What You'll Pay for Parking at the Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific charges $15 per vehicle for standard parking in their main lot. This is the rate for most visitors arriving by car. The parking structure is located on-site at the aquarium's Long Beach location, so you do not need to hunt for street parking or use an off-site lot.

If you hold a valid disabled person placard or license plate, parking is free in designated accessible spaces. These spaces are located near the aquarium entrance. You will need to display your placard or plate visibly on your dashboard or license plate.

Parking is valid for the entire day of your visit, so you can leave and return without paying again. Keep your parking receipt or ticket with you if you exit and re-enter the lot.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard parking at the Aquarium of the Pacific costs $15 per vehicle and is valid for the entire day.
  • Disabled visitors with a valid placard or license plate park free in accessible spaces near the entrance.
  • The parking lot is on-site, so you do not need to search for street parking or use a separate facility.
  • Your parking receipt allows you to re-enter the lot the same day without paying again.

Where to Park and How to Pay

The aquarium's parking structure is directly adjacent to the main building at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach. When you drive in, follow signs to the parking attendant booth or automated pay station. Most visitors pay at the exit booth when they leave, though some entrances have pay-on-entry options.

The lot fills during peak times—typically weekends, school holidays, and summer months. If the main lot is full, the aquarium directs overflow parking to nearby surface lots, which charge the same $15 rate. Arrive early in the day if you want to park closest to the entrance.

Payment methods include cash and credit cards at both the booth and automated stations. If you lose your parking ticket, you can pay a replacement fee at the booth—ask the attendant for the current amount, as this varies.

Discounts and Free Parking Days

The aquarium occasionally offers free or discounted parking as part of special promotions or community events. These are not regular occurrences, so check the aquarium's website or call ahead before your visit if you want to confirm current parking rates and any active promotions.

Some annual membership levels at the aquarium may include parking benefits, though this depends on your membership tier. If you hold a membership, review your benefits documentation or contact the membership office to see whether parking is included.

Alternative Transportation Options

If you prefer not to drive, the Long Beach Transit bus system serves the aquarium. The Blue Line light rail also stops near the waterfront area. Parking your car at home and using public transit can save you the $15 parking fee, though you will need to factor in transit fares and travel time.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in Long Beach and can drop you at the aquarium entrance. This eliminates parking concerns but costs more than the parking fee itself, depending on your distance and time of day.

If you are visiting with a group, splitting the $15 parking cost among multiple people can make driving more economical than individual rideshare trips.

What to Know Before You Arrive

Parking validation or discounts are not offered by the aquarium itself, so the $15 rate applies regardless of how long you stay or what you purchase inside. Plan to pay this amount when you exit the lot.

The parking lot is open during all aquarium operating hours. If you arrive after hours or on a day the aquarium is closed, the lot may be gated or unavailable. Check the aquarium's hours before you visit.

Oversized vehicles, RVs, and trailers may have limited parking options or additional fees. If you are driving a vehicle larger than a standard car, call the aquarium's main line to ask about parking accommodations before you arrive.

Nearby Paid Parking Alternatives

If the aquarium lot is full, several other paid lots operate in the Long Beach waterfront area. The Pike Outlets shopping center and various municipal lots charge rates that typically range from $10 to $20 for the day, though prices vary by lot and time of year. These are a short walk from the aquarium but require you to navigate the surrounding area.

Street parking is available in some neighborhoods near the waterfront, though it is metered and time-limited. Meter rates and time limits vary by block, so read the signs carefully. Street parking is usually cheaper than the aquarium lot but may require you to walk several blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my parking validated inside the aquarium?

No, the aquarium does not offer parking validation or discounts. You pay the full $15 rate regardless of your visit length or purchases. The only exception is if you hold a disabled person placard or license plate, which entitles you to free parking in accessible spaces.

What if I lose my parking ticket?

Tell the attendant at the exit booth that you lost your ticket. You will pay a replacement fee, which the attendant can tell you. Keep your ticket with you throughout your visit to avoid this charge.

Is parking included with an annual membership?

Parking benefits depend on your membership level. Review your membership documentation or contact the aquarium's membership office to confirm whether your tier includes parking. Not all membership levels offer this benefit.

Can I leave and come back the same day without paying again?

Yes, as long as you keep your parking receipt or ticket. When you re-enter, show it to the attendant or scan it at the automated station. If you lose the ticket, you will need to pay the replacement fee.

Are there EV charging stations in the parking lot?

The aquarium's website lists current amenities in the parking structure. Call the main information line or check online before your visit to confirm whether electric vehicle charging is available and whether there is an additional fee.