Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best aquarium in Southern California and one of the top ten aquariums in the United States. The great thing about the aquarium is that it is a fun place for all ages and helps you learn about sea life. It gives an insight into the sea life of the Pacific Ocean. It’s prevalent among locals and tourists as well. I will recommend the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach to add to your California bucket list.
Tips to Explore Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach
- Please spare the whole day for the aquarium and reach on time because it has a lot to offer.
- As I always suggest wearing comfortable shoes when you know you are going to walk during your trip.
- If you are visiting with young kids or toddlers, then bring the stroller that way, it will be easy. They do have a facility of an elevator so you can carry it to the 2nd floor.
- There is a food outlet inside the aquarium.
- Keep the guide handy to check show timings and free tours.
- Do check their website for tickets because they offer different promotions. I got my ticket under $5 off promotion.
- Some of the exhibits are outdoors, and as the aquarium is located on the Rainbow harbor, evening wind might feel chilly hence carry a jacket for precaution.
Things to do in the Aquarium of the Pacific
This aquarium is built in 5-acre land at Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach. They offer more than 15 exhibits and different types of tours and adventures. Aquarium of the Pacific is the best place to plan a one day trip with some fun learning. Once you enter the main building, you will see a giant whale structure hanging from the roof.
Jellyfish touch lab
Jellyfish touch lab was my most favorite exhibit compared to any other. You will surprise to know that Jellies survive without a heart, brain, or lungs. They have a whole display of Jellies where you can see different Jellyfish. There is an open jellyfish display where you can touch the white Jellyfish. The aquarium staff will help you learn about Jellyfish and guide you when and how to touch without harming these beautiful creatures. I have never felt a Jelly Fish before, and it was such a fantastic experience.
June Keyes Penguin Habitat
June Keyes Penguin Habitat is home to twenty Magellanic Penguins. This exhibit designed such a way that penguins get a pool for swimming and nesting areas. That resembles their natural habitat with rocky areas and beaches. The exhibit also has a crawl-in space, where you can sneak in and observe penguins very closely. Life-sized models of penguins representing other species are also on display in the exhibit area.
While I was hoping to see, the penguins resting in their rocky nest, but guess what they were enjoying their swimming competition. It was fun to watch them splashing around.
Seals and Sea Lions Habitat
In Southern California, this aquarium has Seals and sea lions habitat, which has some amazing harbor seals and California sea lions. They also offer a sea lion show twice a day where we can learn more about these animals. You will also experience how they respond to the trainer’s cues. We were running out of time; otherwise, you can schedule an animal encounter with a sea lion. Don’t miss to participate in a training and feeding session.
Tropical Pacific Gallery
Tropical Pacific Galley contains various types of coral reefs. Coral reed is actually made up of thin layers of calcium carbonate. Coral reefs are found all around the world. Coral reefs are one of the factors of the ocean’s most diverse ecosystems. Get a close look at the coral reef in the tropical pacific gallery exhibit. I also learn about how they survive and how we can help them with the changing ocean.
Frogs Dazzling and Disappearing exhibit
This exhibit takes you to the history of amphibians. You will be able to see their life cycles and how they live in different environments. They have lived in forests and deserts as well. They have more than dozens of species on display with the themed environment. The educational graphics and interactive exhibit helped a lot to learn about the threats to these little creatures.
Feeding bird
It was great to see beautiful sea life creatures, but one of the unique things was feeding birds. I know this might sound offbeat to you, but it’s true. They have a bird exhibit, and you can buy grains from there and walk through the exhibit while feeding birds.
