Aquarium of the Pacific
Museum Large public aquarium in Long Beach, California
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California presents Pacific Ocean habitats through large tanks, touch pools and species exhibits; families and school groups visit for close-up marine displays.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a public aquarium located at Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California, that opened in 1998. It focuses on the ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean and holds thousands of animals in a series of indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Major permanent galleries include displays for Southern California and Baja, the Northern Pacific and the Tropical Pacific; the facility also runs interactive tidepool and touch exhibits and seasonal programs. The institution maintains husbandry, conservation and education programs and presents public feedings and talks.
The aquarium was developed as a regional center for Pacific marine education and research and has expanded its programs and exhibits since opening. Visitor amenities include on-site ticketing, educational programming and proximity to other Long Beach waterfront attractions.
Situated on the Long Beach waterfront at Rainbow Harbor, the aquarium is a short walk from the Long Beach Convention Center and downtown Long Beach transit links. It is commonly visited as part of a waterfront day in the city.
- Collection and opening: Houses roughly 11,000 animals representing several hundred species and opened to the public in 1998. The aquarium emphasizes Pacific Ocean habitats from Southern California to the tropical Pacific.
- Location and access: Located on Rainbow Harbor at the Port of Long Beach, it is adjacent to waterfront attractions and is served by local transit and parking facilities for visitors to Long Beach.
What to See #
- Southern California & Baja Gallery: Gallery focusing on Southern California and Baja ecosystems, featuring tidepool and kelp forest displays that illustrate local Pacific habitats.
- Northern Pacific Gallery: Exhibits dedicated to the Northern Pacific that include cold-water species and information on Pacific Northwest ecosystems.
- Tropical Pacific Gallery: Tropical Pacific gallery presenting coral reef species and warm-water marine life from the central and western Pacific.
How to Get to Aquarium of the Pacific #
The Aquarium of the Pacific sits on the Long Beach waterfront near Shoreline Village. From Los Angeles Union Station take the Metro A Line to Downtown Long Beach then a short taxi or rideshare; driving is direct from I-710 via Shoreline Drive with visitor parking nearby.
Tips for Visiting Aquarium of the Pacific #
- Buy tickets online to avoid queues, especially on weekends and school holidays.
- Arrive at opening to see the busiest tanks with fewer crowds-touch pools can get crowded midday.
- Don't skip the visiting-sea-lion or shark-feeding presentations-staff talks are informative and scheduled daily.
- Combine a visit with time at the Queen Mary or Shoreline Village-both are a short walk from the aquarium marina.
Best Time to Visit Aquarium of the Pacific #
Good year-round; spring through fall offers mild weather and outdoor exhibit comfort. Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded.
Weather & Climate near Aquarium of the Pacific #
Aquarium of the Pacific's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 73 mm of rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
