Dive into Adventure: A Day Trip to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro is a beautiful aquarium located near the entrance to the Los Angeles Harbor. While not nearly as large as the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, it is the perfect size to explore with kids. The Cabrillo Aquarium features a diverse selection of exhibits and fish tanks that showcase the unique marine life of Southern California. The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks operates the Aquarium to showcase Southern California’s aquatic life and oceanography.

Aquarium History and Background

The Aquarium started in an abandoned Cabrillo Beach bathhouse in 1935. Lifeguard Bob Foster would display his collection of ocean artifacts to the delight of visitors to the beach. Over the years, the collection grew in tandem with the number of visitors. In 1981, the current Frank Gehry-designed museum opened, replacing the Cabrillo Beach bathhouse. The second expansion in 2004 added labs and a research library.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Exhibits and Features

The Aquarium spans 21,000 square feet and focuses exclusively on Southern California marine species, housing the world’s largest collection of marine life from this region. Its exhibits are divided into three main areas:

Susanne Lawrenz-Miller Exhibit Hall: This area showcases five regional habitats: sandy beaches, Mudflats, rocky shores, Kelp Forests, and Open Ocean ecosystems. In naturalistic settings, there are over 36 exhibits featuring a diverse array of species, including sharks, moray eels, octopuses, and crabs.

Children’s Exploration Center: Created for children, featuring interactive exhibits such as a crawl-in aquarium, a mud walkway for a unique view, and a tide pool touch tank filled with sea stars, anemones, and urchins. This engaging environment provides hands-on learning about marine ecosystems for young visitors.

Aquatic Nursery: Displays over 40 species, focusing on conservation and research, including breeding programs for garibaldi (California’s state fish) and jellyfish.

Research Facilities: The Virginia Reed Moore Research Library and wet laboratories for marine science studies are included.

Cabrillo Beaches: The inner and outer Cabrillo beaches are directly across the street from the Aquarium. Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park features a walkway leading down to exciting tide pools, ideal for timing your visit to coincide with low tide.

Why Visit Cabrillo Marine Aquarium?

The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium stands out for its free admission, focus on local marine life and educational mission. It’s ideal for families, school groups, and anyone interested in Southern California’s coastal ecosystems. While smaller than major aquariums, its affordability, hands-on exhibits, and scenic location make it a unique gem in Los Angeles.

2025 Aquarium Upgrades
Due to ongoing renovations, the main Exhibit Hall will be closed until Fall 2025. However, the Exploration Center and Aquatic Nursery remain open, offering a wealth of educational value. Visitors can still enjoy the nearby outdoor coastal park and the nearby attractions.

Getting to the Aquarium

Location: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr, Los Angeles, CA. Hours: Tuesday to Friday (Noon to 5 PM), Saturday and Sunday (10 AM to 5 PM). Closed on Mondays. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. Parking: $1 per hour in the adjacent beach lot. Free parking is included with annual memberships. Visit the Aquarium website for details.

Nearby Attractions:

Korean Bell of Friendship and Bell Pavilion: The Korean Bell of Friendship and its Bell Pavilion are iconic landmarks in Angels Gate Park, San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, near the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. This historic monument symbolizes the friendship between South Korea and the United States, offering cultural significance, stunning views, and a serene setting. Angels Gate Park, San Pedro, California.

Fort MacArthur Military Museum: The Fort MacArthur Military Museum is a historic site in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the military history of Fort MacArthur, a U.S. Army post that guarded the Los Angeles harbor from 1914 to 1974. The Military Museum is a hidden gem for history enthusiasts seeking to explore Los Angeles’s military past. 3601 South Gaffey Street, San Pedro, California.

USS Iowa Battleship Museum: The Battleship USS Iowa Museum is a maritime museum situated at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California, at 250 S Harbor Blvd. This museum offers an immersive experience of naval history, making it an ideal destination for families, history enthusiasts, and military enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the battleship’s massive guns, learn about its presidential legacy, and engage with interactive exhibits, including the scavenger hunt, ensuring fun for all ages.

Los Angeles Area Day Trip Ideas