Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, CA)
Home to more than 12,500 ocean animals, representing nearly 500 species, the Aquarium of the Pacific celebrates the planet's largest and most diverse body of water: the Pacific Ocean. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, this world-class aquarium features a wide array of hands-on activites, live and video presentations, and more. During Shark Summer, see and touch sharks and rays, and see growing shark embryos in the Shark Zone activity area.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
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We took our granddaughters ages 6 and 8 to the Aquarium and had a wonderful, fun afternoon. Their favorite things were the otters, the seals and sea lions, the jelly fish, and the animal touching pools. They were underwhelmed by the "special kid's show" so you might want to skip that.
Use your guidebook to plan your visit because the staff did not seem to be that knowledgeable about where different events were located.
The food there is quite expensive so I would plan on bringing our own snacks and water next time. The concessions do not take credit cards.
The restrooms are very clean and well-stocked and even have built-in step-stools so little children can reach the sink to wash their hands.
Handwashing facilities for use after the touching pool were all non-functional so you had to either use Purell or find the rest-room (easy).
Parking garage is right across the street from the Aquarium entrance and is $7 (cash no credit cards) but you can stay parked there all day and dine afterward in one of the nearby restaurants. Bubba Gump's is across the street (easiest walk) and the kids loved the popcorn shrimp kid's meal but do not allow your waitperson to talk you into a blended lemonade for the kids unless you want to pay 8 bucks for a plastic glass that has flashing lights in it and tips over easily.
Pretty cool place for the price but not as enjoyable if you don't have kids.
We took my son to the the Aquarium and had a wonderful time. We enjoyed the sharks, the birds, the otters, the seals and sea lions, the jelly fish, and the animal touching pools. The staff was very knowledgeable & helpful if we had any questions ! Two thumbs up ! The food there is expensive but we took our water and ate before going there so that was very helpful . There were handwashing dispenser for us to use after the touching pool and that was very useful ! Good idea.
I bought 2 adults & 1 child ticket for $37.00 was a good deal. I saved $10.00 on each Adult ticket but, the Kids ticket was only $1.50. But, it was still like I got an Adult ticket for free ! I would go again
Tips are provided by Goldstar members and Aquarium of the Pacific. Goldstar is not responsible for their content or accuracy.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a remarkable aquarium that allows the visitors to get a glimpse into the wonders of the Pacific Ocean. This world-class aquarium has an impressive facility and stunning displays featuring some of the most creative exhibits of marine life. There are over 550 species represented among the 12,000 ocean creatures house in this 156,000 square foot facility.
Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. Explore the exhibits, and discover sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the North Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific.
In addition to the three main galleries highlighting the major regions of the Pacific, the Aquarium features three major exhibitions. Shark Lagoon and the Lorikeet Forest aviary offer an outdoor adventure in Explorer's Cove. The Aquarium's special exhibits gallery features changing exhibits.
Experience Shark Summer! Visit the new Shark Zone activity area where there are children’s crafts, games, photo opportunities with our mascots Sharky and Ray, shark jaws, teeth and other biofacts, and the opportunity to touch eggs and see the growing shark embryos. See the two new shark films and children’s theater program. Discover new sharks and rays including the unusual bowmouth guitarfish, also known as a shark ray. And see and touch sharks and rays throughout the Aquarium. Unravel the mysteries behind these amazing predators and learn how you can protect them. And don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of only two tiger sharks on exhibit in the nation.
Expand your shark experience by signing up for a new Shark Behind-the-Scenes Tour or Feed a Shark or Ray Program at our Information Desk inside the Aquarium, or hear one of many fascinating guest speakers talk about the world of sharks.