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Location
Visitor tip
Engage with the passionate volunteer staff to enhance your visit—reviewers consistently praised their knowledge and eagerness to share detailed information about local sea life and the kelp forest ecosystem.
Visitor tip
Start with the touch tanks and interactive exhibits like shark petting and starfish encounters, which are popular highlights that offer hands-on learning about local marine species.
Visitor tip
Explore special events like 'Science After Dark' for a unique educational experience, or consider summer camps and school programs if visiting with children to maximize learning opportunities.
About Central Coast Aquarium
Local marine life exhibits & touch tanks. Quaint, longtime aquarium with hands-on marine life exhibits & activities focusing on local species.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Location
- Avila Beach, Central Coast
- Hours
- Daily 10 AM - 4 PM
- Highlights
- 75+ local marine species, oceanfront views
What visitors say
We had a great time exploring this little aquarium and thought it was an excellent introduction to the local sea life. The volunteers were great and the abundance of information which they gladly shared with us made the visit even more…
Hosting our wedding reception at the Central Coast Aquarium was truly a dream come true! Working with Christy was an absolute pleasure. She was incredibly helpful in coordinating everything and worked seamlessly with our wedding planner…
A great community educational resource with a mission on informing the public on the local kelp forest and marine ecosystem. Great staff, excellent small exhibits. A resource for kids, school age kids education, summer camps and more…
From 299 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Features over 75 local Central Coast marine species with a specific focus on kelp forest and marine ecosystem education
- Offers hands-on touch tanks where visitors can interact directly with marine life including leopard sharks and starfish, led by volunteer educators
- Functions as a unique event venue, hosting weddings with private tour options during receptions on an oceanfront location with Avila Beach views
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