Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
AttractionsFamily FavoriteIconicRainy-Day Pick

Aquarium of the Pacific

100 Aquarium Way · Long Beach, CA

Why you should go…

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a public aquarium on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California, that opened in 1998. It is the largest aquarium in Southern California, spanning more than 360,000 square feet across over 100 exhibits and habitats. The aquarium houses more than 11,000 animals representing about 500 species, including sea otters, penguins and sharks, and it welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors a year.

  • #aquarium
  • #marine life
  • #family
  • #sea otters
  • #aquatic

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Aquarium of the Pacific, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Bembridge House

    Under $25

    Docent-led tours of a restored 1906 Queen Anne Victorian house museum run by Long Beach Heritage.

    1.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Catalina Express

    $25–$50

    High-speed passenger ferry to Santa Catalina Island from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point.

    5.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Golf N' Stuff

    Under $25

    Family entertainment center with miniature golf, go-karts, a video arcade and a kiddie train.

    13 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Knott's Berry Farm

    $50+

    America's first theme park, still rooted in its Old West ghost town and famous boysenberry pie.

    13 mi awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    Family Favorite

    Pirates Dinner Adventure

    $50+

    Pirate-themed dinner theater with sword fights and aerial stunts staged around an indoor lagoon in Buena Park.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Disneyland Park

    $50+

    Walt Disney's original 1955 theme park, still anchored by Sleeping Beauty Castle.

    16 mi awayMore like this