Stay Cool This Summer at One of Southern California’s Best Aquariums

Summers in Southern California are known to be hot, and when you’re looking for a family-friendly escape, there is no better place than The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Here, you will step into a world of shimmering fish, vibrant coral reefs, and playful sea otters. The Aquarium offers a refreshing break from the ordinary and is only a day's adventure away.  

Up Close and Picturesque

Down in the South Bay of Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific invites visitors on a delightful journey through the diverse marine habitats of the Pacific Ocean. After entering, head directly to the Southern California and Baja Gallery, where a towering kelp forest showcases an exhibit with Garibaldi fish, leopard sharks, and other species.  

Other notable galleries include the Northern Pacific Gallery, which immerses visitors in the ice waters of the Bering Sea. Here, they can see puffins, sea otters, and the elusive giant Pacific Octopus, each thriving in a home space designed to mimic their natural habitat. 

Then, there is the Tropical Pacific Gallery with the most wondrous display of all—a 350,000-gallon tank filled to the brim with bright coral reef, sea turtles, various reef sharks, and a kaleidoscope of brightly colored tropical fish. Here, you feel a part of the ocean as you are transported to the vibrant and warm waters of Micronesia and Hawaii.  

Interactive Fun for All Ages

All ages can connect more deeply with marine life and learn through the Aquarium’s many interactive and immersive experiences. The most notable is the Moon Jelly Touch Lab, where guests can feel the gentle pulse of a moon jellyfish, a truly surreal experience. In Shark Lagoon, the shallow touch pool allows visitors to feel the sandpaper-like skin of small sharks as they glide through the water, their skin gently caressed by the fingertips of their visitors. And the Lorikeet Forest is a delightful change of pace, where lorikeets can perch on your arm and sip nectar from your hands in a tropical garden setting, leaving guests smiling long after they’ve left the exhibits.  

Conservation, Research, and Community

Far beyond its engaging and informative exhibits, the Aquarium of the Pacific plays a large role in research and conservation. The staff participates in breeding rehabilitation programs for endangered sea life like weedy sea dragons, giant sea bass, and other species in need of assistance. Leading the charge for sustainability, the Aquarium was the first of its kind to measure and report on its carbon footprint and represents some of Long Beach’s most energy-efficient buildings.

Through community science programs, education, and various collaborations with the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, there is an overwhelming sense of stewardship among locals and visitors alike, continuing the ideals that protecting the ocean is a shared responsibility.

Events That Make Waves

Throughout the year, the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts various cultural events and festivals that highlight the traditions and history of Indigenous Pacific Islander, Southeast Asian, and Latin American communities. These events bring together dance performances, storytelling, live music, and cuisine, transforming the space into a diverse celebration of the human spirit and marine significance. Seasonal events like Night Dive, an after-hours gathering with food trucks and live bands, celebrate aquatic life in style.  

Protect Our Living Seas

The Aquarium of the Pacific is more than just an attraction; it’s a living, breathing environment of inspiration, conservation, and education. It empowers visitors to appreciate the fragility and beauty of our oceans. The Aquarium of the Pacific reminds us all of our connection to and responsibility for the natural world we are so lucky to experience.