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Location
Best time
Plan visits for weekdays 2PM-7PM or weekends 10AM-7PM to match public hours. Weekend mornings (10AM-12PM) are likely less crowded than afternoon hours, offering a better experience for interactive touch tank activities.
Visitor tip
The interactive touch tank is a key highlight — plan to spend time here engaging directly with sea creatures like starfish and anemones, which visitors consistently mention as the most memorable part of the experience.
Visitor tip
Don't miss the free marine science classes available for underserved children and Title I schools, and check out the Summer Science Beach Camp for deeper educational engagement with local marine life.
About Roundhouse Aquarium
No-cost ocean & marine life education. This free aquarium sits at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier & is host to classes, parties & camps.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Location
- Manhattan Beach, California
- Focus
- Hands-on marine science education with southern California ocean habitats
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 2PM-7PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-7PM
What visitors say
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Went to the Manhattan Beach Aquarium on the pier (Roundhouse Aquarium) and it was the cutest place! It’s free to enter, with donations accepted, which makes it such a great stop for families or anyone just walking the pier.…
Small but full of interesting exhibits! 🐠 It’s a cute little aquarium right at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier — perfect to stop by if you’re already at the beach. Lots to see for its size, and it’s nice to just wander around and…
Super cute, complementary mini aquarium to take your child with, or if you just need to get some fresh air outside the house. Located right on top of the beach, so you can also relax there afterwards.
From 919 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Roundhouse Aquarium is completely free to enter with donations accepted, making it one of the few no-cost educational aquariums in California
- Located at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier, the aquarium offers a unique setting that combines marine education with scenic ocean and sunset views
- The aquarium provides free marine science classes specifically for underserved children and Title I schools, demonstrating a commitment to educational equity
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