No trip to the golden coast is complete without heading under the sea—or at least visiting the full-time residents! At the Aquarium of the Pacific, the whole family can enjoy a day of meeting sea creatures. Special exhibits are always popping up, and in April there’s the Jellies exhibit, which showcases one of the ocean’s most mysterious and beautiful residents.
There’s also the Southern California Steelhead Story; an exhibit that’s immersive and tells the tale of local waterways and why this fish plays a key role. The penguins have arrived, the first in the aquarium’s history, and now is the time to meet them at the new June Keyes Penguin Habitat. Head to the Ocean Science Center, hosted by NOAA, and explore the why’s and how’s behind the ocean.
Dive In!
The Molina Animal Care Center is where you get to see veterinarians in action in over 14,000 square feet. It’s a healthcare center for sea-faring residents, tucked right behind Shark Lagoon. Environmentally sensitive practices and preservation are a top priority of the aquarium.
Don’t miss The Southern California/Baja Gallery, home to animals who call the coastline from Baja to Oregon home. You can easily spend several days here, so map out your plan of action now!