Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach)
A large Long Beach aquarium focused on the Pacific Ocean, with touch tanks, sea otters, and a lorikeet aviary.
The call
Worth it if you're traveling with kids and you're traveling as a couple.
Short answer
Is Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach) worth it?
Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach) deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
A well-run, hands-on aquarium focused on the Pacific — sea otters, a shark lagoon, big touch pools, and a walk-in lorikeet aviary that's a near-guaranteed kid magnet.
- 02
What makes it worth the Long Beach drive over staying central is that it's a genuine half-day destination you can pair: it sits on the Long Beach waterfront steps from the Queen Mary and the harbor, so families can build a full day around it rather than treating it as a one-hour stop.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach) is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach) is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach) is an easy yes.
You want context, not just the photograph
Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach) rewards a trip built around depth & learning.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach) can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach) only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You want time outdoors
Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach) offers some nature & scenery, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
You want the trip to feel easy
Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach) offers some relaxation, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- ~$45 adult
- Timing
- Weekday mornings to avoid the weekend crush.
- Booking
- Buy timed tickets online for the best price and entry.
- Allow
- 2-3 hours
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Getting there
- Drive to Long Beach; Metro A (Blue) Line plus a short walk also works.