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Location
Visitor tip
Plan to explore the beach and tide pools during your visit - they're major attractions mentioned frequently by visitors and add significant value to your experience
Best time
Visit during special seasonal events like the Whale Festival or Grunion Runs (April-May 2026) for enhanced educational experiences and unique wildlife viewing opportunities
Visitor tip
The touch tanks and interactive exhibits make this ideal for young children and families with babies - plan at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the aquarium and beach area
About Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Fish on display, a touch tank & more. Longtime aquarium showcasing Southern California fish via exhibits, a touch tank & other activities.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Location
- San Pedro, California
- Featured Programs
- Grunion runs, public programs, special events
What visitors say
I wanted to get out and about on Saturday instead of laying on the couch like always, so we drove here from Torrance. it was worth the drive! parking is very cheap but they don’t take cash, only card. entry is free but for two adults…
I took my son on February 1st, 2026 to the Whale Festival that they had going on. We had a very nice time there and it was very educational. We definitely want to go back again soon.
It is a wonderful learning center. We learned so much while we were here. We went during the rain but it didn’t spoil the awesomeness of the aquarium. They said they will be open April 2026. I will for sure make it then.
From 4,609 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Cabrillo Marine Aquarium offers free admission and operates on a donation-based model, with donations mentioned in 274 reviews as a significant talking point
- The aquarium features seasonal grunion runs as a primary exhibit, with multiple 'Meet the Grunion' events scheduled for 2026 (April 19, May 2), highlighting a unique Southern California marine phenomenon
- The facility includes an interactive touch tank exhibit that is frequently mentioned in reviews (42 mentions) as a key attraction for visitor engagement
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