Current ticket prices at the Aquarium of the Pacific

General admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California costs $30.95 for adults, $19.95 for children ages 3 to 11, and $27.95 for seniors 62 and older. Children under 3 enter free. These are the standard walk-up prices you pay at the ticket window or online.

Prices vary slightly depending on when you buy. Tickets purchased online in advance are sometimes discounted by a few dollars compared to same-day purchases, though the difference is small. The aquarium also runs periodic promotions—discounted days, resident rates, or package deals—so checking their website before your visit can save you money.

Parking at the aquarium costs $15 per vehicle if you pay at the lot. Some visitors find it cheaper to use nearby street parking or public lots, depending on the day and time.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult general admission is $30.95; children 3 to 11 are $19.95; seniors 62+ are $27.95; children under 3 are free.
  • Online advance purchase sometimes costs a few dollars less than buying tickets at the door on the day of your visit.
  • The aquarium frequently offers discounts for Southern California residents, military members, and during specific promotional periods.
  • Parking is $15 per vehicle at the aquarium lot, but street parking and nearby public lots may be cheaper depending on the day.
  • Annual memberships are available and pay for themselves after three to four visits if you plan to return.

Discounts and special rates

The Aquarium of the Pacific offers reduced admission for Southern California residents with proof of a current ID showing a local address. Military members and veterans receive a discount with valid military ID. Teachers and school groups also receive group rates when booking in advance.

The aquarium runs seasonal promotions—sometimes discounting admission during slower months or offering package deals that bundle admission with food or merchandise. These change throughout the year, so visiting their official website or calling ahead at (562) 590-3100 will tell you what is currently available.

If you plan to visit more than once or twice a year, an annual membership may be worth the cost. A basic membership typically pays for itself after three or four visits and includes perks like free parking, discounts at the gift shop and restaurant, and the ability to bring guests at reduced rates.

Group rates and school visits

Groups of 15 or more people receive discounted per-person rates. Schools and educational organizations can arrange field trips with special pricing and sometimes access to behind-the-scenes programs or educational presentations led by aquarium staff.

To book a group visit, you need to contact the aquarium's group sales team directly rather than buying individual tickets. They will provide a quote based on your group size and any add-on programs you want. Lead time of at least two weeks is typical, though booking further ahead gives you more flexibility with dates and programs.

What is included in general admission

Your ticket gives you access to all the main galleries and exhibits—the tropical reef, kelp forest, shark lagoon, lorikeet forest, and interactive touch pools. You can spend as much time as you want in each area and revisit exhibits. Most visitors spend three to four hours exploring the full aquarium.

General admission does not include special experiences like the interactive animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, or the 4D theater film, which cost extra. Food and beverages are not included either, though you can bring your own snacks and eat in the designated picnic areas outside.

Special experiences and add-ons

Beyond general admission, the aquarium offers paid add-on experiences. These include interactive encounters where you feed or touch certain animals, guided behind-the-scenes tours, and a 4D theater showing. Prices for these extras range from roughly $10 to $40 depending on the experience, and they are booked separately from your general admission ticket.

Some special experiences have limited time slots or require advance booking, so if there is a specific encounter or tour you want, check availability and book when you purchase your admission ticket. This prevents disappointment if the experience is full on the day you visit.

Planning your visit and saving money

Buying tickets online before you arrive saves a few dollars and lets you skip the ticket line. Many visitors find it worth the small savings, especially if you are visiting on a busy weekend when lines are longer.

Visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend is usually less crowded and sometimes qualifies you for resident or promotional discounts that may not be available on peak days. Checking the aquarium's website or calling ahead will tell you which days have current promotions.

If you live in Southern California or visit the aquarium regularly, an annual membership is often the best value. It covers parking, which alone is $15 per visit, and includes discounts on food and merchandise that add up quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do children under 3 really get in free?

Yes. Children under 3 do not need a ticket. You straightforward bring them in with your group. This applies whether you buy tickets online or at the door.

Can I buy tickets at the door, or do I have to buy them online?

You can buy tickets either way. Online purchase is slightly cheaper and faster on busy days, but the ticket window is open during all operating hours if you prefer to buy in person.

Are there discounts for California residents who don't live in Southern California?

The resident discount typically applies to Southern California addresses only. However, the aquarium runs other promotions throughout the year that may be available to all visitors, so it is worth checking their website for current offers.

What if I want to visit multiple times—is a membership worth it?

If you plan to visit three or more times in a year, a membership usually costs less than paying admission each time. It also includes free parking ($15 per visit) and discounts at the gift shop and restaurant, which add value.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the aquarium?

You can bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages and eat them in the designated outdoor picnic areas. You cannot bring food into the galleries themselves, but the aquarium has a restaurant and snack bar inside if you prefer to buy meals there.