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This summer, our family unwittingly embarked on an exciting aquatic adventure. After amazing visits to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto and the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, we realized we’d never explored the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, not far from our home in Los Angeles. A visit felt long overdue. RELATED: 5 Awesome Aquariums in North America for Kids
A Brief History
The Aquarium of the Pacific opened its doors on June 20, 1998 and spans a five‑acre site on Rainbow Harbor, right across from the Queen Mary and Long Beach Convention Center. It is home to over 11,000 animals across 500 species and showcases three major Pacific‑themed galleries: Southern California & Baja, Northern Pacific and Tropical Pacific.
Things to Explore at the Aquarium of the Pacific
There’s a lot to see at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Here are the highlights that our kids absolutely loved:
1. Pacific Visions Theater
1. Pacific Visions TheaterThe very first thing we did upon our arrival was check out Pacific Visions, a stunning glass‑walled wing featuring interactive art, digital installations and the futuristic Honda Pacific Visions Theater. The theater showcases an immersive film on a curved screen, included in general admission. We saw a 10-minute film about coral life screened in the big theater. It was engaging and educational, not just for our kids but for me and my husband, too.
2. Exciting Exhibits
2. Exciting ExhibitsWe explored all of the immersive exhibits, starting with the Southern California & Baja Gallery, which features a towering 142,000‑gallon Blue Cavern tank, kelp forests, seal and sea lion habitats and a touch‑friendly ray pool.
In the Northern Pacific Gallery, kids meet sea otters, a giant Pacific octopus, puffins and Japanese spider crabs.
The Tropical Pacific Gallery dazzles with vivid coral reef displays and tropical marine life.
3. Touch Tanks & Interactive Fun
Our kids loved the hands‑on experiences like the ray touch pool and Moon Jelly touch lab.
4. Undersea Explorer VR
This was a real highlight for our kids! They got to put on a headset and choose from immersive underwater VR experiences like Shark Dive and Dolphins of the Reef. Each five- to seven-minute adventure costs $9 for one or $15 for two.
5. June Keyes Penguin Habitat
5. June Keyes Penguin HabitatThe June Keyes Penguin Habitat at the Aquarium of the Pacific is home to a colony of playful Magellanic penguins in a setting designed to mimic their natural environment. Visitors can watch the birds waddle across rocky shores or glide through the water, while kids can explore a special crawl space that lets them pop up right next to the action.
After a full morning at the aquarium, we’d definitely worked up an appetite. The aquarium is situated next to Rainbow Harbor, which is just steps from Shoreline Village and the Pike Outlet stores. You can stroll the boardwalk, shop and find lots of dining options. However, we decided to head a bit further afield to 2nd & PCH for lunch at Teleferic Barcelona, a Spanish restaurant that was well worth the drive. Here’s our review.
Visitor Tips
If you’re planning a trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific, here are some helpful tips to get you started:
Hours & Reservations
The Aquarium is open daily from 9am to 6pm and is closed only on Christmas Day. Timed tickets or reservations are required on weekends and holidays and strongly recommended during weekdays.
Ticket Prices & Packages
General Admission: $44.95 adult; $29.95 child (ages 3–11); $41.95 senior (62+). Combo deals include Aquarium + Whale Watch ($75.95 adult, $59.95 child), Aquarium + Harbor Tour ($59.95 adult, $35.95 child) and Aquarium + LA Zoo ($58 adult, $41 child).
Parking & Planning
Parking is available in nearby structures (approx. $8). Use the Aquarium’s mobile app or printed guides for maps and timing details.
Our day at the Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach was a ton of fun and a place I’m so glad we finally found the time to visit. It’s an enriching and conveniently local outing that easily rivals the best aquariums we’ve visited.
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