About Heal the Bay Aquarium

Local marine life & interactive exhibits. Education-oriented marine center with over 100 local species & hands-on exhibits like touch tanks.

💬 What Parents Say

• 🕐Plan your visit to avoid the Saturday-Sunday 12 PM - 4 PM closure. Weekday visits or early morning/late afternoon weekend hours offer uninterrupted access to the touch tanks and marine exhibits.
• 💡Time your visit during touch tank interpretation sessions when knowledgeable staff are actively educating visitors. This significantly enhances the learning experience, especially for children interested in hands-on interaction with starfish and other touchable marine life.
• 💡Bring a student ID for ticket discounts. The aquarium actively offers discounted admission for students, making it a budget-friendly educational outing.
• 💡Check the 'Under the Pier' exhibit carefully by looking through the sand—halibut often burrow and hide low in the substrate, so patience and close observation are key to spotting them.
• 💡Park in Lot 1 South at Santa Monica Pier, which is fully open and convenient. Avoid the loading zone which is currently under construction.

Hours