Aquarium of the Pacific

• Reach into the shallow touch pools at Shark Lagoon to feel epaulette sharks, bamboo sharks, and cownose rays inside the Aquarium of the Pacific.
• Walk through the outdoor Lorikeet Forest aviary and offer cups of nectar to colorful birds that land directly on your arms.
• Observe Southern California marine life, including local kelp forests and sea lions, in the three-story Honda Blue Cavern habitat.
• Watch Magellanic penguins swim above and around you from the crawl-through viewing tunnel inside the June Keyes Penguin Habitat.
• Explore the Pacific Visions wing to experience immersive media shows and interactive virtual art installations focused on ocean conservation.

• Present your mobile voucher or digital ticket directly on your phone at the main turnstiles for seamless scanning and fast-track entry into the Aquarium of the Pacific.
• Pass through the standard security check at the entrance, where all personal bags and backpacks are subject to quick inspection prior to entry.
• Note that the last admission time is strictly one hour and a half before closing time, so plan your arrival accordingly to maximize your visit.
• Children under three years of age receive free admission, but parents should be prepared to present age verification documents at the entrance.

• Reserve your timed-entry reservation online well in advance to skip the main ticket line at the Aquarium of the Pacific, especially when visiting on weekends or holidays.
• Arrive right when doors open at 9:00 AM to explore popular outdoor areas like the Shark Lagoon and Moon Jelly Touch Lab before school groups and afternoon crowds arrive.
• Head directly to the Pacific Visions wing and popular exhibits like the sea otters early in your visit, saving the larger, higher-capacity indoor galleries for later in the day.
• Download the official visitor app prior to arrival to track daily show schedules and navigate around high-traffic zones seamlessly.

A visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific offers a captivating journey through the living artistry of the ocean, where marine biodiversity unfolds in breathtaking detail. Standing before expansive habitats filled with graceful sea jellies, majestic sharks, and vibrant coral ecosystems evokes a deep sense of wonder and emotional connection to the natural world. The facility seamlessly blends cutting-edge architecture and immersive design to showcase the delicate balance of aquatic life, creating an awe-inspiring experience for visitors of all ages.

To fully immerse yourself in this spectacular venue, avoiding long ticket lines at the entrance is essential. Securing priority timed-entry tickets allows you to bypass the queues and step straight into the exhibits. By planning ahead with direct access, you maximize your time exploring the incredible marine life and enjoy a smooth, stress-free visit from start to finish.

Spring Break Surges and Coastal Breezes draw heavy family crowds to the Aquarium of the Pacific, resulting in substantial morning queues outside the main entrance. Outdoor temperatures along the Long Beach harbor hover in the mild upper 60s, making wait times in line relatively comfortable, though afternoon sea breezes can feel brisk. Inside the main galleries, climate control maintains a pleasant environment, though popular outdoor exhibits like Shark Lagoon experience localized bottlenecks during peak midday hours.

Sweltering Heat and Peak Tourist Waves define summer visits, bringing the longest ticket line delays of the year as tourist season reaches its apex. Temperatures in Southern California frequently climb into the 80s, turning outdoor ticketing queues and touch pool areas into warm, sun-exposed zones. Securing timed skip-the-line reservations is vital during these months, allowing visitors to quickly move past the exterior heat into the fully air-conditioned comfort of the interior tropical and cold-water ocean galleries.

Crisp Sea Air and Receding Lines mark the arrival of autumn, creating significantly more manageable wait times for guests at the Aquarium of the Pacific. As school resumes, weekday queue lengths drop drastically, often allowing direct entry without long waits outside. Outdoor weather remains ideal with daytime temperatures around 70 degrees, offering a comfortable atmosphere for strolling through outdoor habitats like Lorikeet Forest without enduring summer heat or dense crowd congestion.

Cool Coastal Mornings and Minimal Queues make winter the quietest season to explore the venue without encountering significant bottlenecks. Outside temperatures often rest in the upper 50s to low 60s with occasional coastal rain, driving the few visiting crowds straight into the climate-controlled indoor exhibits. Skip-the-line access ensures seamless movement past the short exterior ticketing lines, letting guests enjoy uncrowded indoor viewing spaces and warm gallery halls at a relaxed pace.

Starting your route on the main level: Enter the Aquarium of the Pacific early in the day and proceed directly through the Great Hall into the indoor galleries before the largest crowds gather. Begin your journey in the Southern California & Baja Gallery to observe the local marine habitats, including the striking giant kelp forest exhibit, before moving seamlessly into the Northern Pacific Gallery. Here, you can admire cold-water creatures such as sea otters, diving birds, and giant Pacific octopuses in a tranquil atmosphere.

Moving outdoors and finishing the upper exhibits: Step outside onto the outdoor harbor terrace to explore the open-air habitats, where you will encounter Shark Lagoon, the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, and interactive touch pools featuring rays and jellies. After enjoying the sea lions and seals, head up to the second floor to wander through the vibrant Tropical Pacific Gallery, which showcases colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Conclude your tour at the state-of-the-art Pacific Visions wing to experience immersive media displays and interactive sustainability exhibits at your own pace.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day of the year except Christmas Day. Extended hours are offered on select days throughout the year.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is open daily throughout the year except on Christmas Day, December 25.