The Aquarium of the Pacific is a marine-life attraction at Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, a day-trip destination from Westminster. It is a Long Beach outing from a one-star inn in Westminster. Its exhibits span Pacific habitats, from sea otters and sharks to sea jellies and Southern California galleries.
- Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.
- Tickets: Online purchases include a timed entry; weekends and holidays require reservations.
- Getting around downtown: The Passport shuttle serves the Aquarium, downtown Long Beach and the Queen Mary.
- Hours: Hours vary by date, so check the official site before you go.
What to See at the Aquarium
The Aquarium of the Pacific brings together marine-life exhibits and galleries centered on Pacific Ocean habitats. Its mission is to promote understanding and stewardship of the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants and ecosystems.
You can see sea otters, sharks, sea jellies and frogs, alongside galleries focused on tropical, northern and Southern California habitats. Jelly Dreamscapes is an immersive experience featuring sea-jelly species not previously seen at the Aquarium.
A visitor guide and map are available in English and Spanish. If you prefer a hard copy, pick one up at the entrance kiosk or Member Services desk.
Getting to Long Beach from Westminster
The Aquarium is at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, and the available transit directions begin at downtown Long Beach’s Transit Mall.
From the Blue Line, exit at Transit Mall station at Pine Avenue and 1st Street, then take the Passport C shuttle to the Aquarium. The Passport serves downtown Long Beach, the Aquarium and the Queen Mary, with arrivals every 8–12 minutes depending on the day and time.
The Aquarium is half a mile from the Downtown Long Beach Transit Mall and about a 10-minute downhill walk from the Blue Line and major bus lines. If you are arranging airport connections for a Westminster trip, the guide to getting from Long Beach Airport to Westminster covers that separate leg.
Times checked November 2026.
Tickets and Visit Timing
Online Aquarium of the Pacific tickets include a selected timed entry, so you do not need a separate reservation after purchasing online. The Aquarium requires reservations on weekends and holidays; children under 3 do not need a reservation.
Tickets are valid from the selected reservation hour through the remainder of that day. Hours can vary by date, so check the official site before you go. That is especially useful when you are coordinating a timed visit with transit or parking.
Parking and the Waterfront Setting
The Aquarium’s parking structure is on the water side of Shoreline Drive, between Chestnut Place and Aquarium Way. Aquarium validation is available.
Outside food is not allowed inside the Aquarium. Picnic tables on the plaza are available on a first-come, first-served basis, giving you an outdoor place to eat near the waterfront.
FAQs
Do Aquarium of the Pacific tickets include a timed entry?
Online ticket purchases include a selected timed entry, and a separate reservation is not needed. The ticket remains valid from that selected hour through the rest of the day.
Does the Aquarium require reservations?
Reservations are required on weekends and holidays. Children under 3 do not need a reservation.
How do you get to the Aquarium from the Blue Line?
Exit at Transit Mall station at Pine Avenue and 1st Street, then take the Passport C shuttle to the Aquarium.
Can you bring food into the Aquarium?
Outside food is not allowed inside. Picnic tables are available on the plaza on a first-come, first-served basis.