The Aquarium of the Pacific was originally opened to the public as the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific in 1998. Today, it is operated as a nonprofit organization and is an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums facility, welcoming more than 1.5 million annual visitors. It is home to more than 11,000 marine animals across 500 species, displayed in three permanent gallery habitats. The Southern California and Baja Gallery is home to native SoCal species such as the California scorpionfish, the Cortez rainbow wrasse, and the Mexican lookdown. Northern Pacific and Tropical Pacific Galleries showcase the marine plant and animal life of the broader Pacific Ocean, while a ray touch pool allows visitors to get up close and personal with stingrays. Other exhibits include a shark lagoon, a shorebird sanctuary, a penguin habitat, and a 3,200-square-foot aviary housing rainbow lorikeets. The aquarium hosts a variety of annual special events, including a Pacific Islander Festival and an African Heritage Festival.
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, Phone: 562-590-3100
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