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Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: A Window to Southern California's Marine Life

Explore Southern California's marine life at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and unique architecture in San Pedro.

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Located in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium offers an intimate look into the diverse marine life of Southern California. With exhibits showcasing local sea creatures and interactive displays, it's an educational and engaging experience for all ages. The aquarium's unique architecture, designed in part by Frank Gehry, adds to its charm.

A brief summary to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

  • Tuesday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the tide charts before you go to make the most of the nearby tide pools at Cabrillo Beach.
  • Visit during a grunion run for a unique and memorable experience.
  • Take advantage of the free admission, but consider making a donation to support the aquarium's programs.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby attractions, such as the Korean Bell of Friendship or the USS Iowa Battleship Museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Los Angeles, take the Metro Silver Line to the Harbor Gateway Transit Center. Transfer to Metro Bus Line 246 towards San Pedro. Exit at Pacific / Stephen White. From there, it's a short 9-minute walk to the aquarium. The 246 bus runs frequently, with service from early morning to late evening. A single Metro fare is $1.75.

  • Driving

    From the 710 Freeway, exit at Harbor Boulevard and head south. Follow Harbor Boulevard to Stephen M White Drive and turn left. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will be on your right, adjacent to Cabrillo Beach. Parking is available in the Cabrillo Beach parking lot for $1 per hour for regular vehicles. Note that parking fees are enforced.

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Discover more about Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, nestled on the shores of Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, is dedicated to exploring and preserving the marine environment of Southern California. Since its humble beginnings in 1935 as a collection of specimens in the Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse, the aquarium has grown into a leading educational and research facility. The aquarium features a variety of exhibits, including the Susanne Lawrenz-Miller Exhibit Hall, which showcases five major Southern California marine habitats: sandy beaches, mudflats, rocky shores, kelp forests, and open ocean ecosystems. The Exploration Center offers hands-on learning experiences, while the Aquatic Nursery provides a glimpse into ongoing marine research. Don't miss the tide pool touch tank, where you can interact with sea stars, anemones, and other fascinating creatures. The aquarium's architecture is itself a point of interest. The original building, designed by Frank Gehry, features a distinctive chain-link design that evokes the area's maritime history. An expansion in 2004, designed by Barton Phelps & Associates, added a new dimension to the aquarium's unique aesthetic. Beyond its exhibits, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is known for its community outreach and educational programs. One of its signature events is the grunion run, where visitors can witness thousands of these silvery fish spawning on the beach under the moonlight. The aquarium also offers various weekend walks and children's programs. Whether you're a marine biology enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and educational day out, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium offers a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world of Southern California.

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