Is the Aquarium of the Pacific Worth It Before Your Cruise? Our Honest Review

Right across the water from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, the Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the easiest and most fun ways to spend a few hours before or after a cruise. We went for the close encounters with marine life, and it more than delivered.

It blends education with genuine fun, with interactive exhibits and up-close looks at harbor seals, sea lions, stingrays, penguins, and more. We paired it with a night aboard the Queen Mary across the way (here’s our full Queen Mary review) for a perfect pre-cruise day. Here’s exactly how we’d plan the aquarium part.

Getting There, Parking, and Where to Eat

Getting There and Parking

We found Long Beach easy to get to with a quick drive over the bridge right from the cruise terminal. Parking was convenient too, with a large structure nearby, and with validation from the aquarium it only cost us $8. You can also use rideshare services like Uber to get dropped off close to the attractions.

Things to Do Nearby and Places to Eat

Right near the aquarium, we enjoyed stopping at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company for a late lunch. There are plenty of other restaurants around, plus some food options inside the aquarium itself. If you want to stretch your legs, the nearby Seaport Village and the marina offer a nice walk and great views of the Queen Mary and cruise ships docked at the terminal.

Aquarium of the Pacific Highlights

Hands-On Fun for Young Visitors

We found plenty of activities that kept the kids busy and engaged. There’s a spot where they can color fish, and multiple interactive stations designed for all ages. The touch pools stood out, especially where kids could gently pet stingrays and small sharks with supervision.

Learning Opportunities Throughout

Every corner of the aquarium taught us something new. Technology blends with education, like a light-based waterfall display that mimics underwater scenes. Staff are always ready to answer questions, making it easy to dive deeper into marine life topics.

Special Displays of Marine Creatures

Some exhibits really caught our attention. A giant blue whale model welcomes you inside, while the kelp forest area features seals and sea lions swimming right around you in a clear tunnel. The large shark tank holds a variety of sharks, stingrays, and even a turtle, offering views from different angles. Moon jellies and penguins also provide unique experiences that are fun to watch for hours.

Memorable Encounters with Animals

Giants of the Pacific and the Underwater Forest Walk

Walking into the aquarium, we were greeted by a massive blue whale model, with a smaller calf displayed nearby. This area, called the Blue Cavern, mimics the giant kelp forests just outside Catalina Island. Walking through the tunnel under this exhibit, we watched harbor seals swim around, surfacing on both sides, offering a close and playful view.

Playful Sea Dogs and Sea Lions

Watching the sea lions was a highlight, as they swam and played with endless energy. These animals reminded us of water-loving dogs chasing their own tails, full of curiosity and fun.

We wanted to reach through the glass for a belly rub, but settled for smiles instead.

Touch Tanks for Rays and Sharks

The touch pools allowed us a hands-on experience with gentle stingrays and small sharks. We learned to use just two fingers to stroke the rays, avoiding their delicate fins, while staff answered questions and explained their behaviors. Petting leopard sharks and spotting horseshoe crabs made this an educational and rare chance to connect closely with ocean life.

Moon Jellies in Motion and Feeding Time

The moon jelly tank impressed us with hundreds of graceful jellies drifting slowly in a large circular aquarium. We joined in feeding by pouring liquid food over their open mouths while careful not to pick them up. Learning how these creatures require a round tank to avoid corners was fascinating and added to the experience.

Watching Penguins, Puffins, and Otters

The penguin area charmed us with the birds’ swimming and fluffing antics. Nearby, we spotted puffins waving hello and marveled at the elegant lion’s mane jellyfish with their long tentacles. In the otter exhibit, although only one otter was visible, its collection of toys entertained us as the surrounding fish swam industriously.

Animal highlights at a glance:

Beyond the Aquarium: Exploring the Waterfront

Dining at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

After our visit to the aquarium, we stopped by Bubba Gump Shrimp Company for a late lunch or early dinner. It’s a convenient spot close to the waterfront and offers a casual dining experience. The location made it easy to relax and refuel before continuing our day.

Walking Trails and Lighthouse Views

We enjoyed a scenic walk around a nearby park by the lighthouse, which gave us clear views of the cruise ship terminal and the Queen Mary. The park has free parking and is close to the aquarium, making it a great place to unwind and take in the harbor sights. On a good day, we’ve even spotted wild sea lions playing near the water.

Exploring Seaport Village and the Marina

A bit further along the waterfront is Seaport Village and its marina. It’s a pleasant area for strolling with shops, restaurants, and access to boat docks. This waterfront neighborhood adds to the mix of activities you can enjoy after leaving the aquarium or before heading to the cruise terminal.

Stay the Night on the Queen Mary

We turned our aquarium afternoon into a full pre-cruise day by staying the night aboard the Queen Mary, permanently docked just across the water. Sleeping on a historic 1936 ocean liner, with its period staterooms, ship tours, and famous ghost stories, is an experience all its own.

We covered the whole stay in detail, including the engine room tour, the haunted legends, and whether it’s worth it before a cruise, in our full Queen Mary review.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

Best Times and Managing Visitor Loads

We found that visiting around the holidays can get pretty busy, especially right after Christmas. To avoid the crowds, try planning your visit on weekdays or outside peak holiday seasons. Also, arriving early or later in the afternoon can help you enjoy the exhibits with fewer people around.

Parking tip: with a validation from the aquarium, parking is just $8 nearby, which is pretty convenient and affordable.

Combining Aquarium Fun with Your Cruise Trip

Since the aquarium is just across the bay from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, it makes for a perfect stop either before or after your cruise. We stayed the night on the Queen Mary before boarding, which was a fun experience. From the aquarium, you can easily take a quick drive or Uber over the bridge right to the cruise terminal.

If you have extra time, there are plenty of food options nearby, including restaurants inside the aquarium. It’s an easy addition to your travel plans whether you come a day early or stay late after your cruise.