13 Of The Best Aquariums In California

If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out with the family, look no further than an aquarium.

California is home to some of the best aquariums in the country, and we’ve put together a list of our favorites.

From Monterey Bay to Long Beach, these aquariums are sure to please everyone in your group.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best aquariums in California.

So pack your sunscreen and water bottles and get ready for a day of learning and fun!

#1. Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco

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Nestled against the backdrop of the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, the Aquarium of the Bay is one of California’s best aquariums. The Aquarium is home to more than 20,000 aquatic animals, including sharks, rays, octopuses, and jellyfish.

Visitors can get up close and personal with these creatures through a variety of exhibits, including a glass tunnel that runs through a 300-foot-long shark tank. In addition to its dramatic setting and fascinating inhabitants, the Aquarium of the Bay is also known for its cutting-edge conservation efforts.

The Aquarium strives to educate visitors about the importance of protecting the Bay Area‘s fragile ecosystem and is actively involved in research and restoration projects. From its striking location to its commitment to conservation, the Aquarium of the Bay is an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

#2. Aquarium of the Pacific

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The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best aquariums in California. Located in Long Beach, this massive facility is home to over 11,000 aquatic animals from more than 500 different species.

Highlights include an interactive shark tank, a hands-on tide pool, and a tropical reef exhibit. The Aquarium of the Pacific also offers educational programs for all ages, making it a great place to learn about ocean conservation.

In addition, the Aquarium hosts special events throughout the year, such as whale watching tours and dolphin encounters. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder the Aquarium of the Pacific is one of California’s top tourist attractions.

#3. Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach

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The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best aquariums in California. Its convenient location – right in Long Beach – means that it’s easy to reach, and its wide range of exhibits makes it a great choice for a day out.

The Pacific Ocean is home to a huge diversity of marine life, and the Aquarium of the Pacific offers visitors the chance to see many of these creatures up close. Among the highlights are the Jellyfish Gallery, where you can see these beautiful but strange creatures floating peacefully in their tanks, and the Shark Lagoon, where you can get up close to some of the ocean’s most feared predators.

With so much to see and do, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a great choice for a day out with family or friends.

#4. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography San Diego

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Located in sunny San Diego, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the best aquariums in California.

The two-story facility is home to over 60 tanks containing a wide variety of marine life, from sharks and rays to sea horses and jellyfish. In addition to its impressive array of exhibits, Birch Aquarium also offers several educational programs, including classes, camps, and family events.

Visitors can also take advantage of the Aquarium’s tide pools, where they can get up close and personal with local sea life. With its diverse exhibits and commitment to education, it’s no wonder that Birch Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist destinations in San Diego.

#5. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium San Pedro

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The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a public Aquarium founded in 1935 and located in the San Pedro community of Los Angeles, California. The facility is home to approximately 150 species of marine invertebrates and fishes living in 25 habitats.

Exhibits at the aquarium include a kelp forest, a tide pool, and a touch pool where children can interact with stingrays and other animals. In addition to its exhibits, the aquarium also offers educational programs for school groups and families.

The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in California and is a great place to learn about the state’s diverse marine life.

#6. Golden Gate ParkSteinhart Aquarium at CA Academy of Sciences San Francisco

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California is home to some of the best aquariums in the country. The Golden Gate Park Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most popular, featuring a wide variety of marine life from across the globe. Visitors can see everything from sharks and stingrays to sea turtles and anacondas.

The Golden gate Park Steinhart Aquarium is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of coral reefs, making it a must-see for any visitor to San Francisco. Another great option for aquarium lovers is the San Francisco Zoo, which features a large aquarium with both fresh and saltwater fish.

Finally, no trip to California would be complete without a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the largest and most famous aquariums in the world. With its countless exhibits and beautiful setting, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is an unforgettable experience for all ages.

#7. Heal the Bay Aquarium Santa Monica

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Heal the Bay Aquarium Santa Monica is located next to the famous Santa Monica Pier. The aquarium is small but very well designed, with a focus on hands-on learning. Visitors can touch sharks, stingrays, and sea stars in the tide pool touch tank, or get up close and personal with a giant Pacific octopus in the new Giant Octopus Habitat.

The Heal the Bay Aquarium is also home to a rescued sea lion, and visitors can watch these amazing animals as they interact with their trainers during daily training sessions. In addition to its unique exhibits, the aquarium also offers excellent educational programs for all ages.

Heal the Bay Aquarium Santa Monica is a great place to learn about ocean conservation and have some fun at the same time.

#8. Manhattan Roundhouse Aquarium Manhattan Beach

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The best aquariums in California are home to a wide variety of sea life, from colorful fish to exciting sharks. One of the top aquariums in the state is the Manhattan Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach.

This facility features a two-story, 360-degree view of a massive saltwater tank, providing visitors with an up-close look at the incredible creatures that call the ocean home. In addition to its extensive collection of fish, the Manhattan Roundhouse Aquarium is also home to turtles, stingrays, and even a few penguins.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder this facility is one of the most popular tourist attractions in California.

#9. Monterey Bay Aquarium

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The best aquariums are those that can immerse visitors into the underwater world, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium is certainly one of them. Located on Cannery Row in Monterey, the Aquarium is home to a wide variety of sea life, from sharks and rays to octopuses and seals.

One of the highlights is the giant kelp forest exhibit, which allows visitors to walk through an underwater forest and get up close to the creatures that live there. Other attractions include the Open Sea tank, where visitors can watch as sharks, tuna, and other fishes swim by, and the Splash Zone, where kids can touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of California’s most popular tourist destinations.

#10. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

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The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center is one of the best aquariums in California. The facility is home to more than 100 species of marine life, including sharks, sea stars, and anemones.

Visitors can get an up-close look at the animals in the touch tanks, or watch them swim in the two-story Kelp Forest tank. The Sea Center also offers a variety of educational programs, such as tidepool walks and penguin feedings.

Located on Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, the Sea Center is just a short walk from the beach. With its excellent exhibits and educational programming, it’s no wonder that the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center is one of the top tourist attractions in California.

#11. Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

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If you’re looking for a unique aquarium experience, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a must-see. Located at the end of the historic Santa Monica pier, this intimate aquarium is home to over 100 species of marine life, including sharks, rays, octopuses, and seahorses.

Visitors can learn about the ocean and its inhabitants through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. The aquarium also offers educational programs for all ages, making it a great place to take the family.

With its stunning location and commitment to ocean conservation, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in California.

#12. SEA LIFE Aquarium Carlsbad

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SEA LIFE Aquarium Carlsbad is one of the best aquariums in California. It is home to more than 5,000 sea creatures, including sharks, rays, octopuses, and seahorses.

Visitors can learn about the ocean’s ecosystem and the importance of conservation through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. The aquarium also offers behind-the-scenes tours, educational programs, and birthday party packages.

SEA LIFE Aquarium Carlsbad is a great place to learn about and experience marine life. The knowledgeable staff and wide variety of exhibits make it one of the best aquariums in California.

#13. Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences San Francisco

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One of the best aquariums in California is the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. This world-renowned facility is home to more than 38,000 live animals, representing over 900 species.

Visitors can see everything from giant octopuses to tiny seahorses, and the aquarium’s experts offer regular talks and tours that provide insights into the amazing world beneath the waves. The Steinhart Aquarium is also home to one of the world’s largest living coral reef systems, providing a fascinating window into this vital ecosystem.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that The Steinhart Aquarium is one of California’s top tourist destinations.