The Pacific Ocean laps against over 5,000 kilometers of the Californian coast. The largest ocean in the world is divided into tropical, temperate and arctic environments sheltering countless species. At the southern reaches of the metropolis of Los Angeles is an institution dedicated to the study and preservation of these critical habitats.

Aquarium of the Pacific tickets grant you access to capsule-size views of this vast ecosystem. Let sharks swim above your head in the Tank Tunnel. Witness a coral garden and its colorful denizens.

Watch penguins, sea lions and seals commune with their handlers, and dip your hands into tanks of sea stars, rays and more. Your visit will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the underwater world.

Here's all you need to know about visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific, one of the most awestriking theme parks in Los Angeles.

What is the price of the Aquarium of the Pacific tickets?

Adult tickets for the Aquarium of the Pacific are US$45 per person. Tickets for people ages 62 and up are US$42 per person. Tickets for children ages 3 to 11 are US$30 per person. Children under the age of 3 can enter for free.

There are also options to add on adventures like a harbor boat tour in L.A., a gray whale watch or admissions to the L.A. Zoo to your ticket price. Harbor boat tours with tickets are as low as US$35 per person. Combine Aquarium and zoo tickets for as little as US$45 per person, and whale watching and museum ticket packages cost as little as US$60 per person.

You can also book animal encounters that allow you to engage with penguins, sharks and rays or sea lions. For US$150 per person, spend 30 minutes with live animals to help feed them or just getting to know these creatures. Do note that some animal encounters are not available at all times in order to protect them from epidemics.

Who can get discounted tickets?

Children ages 3 to 11 and seniors ages 62 and up can enjoy discounted ticket prices. An annual pass to the aquarium provides the equivalent of discounted entry price. A yearly membership for you and one other person pays for itself after two visits. The cost of family passes are recouped even more quickly.

If you’re likely to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific several times a year, a membership is a great way to save some cash. You’ll also earn plenty of other perks like discounts on parking, day camps, exclusive events and gift shop purchases.

Should you book Aquarium of the Pacific tickets in advance?

It’s not necessary to book your tickets in advance unless it’s for a weekend visit. You will need to reserve a time slot for your admission. Also, by booking through third-party sites, you can save a few dollars and skip lines at the door.

What will you see at the aquarium?

Pacific habitat exhibits

With the Pacific being the world’s largest ocean, it takes many exhibits to represent the vast array of underwater landscapes found within. The Aquarium of the Pacific has recreated nearly 20 habitats with over 100 exhibits. Dive into the Southern Californian, tropical and northern Pacific without getting wet.

The Rethemed Southern California Gallery introduces you to biomes found near Los Angeles that range from deep water hydrocoral beds to manmade features that have been enveloped with ocean life.

Be mesmerized as sharks, eels, fish and octopi move behind a wall of glass. Highlights include leopard sharks, two-spot octopi, spiny lobsters and California’s state marine fish, the Catalina goby.

Travel vicariously to the Micronesian island of Palau in the Tropical Pacific Gallery. The 16 exhibits here make up the aquarium’s largest gallery. In tanks of over 1 million liters, watch fish flit through the coral reef. Spy zebra sharks, clownfish, puffers and sea turtles who thrive in waters of around 25 degrees Celsius.

The Northern Pacific Gallery transports you to the frigid waters Alaska, the Bering Strait and Siberia. Marvel at graceful jellies and Giant Pacific Octopus. Gawk at birds like auklets and puffins and playful otters.

Must-see exhibits within these galleries are the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, the “Frogs: Dazzling and Disappearing,” and the Shorebird Sanctuary. Get a reality check about the importance of oceans and water at the “Our Water Future” exhibit.

Check out multimedia installments like the Sea Nettle webcam and recordings of a wealth of whale songs.

Interactive experiences

Making personal contact with animals helps you forge a connection to beings outside of our everyday sphere. Come into contact with an unfamiliar world with the aquarium’s touch pools and Lorikeet Forest.

Have you ever heard of a moon jelly? Touch and feed them at Harbor Terrace. The Moon Jelly Touch Pool invites you to feel the slippery translucent invertebrates. For a few hours each day, you can feed the jellies for US$3 per cup of food.

The Shark and Ray Touch Pool will show you that not all sharks are ravenous maneaters. Let cownose rays and epaulette sharks glide beneath your fingers. For an extra fee and separate reservation, you can book a chance to feed the rays with an Animal Encounter.

Lorikeets make up a family of colorful parrots native to Australia. In the Lorikeet Forest, get to know these eye-catching friends. In the habitat live green-naped, Edwards’s and Swainson’s lorikeets. These hungry birds will get close enough to touch if you purchase a cup of nectar to feed them. The nutritious concoction, based on their wild diet, will have the birds climbing all over you for the snack you’re holding.

Live shows and films

Shimmering like a bubble, the aquarium’s Pacific Visions’s rounded glass building is the place to catch an animal show. Live demonstrations of tropical diving and professional interactions with seals, sea lions and otters are scheduled at convenient times throughout the day.

Sit down to a 4D cinematic experience in the Great Hall where wildlife will seem to jump off the 180-degree curved screen.

How to get there?

The Aquarium of the Pacific is in Long Beach at the southern end of the L.A. metro area. From downtown L.A. the aquarium is a drive of about 45 kilometers, and it takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Travel by either via Hwy 710 or a combo of Hwys 110, 91 and 710.

It is possible to reach the aquarium from L.A. by public transit in about an hour. At times, the ride may be up to 1.5 hours due to traffic. The best option is to take FlixBus 2017 to the Downtown Long Beach Station.

What time is the Aquarium of the Pacific open?

The Aquarium of the Pacific is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. The aquarium is closed on December 25. Opening hours are extended until 8 PM at certain holiday times throughout the year. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to visit the aquarium.

Is the aquarium wheelchair friendly?

Yes, the Aquarium of the Pacific is wheelchair friendly.

When is the best time to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific?

The best time to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is during weekdays, which provide a quieter and less crowded experience, especially during the early morning or late afternoon.

The aquarium is an indoor attraction, so it can be enjoyed anytime. However, if you want to avoid the possibility of rain and enjoy the outdoor exhibits, such as the Pacific Visions wing and the outdoor Touch Pools, visiting from April to October is the preferred time of year.

Which other theme parks can be visited in Los Angeles?

Know before you go

Check beforehand the aquarium's official website for current opening hours, special events, and any potential closures or restrictions.
Consider buying your tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons or special events to avoid long lines at the ticket counter.
Be prepared for parking fees, and arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially on weekends.
Take a look at the aquarium's map and plan your route in advance to make sure you see the exhibits and animals that interest you the most.
Check the schedule for special shows, feedings, and presentations and plan your day around them.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking.
Some outdoor exhibits may be exposed to the sun, so consider sunscreen and a hat on sunny days.
While there are food options available inside the aquarium, bringing your own snacks and a refillable water bottle can save you time and money.
Follow all posted rules and guidelines, as well as staff instructions, especially when interacting with animals.
Feel free to take photos, but be respectful of others and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb the animals.

Aquarium of the Pacific: Tickets