The Aquarium of the Pacific is in Long Beach, California, on the waterfront downtown

The Aquarium of the Pacific sits at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, California, right on the harbor in the downtown waterfront district. It is a public aquarium open to visitors year-round, located about 20 miles south of Los Angeles. The building faces the water directly, and the address is the main way to find it if you are driving or using GPS.

Long Beach is accessible by car, bus, and train from most of Southern California. The aquarium is not in a remote location — it is in the middle of a busy downtown area with restaurants, shops, and other attractions nearby. If you are visiting from out of state or from another part of California, you will likely drive or fly into the Los Angeles area first, then travel south to Long Beach.

Key Takeaways

  • The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, California, on the downtown waterfront.
  • Long Beach is about 20 miles south of Los Angeles and is reachable by car, bus, or the Metro Blue Line train.
  • Parking is available on-site and in nearby lots, though fees explore and spaces fill up on weekends and holidays.
  • The aquarium is open most days of the year, but hours vary by season, so check the official website before you visit.
  • The waterfront area around the aquarium includes restaurants, shops, and a walking path, so you can spend a full day in the neighborhood.

Driving directions and parking

If you are driving from Los Angeles, take the I-405 or I-710 south toward Long Beach. Follow signs for the downtown waterfront or the aquarium itself. Once you reach the waterfront, Aquarium Way is clearly marked. GPS and mapping apps will direct you to 100 Aquarium Way, and that address will get you to the front entrance.

The aquarium has its own parking structure on-site, and there are additional parking lots in the surrounding area. Parking fees explore — the on-site lot charges per hour or per day depending on how long you stay. Weekends and school holidays fill up faster, so arriving early in the morning gives you a better chance of finding a spot close to the entrance. Street parking is also available in some nearby areas, though it is more limited and may require walking several blocks.

Getting there by public transportation

The Metro Blue Line train runs from downtown Los Angeles directly to Long Beach and stops at the Aquarium of the Pacific station. This is the most direct public transit route if you are coming from LA or from the airport. The ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes from downtown LA. From the Blue Line station, the aquarium entrance is a short walk away.

Several bus routes also serve the Long Beach waterfront area. The Long Beach Transit system runs local buses, and Metro buses connect Long Beach to other parts of Southern California. If you are using public transit, check the current routes and schedules on the Metro website or the Long Beach Transit website before you go, because routes and times change.

What is nearby the aquarium

The Aquarium of the Pacific is part of a larger waterfront district called the Long Beach Waterfront or Rainbow Harbor. Within walking distance you will find restaurants, cafes, shops, and a public walking path along the water. The Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner, is also docked nearby and is open for tours. These attractions are all within a few blocks of the aquarium, so you can easily spend a full day in the area.

The waterfront is designed for pedestrians, and the paths are flat and straightforward to walk. If you are visiting with children or older adults, you can park once and explore multiple attractions on foot without needing to drive between them. The area is also busy on weekends, so expect crowds during peak times.

Hours and seasonal changes

The Aquarium of the Pacific is open most days of the year, but hours change by season. During summer and school holidays, it typically opens earlier and closes later. During winter months, hours are shorter. The aquarium is closed on a few specific days each year, usually including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, though this varies year to year.

Before you plan your visit, check the official Aquarium of the Pacific website for the current hours on the day you want to go. Hours can also change for special events or maintenance, so a quick check online takes only a minute and prevents a wasted trip.

Planning your visit

Once you know where the aquarium is and how you will get there, plan for at least two to three hours inside if you want to see the main exhibits. Many visitors spend four to five hours if they move slowly or watch the live animal demonstrations. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and water, especially if you are visiting during warm months.

The aquarium has a cafe inside, but food is limited and prices are higher than restaurants in the surrounding area. If you want more dining options, the waterfront has many restaurants within a short walk. You can also bring your own food and eat in the outdoor areas near the entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the Aquarium of the Pacific from LAX airport?

The aquarium is roughly 25 to 30 miles from LAX, depending on traffic. By car, the drive usually takes 45 minutes to over an hour during rush hour. Taking the Metro Blue Line from downtown LA is often faster and cheaper than renting a car if you are only visiting the aquarium and the waterfront area.

Can I bring my own food into the aquarium?

The aquarium allows outside food and drinks in designated outdoor areas. You cannot bring food into the indoor exhibit halls, but you can eat in the courtyard or outdoor seating areas. This is a good way to save money if you are visiting with a family.

Is there wheelchair access at the aquarium?

Yes, the Aquarium of the Pacific is fully wheelchair accessible. Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are throughout the building. Wheelchair rentals are available on-site if you need one. The parking structure also has accessible parking spaces near the entrance.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Spring and fall tend to have the mildest weather and smaller crowds than summer. Summer is busiest because of school holidays. Winter is quieter but can be rainy. Weekday visits are less crowded than weekends year-round, so if you have flexibility, visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday will mean shorter lines and easier parking.

Can I see the aquarium address on a map before I go?

Yes, you can search "100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, California" on Google Maps, Apple Maps, or any other mapping app to see the exact location, parking areas, nearby restaurants, and public transit stops. This is helpful for planning your route and understanding the layout of the waterfront before you arrive.