The Aquarium of the Pacific is a large public aquarium on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California. Its newest exhibit, Jelly Dreamscapes, is a $2 million immersive gallery of sea jellies that opened on 23 May 2026.
This guide was updated in July 2026. Reservations are now required daily for every visitor, including members, a change some older guides don’t mention. You can book your ticket in advance through Viator to secure your visit.
Quick facts about the Aquarium of the Pacific
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, California 90802 |
| Hours | Daily 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., with extended hours on select days |
| Adult admission | $49.95 |
| Child (3–11) admission | $34.95 |
| Senior (62+) admission | $46.95 |
| Nearest transit | Metro A Line to Downtown Long Beach Station |
| Typical visit duration | 3–4 hours |
Why book Aquarium of the Pacific tickets?
- 🏛️ Over 12,000 animals: More than 100 exhibits span Southern California, Northern Pacific and Tropical Pacific galleries.
- 🎟️ Brand new Jelly Dreamscapes: A $2 million immersive gallery of sea jellies, on view through April 2027.
- 🌿 Sea otters, penguins and sharks: Watch playful otters, Magellanic penguins and 150 sharks up close.
- 📜 Daily shows included: Presentations and animal feedings run throughout the day at no extra cost.
- 💰 Skip the reservation hassle: A VIP upgrade removes the need to book a specific time slot.
Aquarium of the Pacific opening hours
The Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., closing only on Christmas Day. Extended hours until 8 p.m. run on select days throughout the year, especially in summer. Check the hours calendar on the official site before you visit, since the closing time can vary by date. A daily reservation is required for every guest, including members.
Aquarium of the Pacific ticket prices
| Ticket type | Adult | Child (3–11) | Senior (62+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $49.95 | $34.95 | $46.95 |
| Admission + VIP Package | $69.95 | $59.95 | $66.95 |
| Admission + Whale Watch | $92.95 | $66.95 | $82.95 |
| Admission + Harbor Tour | $64.95 | $40.95 | $56.95 |
| Admission + LA Zoo | $68.00 | $51.00 | — |
| Admission + Queen Mary | $76.46 | $62.96 | — |
The VIP Package removes the need for an advance reservation and adds a keepsake lanyard and shopping discounts. Book in advance through Viator to lock in your visit date.
Why book the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass?
- 🎬 Universal Studios Hollywood: Get 1-day general admission to this world-famous theme park and working film studio (included with all 3, 5, or 7-day passes).
- 🎟️ 40+ Top Attractions: Gain entry to the best of LA, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Madame Tussauds, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.
- 💰 Substantial Savings: Save up to 50% on total admission prices compared to purchasing individual tickets at the gate for each site.
- 📱 Instant Digital Pass: No need for paper vouchers; simply download the pass to your smartphone and scan it for easy, contactless entry at every stop.
- ⏱️ Explore at Your Own Pace: Choose a pass duration (1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days) and visit as many attractions as you like within that timeframe for ultimate flexibility.
How to get to the Aquarium of the Pacific
By car, follow signs from Interstate 710 to Shoreline Drive, where the Aquarium’s parking structure is opposite the entrance. By train, take the Metro A Line to Downtown Long Beach Station, then either walk about ten minutes or board the free Passport bus. Long Beach Transit also runs several local bus routes that stop close to the Aquarium.
5 Los Angeles experiences worth booking
- 🎬 See how the movie magic works on the Warner Bros Studio tour.
- 🎢 Take on the rides and enjoy the shows at Universal Studios Hollywood.
- 🚌 Ogle celebrity homes in Hollywood and Beverly Hills from an open air bus.
- 🥾 Hike up to the Hollywood Sign, guided by comedians and their dogs.
- 🚲 Pedal along the coast on a Santa Monica and Venice guided e-bike tour.
Parking at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Parking costs $8 for the day with Aquarium validation, in the structure a short walk from the entrance. At the time of writing, most lift access at this City-owned structure is out of order. A drop-off area at the Aquarium’s front entrance is available for anyone needing extra assistance.
How long to spend at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Given the scale of the collection, spanning more than 100 exhibits and three main galleries, most visitors spend three to four hours exploring at a relaxed pace.
Aquarium of the Pacific accessibility
The Aquarium and its exhibits are wheelchair accessible throughout, with free wheelchairs available at the Information Desk. Guests using wheelchairs can touch animals in any touch pool with staff assistance. Service animals are welcome, though they aren’t permitted inside Lorikeet Forest, a free-flight aviary, or during behind-the-scenes and animal encounter experiences. Free audio tours and Braille guides support blind visitors, while closed captions and sign-language interpreters, booked four days ahead, support deaf visitors. Sensory bags are available at no cost through the Aquarium’s KultureCity partnership.
What to see at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Jelly Dreamscapes. This newly reimagined Pacific Visions gallery holds 25 habitats and more than 7,700 gallons of saltwater, showcasing hundreds of glowing sea jellies from around the world.
Shark Lagoon. Get close to around 150 sharks of various species, with touch pools where smaller sharks and rays can be gently handled.
June Keyes Penguin Habitat. Watch Magellanic penguins go about their day, with exhibit panels and interactive screens explaining their care.
Sea Otter Habitat. Playful otters swim among kelp and fish, one of the Aquarium’s most photographed exhibits.
Tropical Pacific Gallery. Colourful coral reef displays highlight the biodiversity of warm Pacific waters and the threats facing coral ecosystems today.
Moon Jelly Touch Lab. Set outdoors on Harbor Terrace, this hands-on lab lets visitors gently touch live moon jellies under staff guidance.
Practical visitor tips for the Aquarium of the Pacific
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book your reservation ahead | A daily reservation is required for every visitor, including members. |
| Consider the VIP Package | It removes the advance reservation requirement, useful for flexible plans. |
| Check the hours calendar first | Closing time extends to 8 p.m. on select days, especially in summer. |
| Visit the Moon Jelly Touch Lab outdoors | It’s located on Harbor Terrace, separate from the main Jelly Dreamscapes gallery. |
| Bring your parking validation | The $8 daily rate only applies once the Aquarium validates your ticket. |
Aquarium of the Pacific FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need a reservation? | Yes, reservations are required daily for all visitors, including members. |
| What’s new this summer? | Jelly Dreamscapes, a $2 million exhibit of sea jellies, opened on 23 May 2026. |
| Can I touch the jellyfish? | Only at the outdoor Moon Jelly Touch Lab, not inside the main gallery. |
| How much is parking? | $8 for the day with Aquarium validation. |
| Is the Aquarium wheelchair accessible? | Yes, throughout, with free wheelchair loans at the Information Desk. |
Things to do near the Aquarium of the Pacific
The Pike Outlets and Shoreline Village offer a short walk to waterfront shopping, dining and a historic carousel.
The Queen Mary is a short walk across the harbour, a retired ocean liner now open for tours and dining.
Long Beach Museum of Art gives visitors a short drive to a coastal collection overlooking the Pacific.
Rainbow Harbor offers a short walk along the waterfront, with boat rentals and harbour views.
The Battleship USS Iowa is a short drive away, a preserved naval battleship open for self-guided tours.
What to visit tomorrow
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro is about 30 minutes away, a smaller, free aquarium focused on the local Southern California coast.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla is roughly two hours south, run by one of the world’s leading oceanographic research institutions.
The SEA LIFE Aquarium in Carlsbad is about 90 minutes away, a family-friendly aquarium next to LEGOLAND California.
Ocean Institute in Dana Point is around an hour south, blending marine science with a working tall ship.
The Ty Warner Sea Center in Santa Barbara is roughly two hours north, a hands-on marine centre built on a historic pier.
More Los Angeles travel
Other Los Angeles travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Exposition Park attractions: How best to tackle the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, California Science Center and California African American Museum.
- Key information for visiting the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles.
- Why Descanso Gardens is an easy escape from LA.
- Plan your visit to the Hollywood Museum.
- What you need to know before doing the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood.
