Insider’s Guide to the Aquarium of the Pacific

Opened in 1998, the Aquarium of the Pacific is the largest aquarium in Southern California and occupies more than 360,000-square-feet of space along Long Beach’s Rainbow Harbor.

The aquarium is one of the region’s top family-friendly attractions, welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors each year. Visitors can see over 11,000 animals representing 500 species on view throughout the over 100 exhibits and habitats. Be sure to visit the popular Pacific Visions wing wing—featuring an immersive theater and interactive art installations–Shark Lagoon, and exhibits housing adorable sea otters and playful penguins. We’ve pulled together some essential aquarium information to help you plan your perfect Pacific adventure.

AQUARIUM EXPERIENCES & EXHIBITS

While navigating the Aquarium of the Pacific, visitors will encounter more than 100 different exhibits, including 19 distinct habitats that allow you to come face-to-face with some of the Pacific Ocean’s most remarkable creatures.

Immerse yourself in the underwater world of coral reefs in the Tropical Pacific Gallery and observe the dazzling colors and rich diversity of these underwater metropolises. Learn more about local wildlife in the Southern California/Baja Gallery, featuring the 142,000-gallon, three-story Honda Blue Cavern housing species from just off the shores of nearby Catalina Island. Your journey along the Baja coast includes views of colorful kelp and fish—including California’s state fish, the garibaldi—at the Amber Forest, and a stop at the 211,000-gallon seal and sea lion habitat.

Once outdoors, brace yourself for up-close encounters with some of the ocean’s most revered predators at the Shark Lagoon, which includes a touch pool for hands-on studies of select sharks and rays. Don’t leave the aquarium without visiting the Lorikeet Forest—a 5,400-square-foot aviary that is home to more than 100 colorful lorikeets that you can feed nectar to as they perch themselves on your hand, arm, shoulder or head.

Other can’t-miss exhibits include the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, home to Magellanic Penguins that can be viewed from below via a crawl-through tunnel, as well as the Northern Pacific Gallery, including a special habitat that houses playful and ever-curious sea otters. To view all current exhibits, click here. For a map of the Aquarium of the Pacific, click here.

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Dive deeper into your aquarium experience by booking one of several interactive encounters. Available for an additional charge, they offer a unique opportunity to touch, feed and interact with some of the unique animals housed within the aquarium.

Feed sharks and walk among rays during a private encounter led by knowledgeable aquarium staff at the Shark Lagoon, or hang out with adorable penguins in their enclosure, connect with more feathered friends during a hands-on training session or meet one of the resident harbor seals or sea lions during an up-close visit alongside aquarium care staff. To learn more about these exclusive encounters, click here.

FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts several special events throughout the year, offering visitors unique experiences and close up encounters as well as late-night access to exhibits. Night Dive is an adults-only, after hours aquarium experience featuring live music, food trucks, drag queen bingo, cocktails and the opportunity to explore the aquarium after dark.

The Aquarium also hosts a range of cultural celebrations throughout the year, such as a Pride Night, Pacific Islander Festival and Juneteenth celebration. In September, the annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival celebrates the cultures of Mexico, Central and South America with dance, live music and educational programming. Each November, the Aquarium honors and celebrates Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Filipino cultures during its Autumn Festival, featuring traditional crafts, music, dance and art exhibits.

To view a full calendar of upcoming events, click here.

WEDDINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS

In addition to being one of Long Beach’s top attractions, the Aquarium of the Pacific is also one of the city’s top event venues, perfect for weddings, corporate gatherings and special events. Host your nautical nuptials in one of several distinct areas, such as the Shark Lagoon, upper level galleries or beneath a replica blue whale in the Great Hall.

Hold educational workshops, meetings or team retreats inside the Watershed Classroom or wow your colleagues with an after hours reception alongside some of the wonders of the Pacific Ocean. Attendees of catered Aquarium events can savor a menu of chef-driven, sustainably-sourced small plates and entreés.

For more information about hosting special events at the Aquarium of the Pacific, click here.

AQUARIUM FUN FACTS

The Aquarium of the Pacific opened on June 20, 1998.
The largest tank inside the aquarium is the 350,000-gallon Tropical Reef habitat inside the Tropical Pacific Gallery.
Shark Lagoon is home to more than 150 sharks and rays.
The aquarium’s architectural design was inspired by the waves of the Pacific Ocean.
The Aquarium of the Pacific has been honored with multiple awards for their sustainable practices and initiatives including the 2015 Cool Planet Award from The Climate Registry and Southern California Edison.
Conservation and educational initiatives include programs to rescue and reproduce endangered marine animals, community science programs, and housing mammals and birds that are not releasable to the wild.