Where to Find aquarium in Los Angeles – USA Travel Guide 2025

Aquarium of the Pacific – Long Beach

• Why visit: It’s the largest aquarium in the LA area, housing 11,000 animals across 500 species and visited by around 1.7 million people annually.WikipediaLAist

• Highlights:

  • Extensive galleries from the frozen Northern Pacific to warm coral reefs and California/Baja habitatsWikipediaLAist

  • Noteworthy exhibits: Blue Cavern kelp forest, Shark Lagoon, penguins, Lorikeet Forest (bird feeding), sea ottersLAistWikipedia

  • Pacific Visions Wing: A newer, immersive, interactive space with an 8-minute multisensory film, digital exhibits, art installations, and an immersive theater experienceGetYourGuideLAistGo Cityaquariumofpacific.org

Perfect for → families, marine enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a full-day, immersive aquatic experience.

2. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium – San Pedro

• Why visit: Dedicated to local marine life, especially Southern California coastal ecosystems. Founded in 1935 and designed by Frank GehryWikipedia

• Highlights:

  • Around 40 curated tanks showing fish and invertebrates from local watersLAistWikipedia

  • Touch pools, a discovery lab, aquatic nursery, and exhibits focusing on research and breeding of native speciesLAistWikipedia

  • Convenient location with nearby coastal trails, tidepools, and parksLAist

Perfect for → those interested in education, conservation, and exploring local marine ecosystems.

3. Heal the Bay Aquarium – Santa Monica Pier

• Why visit: A small, visitor-friendly aquarium under the iconic pier—focused on local education and environmental advocacyWikipediahealthebay.orgGetYourGuide

• Highlights:

  • About 104 species with interactive exhibits, including touch tanks and feeding programsWikipediaLAist

  • Emphasis on community science and marine conservationGetYourGuideWikipedia

Perfect for → quick, educational visits or stops while exploring the pier and nearby beaches.

4. Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium – Manhattan Beach Pier

• Why visit: A small, free aquarium at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier offering close-up experiences with marine lifeWikipedia

• Highlights:

  • Features a shark tank, tide-pool touch stations, lobsters, baby sharks, and invertebratesWikipedia

  • Offers seasonal hours—great for spontaneous, low-key ocean encounters.

Perfect for → casual, budget-friendly visits, especially ideal for families with kids.

Quick Comparison

Tips for Your Aquatic Adventures (2025)

• Reservations: For Aquarium of the Pacific, reservations are required on weekends and holidaysLAistaquariumofpacific.org. Consider skip-the-line options for faster entryGetYourGuide.

• Timing & Access:

  • Heal the Bay and Roundhouse Aquarium are smaller and often less crowded—great for spontaneous visits.

  • Cabrillo offers educational programming; check their website for event schedulescma.recreation.parks.lacity.govLAist.

• Ideal Route: To get the most out of your visit, start with the larger Aquarium of the Pacific for a deep dive experience. Follow it with one of the smaller venues like Heal the Bay or Cabrillo for a contrasting, up-close perspective on local ecosystems.