The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, ranks among the largest aquariums in the United States, home to over 12,000 marine animals and nearly 50 exhibits that rely on more than a million gallons of Pacific seawater. Its striking wave-inspired architecture mirrors the movement of the ocean itself. Uniquely, it’s the only aquarium in the world dedicated exclusively to the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean.
A visit to this West Coast aquarium offers a chance to get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. At Shark Lagoon, you can come face-to-face with—and even touch—some of the sea’s top predators. Hand-feed vibrant lorikeet birds, watch playful Magellanic penguins, and explore interactive experiences like the bonnethead shark and cownose ray touch pool, the horseshoe crab touch lab, and a hands-on tidepool exhibit.
I suggest if you plan on visiting the aquarium and the surrounding area, just pay for the all day parking at the aquarium. It’s very easy in and out.
The aquarium is a great way to spend a morning, but depending on your pace—or if you’re visiting with kids—you can make your way through all the exhibits fairly quickly. I went at opening and was finished within an hour, hour and a half, but it’s a good thing that the aquarium isn’t the only attraction in the area, as it is anchor to the Pike at Rainbow Harbor, the largest waterfront development in California history.
A Little Bit of History:
It’s fair to say that no pier along the Southern California coast was quite as unique as Long Beach’s Rainbow Pier. Unlike typical pleasure piers that jutted straight out over the waves and ended abruptly, the Rainbow Pier extended more than a quarter-mile into the chilly Pacific before curving gracefully back toward the shore. Spanning 3,800 feet, the massive structure formed a giant horseshoe shape—earning it the fitting name “Rainbow Pier.”
By the 1960s, relentless wave action and shifting tides had started to erode the stability of the Rainbow Pier. At the same time, Long Beach—bolstered by booming oil revenues—began to see Rainbow Lagoon as prime real estate. In 1966, a large-scale land reclamation project reshaped the waterfront, paving the way for what is now the Long Beach Convention Center and the Aquarium of the Pacific. The iconic Rainbow Pier was ultimately replaced by Shoreline Drive, a six-lane roadway connecting the 710 Freeway to Alamitos Avenue.
Nestled among swaying palm trees and manicured landscaping with peaceful views of Rainbow Harbor, this Cape Cod-style village offers a relaxing coastal escape. Shoreline Village is home to 14 restaurants, including my personal favorite, Tequila Jack’s. Most eateries feature scenic waterfront seating, vibrant atmospheres, tasty menus, and tempting happy hour deals. The shopping here is charming and varied, with boutiques selling jewelry, clothing, sweets, and classic tourist souvenirs. My favorite shop was Pirate’s Cove, a unique gem offering pirate and Long Beach themed souvenirs.
The Pike at Rainbow Harbor is excellent for dining, entertainment, and shopping. With stunning waterfront views and top-tier amenities, The Pike at Rainbow Harbor stands out as one of Long Beach’s premier destinations for both locals and visitors. Spanning 369,000 square feet, this lively entertainment district sits right in the heart of downtown Long Beach.
Don’t miss a visit to the Rainbow Harbor Marina Lighthouse, where you’ll find sweeping, panoramic views of the city. This striking, three-story structure stands atop six sturdy columns and was constructed from reinforced concrete to endure earthquakes and tidal surges.
The lighthouse was constructed by the Guy F. Atkinson Company at a cost of $82,000. Much of the station’s equipment was designed and built by Chief Electrician’s Mate John T. Hendix, with assistance from civilian electrician Chester Shey.
From the lighthouse, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Queen Mary and the harbor. The surrounding path is flat, peaceful, and beautifully scenic—perfect for early morning jogs or leisurely walks without the crowds.
Queen Mary – The legendary ocean liner is now a hotel, offering a range of rooms and special packages. Visitors can also choose from several tours, including paranormal experiences—no surprise, since Time Magazine ranks the Queen Mary among the top 10 most haunted places. Check the Queen Mary website for more details, including hotel reservations, special promotions, and annual events.
Long Beach is a filming hot spot. Hundreds of movies and TV shows have filmed at various locations throughout town. A few notable movies and shows include: Ferris Buellers Day Off, American Pie, Coach Carter, Glee, and Dexter.
Have you ever visited Long Beach? What are some of your favorite attractions in the area?
Wander Woman 