Start Your Journey Beneath the Waves

Opening hours, transit options, and essential venue guidelines below to start customizing your coastal adventure today.

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.

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.

Visitor Guidelines

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.

Respect the Marine Life: Gentle touching using two fingers is permitted only at designated touch pools; tapping on aquarium glass, leaning over exhibit barriers, or throwing objects into habitats is strictly prohibited.

No Flash Photography: Standard photo and video recording for personal use are welcome, but flash photography is banned inside all indoor galleries to protect sensitive marine species.

Code of Conduct & Supervision: Children should be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times throughout the venue grounds.

Service Animals Only: Standard pets and emotional support animals are not permitted inside the facility; only trained service animals meeting ADA guidelines are allowed.

Prohibited Items Policy: Weapons, illegal substances, outside alcohol (alcohol purchased on site is permitted), vape devices, bicycles, skateboards, and balloons are strictly forbidden beyond security checkpoints.

Appropriate Attire Required: Shirts and footwear must be worn at all times; attire displaying offensive language or graphics is not permitted inside the venue.

FAQs

What happens if I miss my timed-entry slot?

Your ticket is valid from your reserved time slot onward and is accepted for the rest of that day, so you can still enter if you arrive late. Tickets are not accepted before your reserved slot.

Can I purchase tickets at the entrance on the day of my visit?

On-site ticket sales are not guaranteed due to capacity limits, so all visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase timed-entry tickets online before arriving.

Are wheelchairs and strollers available to rent on-site?

Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis (a credit card is required at checkout), though stroller rentals are not currently offered.

What is the cancellation and refund policy for admission tickets?

Cancellation and refund terms depend on the ticket you purchase. Please check the cancellation policy shown for your ticket before checkout.

Are there lockers available to store backpacks or luggage?

No, the facility does not offer storage lockers or baggage hold services, so all personal belongings must stay with you during your visit.

Can I re-enter the Aquarium if I need to step out during the day?

Yes, re-entry is permitted on the same day as your visit; simply ask a staff member at the main exit for a hand stamp before stepping outside.