The Aquarium of the Pacific is home to thousands of ocean animals that are native to the waters of the vast Pacific Ocean. There are actually more than 11,000 sea creatures on hand at this Long Beach facility, and they represent nearly 500 species. Complementing the ocean animals at the Aquarium of the Pacific are more than 100 colorful lorikeets. These birds hail from the Australasian region of the world and are housed in a large outdoor aviary that visitors can walk through. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Aquarium of the Pacific features changing exhibits. It also plays host to a number of special events throughout the year, many of which cater to kids.

There are three main galleries at the Aquarium of the Pacific. These galleries highlight the Pacific Ocean’s major regions – the Southern California and Baja region, the Northern Pacific region, and the Tropical Pacific region. Among the many creatures that are on display in the Long Beach aquarium Southern California/Baja Gallery are sea stars, scorpionfish, seals, sea lions, and garabaldis (the state fish of California). In the Northern Pacific Gallery, otters and giant Pacific octopuses figure among the resident creatures, while the Tropical Pacific Gallery features seahorses, sea dragons, sea turtles, and blacktip reef sharks. These are mere examples of the kinds of animals that are on display in the three main galleries, as there are far too many to fully list. 

Several outdoor exhibits add extra depth to Southern California’s Aquarium of the Pacific. Among these exhibits are the Lorikeet Forest aviary, Shark Lagoon, and Our Watersheds: Pathway to the Pacific. Another special exhibit revolves around Magellanic Penguins, which hail from the waters off of southern South America, breeding along the coasts of Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. The Aquarium of the Pacific attractions don’t end there, however. There is also a state-of-the-art animal care center that is open to visitors, and daily shows are offered in the Ocean Science Center.

Los Angeles Map

Anyone who is thinking of including a visit to this Long Beach aquarium on their California vacation itinerary should be happy to know that it is open nearly every day of the year. It only closes on Christmas Day and during the weekend of the Grand Prix of Long Beach (in April). General hours are 9 am to 6 pm. Tickets come in a variety of forms. There are simple general admission tickets and various ticket packages that include such additional things as behind-the-scenes tours, 4D film viewings, cruises of the Long Beach and Los Angeles harbors, and admission to the Los Angeles Zoo.

The Aquarium of the Pacific address is 100 Aquarium Way. That puts the Long Beach aquarium righ on the waterfront. Many Long Beach hotels offer proximity to the attraction and can thus be ideal for those who are searching for lodging in the immediate area. Among these hotels is the delightful Queen Mary. Formerly one of the grandest ocean liners in the world, the Queen Mary now serves as a full-service hotel, as well as a historical landmark and a popular Long Beach entertainment venue.