Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium of the Pacific is Southern California's largest aquarium and one of the most visited aquariums in the United States, located on a 6-acre site on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California. Established in 1998, this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization encompasses 360,000 square feet of exhibitio...

Aquarium of the Pacific is Southern California's largest aquarium and one of the most visited aquariums in the United States, located on a 6-acre site on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California. Established in 1998, this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization encompasses 360,000 square feet of exhibition space and welcomes over 1.6 million visitors annually. The aquarium features a collection of over 12,000 animals representing nearly 500 species in exhibits ranging from 5,000 to 350,000 gallons in capacity. The facility focuses on three major permanent galleries representing different regions of the Pacific Ocean: the Southern California/Baja Gallery, Northern Pacific Gallery, and Tropical Pacific Gallery. The aquarium serves as both an educational institution and event venue, hosting approximately 85 events annually with capacity for over 3,000 people for large gatherings. The facility includes the Pacific Visions wing, a 29,000-square-foot expansion featuring a state-of-the-art 300-seat Honda Pacific Visions Theater with immersive projection technology, four exhibition halls, conference rooms, and outdoor event spaces. The aquarium employs over 300 staff members and more than 1,500 volunteers, operating with an annual budget of approximately $40 million. Key facilities include major habitats like the 350,000-gallon Tropical Reef exhibit, Shark Lagoon, penguin habitat, sea otter exhibit, and various touch pools. The venue offers comprehensive event services including catering through Cafe Scuba, parking facilities, and customizable meeting spaces suitable for corporate events, weddings, educational programs, and cultural celebrations. Located across from the Long Beach Convention Center and within walking distance of hotels and attractions, the aquarium serves as a significant cultural and educational hub for the greater Los Angeles region.