23 Aquariums in CALIFORNIA (Breathtaking, Phenomenal, & Mesmerizing)
The Earth has more water than land.
In fact, 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water.
But did you know that over 80% of the oceans remain undiscovered?
All the undiscovered parts of the ocean mean that there are still a lot of marine species that remain unknown to man.
Who knows, there might be a crossbreed of a stingray and jellyfish somewhere deep down the waters!
Thankfully, some dedicated institutions and facilities showcase and care for some of the marine animals that have been discovered.
California is home to many aquariums that provide an interactive and educational experience to everyone!
Scroll through the article to find out more about these amazing aquariums.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Fishing Lakes in California.
Aquariums in Los Angeles, California
1. Roundhouse Aquarium (Promotes Ocean Study)
Roundhouse Aquarium started its journey to promote the study of the oceans, tidelands, and beaches of Southern California.
Until today, the aquarium continues its mission by providing engaging, hands-on, and informative classes to students.
They also offer onsite and online classes, some free, others with a $175 fee.
The aquarium also maintains its stand on advocacy of spreading information about marine life by giving access to the aquariums for free; they only encourage the students and visitors to donate a minimum of $2 to help them continue their operations.
You can check out different species in their four aquarium galleries: the Marine Habitat Gallery, Education Gallery, Marine Science Gallery, and Immersion Gallery.
Address: Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
2. Aquarium of the Pacific (Largest SoCal Aquarium)
From baby sea otters, cuttlefishes, and jellyfish to colorful coral reefs to the dazzling diversity of amphibians—all these amazing animals are in one place!
Aquarium of the Pacific is the largest aquarium in the Southern California region.
It has around 12,000 animals from various species showcased in more than 100 displays.
The aquarium features educational programs, like lectures and hands-on activities, facilitated by leading marine scientists.
These activities and experiences are for people of all ages; the aquarium aims to ignite a sense of wonder, respect, and safekeeping of the oceans and their inhabitants.
Tickets for aquarium admission start at $26.95.
Address: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
3. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (Interactive Marine Education)
The waters hold a lot of secrets.
Learning about the ocean and all the animals that live in it shouldn’t be daunting but exciting.
And the best way to learn about the topics is through an enjoyable, interactive, and hands-on approach.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has not stopped showcasing and teaching the people about Southern California’s rich and diverse local sea life.
You can see all the sea animals in their aquariums, interpretive displays, and museum collections.
The aquarium has various exhibits where you and your kids can dive into an informal marine biology education, including awareness of sea life and research.
The exhibits are as follows: Susanne Lawrenz-Miller Exhibit Hall, Exploration Center, Aquatic Nursery, and Virginia Reid Moore Marine Research Library.
Marine biology is made fun and accessible through the creative exhibits and amazing people behind Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.
Address: 3720 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro, CA 90731
4. California Science Center (Connects People, Plants & Animals)
People, plants, animals, and everything else are connected.
Learning about the symbiotic relationship between humans, animals, and other natural resources should start while you’re young.
Visiting museums, parks, and other facilities where you can deep-dive into this topic can spark a wave of passion for kids.
But California Science Center is not only for kids; adults still have a lot to learn, too!
The facility has galleries that will teach you about various ecosystems.
They have ten zones that display different ecological principles, such as the Kelp Forest, Rocky Shore, and Deep-Sea Vents, to name a few.
All their permanent galleries are free; only their IMAX Theatre will require you to buy tickets online.
Address: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
5. Heal the Bay Aquarium (Advocates for Santa Monica Bay)
The Heal the Bay Aquarium has been a passionate advocate for Santa Monica Bay for over three decades.
It is a great place not only for marveling at the beauty of the aquariums and the sea animals but also for furthering your knowledge about the water and sea life and the advocacy.
They have Touch Tanks, where you and your kids can interact with starfishes, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, and more.
They also have a Rocky Reef, which is home to moray eels and sea hares; a Kelp Forest; Tidal Surge for juvenile fishes, anemones, and others; and more amazing exhibits to explore!
If visiting the aquarium sparks your advocate side, you can also sign up to volunteer for beach cleanups and other programs.
Address: 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Also see our article on Planetariums in California.
Aquariums in Sacramento, California
1. Sacramento Zoo (Enriching Experiences)
A place that provides enrichment for your kids and you should be the first item on your list.
It’s best to expose your children to various animals while young to ignite a sense of curiosity and responsibility to become better stewards of the animals and nature.
Luckily, there is a perfect spot in Sacramento. California.
Albeit a small exhibit, the zoo has few types of amphibians and fishes in Sacramento Zoo.
The zoo takes care of these animals and practices responsible breeding to maintain the balance in the population of their species.
You can watch, interact and learn cool facts about the various animals in the zoo.
You can also find other animals in the zoo, such as iguanas, turtles, lions, cheetahs, owls, parrots, and many more!
Address: 3930 W Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822
2. SeaQuest Folsom (Magical Animal Encounters)
Seeing animals that you would most likely see in the while in front of you is such a magical experience.
How awesome would it be to see sharks, dolphins, stingrays, and other sea animals up close?
When you visit Sea Quest Folsom, you will see how fishes and other sea mammals go about their day underwater.
But you will not only see fish; the facility is home to over 1,200 animals of 300 different species.
The facility also offers activities on being a zookeeper, which is a perfect educational experience for kids.
You can purchase tickets for each activity ranging from $13.99 to $79.99 or bundle tickets starting from $49.99.
Address: 430 Palladio Pkwy #1801, Folsom, CA 95630
Also see our article on Movie Theaters in California.
Aquariums in San Diego, California
1. SeaWorld San Diego (Must-Visit for Marine Lovers)
For all marine animal lovers, SeaWorld San Diego is a must-visit spot.
The park has various activities and exhibitions that you can see, such as Orca Encounter, Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight, and Dolphin Adventures.
You can tour the aquariums and marvel at the beauty of the remarkable animals, including beluga whales, walruses, sharks, harbor seals, penguins, and so much more!
You can also closely interact with the animals in their touch pools and shallow enclosures.
Plus, the park has extreme rides you can enjoy once the aquarium tour is over!
Remember to bring your swimsuits and extra clothes!
Address: 500 SeaWorld Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
2. Birch Aquarium (Encourages Marine Interest)
Are your kids showing interest in marine life?
Then, you must head to Birch Aquarium!
The aquarium has more than 60 habitats with a stunning variety of colorful marine life from the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond.
They have a behind-the-scenes tour where you can see the aquarium’s most famous animals behind the spotlight.
You can also enroll your kids in their week-long summer camp, where they can do fun activities, including playing games, creative crafts, engaging in science activities, surfing, snorkeling, and interacting with all the marine animals in the facility!
Who says you can’t have fun and learn at the same time?
Address: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
3. Sea Life Aquarium (Perfect Aquarium Date)
Are you planning a date but need to know where to go?
You can never go wrong with visiting an aquarium!
Sea Life Aquarium has educational activities, like behind-the-scenes tours, talks, animal feeding, etc.
You can “animal-watch” seahorses, rays, penguins, sharks, jellyfish, and other amazing sea animals as they go on about their days.
They also have a private dining experience with a diverse menu to cater to your delicate palate.
You can also hop off to LEGOLAND Resort at the end of your aquarium date to enjoy thrill rides and other attractions!
Now, that’s a good deal!
Tickets start from $89.
Address: LEGOLAND California Resort, 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
4. Living Coast Discovery Center (Advocates Coastal Conservation)
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge founded the Living Coast Discovery Center intending to build a connection and take care of coastal environments.
As a non-profit organization, the aquarium relies on the community’s support to help the organization continue its advocacy and efforts for the conservatorship of various animals.
Living Coast Discovery Center continues to educate kids and kids alike about marine life after more than 30 years.
Schools can partner with the aquarium to provide teachers with resources or to do educational outreach programs.
You, your friends, and your family will surely enjoy onsite interactive tours!
You can hand-feed rays, have an eagle use you as a perch, or get up close and personal with reptiles; there are so many fun things to do at the aquarium!
Show these animals you care about them by acquiring a membership, volunteering, or donating.
Address: 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Also see our article on Date Ideas in California.
Aquariums in Orange County, California
1. Ocean Institute (Premiere Marine Experience)
Calling all marine lovers!
You can have the premiere marine experience at Ocean Institute.
Although their aquariums are smaller than the other facilities, the Ocean Institute still has a lot of variety of sea animals for you to see.
But, the institute is more known for its excursions.
Why limit yourself to an indoor aquarium when you can go into the ocean to see the animals in their natural habitat?
They have a research vessel, Sea Explorer, an educational floating lab that takes passengers to an unforgettable, breathtaking view of dolphins, whales, and sea lions.
The Spirit Of Dana Point ship also takes you to a real-life experience as a crew where you help raise sail, handle lines, and steer the ship.
Now, that is an experience of a lifetime!
Address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
2. Orange Coast College Aquarium (Student-Run Aquarium)
Orange Coast College Aquarium, officially named the Dennis Kelly Public Aquarium, is the primary resource for training and education at the Marine Science Department.
The student-run aquarium showcases the students’ capabilities through their active role in the facility’s design, maintenance, and management.
The department is the perfect place to get a headstart on your marine biology goals through its Aquarium Science Certification program.
The aquarium also offers private tours to disseminate information about the diversity of marine life in the facility, which is perfect if the college is one of your prospects.
Academics aside, you can also visit the facility during public hours during the fall and spring semesters.
Address: Lewis Center, 2701 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
Also see our article on Indoor Activities in California.
Aquariums in Bay Area, California
1. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center (Highly Interactive Aquarium)
Want to know more about the ocean?
Want to get up close and personal with sea animals?
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, located on the wavy shores of Stearns Wharf, is a highly interactive aquarium where you can have close encounters with Two-spot Octopus, Moon Jellies, Giant Pacific Seahorses, and more.
To indulge in your deep-diving itch, they also have an intensive collection of animal remains and artifacts dedicated to helping you and the rest of the community understand the natural and cultural history of the region.
They also have camps and classes facilitated by professionals making learning a fun experience for your kids.
Tickets to tour the aquarium and join activities cost $14 to $19.
Address: 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
2. Aquarium of the Bay (Focus on Local Aquatic Animals)
Some aquariums may import sea animals from various places, while Aquarium of the Bay focuses on local aquatic animals from the San Francisco Bay and adjacent bodies of water.
The aquarium has the largest exhibit in the area, with two tunnels holding more than 750,000 gallons of water from the Bay.
You will find green moray eels, wolf eels, juvenile swell sharks, orange garibaldi, and much more!
You can also go to their Touch the Bay exhibit, where you can touch and interact with bat rays, skates, sharks, and other marine animals.
Be prepared to fall in love with all these fantastic animals!
Best to purchase their membership to avail of discounted tickets and support their cause, too!
Address: PIER 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133
3. Steinhart Aquarium (Leaders in Bio-Diversity Research)
An aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum make up the core of Steinhart Aquarium.
The aquarium is one of the leaders in championing biodiversity research and exploration, environmental education, and sustainability.
You will surely stroll through the facility with your mouth wide open with their seven large exhibits: California Coast, Water Planet, Philippine Coral Reef, Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed, The Swamp, Osher Rainforest, and African Penguin.
Just the aquarium itself has over 40,000 sea animals from more than 900 species; now, that’s diversity!
Aside from the exhibit, the aquarium continues educating and inspiring communities to advocate for the oceans and their inhabitants.
Address: Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
4. Central Coast Aquarium (Engaging Educational Programs)
Same with its unreachable depth, the ocean holds so many secrets!
But you can learn facts about the oceans and their inhabitants through programs and exhibits.
Central Coast Aquarium provides engaging and exciting programs where you can learn about the animals, how to take care of them, and how to ensure they are safe and protected.
The aquarium is an advocate for continuous learning and embracing stewardship.
The aquarium also holds activities like diving and beach cleanups, where you can volunteer with your peers.
Be the voice of the oceans and be an active participant in taking care of marine life.
Address: 50 San Juan St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
5. Shark Experience at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (360-Degree Shark View)
Are you fascinated with the formidable, majestic sharks?
You can feel as if you’re swimming with them when you visit Shark Experience at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom!
Their tunnels provide a 360-degree view of sharks swimming through the waters.
You can observe the sharks and occasional divers through their viewing gallery.
Sharks are described as aggressive and dangerous, but they are just misunderstood creatures prone to mistreatment.
The aquarium makes an effort to help maintain the balance of the shark population.
Go in fascinated and leave with a newfound perspective on the species.
Access to the Shark Experience is included in the park’s ticket.
Address: 1001 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589
6. Cabrillo High School Aquarium (Educational Marine Science)
Are you planning the next trip for your class?
Cabrillo High School Aquarium is the perfect place to take your students on an educational marine science trip.
What began as a school club has now become a collaborative partnership between students, the school, the district, and the business community.
Bringing your students to the aquarium will expose them to the habitat where various species live and thrive.
The aquarium provides cross-curricular, hands-on education to its visitors of all ages.
The aquarium access is free during their open house, but you can also schedule a free private tour for your class.
Address: 4350 Constellation Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436, USA
7. Crab Cove Visitor Center and Aquarium (Small yet Diverse Aquarium)
Albeit a small aquarium compared to the others, Crab Cove Visitor Center and Aquarium’s 800-gallon aquarium system have a wide variety of sea creatures that you can see.
For over 40 years, the aquarium has connected marine and shoreline life through its activities and exhibits.
The facility has interactive stations where you can see microscopic animals, get a lug worm’s POV, or assemble crab parts.
Fish feeding, bird watching, and story times are just some of the events in the aquarium.
These entertaining activities are the aquarium’s way of increasing the community’s understanding of the importance of San Francisco Bay.
Touring the aquarium and volunteering to help its advocacy will provide the perfect bonding experience with your family!
Address: 1252 McKay Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
8. Seymour Marine Discovery Center (Interactive Marine Science)
How would it feel to touch a shark?
Well, no need to daydream when you can feel how shark skin feels in Seymour Marine Discovery Center!
The community-supported education center provides interactive marine science education to all ages.
The facility has indoor and outdoor exhibits.
You will be greeted by life-size elephant seal sculptures and one of the world’s biggest blue whale skeletons, Ms. Blue.
You can interact with and touch a swell shark in their inside exhibits, but no need to worry; they don’t bite!
Friendly warning, be prepared to watch lots of marine life shows after your visit!
You’ve been warned!
Address: 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
9. The Marine Mammal Center (Dedicated to Marine Mammal Care)
You’ve seen how vulnerable sea lions, seals, and other sea mammals are on various platforms, but have you wondered how you can help?
The Marine Mammal Center is dedicated to ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education.
They are the leaders in researching and innovating veterinary techniques that ensure safe and successful sea mammal rehabilitation.
Although the facility is not an aquarium, you can still interact with their rescued seals and other animals.
The facility has over 1,300 volunteers that help it continue its mission, and you can be one of them, too!
You can apply to be a volunteer through their website.
Address: 2000 Bunker Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965
10. Monterey Bay Aquarium (Educational Tours and Programs)
How do sea otters live their daily lives?
Does a smack of jellyfish really glow underwater?
Do stingrays really have a smiley face?
You will find the answers to these questions when you visit Monterey Bay Aquarium!
The facility has over 75,000 animals, from abalones to barreleyes to zebra sharks.
You can explore one habitat to another with the aquarium’s 10 flashy displays.
Discover how these cute animals can be deadly and gigantic ones can be the most vulnerable with the aquarium’s education tours and programs.
Your trip will always be exciting with all the animals to see and interact with!
Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
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Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best Aquariums in Texas and Florida.