Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Fantastic experience: I loved the aquarium and appreciate what the workers do for the animals. Even though some of the exhibits are closed, they still made it an enjoyable and interactive experience. I can't wait to visit again when all the exhibits are open!

Negative experience: The place sucks they don't let service dogs in so that kept me out because I need my dog with me very disrespectful

Fantastic experience: We love to visit the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and are excited for when the main exhibit hall reopens. The staff are friendly and informative. Come for a grunion run if you can.

Positive experience: Aquarium is small but enjoyable. Especially the nursery. Parking is $1 an hour, and it's a nice way to spend the day if you add in the beach and tide pools. The swings and playground on the beach also nice. Bathrooms are easily accessible.

Positive experience: It’s a nice small place. Saw some really cool stuff in there.

Fantastic experience: It's amazing place for both kids and adults but unfortunately it's closed now for renovations this is June 2025 and staff said it will be reopen early 2026

Negative experience: Nobody updated that the aquarium was still closed. We drove 2 hrs to get here. It was not worth it and the people were questionable that were there.

Fantastic experience: great little free aquarium touch pool is always a hit They also have community events and conservation projects where they give back to the San Pedro community.

Fantastic experience: Aquarium is free, but donations are welcome Awesome place to go with the family! You can touch baby sharks The nursery and educational center is fun to observe. It will only get better in the Fall of 2026. Consider going to the gift shop it's full of great suveniors,toys,baby items, and more.

Positive experience: Nice little aquarium. However, I didn't realize the exhibit hall was closed during our most recent visit. The "exploration" education center was open and fun for the kids at least.

Fantastic experience: Staff was so friendly. It was a great way to spend an hour with kids

Fantastic experience: We went for the grunion hatching and it was very informative and fun. All my family loved it.

Positive experience: It was 85% closed due to remodeling.. but they had 2 small sections open plus and outside fish tank where people can touch the little sharks plus they did demonstration on hatching the grunion eggs which was pretty cool

Fantastic experience: I have fond memories of visiting this aquarium as a child—my very first field trip was here. I remember being completely captivated by the vibrant tanks and the incredible variety of sea life. It sparked a fascination with marine animals that has stayed with me ever since. Today, the aquarium remains a wonderful place to explore and learn. It offers an engaging, educational experience for visitors of all ages, with exhibits that highlight the beauty and complexity of ocean ecosystems. From jellyfish and sea turtles to sharks and colorful reef fish, the displays provide an up-close look at creatures from all over the world’s oceans. The aquarium also emphasizes the importance of marine conservation, shedding light on the fragile balance of underwater ecosystems and the threats they face from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. One of the standout aspects of the aquarium is its dedicated and knowledgeable staff. They’re always available to answer questions, provide interesting facts, and enhance the visitor experience with their passion for ocean life. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning after many years, this aquarium continues to be a place of wonder, discovery, and learning for everyone who walks through its doors.

Fantastic experience: Free to enter, though recommended donations are displayed (and worth doing) This was a lovely centre which balances education with fun for all ages. There is a wealth of information, made accessible to all and I heartily recommend you visit.

Positive experience: Took my daughter for a nice date, but we found out half of the aquarium was closed due to remodeling. Only 2 sections were open, and she got to touch the sharks

Fantastic experience: Lovely little aquarium with friendly staff and a large variety of animals to watch and touch. Adjacent to tide pools that provide a real look at sea life in the actual sea! The Family Membership is reasonably priced and worthwhile for multiple visits per year.

Negative experience: the black girl and white girl greeting is that day were rude and acted like they’re hard of hearing nothing to see here everything was shut down (main hall under renovation until 2026…) if you want donations get volunteers that have good hospitality and manners at the very least

Positive experience: A lot of it was closed for construction. What was available was cool. I would have been really annoyed if it wasn't donation entry. Parking was cheap, a couple of bucks compared to the other beaches. It was cold and windy the day we went but the beach and playground looked clean. I'm not sure we'll be back to the aquarium. We'll probably come back for the other museums near by and to try the trolley/beach.

Fantastic experience: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a great spot to bring the kids for a quick and educational visit. Although most of the facility is currently closed for renovations, the small section that remains open is still engaging and well worth the trip. Located right next to the beach, the aquarium offers the bonus of a nearby playground and benches, making it easy to extend your visit with some outdoor fun. It’s a simple, low-key outing that combines learning and nature in one convenient stop.

Fantastic experience: We're members and also came in with a school field trip today! It was so much fun and the staff here are so great at what they do! The kids and parents learned a lot!

Positive experience: I only give 3 stars bc the main exhibit is closed. They're renovating it, it hasn't been renovated since the 80s so, I can't wait to see the new upgrade early 2026.

Fantastic experience: This was a great visit but it's under construction currently. My little ones still enjoyed it. I just wish they could have gotten the full experience. Staff were amazing and kind.

Fantastic experience: An amazing aquarium to go to for a fun little outing. Lots of interactive things to do. Right across the parking lot from the beach so it's perfect to make a day out of it. I've lived in Pedro all my life and will never get bored of it. They also host activities outside of the aquarium like the grunion run, beach cleanup etc.

Fantastic experience: Free admission! It's somewhat small, but a good place to take your family on the weekends!

Positive experience: Love visiting every time I'm in San Pedro. Lots to see and do at this aquarium.

Fantastic experience: Really excited to see what new things they have in store for this place . Even though it’s remodeling they still have a neat mini area of things for people to touch and look at definitely a check out!

Fantastic experience: To be honest, this place is killing aquarium of the Pacific. It's free to enter, and it has everything you need from an aquarium. Shark petting, a ton of information. I absolutely love it. Thank you San pedro.

Fantastic experience: Still one of the best, most informative museums I've ever been to. Can't recommend enough, great for adults and children alike.

Fantastic experience: Small, but fun to walk around with little ones. The place is currently still under renovation. It's still nice for a good 30 minutes with toddlers.

Fantastic experience: Great small aquarium! Parking is $1 per hour and the aquarium is free, so it’s a great cheap activity. Plus, there’s tide pools close by!

Fantastic experience: I love this place. Cute, small non-commercial place with dedicated staff makes for a fun morning or afternoon. I have been at least a dozen times over the years and each time is a pleasure. Although not easy to get there by bus, the surrounding area is full of stuff to do like the beach and hiking.

Fantastic experience: Nice smaller aquarium. Free admission (donation accepted). Although main exhibit hall is being renovated, the other exhibits were fun to look at

Positive experience: We visited while they were under construction and were still able to see some pretty cool organisms. We watched a clip on nightlife, then explored the museum. Got to touch a baby shark egg that was maturing in a tank, and see our first seahorses in real life along with some sharks and others. Unfortunately, no pictures as I was being present in my experience. It’s definitely a quick and inexpensive adventure to have with kids as it’s free and parking is cheap. There is also a beach nearby for exploring.

Negative experience: This was my 2nd time here. The first time was great. It was very interactive and fun for the children. So, I was looking forward to returning. Unfortunately, the main area was closed, and the areas that were open were no longer interactive. I regretted recommending this aquarium to friends. It was very disappointing!

Positive experience: This is a lovely small aquarium! Your kids can have a great time playing, exploring, and even touching some of the exhibits.

Fantastic experience: honestly my daughters favorite aquarium we love it from the touching tank to all the activities they have for the kids are just amazing the staff are so knowledgeable and friendly perfect for any day of fun learning

Fantastic experience: It was fun and free aquarium. Parking is for $1 per hour. Closed to playground and beach. Will visit again next time.

Fantastic experience: This is a cool little marine viewing tanks. Shows the local fish and marine life. I took my 8 month old granddaughter. She seemed to be mesmerized at the fish. Didn't have time to see everything. I donated around $20. For the entry. Everyone should donate, they have a nice aquarium going on and it could go to something good. The place is clean and it has a gift shop.

Fantastic experience: This is the best small Marine museum that I have been to. Very interesting. Well maintained. Clever displays allowing kids to interact with the environment. Very reasonable entry fees. $1 for children. $5 for adults $3 for senior citizens.

Fantastic experience: We had the Thompson Family Reunion here in late August. The children were thrilled to be there and some toured 3 to 4 times. Excellent staff, friendly and knowledgeable.

Positive experience: Very cool place. Super nice and informative girls at the entrance

Fantastic experience: Lots of interesting staff, for kids from 4 to 15. Free of charge, but it's recommended to make a donation 7$ adults, 3$ kids

Fantastic experience: Great place to visit with family. It was optional to pay to go in, but we did because every little bit helps. We were surprised that many people chose to just walk in without donating at least a few dollars. The staff were very knowledgeable and so kind. They took time to explain to my boys about the animals there. Easy parking and access to the beach right after. Made for a great day! Facility was clean and nice.

Fantastic experience: It's small, it's old and a bit dated, it was full of kids running about making noise and it was wonderful! We saw some really neat fish and learned some stuff about our coastline. It isn't as cool as that other aquarium over the bridges but it's a whole lot less money so if you're on a budget, with a lot of other inexpensive things to do in the area, I definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: Amazing aquarium where I was able to see some things for the first time in my life. They also have a lot of hands on learning exhibits, as well as making parts that are usually behind the scenes, a part of the aquarium. Delightful staff as well. If you are in the area definitely stop by.

Fantastic experience: Super cute place and definitely bigger than it looks.

Fantastic experience: It was actually a great place to explore, not to mention, it’s free admission (suggested donation $7/adult, $3/kid) Parking rate is fare too ($1 per hour) Bonus points: Cabrillo beach is just across the street. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, California, offers a charming coastal escape with a rich history and diverse attractions. The beach is split into two areas: the inner harbor, ideal for families and windsurfers, and the outer beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Cabrillo Beach boasts beautiful views, tide pools, and a historic bathhouse. The nearby Cabrillo Marine Aquarium adds an educational element to your visit, and ample picnic areas make it great for a day out. However, the water quality can sometimes be an issue, so it's wise to check current conditions before heading out. Overall, it's a lovely spot for relaxation and exploration. Love spending time at Cabrillo Beach! Visited 4th of July!

Fantastic experience: Our daughters had an amazing time at this aquarium. Smaller than Long Beach, but they were still able to learn and experience a lot during their time there. The beach shares the same parking lot so we were able to spend time there. We had a blast and we cannot wait to go back!

Positive experience: Great little museum, looked good for a family. Unfortunately our little one was too little, but he still loved looking at all the big aquariums they have. I would recommend waiting until your baby can sit up by themselves to go! All the artwork was pretty and every exhibit was informative. Would come again once my baby is old enough! Left a small donation before the tour, but it's free to go in.

Fantastic experience: I haven’t been to this place for years. One of my daughters suggested we all go as a family with my grandkids and all. Glad we did. This little place has a lot of great sea creatures to keep little ones and older ones interested. Each area was as interesting as the next. For being a small aquarium it had a big impact. At certain times they open there tide pool area and an employee gives information about the creatures you are able to touch and answers your questions if you have any. *Admission is on a donation basis. So for those who either can give or not, all are welcome. Which is great bc money can be tight and it’s hard to have a little outdoor fun sometimes so this is perfect not only bc of that but bc you can head down to the beach and enjoy the sand and water before or after. A whole day can be made of this adventure for the kids or yourself. We chose to walk down to the tide pools. Kids can walk it too. We did go on a Sunday at 11ish we entered. So at this time there was a handful of people but definitely not overwhelming. There is also a gift shop if interested and a decorative wall for pictures. Staff was nice and helpful throughout.

Fantastic experience: Love this aquarium, it feels very intimate. It’s not very big to begin with compared to the one in Long Beach however it’s FREE! They have a couple rooms to see different marine animals, and a pool where you can touch marine life open every hour. They also have outside activities to participate in. Great place to take the kids, and once your done you can walk towards the beach and play in the playground.

Fantastic experience: Amazing aquarium with the charm of the classic aquariums we have when growing up. There is the strong archive feel and less glamour of what you’ll find at other aquariums but it’s still lovely none the less. Went on a KCRW night to see the grunions and the aquarium had so much staff available to answer questions.

Fantastic experience: The parking was good with easy access to the aquarium, beach, and tidal pools. The aquarium was not too large but was very interesting.

Positive experience: KCRW summer at this darling little aquarium with these amazingly cute, beautiful and strange sea creatures. Afterwards everyone went down to the beach for the fun Grunion run!

Fantastic experience: This was a great experience today, cool for a great experience I loved it. So cool to have this great aquarium close to my home. I definitely will visit again

Positive experience: What a enjoyable visit to this aquarium! Our child had a great learning experience exploring the features. They had unique sea animals (i.e. magnified baby jellyfish, huge lobster, and more) for the size of the aquarium. The cons are small facilities (they do have room for expansion) and small parking toll (wasn't mentioned on their site). When we revisit, we will bring a picnic blanket and food since the aquarium next to a small cove/beach and playground for kids.

Fantastic experience: This is a great experience for kids and families. It's not huge but very much worth the visit. The staff are so kind and great with people not just kids! We had a great time on our trip and will return. Parking is super reasonable ($1 per hour). The scenery with the beach just being across the parking lot is a beautiful and calm setting to be in.

Positive experience: It’s free with suggested donations… the place not impressive but good for locals with kids..

Fantastic experience: Very small but very excellent. A totally different experience than the nearby and massive Aquarium of the Pacific, which I assume was built at a later date when Long Beach had grown wealthy. It is donation only, and suggested donation is only $7. The exhibits are good, with far more emphasis on actually teaching you something than being good visual candy. The tanks are all pretty small as aquariums go with lots of good information on the accompanying signs. The species are NOT selected for maximum visual impact but rather for interesting facts about their ecological niches and biology. I heard there are good tide pools nearby but didn't have time to see them

Fantastic experience: Amazing for the price. It's a donation system. Recommended donation is 7 per adult and 3 per kid/senior/student. There's no food options. If you're bringing little ones pack everything you need. A lot of tables across the parking lot next to the sand. And a nice little playground. The pier is within 10 minutes walking distance Parking is 1$ per hour, or max limit of 9$ for 18 hours **card only **no cash**

Fantastic experience: This is such a quaint Aquarium and the fact that it's free. My son loves marine life and he had a great time exploring the giant shrimp, the octopus, the shark eggs and other sea creatures you don't normally see in an aquarium. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you're ever in the area it is a little bit tricky you do have to pay for parking but it's a nice little getaway. Also there's not really any restaurants nearby so definitely bring lunch. Beach review: I already brought food and had our bathing suits ready to check out the beach right by it. Shares the same parking lot. But it was very windy. The waves are very calm and there's practically no huge waves. It makes it easier for someone with children or someone that doesn't know how to swim.

Positive experience: The place its small but it has presentations outside in the beach for the kids about the animals which is cool . We used the restrooms at the beach the were horrible dirty terrible experienced for me and my kids. The aquarium its small cozy there was alot of people we couldnt even walk .

Fantastic experience: Really fun place to explore! Lots of marine life to look at. The staff is very knowledgeable and fun! I highly suggest going during the Grunion run.

Fantastic experience: Very pleasant aquarium. We went during the week and it wasn't too busy. Staff is nice and they have a cute little gift shop as well.

Fantastic experience: A beautiful time for kids and parents. Make sure to b prepared to enjoy some time in the sand with the little ones.

Fantastic experience: Lovely small aquarium, great for a quick or half day trip, near scenic beach and a pier with a scenic beautiful walk.

Fantastic experience: Well worth the drive. They have so much on display, and the petting tank was amazing. The personnel were great, and you can't beat the price. You can enjoy the beach and jetty afterwards. It's just on the other side of the parking lot. I highly recommend this aquarium for the whole family.

Fantastic experience: Lots of interesting exposition interesting for both kids and adults!

Fantastic experience: Awesome place to visit, Kids enjoyed it for about 2 hours at the most.

Fantastic experience: Can't beat free. Donations always welcome. Parking was $1 an hour. Playground nearby. Gift shop had alot of nice things.

Fantastic experience: Small free aquarium with a variety of small to medium fish and sea creatures. Great value given that it's free, though donations are encouraged. The fish and such are fun to look out but don't expect an in depth scientific explanation of their behaviors. It's right by a nice beach and park as well!

Fantastic experience: The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a great interactive “classroom” where people of all ages can learn about marine life and conservation. I am a student at East Los Angeles College, and I had to come to the aquarium for a class assignment. In my experience, aquariums have always been more of an entertainment center than an educational experience. However, this aquarium manages to keep balance between learning and enjoying yourself. While the facility is small, it is very easy to finish and read all of the information in about two hours. First, the aquariums themselves are very well maintained and make it easy for visitors to see which animals are inside. The information boards or signs are also very easy to read and present the information in a non- over the top way, but in a way where everyday people can understand the concepts. Additionally, I really appreciated how open the facility was about exposing the inner workings of the tanks or laboratories and how they manage the breeding of jellies in the nursery. The employees who work at the facility are very nice and seem to love where they work. Finally, entrance into the facility is completely free, besides the one dollar payment per hour you have to pay for parking, which is a penny in today’s economy. Donations are recommended but not required. This facility is a great facility for families, students, or anyone who is interested in marine life to spend a few hours learning but also to have fun while doing so! I would highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Such a great place to visit with the grandkids. Educational and fun. No use of cell phones! Support this place if you can.

Fantastic experience: Free and have many rare animal in this aquarium. Had lovely time with baby and family.

Fantastic experience: Became a member this year and attended their Halloween event the aquarium itself is not that big but still plenty to see and do around as well. Members get free parking and get special invites to their events ..my kids had a blast at the sea scare event and there were music, games, treats. I would highly recommend for a day trip. Oh and it's right next to the beach so you can lounge about afterwards too.

Fantastic experience: You don't need to buy tickets. However, can donate money to the aquarium.

Fantastic experience: My childhood all over again, in glad to come here after 25 years. Such a beautiful place and very interesting.

Fantastic experience: We love this aquarium and are members. Admission is donation based and donations go back into the facility. Staff is friendly and informative. It's not as high tech as the aquarium across the way, but it's not as busy and is a great way to see and even touch sea life with your kids.

Positive experience: It's a cute aquarium that is free,has clean bathrooms, and has an activity center for kids. There is a touch tank, but its not open all the time. And they have a gift shop,best thing is its walking distance to the beach

Positive experience: The entrance fee is a suggested donation, $7 for adults, and $3 per child. Overall, it is a cool place to visit and have lots of things to see. Shark feeding and tide pool for touch and feel.

Positive experience: Had a good time teaching my grandkids about marine life. I'll be returning here with them often

Fantastic experience: Really amazing place for how small it is. They have some stuff I've never seen anywhere else! I love how research orientated it is. And donation based!

Positive experience: Some of the Exhibits were pretty neat and the gift shop staff was friendly. However, having an employee walking around each exhibit to answer questions or direct guests wouldn't have hurt. Also, informational plaques or something like it on both sides the walls would have been helpful. If you walked in the dark side of the tank, you have zero clue what you were seeing.

Fantastic experience: I LOVED this aquarium, and so did my kids. It’s also free with a recommended donation, and parking is $1/hour. It’s a tremendous value. The staff are super engaged and seem genuinely happy to be there. It made me really happy actually, that positivity was infectious. The exhibits are great. It’s not huge, this isn’t the Monterey Bay aquarium (I was there last month), but it was somehow just as fun. My kids were completely stoked by the exhibits and animals on display. The exhibits are well designed and very informative too. You even get to see their lab where the grow and raise animals for exhibit. Overall I can’t say enough good things. 2-3 hours is probably a good amount of time to spend, but if you read everything you could stay even longer.

Fantastic experience: Nice little aquarium! Took my grand babies here and they loved it! Wasn’t super crowded, and the employees were pleasant, from the entrance all the way to the end at the gift shop! Had a great experience all around! Will definitely be back when we are visiting L.A again. ( The entrance is free, but a $7 donation is mentioned which I gladly paid for each adult in my party! Well worth more! And parking is $1 hr).

Fantastic experience: The workers are so sweet. They let you know things you’re curious about even if you don’t ask. I came here about 6-8 years ago and there weren’t really any changes. I really recommend coming here for a cheap weekend with family, it’s hot but the ocean breeze makes it worth it.

Fantastic experience: What a great little aquarium. Entrance is free, they would like a donation to help keep the aquarium running. I enjoyed the sea creatures and information displays. My 15 year old also enjoyed it. We saw jellyfish and sea horses, when we went to Sea World last mos they didn't have either. The gift shop has cool gifts and mice cold drinks.

Fantastic experience: The aquarium itself is quite small, but I highly recommend joining them for their grunion run program. It included a very education short video, Q&A section for the kids, we got to hatch our own grunions, and it ended at the beach were we got to see tons of grunions.

Fantastic experience: This aquarium hasn’t changed one bit since I was a kid. But all of the sea creatures are still fun to look at. While the seahorse are the most adorable little creatures to watch, frolic in the tall grass….. the jelly are mesmerizing and hypnotic. Can watch for hours. It’s like they’re all doing a beautifully graceful and well synchronized water ballet. The touch tank is fun, although after watching Finding Dori, I feel bad about touching sea life that desperately cling to the walls and floors of the tank. I feel like they’re thinking that if they get as close to the wall and make themselves as flat as can be, all the while not moving, they won’t be seen…. Doesn’t work out too well for them, lol. They have two wave tanks that are a lot of fun. One is in a timer and lets the viewer see what happens under water after a wave crashes in the shore, while another one is manually done. You crank a wheel and are able to create waves, making the sand come up in little wisps, crating the slightest possibility of viewing the few fish that lurk beneath the sand. If you happen to have tired feet or need to cool down for a minute, try catching a quick little ‘movie’ in the aquariums new auditorium. They show little educational clips and have docents answer any questions one night about the clip or the aquarium in general. They have recently opened up a nursery just outside of the auditorium entrance. Wether it’s to get itty bitty baby fish and other sea creatures big enough to go into their own tanks, or to support the breeding program of one of the many species that are on the brink of extinction, it’s a very cool place to visit. Makes the reality of how not only is our oceans a sacred thing, but also the life our ocean provides, in and out of it. All in all, it’s a very cool place to visit, even if it’s just once. But while you’re there, take a look at what other programs and events the aquarium and the beach itself has to offer. You’d be surprised how much fun you’ll actually have

Positive experience: It's not a very big place. But for what it is. Nice little pit stop. That it was. They had some interesting marine life to see.

Fantastic experience: Wow! What a hidden gem. Planned some mommy and me time while the kids were on Spring Break and was totally blown away! It was so much to do and learn we have to add another day to cover everything. The staff was friendly and extremely knowledgeable which made the experience so much better! The aquarium was one on the best parts of Spring Break! We will definitely be back soon!

Fantastic experience: Very knowledgeable and very helpful staff. Kids had a great time with the touch aquarium.

Positive experience: Really cool and nice aquarium! I like how its free but you can choose to add donations. The aquarium is more educational than visual fun.

Positive experience: I give it 4 stars because the staff is friendly but to be an aquarium it lacks a variety of marine animals, it is beautiful but already a little old, it is small but cozy.

Fantastic experience: Great place to take your kids, or yourself. No mask or proof of vaccination required.

Fantastic experience: A great place to take the family and go spend the day, cabrillo beach is at the same location, admission is $9. The admission for the aquarium is free but they appreciate donations.

Fantastic experience: Small aquarium with lots of cool things to do and look at. Great tanks filled with local fish and sea life species. I take my two year old grandson all the time and he loves it. They also have great special events and learning opportunities for all ages.

Fantastic experience: Technically you only pay for parking for this gem. You can donate and the suggested donation is $7 per adult which I was more than happy to pay. What a wonderful place for the kids. The staff is super-friendly and their selection of displays is second to none. Mantis shrimps, monster lobsters, sharks, invertebrates, and so many other things to see!!! A must for the family!!