Diving birds that "fly" underwater. Mysterious sea dragons that make their home in a coral lagoon. Sharks you can (safely!) touch. Get an up-close look at the diverse sea life of the Pacific — and don't forget to say hello to resident sea otter Maggie.
Get to know the inhabitants of the world's largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. You will meet more than 11,000 animals as you explore the habitats of sunny Southern California and Baja Pacific, the frigid waters of the North Pacific, and the vivid, almost fluorescent reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Check out seals and sea lions and watch them frolic and play in an up-close indoor/outdoor setting. You’ll see puffins, diving birds that ‘fly’ underwater, and a coral lagoon featuring sea horses, sea snakes, and mysterious sea dragons. And of course, you’ll get the chance to see sharks and even touch them in a hands-on tank!
Here’s a look at some of the many colorful and exotic exhibits that make this the world’s largest aquarium, and one of the most exciting destinations in Southern California:
Sea Otter Habitat: Get to know the curious traits and peculiarities of these highly-animated and loveable creatures in their above-water habitat, which features realistic rockwork, murals, and lighting. Meet Maggie—the newest resident sea otter who is just as curious to meet you!
Molina Animal Care Center: This new medical treatment center allows for Aquarium of the Pacific to provide top-notch healthcare to its animals and lets visitors watch veterinary medicine in action. The Molina Center features a 1,800 square-foot examination area.
Shark Lagoon: The lagoon is home to over 150 sharks that you can touch, and some that you wouldn’t want to touch! Sand tiger, sandbar, nurse, white tip and other varieties abound here, as well as zebra, bamboo and epaulette sharks available for gentle touching.
Our Watersheds: Learn about earth’s watersheds and why they need protection at this interactive and informative display. This exhibit is also a great place to pick up tips about sustainable water use, and to check out the native plants found around the coastal areas of the San Pedro Bay.
Whales: Voices in the Sea: Listen to the haunting sounds of the humpback, sperm, gray, blue, beaked, and northern right whales as they make their unique calls, and learn what all the noise means.
Southern California/Baja Gallery: A look at the coastal water ecosystems stretching from Oregon to Mexico, that are home to seals, sea lions, butterfly fish, rays, and shorebirds.
Northern Pacific Gallery: Covering 800,000 square miles between Alaska, Siberia, and the Bering Strait, this cold water exhibit gives a glimpse into the lives of sea jellies, sea otters, giant Pacific octopus, puffins, and auklets, as well as the bizarre diving birds of some of the world’s coldest waters.
Tropical Pacific Gallery: A look at the warm and beautiful waters of Micronesia.
Lorikeet Forest: Check out the dazzlingly colorful birds of the coastal lowlands of Australia.
Aquarium of the Pacific also invites you to explore the Pacific Collections Gift Shop, where you can pick up a marine-inspired souvenir to remind you of your trip, and Café Scuba, which serves environmentally sustainable seafood and other light meals. Remember, the Queen Mary is right around the corner, so why not pair these two attractions together?
Comments about Smart Destinations Aquarium of the Pacific:
Very nice little aquarium. You can park and see this and the Queen Mary by taking the red transit bus (for free).

Comments about Smart Destinations Aquarium of the Pacific:
We had a great time at this aquarium. We went to a few others but this was by far the best. There are so many aquatic animals here. The thing we liked most was being able to touch the jellyfish and rays. The only con was the shows were not engaging. They had a seal show and that was just them feeding them. I wish they had a show like at SeaWorld.

[0 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about Smart Destinations Aquarium of the Pacific:
Just a great aquarium!

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about Smart Destinations Aquarium of the Pacific:
Great aquarium for the whole family! I have never seen an aquarium with a shark touch pool. IT WAS AWESOME! Really pretty area and great dining opportunities before/after aquarium. DO IT! It's FUN!

Comments about Smart Destinations Aquarium of the Pacific:
Very close to the Queen Mary, can do both in 1/2 day

[0 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about Smart Destinations Aquarium of the Pacific:
It is just ok, but too expensive for what they got. I seen better aquariums.

[1 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about Smart Destinations Aquarium of the Pacific:
12.000 kinds of sea animals. They let your kids touch the sharks!!!that s amazing! we learn about the important of animals reserve

Save up to 50% over regular admission rates100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach
Los Angeles, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 590-3100
Website: Aquarium of the Pacific
| Adult Gate Price | Child Gate Price |
|---|---|
| $23.95 | $11.95 |
Boston, MA 02114800-887-9103