Aquarium of the Pacific
DETAILS:
Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Hours of Operation: 9AM to 6PM Daily (except for Christmas)
Parking: Parking structure available next to the aquarium
$8 for the entire day with aquarium validation.
If you get restaurant/retail validation from any of nearby businesses, it’s free for first 2 hours, $3 for 2-3 hours, and $6 for 3-4 hours. Otherwise, the aquarium validation provides the best parking value.
Cost: Adults - $34.95 / Children (3-11) - $24.95 / Seniors (62+) - $31.95
The aquarium website often offers discounted rates for purchasing online. Please see their website below (under “resources”) for current rates and promotions.
Discounted tickets can sometimes be found on various websites like Goldstar.com
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours
Miscellaneous:
The Aquarium offers various demonstrations, discussions, and screenings throughout the day. Please see their website below (under “resources”) for schedule.
The Aquarium also offers seasonal harbor and whale watching boat tours. Please see their website below (under “resources”) for schedule and rates.
You can bundle your visit to the aquarium with other local attractions like the Queen Mary & Los Angeles Zoo. Please see their website below (under “resources”) for current bundles and rates.
The Aquarium also others other events such as overnight sleepovers, VIP animal encounters, tours, and dive immersions. (you can actually scuba dive in one of their tanks!) Please see their website below (under “resources”) for these various opportunities and rates.
For a coastal state (and the 3rd largest overall), it’s rather surprising that there are only a handful of public aquariums scattered throughout California. Thankfully, you can find one of the better ones in the entire country along the shores of Long Beach. Built in 1998, the Aquarium of the Pacific is the biggest aquarium in Southern California and is regularly one of the most visited aquariums in North America. As its name would suggest, the aquarium’s primary focus is on marine life native to the Pacific Ocean, much of which can be found off the waters of California. All told, over 11,000 animals representing 500 different species call the aquarium home.
With numbers that like, a potential visit may seem overwhelming, but I promise that you’ll be ready to cruise right through once you get a sense of the aquarium’s layout. The aquarium is physically divided into three sections; first floor exhibitions, second floor exhibitions, and an outdoor exhibition area. Most of these exhibitions are arranged by three main themes; The Southern California/Baja Gallery, the Northern Pacific Gallery, and the Tropical Pacific Gallery. Here are some of the highlights from each:
The Southern California/Baja Gallery is most notable for its three story-tall Honda Blue Cavern tank that serves as the center piece for the entire aquarium. Just passed the giant blue whale replica hanging from the rafters, this massive tank is comprised of marine life found in the waters of Catalina Island and features feedings performed by divers throughout the day. The gallery also contains a kelp forrest and a seal habitat. You can also find a ray touch pool and a shorebird sanctuary located outside.
The Northern Pacific Gallery is home to the aquarium’s cutest residents; the sea otter. Once you’ve had your fill with these adorable creatures (warning: that may take awhile), you can also enjoy the gallery’s puffin habitat, view a giant Pacific Octopus, and be mesmerized by a myriad of jellyfish tanks.
The Tropical Pacific Gallery contains the aquarium’s single largest exhibit with its Tropical Reef Habitat. This 350,000 gallon tank mimics the coral-filled ecosystem of Micronesia which contains sharks, sea turtles, and thousands of colorful fish. The gallery also has exhibits dedicated to seahorses and clownfish (made famous by Finding Nemo)
It goes without saying that each of these galleries contains so much more then what’s listed above, but hopefully I’ve given you enough to wet your appetite and go explore the Aquarium of the Pacific for yourself. But just in case that wasn't enough already, how about the following attractions as well?
As mentioned earlier, part of the aquarium is located outdoors. Collectively, this area is known as “Explorer’s Cove” and features numerous exhibits which include a shark lagoon, a penguin habitat, and a walk-thru Lorikeet Forrest. There’s a pretty fair chance you’ll act as a landing pad for a Lorikeet or two as you walk through (even more so if you decide to purchase a cup of nectar for $4).
The newest addition to the Aquarium; Pacific Visions (as distinguished by its distinctive blue glass-paneled architecture) continues the aquarium’s mission to “instill a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems.” It utilizes state of the art technology that includes a multi-sensory theater, interactive displays, and LED videos walls that help create awareness while educating its viewers on matters of conservation and sustainability. We all come from the ocean and our lives truly do depend on its wellbeing. Pacific Visions teaches us how to take better care of it!
Numerous discussions, displays, and shows are offered throughout the aquarium each day to help introduce, immerse, and inform each visitor to the marine life that call the aquarium home. In addition, you can also book a variety of activities at the aquarium that include tours, boat cruises, and interactive animal opportunities. You can even dive into one of the tanks with the proper qualifications!
If that doesn’t make you want to dive right in, I’m not sure what will. But I really don’t sea that happening. So water you waiting for?! (I’m here all week)
RESOURCES:
Aquarium of the Pacific website.
