Verdict
Destinations
Attraction · Los Angeles

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.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict

Who it's worth it for

Great for
  • Families with kids
  • Couples
  • Solo travellers
  • The genuinely curious
Depends
  • Travellers on a budget
  • If you've only got a day
  • Nature lovers
  • Anyone here to unwind
Not for

—

Worth it for families with kids, couples and solo travellers.

Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

Sea otters, a shark lagoon, touch pools, and a walk-in lorikeet aviary make it one of the West Coast's better aquariums.
Not independently verified — estimated
On the Long Beach waterfront near the Queen Mary, it anchors a full family day rather than a quick stop — the reason it's worth the drive.
Not independently verified — estimated
It's in Long Beach (a real drive from central LA) and gets crowded and loud on weekends; skip the trip if you're not traveling with kids.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • With kids

    A near-guaranteed kid-pleaser, especially the touch pools and lorikeets.

  • Multigenerational

    Accessible and engaging across ages — pair it with the Queen Mary and waterfront to fill the day.

  • As a couple

    Pleasant enough, but really built for families; without kids the central LA museums are a better use of time.

Good to know

Before you go

Cost
~$45 adult
Time
2-3 hours
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Weekday mornings to avoid the weekend crush.
Getting there
Drive to Long Beach; Metro A (Blue) Line plus a short walk also works.
Booking
Buy timed tickets online for the best price and entry.
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Alternatives

If it's not your thing, try

Another Long Beach attraction to pairFree family science option in LA
Was this helpful?
Make the most of it
Book through our partner — we may earn a commission, and it never changes the verdict.
Check availability
Sources

What we checked

  • One of the largest aquariums in the US, focused on the Pacific Ocean.
  • Features a Lorikeet Forest aviary and a shark touch lagoon.
Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →