Dive into a World of Marine Wonders

This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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Aquarium of the Pacific: Skip The Line

Highlights

Gain priority access without waiting in queues.

Explore over 100 different aquatic displays.

Observe more than 12,000 marine creatures.

Interact with touchpools and visit special habitats like the Lorikeet Forest and Penguin area.

Watch a film and enter the Pacific Visions exhibit.

Experience Southern California’s Largest Aquarium

Step into the extraordinary marine life of the Pacific Ocean right on Long Beach’s waterfront. The Aquarium of the Pacific brings you face-to-face with over 12,000 ocean animals across immersive habitats—from towering kelp forests and playful sea otters to majestic sharks and vibrant coral reefs. Whether you are planning a family weekend or a day of coastal exploration, unforgettable sea life experiences await.

About the Aquarium of the Pacific

Situated along Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California, the Aquarium of the Pacific is Southern California’s largest aquarium and a world-class center for ocean stewardship. Spanning over 5 acres, the facility introduces more than 1.5 million visitors annually to the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Rim—from the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific to the warm lagoons of the Tropical Pacific.

Why Visit Aquarium of the Pacific?

Over 12,000 Animals: Discover more than 100 exhibits housing sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, sharks, rays, and vibrant coral reef species.

Pacific Visions Wing: Experience a state-of-the-art interactive art gallery, immersive multi-sensory theater, and live animal exhibits focusing on sustainable future solutions.

Hands-On Encounters: Touch live sharks and rays at the outdoor Shark Lagoon touch pools, and gently touch moon jellies in the indoor Moon Jelly Touch Lab, both designed for all ages.

Conservation Leadership: The Aquarium actively leads regional wildlife rescue programs, sea turtle rehabilitation, white abalone restoration, and ocean education initiatives.

Aquarium of the Pacific Hours

Planning your visit at the right time ensures a smooth, unhurried journey through the Aquarium of the Pacific’s 100+ exhibits. Below are the standard operating schedule and tips on how to beat the crowds.

General Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hours vary on select days, with some early closings and late openings, so check the Aquarium's hours calendar before your visit.
Extended Evening Hours: On select summer dates, holidays, and special event nights, the Aquarium extends closing hours until 8:00 p.m.
Annual Closures: The Aquarium is open 364 days a year and is closed only on Christmas Day (December 25).

Best Times to Visit

Best Time of Day

Early Morning (9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.): Arrive right at opening to enjoy quieter indoor exhibits, easier parking access, and active animals before peak mid-day crowds.

Best Days of the Week

Midweek (Tuesday – Thursday): Weekdays outside of major school holidays offer the lowest general public attendance, allowing for an intimate look at the exhibits.

Seasonal Tips

Off-Peak Months (September – November & January – February): Visiting during fall and winter (excluding holiday weeks) guarantees shorter wait times at popular interactive exhibits like Shark Lagoon and the Lorikeet Forest.

Average Visit Duration

Most guests spend between 2.5 to 3.5 hours exploring the main indoor regions, outdoor habitats, and catching a presentation at the Pacific Visions Theater.

Getting to the Aquarium of the Pacific

Address:

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Best Modes of Transport

By Public Transit
By Driving
By Rideshare or Taxi
By Bicycle

Metro A Line (formerly Blue Line): Take the Metro A Line to the Downtown Long Beach Station. From the station, the venue is a pleasant 10-minute downhill walk south along Pine Avenue toward Rainbow Harbor.
Long Beach Transit Passport Bus: Hop on the free Long Beach Transit Passport shuttle, which runs on weekends, picks up along Pine Avenue and drops off directly near the entrance. Check Long Beach Transit's current schedule for exact days and times before you travel.
Bus Routes: Multiple regional lines connect to the Downtown Long Beach Transit Mall, making bus travel convenient from anywhere in Los Angeles or Orange County.

Dining and Accessibility Facilities at the Aquarium

Dining Options

Visitors can recharge at several on-site dining spots tailored to different tastes and schedules. Café Scuba, the main dining venue overlooking the seals and sea lions exhibit, serves a variety of fresh hot meals, including burgers, sustainable seafood dishes, salads, sandwiches, and kid-friendly options. For a quick snack or drink on the move, guests can visit outdoor kiosks like the Coffee Cart or Bamboo Bistro, which offer espresso drinks, ice cream, soft pretzels, and light refreshments. All food venues emphasize eco-friendly packaging and sustainable seafood choices in alignment with the institution’s conservation mission, ensuring a convenient and responsible dining experience during your day out.

Accessibility Services

The Aquarium of the Pacific is fully accessible to all guests, offering ADA-compliant facilities across every exhibit, pathway, and theater. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis (a credit card is required at checkout), and all main galleries feature spacious ramps and elevators for smooth navigation. For visitors who are blind or have low vision, audio-described tours and tactile exhibit elements can be arranged, while assistive listening devices and closed captioning support are available for theater presentations. Additionally, the venue provides sensory bags containing noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools, alongside designated quiet zones throughout the facility to ensure a comfortable visit for guests with neurodivergent or sensory needs.

Know Before You Go

Timed-Entry Reservations: Reservations are required on weekends and holidays. Tickets bought online include a timed-entry slot chosen at checkout, so no separate reservation is needed. Members need a free member reservation, and children under 3 do not need a ticket or reservation.

Cashless Venue: The Aquarium operates as a cashless facility. All ticket windows, gift shops, and dining locations accept credit/debit cards and mobile payments only.

Baggage & Security Checks: For visitor safety, all bags, backpacks, and strollers are subject to security inspection at the entrance plaza prior to entry.

Outside Food: Outside food and coolers are not allowed inside the Aquarium (exceptions for infants and special medical needs), but picnic tables on the plaza are available on a first-come, first-served basis for snacks and packed lunches. Reusable water bottles are encouraged and can be refilled at water stations throughout the venue.

Stroller Accessibility: The entire facility is stroller-friendly with elevators and ramps, though stroller parking is recommended during peak times in tight exhibit galleries.

Re-Entry Policy: Re-entry is permitted on the day of your visit; simply ensure you receive a hand stamp at the exit gate before stepping out to Rainbow Harbor.

No Large Luggage Storage: The venue does not offer storage lockers or check-in facilities for large suitcases, oversized luggage, or bulky items.

FAQs

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Timed-entry reservations are required on weekends and holidays. Buying online includes a time slot at checkout, so you won't need a separate reservation. Children under 3 do not need a ticket or reservation.

What are the venue's operating hours?

The Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with extended hours on select summer dates and holidays. Hours vary on some days, so check the Aquarium's hours calendar before you go.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most guests spend 2.5 to 3.5 hours exploring the galleries, outdoor touch pools, and theater presentations.

Where is the Aquarium of the Pacific located?

The venue is located along Rainbow Harbor at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.

Is the Aquarium accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes, the facility is fully ADA-compliant with ramps, elevators, and complimentary wheelchairs available at the Information Desk (a credit card is required at checkout).

Does the Aquarium accept cash?

No, the Aquarium is a completely cashless facility accepting credit/debit cards and contactless mobile payments only.

Can I bring outside food and drinks?

Outside food and coolers are not permitted inside the Aquarium (exceptions for infants and special medical needs), but you can eat snacks or packed lunches at the picnic tables on the plaza. Reusable water bottles can be refilled at stations inside the venue.

Can I leave the Aquarium and re-enter later the same day?

Yes, re-entry is allowed on the day of your visit if you receive a hand stamp at the exit before stepping out.

Are animal touch pools included with general admission?

Yes, the outdoor Shark Lagoon shark and ray touch pools and the indoor Moon Jelly Touch Lab are included with standard general admission.

Is this the venue’s official website?

No. This website offers official tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific but is not the museum’s official website.