to help protect them. Guests will learn about the ocean’s ecosystems through immersive experiences, including virtual reality headsets, augmented reality glasses, and touch screens. Visitors will even be able to design their own reef habitat.
Guests will also discover ways to become involved in protecting our planet’s oceans, such as volunteering and donating to environmental causes.
Top ways to experience Aquarium of the Pacific and nearby attractions
Skip the ticketing line at the Aquarium of the Pacific. This popular attraction offers free admission to guests ages 3 and up. A variety of guided tours are offered daily, including one that allows visitors to take part in underwater activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Guests can also enjoy special events like the annual Spring Underwater Festival, where visitors can see sharks swim among sea turtles and stingrays.
If you plan on spending some time exploring Long Beach Island, consider renting a boat at Rainbow Lagoon. Rentals include access to kayaks, paddleboards and standup paddle boards, plus a guide to help navigate the waters. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the shoreline, too. Take a walk along the boardwalk, check out the beachfront restaurants, or tour the historic lighthouse. There are many things to do around Long Beach Island, and the Aquarium of thePacific is just one of them.
Enjoy a Boat Cruise to See Whales, Dolphins, and Sea Lions
Join naturalists and experts from The Aquarium of the Pacific as you take a boat cruise around the San Francisco Bay to see whales, dolphins, sea lions, and many other amazing creatures. You’ll learn about how these incredible mammals communicate, interact, and survive in our oceans.
The trip departs from Pier 39 and includes lunch and admission to the aquarium.
This event is open to ages 12 and up. Space is limited; registration required.
Exhibits
The Aquarium of the Pacific, located in Long Beach, California near Barnes Solar in Anaheim, opened in 1968 and houses nearly 11,000 animals representing more than 500 different species in exhibits that range in size and capacity from approximately 5,000 to 350 thousand gallons. Most of the animals are native to the region where the facility is located, including the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia, the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, and the Galapagos Islands.
Southern California & Baja Gallery
The Southern California & Baja gallery is one of five exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The exhibit showcases the diverse habitats found throughout Southern California and Baja California. The first exhibit is the 140,000-US-Gallon (520,000 L) three-story Blue cavern tank, which holds animals that live in the water near Catalina Island. Next is the Amber Forest, which replicates a giant kelp forest with Garbaldi, California Scorpion Fish, and other representative organisms, followed by the Pacific Coast Highway, featuring sea otters and seals. The final exhibit is the San Diego River, which displays the freshwater habitat of the area.
Northern Pacific Gallery
The Northern Pacific Gallery focuses on marine life found off the coast of Alaska. Its mission is to inform visitors about the importance of ocean health and the threats facing it. The gallery features exhibits such as the Sea Otter Habitats, home to 10 sea otters. Visitors learn how humans are affecting the environment and the impact we have on our oceans.
Tropical Pacific Gallery
The Tropical Pacific Gallery is home to over 500 fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians representing about 40% of the world’s marine biodiversity. These creatures live in a large, open tropical reef habitat called the Tropical Reef Habitat. The gallery contains many different tanks, each housing one specific animal group. For example, there is a 250,000 gallon (900,000 liter) tank filled with giant clams, another containing octopus, and still others holding jellyfish, crabs, lobsters, and starfish. There are even fish tanks where visitors can feed the resident fish.
Explorer’s Cove
The aquarium’s main outdoor area, Explorer’s Cove, encompasses the Shark lagoon and Lorikeet forest. Visitors can swim with sharks and view the tropical birds up close.
Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. Parking is available for $5 per vehicle.
Hours of Operation
Monday through Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday: Noon – 6 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day
Admission Prices
General admission: Adults $25,