Aquarium of the Pacific
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 590-3100
- Cross Street:
- Shoreline Drive
- Hours:
- Daily 9am-6pm
Editorial Review for Aquarium of the Pacific – by Kim Cooper
The Background
Fish fans are in luck--this ambitious Long Beach attraction is the next best thing to scuba diving. Opened in 1998, the Aquarium of the Pacific offers re-creations of three distinct oceanic ecosystems: Southern California/Baja, the icy north Pacific and the tropical south Pacific.
The Appeal
The five-acre facility features a whopping 17 habitats and more than 12,000 birds, fish, mammals and amphibians. Don't miss the three-story-tall Blue Cavern, which is stocked entirely with predators like sharks and giant sea bass. Divers with microphones swim among the psychedelic denizens of the Tropical Reef Habitat, broadcasting their observations to the audience. Other popular exhibits showcase diving birds, rescued seals and sea lions, otters and jellyfish.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasFriday evenings, a sleepover program lets you sleep with the fish. It's $60 per person and includes pizza, cereal and T-shirt. Members get a $10 discount.
Know Before You GoFind out what the fish eat on a behind-the-scenes tour, where you'll see how biologists care for aquarium residents. ($15 per person.)
User Reviews for Aquarium of the Pacific
11/02/2007 Posted by porkjello
Let me qualify the title of my review by saying that this is great aquarium and not some over done theme park called Sea World. You won't get a big dolphin shows or a shamu show because the AoP does not make their animals perform and they don't have whales or dolphins. What they do have is a great collection of creatures from the Pacific ocean - from sea otters of the North Pacific, to tropical fish of Palau, and even a recreated kelp forest with native Californian marine animals. I was able to pet a small shark and a stingray and get up close with some of the coastal creatures of Baja California (sea stars, cucumbers, and urchins). The seals and sea lions are always fun to watch. People complain that the place isn't big enough but what this place may lack in size, it makes up for in quality of their displays and the care the staff puts into taking care of the creatures. I really enjoyed this year's special exhibit of Waves and learning about the science of how waves and tsunamis are created. If you are looking for a place to spend a morning or afternoon, check out the Aquarium of the Pacific. And you can supplement your visit by visiting the shops in the harbor or at the Pike or even take a whale watching tour.
Pros: Best Aquarium in Southern Cali
Cons: Gets crowded during peak hours so either go early or on a weekday. Food options aren't too great in the Aquarium.
10/31/2007 Posted by netter1
This aquarium is aptly named. All of the displays and interactive activities are based on sea life within the Pacific ocean. From the coastal tide pools of California to the reefs of the tropical Pacific islands, you get a great tour of one of the largest bodies of water in the world. I still think one of the most fun exhibits is the ray exhibit on the outside...where you can reach right into the pool and pet a ray. The aquarium is truly a community active organization. They have activities all the time...from seasonal festivals to lectures, movies, and even programs for the preschoolers. It's a great learning environment. I recommend this aquarium for everyone. Also, because of it's location, there are tons of restaurants and shopping nearby where you can enjoy the rest of your day after visiting the aquarium.
Pros: great exhibits, interactive exhibits
Cons: can get crowded and loud
