Aquarium of the Pacific

The story

The Aquarium of the Pacific sits on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California.⁴ It is a public aquarium devoted to the Pacific Ocean, the life it holds, and its ecosystems.^2,4

The Aquarium displays about 12,000 animals across more than 100 exhibits.² Its galleries move from the icy Northern Pacific, through the mild waters off Southern California and Baja, to the warm reefs and lagoons of the tropics.²

History

The Aquarium opened in June 1998 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.² Wikipedia records the opening date as June 20, 1998, and notes that it was formerly called the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.⁴ Its stated mission is to inspire wonder, respect and care for the Pacific Ocean and the life and ecosystems it holds.²

In 2019 the Aquarium opened the Pacific Visions wing, which it calls its first major expansion since its founding.² The two-story, 29,000-square-foot sustainable building holds an immersive theater and an art gallery.² A final gallery mixes interactive displays, game tables and live animals.² Inside, visitors can weigh today's urgent environmental problems and ways to build a more sustainable future.²

The Aquarium describes itself as Southern California's largest aquarium.² Wikipedia notes it holds Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation through March 2031.⁴ The Aquarium also recognizes that it stands on Tongva land, honoring the Tongva people and other indigenous groups who call this land home.²

What to see and do

Plan on wandering among three ocean regions, then lingering wherever a tank pulls you in.^2,4

• Southern California and Baja Gallery

  This gallery shows the varied habitats of the region, beginning with a three-story tank of animals from the waters around Catalina Island.⁴

• Casino Point

  Garibaldi and California scorpionfish swim through a recreated giant kelp forest here.⁴

• Seal and Sea Lion Habitat

  A 211,000-US-gallon habitat for seals and sea lions is part of the Southern California and Baja Gallery.⁴

• Northern Pacific Gallery

  Creatures of the Bering Sea fill this gallery, from southern sea otters and a giant Pacific octopus to puffins and auklets.⁴

• Tropical Pacific Gallery

  This gallery introduces the animals and seascapes of the warm coral reefs and lagoons of the Tropical Pacific.^2,4

• Jelly Dreamscapes

  This immersive world of sea jellies includes species never before seen at the Aquarium.¹

• HoloTheater

  The Aquarium's Ocean Theater has been transformed into a holographic experience.¹

Why it matters

Beyond its exhibits, the Aquarium offers learning for every age, with hands-on activities for families and students and talks by leading scientists.² It is involved in conservation efforts including breeding and rehabilitating endangered species, community science, and scientific diving.² It also hosts cultural and community festivals, and a scholar program supporting students in marine sciences.² Those programs offer chances to connect with nature and learn more about ocean science and conservation.²

Getting there

The Aquarium is at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, on a six-acre site on Rainbow Harbor.^1,2 Along the harbor, the Aquarium even has its own street, Aquarium Way.⁴