Roundhouse Aquarium

The Roundhouse Aquarium is located at the very end of the Manhattan Beach Pier. If you're driving, there's a paid parking lot at the beginning of the pier, and metered street parking is also available. Public transport options are available, but may require a walk from the nearest bus stop.

Yes, there is a paid parking lot at the start of the Manhattan Beach Pier. Metered street parking is also an option in the surrounding area.

Absolutely! If you have a layover or some time before your flight, the Roundhouse Aquarium is a great option. It's a relatively short drive from LAX, and you can combine it with a visit to Manhattan Beach.

Driving is the most common way, with parking available at the pier. Several bus lines also serve the Manhattan Beach area, though you might need to walk a bit from the stop to the pier itself.

The pier itself is generally accessible, and the aquarium is located at the end. Restrooms are available at the beginning of the pier.

The Roundhouse Aquarium is free to enter! However, they are a non-profit organization and rely on donations to operate. A suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family is greatly appreciated. +1

No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can simply walk in during their operating hours. Donations are accepted on-site.

Hours can vary slightly. Generally, they are open weekdays from 2 PM to 7 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 7 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official hours before your visit, as some visitors have noted slight delays in opening. +2

Yes, the aquarium is designed to be educational and engaging for all ages, from young children to adults. The touch tanks are particularly popular with kids.

Absolutely! Donations are crucial for the aquarium's operation. You can make cash or electronic donations on-site.

You can expect to see a variety of local marine life, including jellyfish, sea urchins, starfish, and even an octopus. They focus on educating visitors about the ocean ecosystem.

Most visitors find that it takes about 10-15 minutes to see everything in the aquarium, as it's a smaller, teaching-focused facility. +1

Yes, the aquarium features interactive exhibits, most notably the touch tanks where you can gently feel sea creatures like starfish and urchins.

It's excellent for kids! The size is manageable, the touch tanks are a huge hit, and the educational staff makes learning fun.

Many visitors rave about the hands-on touch tanks and the opportunity to learn from the knowledgeable staff. The unique location at the end of the pier also adds to the experience.

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, be mindful of lighting conditions, as some tanks might have glare or dim lighting, making photos challenging.

The touch tanks and the jellyfish exhibit often make for visually interesting photos. The octopus tank can also be a great subject, though lighting might be a factor.

While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the marine life.

Since the aquarium is small and the lighting can be inconsistent, there isn't a single 'best' time. Focus on capturing the creatures themselves and the educational aspects.

Definitely! The pier offers beautiful ocean views, especially during sunrise or sunset. You can get great shots of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.