English
USD
Language
Currency
English
English
Explore
About
Los Angeles Attractions
  • About
  • Los Angeles Attractions
  • Themes
    Contents

    All you need to know about the Aquarium of the Pacific

    The Aquarium of the Pacific, situated on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California, is a non-profit, public aquarium. As Southern California's largest aquarium, it has more than 100 exhibits with approximately 12,000 animals. It is a nerve center f...

    Also Known As

    Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

    Founded On

    1998

    Founded By

    Dennis Biggs

    Los AngelesAquarium of the PacificAbout

    Quick information

    ADDRESS

    100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA

    RECOMMENDED DURATION

    4 hours

    Timings

    9am–6pm

    VISITORS PER YEAR

    1700000

    TICKETS

    From $ 44.94

    EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

    0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

    Plan your visit

    Did you know?

    The design and architecture of the Aquarium of the Pacific were inspired by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Developed by Kajima International the structure represents the towering and breaking of ocean waves.

    The largest tank in the aquarium is the Tropical Reef habitat, with 350,000 gallons of water. An average swimming pool holds just 18,000-20,000 gallons!

    Although the Aquarium of the Pacific has no live whales, it has two replicas of blue whales that are true to scale. They hang in the main hall.

    ‌
    ‌
    ‌

    Book Aquarium of the Pacific tickets

    Aquarium of the Pacific Skip-the-Line Tickets
    Free cancellation
    Extended validity
    Instant confirmation
    Mobile ticket
    Flexible duration
    More details
    from
    $44.94
    Los Angeles Explorer Pass By Go City
    Free cancellation
    Extended validity
    Instant confirmation
    Mobile ticket
    Flexible duration
    More details
    from
    $94
    Combo (Save 5%): Aquarium of the Pacific + City Sightseeing Los Angeles & Hollywood Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets
    Free cancellation
    Extended validity
    Instant confirmation
    Mobile ticket
    Audio guide
    More details
    from
    $91.14
    City Sightseeing: 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Los Angeles & Hollywood
    Free cancellation
    Extended validity
    Instant confirmation
    Mobile ticket
    Flexible duration
    More details
    from
    $51

    Things to see at the Aquarium of the Pacific

    June Keyes Penguin Habitat

    This is one of the most popular exhibits at the aquarium, as it offers an up-close experience with Magellanic Penguins. You can see the replica of their natural habitat, with nests, a rocky beach, a swimming pool, etc. and learn about the conservation efforts that are being formulated for the betterment of these animals.

    Sea Otter Habitat

    At the Northern Pacific Gallery, you can meet the playful sea otters in a replica of their natural habitat. Learn all about their eating habits, natural habitats and life cycle. The exhibit also includes interactive games that help you learn more about these furry animals.

    Lorikeet Forest

    The 5,400-square-foot outdoor aviary has a number of green-naped, Edward’s, and Swainson’s lorikeets, forming the Lorikeet Forest exhibit. Inspired by the coastal lowlands of Australia, this exhibit lets you get up close with these colorful birds as they fly freely and often land right on you! You can even feed them nectar, their favorite treat.

    Shark Lagoon

    A must-see attraction at the Aquarium of the Pacific is the Shark Lagoon, which boasts shark touch pools, an amphitheater, a gift shop, and the Bamboo Bistro for snacks and drinks. Home to zebra sharks, grey reef sharks, bamboo sharks, and epaulette sharks, you can watch them being fed, and touch some of them under supervision.

    Coral Reefs: Nature's Underwater Cities

    At the Coral Reefs exhibit you'll see a variety of species, including the green sea turtle and the red-footed booby.  It highlights the beauty of colorful corals, their ecological significance, and the threats they face. Conservation efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem are also showcased.

    Frogs: Facing a Changing World

    Get to this exhibit and you'll find yourself in a world of beauty and danger. It showcases an array of Tropical frogs from various parts of the world, some of which are highly poisonous. You’ll learn about their life cycle, how they’re cared for by staff, and the conservation measures in place to ensure their survival in the face of environmental threats.

    Moon Jelly Touch Lab

    Moon jellies are these almost-translucent, apparition-like jelly fish that are a delight to see float by. At the Moon Jelly Touch Lab, you get to learn about their habits and habitats, and you can also gently touch them to see how they feel. This is completely safe because their tentacle barbs are not sharp enough to prick human skin.

    Boat Cruises

    For a bit of outdoor adventure, book a boat tour of the harbor and try to spot whales, dolphins or even sea lions! While not officially part of the aquarium, you'll have a team of naturalists from the aquarium accompanying you with fun anecdotes and detailed information.

    History of the Aquarium of the Pacific

    The Aquarium of the Pacific has a rich history as both a community space and center for learning and conservation. The site it occupies today was once  a neglected, polluted lagoon. In the 1990s, Disney planned to make a coastal resort at Long Beach, initially called DisneySea. However, that plan was eventually scrapped, and in June, 1998, the Aquarium of the Pacific was opened as part of a $185 million waterfront development project. It debuted with about 47 exhibits in the three main Pacific galleries — Tropical, Northern, and Southern California/Baja. 

    When the news of the opening of an aquarium got out, some local residents donated marine life, such as fish, corals and turtles. The developers really wanted to have a whale at the aquarium. Struggling to find a feasible way to accommodate one, they settled for a 88-foot fiberglass replica of a Blue Whale that hangs in the main hall.

    Architecture and design

    Beach, especially after the addition of the Pacific Visions building. The aquarium's design reflects the fluidity of the Pacific Ocean. There aren't many stark boundaries, and the galleries and exhibits almost flow into each other. There are also plenty of open spaces to highlight the connection with nature and the sea. 

    The Pacific Visions wing, inaugurated in 2019, is the showstopper of the Aquarium of the Pacific when it comes to architecture. It is designed in a style called biomorphism. The changing light and clouds play on the blue tinted glass facade throughout the day, giving an appearance of a moving surface, almost like waves of the sea. It was designed by architecture firm EHDD, who also designed the original building.

    Who built the Whitney Museum?

    The Whitney Museum of American Art was founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, an American socialite and art patron. In 1930, Whitney established the museum with a vision to support and showcase American artists. Initially, the museum was located in her private townhouse on West 8th Street in Manhattan, which she transformed into an art gallery. Whitney’s dedication and funding played a crucial role in the museum’s early development and its ongoing commitment to American art.

    What makes the Aquarium of the Pacific unique

    • Conservation: The Aquarium of the Pacific is known for its conservation efforts, such as its breeding and rehabilitating programs for endangered species. A lot of scientific data is also collected at the aquarium by its diving teams that are invaluable to research institutes and reporting agencies.
    • Innovation:The aquarium is full of state-of-the-art infrastructure and design innovation that is an inspiration for future public spaces and undertakings. The immersive art installations of Pacific Visions, the theater with its sensory modulations and the massive 142,000-gallon Blue Cavern tank are just a few examples.
    • Interaction: The experience at the aquarium is highly interactive. Besides the carefully curated fact sheets and information close to every exhibit, you can feed certain animals or touch them, learn about their life circles and even talk to caretakers about their daily routine and feeding. 
    • Sensitization: Sensitization programs at the Aquarium of the Pacific come in many forms: lectures, workshops, art installations, films, and so much more. There are also forums that bring together researchers, educators, community leaders, and policymakers in order to formulate the best environmental practices and solutions for the future.

    Frequently asked questions about the Aquarium of the Pacific

    Is the Aquarium of the Pacific accessible to those in wheelchairs?

    Yes, the Aquarium of the Pacific is accessible to guests on wheelchairs. Visitors can also borrow wheelchairs at the information desk free of charge on a first come, first serve basis.

    What are some of the activities that kids may enjoy at the Aquarium of the Pacific?

    There are plenty of things for kids to enjoy at the Aquarium of the Pacific — feeding lorikeets, interactive installations and shows at the Pacific Visions, harbor boat tours, jellyfish labs, special events like Ocean Investigators, and so much more.

    Are cameras allowed at the Aquarium of the Pacific?

    Cameras are allowed inside the aquarium, as long as they are being used for personal recordings. Tripods are not allowed.

    Can I bring outside food to the Aquarium of the Pacific?

    Outside food is not permitted inside the aquarium, but you’re welcome to enjoy your own meals at the picnic tables in the outdoor plaza.

    Can I feed the animals inside the aquarium?

    There are specific exhibits where you are allowed to feed the animals, such as the Lorikeet Forest, and Moon Jelly Lab. These feedings, however, are highly monitored and you'll have to buy the food from the exhibit.

    Are infants allowed inside?

    Yes, guests of all ages are allowed inside. Children below 3 years of age can enter for free!

    Does the Aquarium of the Pacific offer free Wi-Fi?

    Yes, the aquarium has free Wi-Fi for the personal use of guests.

    More reads

    Opening hours

    Plan your visit