Aquarium of the Pacific is Southern California's largest aquarium, situated along Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California. Spanning more than 360,000 square feet, the aquarium is home to over 11,000 animals representing 500 species across more than 100 exhibits and habitats. Three major galleries explore the Pacific Ocean: the Southern California and Baja Gallery features a 142,000-gallon Blue Cavern tank, a kelp forest display, a seal and sea lion habitat, and a stingray touch pool; the Northern Pacific Gallery showcases southern sea otters, giant Pacific octopuses, and diving birds including puffins and auklets; and the Tropical Pacific Gallery centers on a 350,000-gallon coral reef tank teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and sharks. The June Keyes Penguin Habitat houses 20 Magellanic penguins, while the outdoor Shark Lagoon, Lorikeet Forest aviary, and horseshoe crab touch lab round out the experience. Welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors annually, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a leading center for ocean education and conservation.
