What Can Visitors See and Do at the Aquarium of the Pacific?

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California offers a mix of immersive exhibits, live animal encounters, and interactive technology. Visitors can see sea jellies in the new Jelly Dreamscapes experience, watch rescued sea otters and a 200-plus-pound sea turtle, try holographic and VR experiences, and book a boat cruise to see whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Weekend and holiday visits require reservations, and the aquarium is open 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. PST.

Featured Exhibits and Animals

Jelly Dreamscapes

This immersive exhibit focuses on sea jellies, including species never before seen at the aquarium. It also explains how the aquarium provides animal care for these creatures. The exhibit is promoted with a soundless video showing close-ups of sea jellies alongside frogs, fish, octopus, harbor seals, and other sea life.

Rescued and Notable Animals

• Sea otters: Two new otters—a rescued female pup named Sunny and an adult female named Rey—are now on view. Both were deemed nonreleasable to the wild by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The aquarium hopes they will eventually serve as surrogate mothers for orphaned sea otter pups.
• Meatloaf the sea turtle: A rescued sea turtle weighing more than two hundred pounds is viewable in a new sea turtle rehabilitation area starting April 8, 2026.
• Other marine life: Promotional materials show harbor seals, octopus, frogs, and fish among the animals visitors can see.

Marine Species Report Card

The "Know Your Ocean Neighbor" report card highlights the population status of thirty California species, offering context on local marine conservation.

Interactive and Technology Experiences

HoloTheater

The aquarium's Ocean Theater has been transformed into a holographic experience. Information and tickets are available through the aquarium.

Undersea Explorer VR

A dynamic 360° live-action virtual reality experience described as "an immersive viewing experience like no other."

Visitor Guide App

A mobile app is available to help visitors navigate the aquarium.

Boat Adventures

The aquarium offers boat cruises to see whales, dolphins, and sea lions in the wild—an add-on experience beyond the indoor exhibits.

Events and Programs

The aquarium runs virtual and in-person events, including:

• Food Webs – virtual event, Sep 29, 9:00 AM
• Incredible Invertebrates! / ¡Invertebrados Increíbles! – virtual event, Sep 29, 10:00 AM
• Ocean Investigators – Oct 3, 9:00 AM
• Scarium Family Night – seasonal family programming

A full calendar is available under "Upcoming Events" and "More Events."

Planning Your Visit

Admission prices are listed on the aquarium's site; check current rates before your visit since they are not specified in the available materials.

What to Prioritize

If you have limited time, the Jelly Dreamscapes exhibit and the rescued sea otters are the most distinctive current draws. The HoloTheater and VR experience suit visitors interested in technology-enhanced viewing. Boat Adventures require separate planning and are best booked in advance. For families, Scarium Family Night and the virtual event series offer structured programming.