Aquarium of the Pacific, Los Angeles - silhouette of people in front of fish tank
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Aquarium of the Pacific Los Angeles

4.6
·34k reviews·Long Beach, United States

Dive into the vibrant world of the Pacific Ocean at this expansive aquarium, featuring interactive exhibits and diverse marine life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Aquarium of the Pacific, Los Angeles - silhouette of people in front of fish tank

Aquarium of the Pacific Los Angeles

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dive into the vibrant world of the Pacific Ocean at this expansive aquarium, featuring interactive exhibits and diverse marine life.

4.6
(34k reviews)

"A must-visit for marine life lovers, offering interactive fun and stunning underwater views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Ahead & Save

Reserve tickets online to secure your spot. Check for AAA discounts or BOGO offers to save money.

⏰ Beat the Rush

Visit on weekday mornings for a less crowded experience, especially when school is in session.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jellyfish Petting Zoo

Jellyfish Petting Zoo

Various exhibits

Gently touch moon jellies and experience these mesmerizing creatures up close. A unique interactive exhibit!

TikTok
Shark Transport

Shark Transport

Behind-the-scenes

Witness the incredible process of how sharks are safely transported within the aquarium. Fascinating and educational!

TikTok
Harbor Seals & Sea Lions

Harbor Seals & Sea Lions

Pacific Pals exhibit

Observe the playful antics and distinct personalities of seals and sea lions. Biologists share insights into their care.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Popular attraction, especially on weekends. Reserving tickets online is essential to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Look for potential discounts like AAA or BOGO offers to make the admission more affordable. Reddit

Timing is Key for Crowds

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekday mornings, especially after school is back in session. Weekends and holidays like Labor Day can be extremely busy. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Adults-Only Night Dive
Why
Unique after-hours experience
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

seals = 🤫😇 sea lion = 💥📣 both = 🥹🥰 #askAOP #sealion #seal #aquariumofthepacific
@aquariumpacific
2M likes • 9.1M views

🎟️ Book Ahead & Save

Reserve tickets online to secure your spot. Check for AAA discounts or BOGO offers to save money. Reddit

⏰ Beat the Rush

Visit on weekday mornings for a less crowded experience, especially when school is in session. Reddit

How we transport a shark! 🦈 #LearnOnTikTok #aquariumofthepacific
@aquariumpacific
739K likes • 11.5M views
Chamber Eve 2025 Aquarium Of The Pacific in Long Beach. This annual benefit dinner is to raise money for SoCal’s diver rescue facilities and Hyperbaric Chamber. Come explore, hang out, enjoy the raffle, have a great dinner, win some prizes and support the local Dive community. The gala dinner is $175 per person and completely tax deductible. Join us at one of our tables. Call 888-728-2252 or you ...
ecodivecenter
53 likes • 14.7K views

🌙 Adults Night Dive

Enjoy music, drinks, and tacos during this unique monthly adults-only event. TikTok

🧽 Touch Tanks Galore

Interact with various marine life, including jellies and sharks, in designated touch pools. TikTok

Catch the Italian Burger & Grill at Dive Night at The Aquarium of the Pacific till 11pm Carbonara Smash Burger - Angus Beef, Parmesan, Cheese, Bacon, Carbonara Sauce
italianburgergrill
19 likes • 613 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Ahead & Save

Reserve tickets online to secure your spot. Check for AAA discounts or BOGO offers to save money. Reddit

⏰ Beat the Rush

Visit on weekday mornings for a less crowded experience, especially when school is in session. Reddit

🌙 Adults Night Dive

Enjoy music, drinks, and tacos during this unique monthly adults-only event. TikTok

🧽 Touch Tanks Galore

Interact with various marine life, including jellies and sharks, in designated touch pools. TikTok

💰 WIC Program Discount

WIC families can get a special $5 per person voucher (limit 4). TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(34k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Aquarium of the Pacific for its diverse marine life and engaging interactive exhibits, especially the touch tanks and jellyfish displays. The Adults-Only Night Dive is a popular unique experience. Some find the ticket prices to be on the higher side, suggesting that discounts are highly recommended for a better value.

"Beautiful, educational, and fun for all ages!

Aquarium of the Pacific is such a great place to spend a few hours especially with kids or anyone who loves marine life. The exhibits are well designed and informative, and there’s a huge variety of sea creatures to see, from playful sea otters and jellyfish to sharks and colorful tropical fish.

We especially enjoyed the outdoor touch pools where you can gently feel stingrays and small sharks. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable, always happy to answer questions and share facts about the animals.

It gets a bit crowded during weekends and holidays, so try to go early in the day if you want a quieter experience. Also, the gift shop has some cute ocean-m themed souvenirs.

Highly recommend if you’re visiting Long Beach or looking for a fun, educational activity that’s also relaxing and beautiful."

Nicole Y.

"We had an amazing experience. We went after hours and got to explore all of the exhibits. The marine life was incredible to see, even late at night. The rays were so friendly and actually wanted to be pet! It was one of the coolest experiences I've had there and I highly recommend paying them a visit. The staff were very kind and shared really cool facts while viewing an exhibit. I'll definitely be returning."

Jake Hamo

"The aquarium was really beautiful with lots of beautiful species of fish. We got to feed the lorikeets nectar and they will land on your hand. We went on a Sunday afternoon and there were a million screaming kids and babies and traffic jams of strollers. Would love to visit on a quieter day, or maybe they would consider and adults only window of time for the future."

Sharon Braaten

What People Like

Interactive touch tanks
Diverse marine life
Unique Night Dive events

What People Dislike

High ticket prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Aquarium of the Pacific is located in Long Beach, California, which is part of the greater Los Angeles area. You can drive and park at the aquarium, or use ride-sharing services. Public transportation options are also available, though they may require transfers. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Fees typically apply, so it's advisable to check their official website for current rates and any special event parking information.

While Long Beach has public transportation, getting directly to the aquarium might involve bus routes or a combination of transit and walking. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for the most efficient route from your starting point.

From LAX, you can take a shuttle or ride-share to a transit hub and then connect to a bus or train towards Long Beach. Alternatively, a direct ride-share or taxi service is the most convenient but also the most expensive option.

Yes, WIC families can often get a discounted voucher for $5 per person, with a limit of four people. This is a great way to make a visit more affordable. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, and it's generally recommended to purchase them online in advance. Redditors have noted that single-day tickets can be expensive, so looking for discounts is advised. Reddit

Yes, it is highly recommended, and often required, to reserve your tickets in advance, especially for weekend visits, as it's a popular attraction. Reddit

Yes, AAA members often receive discounts. Some travelers have also found BOGO (buy one get one free) offers through various online sources or membership books in the past. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official Aquarium of the Pacific website for the most up-to-date hours for your planned visit date.

While it might be possible, it's strongly advised to book your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and potentially avoid long queues, especially during peak times. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

For adults, about 2 hours is sufficient to see most exhibits. If you're visiting with children, plan for 3-4 hours to allow for more exploration and interaction. Reddit

Don't miss the interactive jellyfish petting zoo, the fascinating shark transport demonstrations, and the lively Pacific Pals exhibit featuring seals and sea lions. TikTok+2

Yes, the aquarium features several touch tanks where you can interact with marine life like jellies and other sea creatures. TikTok

Absolutely! With interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and diverse marine life, it's a fantastic destination for families. TikTok

Yes, the aquarium offers behind-the-scenes tours that provide a deeper look into animal care and operations, including fascinating insights like shark transport. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the aquarium typically has dining facilities offering snacks, meals, and beverages. Options can include cafes or restaurants with views of the harbor. TikTok

Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the aquarium. It's best to check their specific policy on their website or contact them directly.

The Adults-Only Night Dive events often feature food for purchase, including tacos, and offer a variety of drinks. TikTok

While specific menus can change, most aquariums and attractions aim to offer a range of options. It's advisable to check the current menu on their website or inquire upon arrival.

As with most attractions, food prices inside can be higher than outside. Budgeting for meals or opting for snacks might be a good strategy.

📸 📸 Photography

Look for vibrant exhibits like the jellyfish tanks, the colorful fish in the main displays, and the playful seals and sea lions. The harbor views from the patio are also great. TikTok+1

Generally, flash photography is discouraged or prohibited in aquariums to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check for posted signs or ask staff for guidance.

You can capture stunning images of diverse marine life, from tiny seahorses to large sharks, as well as interactive moments in the touch tanks and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. TikTok

Tripods and professional-grade equipment might have restrictions. For personal use, standard cameras and smartphones are usually fine, but always be mindful of other visitors and the animals. TikTok

Mornings, when crowds are thinner, can offer better opportunities for unobstructed shots. The lighting can also be more consistent before the midday sun. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a fantastic destination for families. The interactive touch tanks are a huge hit, allowing kids to safely feel the textures of sea stars and other marine creatures. TikTok The Pacific Pals exhibit, with its seals and sea lions, is always entertaining for younger visitors. TikTok

Plan for at least 3-4 hours to allow children to fully explore and engage with the exhibits without feeling rushed. Reddit Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds and make the experience more enjoyable for little ones. Don't forget to check for WIC voucher programs if applicable, as this can significantly reduce the cost of admission for families. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

While admission can be pricey, budget-conscious visitors can find ways to save. Look for discounts like AAA memberships or BOGO offers online before your visit. Reddit The WIC voucher program offers a substantial discount for eligible families, making it a very affordable option. TikTok

Consider visiting during off-peak times, like weekday mornings, to potentially have a more relaxed experience without needing to rush through exhibits. While food inside can be expensive, packing some snacks (if permitted) or planning a meal outside the aquarium can help manage costs.

💑 Couples & Date Nights

For a unique date experience, the Adults-Only Night Dive is a must-try. This monthly event offers a romantic ambiance with music, drinks, and after-hours access to the aquarium's wonders. TikTok It's a memorable way to spend an evening together, away from the daytime crowds.

During regular hours, the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibits and the serene atmosphere of the aquarium can also provide a tranquil and engaging backdrop for a date. The interactive elements, like the touch tanks, offer fun opportunities for shared discovery.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Diverse Marine Life

The Aquarium of the Pacific is renowned for showcasing a vast array of marine life from the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can marvel at everything from the smallest invertebrates to large sharks and rays. The aquarium is divided into distinct regions, allowing you to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific, including the colorful coral reefs of the Tropical Pacific, the kelp forests of the Northern Pacific, and the rich waters of the Southern California/Baja Gallery. TikTok

One of the most engaging aspects is the opportunity to get up close with these creatures. The Jellyfish Center offers a mesmerizing display of these ethereal beings, and the touch tanks allow for direct interaction with species like sea stars and sea cucumbers. These hands-on experiences are particularly memorable for all ages. TikTok

Beyond the main exhibits, the aquarium also focuses on conservation and education. Through informative displays and keeper talks, visitors learn about the challenges facing marine environments and the importance of protecting them. The Pacific Pals exhibit, featuring seals and sea lions, provides insights into the care and behavior of these charismatic animals. TikTok

Interactive Experiences and Special Events

The Aquarium of the Pacific goes beyond passive observation, offering numerous interactive experiences that make a visit truly special. The touch tanks are a highlight, allowing guests to feel the textures of various marine animals under the guidance of staff. TikTok

For a unique evening out, consider the Adults-Only Night Dive. Held monthly, this event transforms the aquarium into a vibrant social space with live music, drinks, and food, all while enjoying after-hours access to the exhibits. It's a popular option for couples and friends looking for a different kind of night out. TikTok

Educational programs and behind-the-scenes tours are also available, offering deeper insights into marine biology and aquarium operations. Witnessing the intricate process of shark transport is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the aquarium's staff. TikTok

Making the Most of Your Visit: Tips and Tricks

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific, planning ahead is crucial. Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend visits, as the aquarium is a very popular destination. Reddit Keep an eye out for potential discounts and coupons, such as those offered through AAA or special promotions, to make the admission more affordable. Reddit

Timing your visit can significantly impact your experience. Weekday mornings, particularly when school is in session, tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the exhibits. Reddit If you're visiting with children, allocate at least 3-4 hours to allow them ample time to engage with the interactive displays and touch tanks. Adults can typically see the main attractions in about 2 hours. Reddit

For those looking for an even more accessible visit, inquire about programs like the WIC voucher program, which can offer significant savings for eligible families. TikTok Remember to check the aquarium's official website for the most current information on hours, ticket prices, and any special events or exhibit changes.

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