Top Highlights of the Most Popular Marine Museum in LA: Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific, located in Long Beach, is the largest aquarium in Southern California. Just a 40-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach is one of the most popular beach resort areas in the U.S. and is well known as a tourist destination.
This article introduces in detail the must-see highlights of the Aquarium of the Pacific, a place that both adults and children can enjoy.

The City Home to the Aquarium of the Pacific: Long Beach

You can reach Long Beach, where the Aquarium of the Pacific is located, by car or train from Los Angeles, the central city of California. While Long Beach is well-known as a tourist destination, it also developed as a port town and military city due to the discovery of oil fields. Today, it is also recognized as a major economic hub.
Long Beach has a Mediterranean climate, with mild weather year-round. In mid-summer, the highest temperature is around 29°C (84°F). Even in winter, the lowest temperatures are around 8°C (46°F), and it rarely gets extremely cold—making it a pleasant place to visit any time of year.
The city is also safe, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing. In addition to the Aquarium of the Pacific, other attractions include the Catalina Island Express and the historic Queen Mary ship.

Life-Size Whale Model – A Popular Attraction

One of the first things you'll see upon entering the aquarium is a life-sized whale model. A full-scale blue whale is suspended from the ceiling, creating an impressive visual experience.

The aquarium is quite spacious, so for first-time visitors, it’s recommended to use the visitor guide map, which highlights the main attractions. The facility is divided into three zones: the California Coast, the Northern Pacific, and the Southern Pacific, with marine life from each region showcased accordingly.

In the entrance lobby, a large tank recreates the Pacific Ocean, allowing visitors to view vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. There are regular feeding shows by divers, as well as educational talks about marine life. You can even take photos with the divers.

The otter exhibit is one of the most crowded areas in the aquarium. If you time your visit right, you might see the zookeepers feeding them or catch an informative session about otters.

The penguin exhibit is also a favorite spot. Nearby, there is an area where you can take photos with life-sized penguin statues—perfect for commemorative pictures or for posting on social media.

Hands-On Experience Zones with Marine Life

The interactive touch zones where visitors can physically interact with sea creatures are also a popular highlight. In the “touch and feel” area, you can meet and interact not only with a variety of marine animals like sea anemones and starfish, but also with birds.
On the second floor’s tropical fish zone, visitors can touch sea anemones and starfish, with volunteer staff on site to guide and supervise. On the first floor, there’s the Shark Lagoon, where you can touch zebra sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and stingrays. It’s a rare chance to see and touch sharks and rays up close—don’t miss it!
Despite being an aquarium, there are areas where you can also interact with birds like parrots. Sometimes, if you offer them food, they’ll perch on your arm or shoulder.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is not just a place to see marine life—it’s a place to learn by touching and experiencing. Both adults and children can enjoy and learn from this close interaction with ocean creatures.

If You Have Extra Time, Explore the Area on Foot

Long Beach offers many more attractions beyond the aquarium, so if you have time, consider exploring nearby spots.
One of the most iconic is the Queen Mary, a former luxury cruise liner now turned into a museum and hotel. There are various tours available including group tours and ghost tours—well worth joining. Inside the ship, you’ll find chic restaurants and bars where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks. It’s best to make a reservation in advance, as these venues can get quite crowded.
Another enjoyable option is a walk along the Long Beach Waterfront. This palm-lined promenade offers a picturesque contrast of dockside cruise ships, modern buildings, and ocean views, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Getting There from Los Angeles: Uber Is Recommended

If you're coming from Los Angeles using public transportation, Uber is highly recommended.
Not only is Uber cheaper than a taxi, but the fare is determined at the time of booking, offering peace of mind for tourists. While there is a subway route, it’s not highly recommended due to safety concerns. The route passes through Compton, an area known for frequent incidents, making it less ideal for sightseeing.
With Uber, you can reach Long Beach safely and easily via safer routes—so definitely opt for that.

◎ Final Tip: For Shopping, Visit The Pike Outlets

For shopping in Long Beach, head to The Pike Outlets. Located close to the Aquarium of the Pacific, it features a Ferris wheel and roller coaster, making it great for families with kids. There are also movie-themed restaurants and theaters, offering more fun experiences.
While California has several outlet malls, The Pike Outlets is relatively compact and ideal for relaxed shopping.

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Top Highlights of the Most Popular Marine Museum in LA: Aquarium of the Pacific