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Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Active Life Aquariums Museums, Aquariums [Edit]
3720 Stephen M White DrSan Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-7562
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 12 pm - 5 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
66 reviews for Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Review Highlights
"com/biz/korean-friendship-bell-san-pedro."
(in 3 reviews)
"There are real tide pools just outside, but this is a good..."
(in 6 reviews)
"Great exhibits but without the flash of Long Beach."
(in 12 reviews)
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66 reviews in English
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Review from Andy P.
11/21/2011
I loved the Cabrillo Aquarium as a place to learn for all ages. It's a nice little place for people to see the various local coastal flora and fauna right in front of their eyes. It's free, but please make a kind donation. Parking is $1/hour in the Cabrillo Beach parking lot (plenty of good spots everywhere).
There are 3 main buildings that house various exhibits and research stations that the public can experience. The main building with the aquariums and preserved species will take you about 15-20 minutes to enjoy. I love the short educational video clips and interactive displays for kids to learn. Of the live animals, I loved watching the jellyfish elegantly swim about in their tank.
There is a research building where you can see fish fry and babies hatching to be raised as a way to be re-introduced back into the wild. Time permitting, the gift shop has some cool ocean-themed toys that will be difficult to find elsewhere. It's small, but there is tons to browse through. We love collecting postcards, and the gift shop doesn't disappoint.
As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium, you know the Cabrillo Aquarium will abide by the strict standards and present their resources to the public in a worthwhile way. -
Review from Rob W.
Torrance, CA
1/18/2012
i agree with the majority of the reviews here, this place is a nice find. $5 recommended donations. Much nicer than the aquarium by the SM pier (which i'm not knocking either).
They've got a decent amount of exhibits and a nice interactive room for youngins. The tidepool was well organized and interesting considering the size of the place.
Also nice is the ability to run out on the beach right outside of the aquarium. -
Review from Eddie C.
4/18/2011 1 photo
When people think of an aquarium around the South Bay, most people think of the Long Beach Aquarium. However, this place is a gem too. It's close to the beach so you can also have a picnic on the beach after your visit the aquarium.
Admission is free, but there are signs that recommend a donation of $5 for adults and $1 for kids. I guess you can just enter without donating, but then you'll look like a cheap skate who wants others to pay for them.
There are two separate buildings to explore. The main building has all the cool fishes and big lobsters to see. The small building is more of an activity center for little ones.
We came during feeding hour, so the workers were busy feeding the fishes. I can tell that the fishes were healthy since they sure had a good appetite as they devour the food that were placed in the aquarium.
The staff all seemed very knowledgeable as we asked questions about the habitats.
Overall, an inexpensive place to spend a couple of hours exploring the underwater lifestyle. -
Review from Daryl C.
El Segundo, CA
10/19/2011
6 year old loved it. She wouldn't touch anything in the water though.
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Review from John D.
San Pedro, CA
4/2/2011
They have a new "volunteer" at the entrance office, a old woman with white hair who forcefully says "welcome to cabrillo museum" and if you ignore her and walk on she says again "Excuse me!" and when you turn towards her she says again "Welcome to Cabrillo Museum"-what she is doing is measuring you up to see if she can extort a donation from you.
I sat there for a while watching her bully people into giving cash to get in, even though giving money is optional. Evidently it is not optional for her likes.
I then stood behind their office and watched her for a while. She did it to everyone who walked by the donation box, and bullied them into making a donation. She also sits there and gossips about everyone who walks by, and gossips about her co-volunteers.
She also gave the speech for the tidal touch pool and it is evident she is illiterate.
Go find something else to do with your time woman. -
Review from Dennis N.
Westminster, CA
5/24/2011
Go here and go here now!
I used to volunteer here as a high school kid. But I've recently come back to visit. It's FREE ..though, donations are suggested. It's no Aquarium of the Pacific but it's still a very good aquarium to spend some time at. If you can mind the fact that exhibits aren't super flashy and brand new and appreciate the content, you're guaranteed to learn something new and have a good time.
Most, if not all the exhibits are designed to educate about the local wildlife from tidepools, to coastal waters and wetland environments. So with that in mind, you won't see any super colorful tropical fish like clownfish Nemo's. You also won't see any penguins or polar bears or things like that. The aquarium doesn't have any live mammals.
They have a nice touch pool in the back that's open 20 minutes at a time. They opened a new building here a couple years ago that is a load of fun to check out. They give you an actual view of the research activities that go on at the aquarium. When we went, we got to see seahorse babies! Way cool for the marine biologist geek!
There are a lot of activities to do in the area too. Perfect place to have a picnic, go fishing, go for a hike .. Korean Friendship Bell, Ports O' Call, Palos Verdes peninsula! Check it out! FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. -
Review from Vince V.
8/3/2011
I first noticed the picture backgrounds on the outside before my group went into the Exploration Center to begin our voyage. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable employee Ariel Hanna was very informative and friendly.
We then moved on to the exhibits to see these cool black sharks. We then moved on to the adjacent exhibit hall and saw a variety of sea life and nifty gadgets including a starfish who looked like Patrick from Spongebob Squarepants. On the way out the gift store had the typical gift store items such as books, toys, memorabilia and some great dollar items.
Afterwards, since were already going to pay for parking(and the max is $9) we walked over to the lovely beach which had a long, lovely pier, so many boats, volleyball court, 2 children's playgrounds, bathrooms and grass area with shade trees for chilling.
The aquarium and the beach were not too crowded and the breeze was perfect on this summer day. I cannot wait to come back. -
Review from Brandon V.
Torrance, CA
2/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Free aquarium? That's unheard of! Well they do accept donations. There's also a minimal fee for parking. This aquarium is nestled over by Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro and there's a lot of parking. It's such an intimate aquarium and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly.
They have shark tanks, moon jellies, an octopus, planktons, huge sea cucumbers and lobsters, seahorses, a touch tank, and other cool little exhibits. There have this huuuuge lobster that I want to just boil in the pot!
I mean it's not as large as the AOTP in LB, but this is a great alternative. It's inexpensive, it's not as crowded, and it's a great place to do some research. They also have a gift shop filled with books, souvenirs, and other cool little items. It's totally kid-friendly as I see a few mesmerized by the sea creatures there. I was actually impressed during my first visit. I didn't think this aquarium would have so much to see. It's totally worth checking out. -
Review from Pegah Y.
8/9/2011
The Cabrillo Museum is pretty small, but very cozy and excellent for a nice family day at the museum.
I went there for a college science class project (I was studying different species of marine life) and I found everything that I needed to find and had a really fun time doing it. It was like a scavenger hunt. I feel like this museum actually focuses in on all of the sealife and does not discriminate. It doesn't just show you the "cool" things to see in the deep, but rather takes the time to showcase and explain (very detailed and wonderful explanations, which are still easy for the lay person to read!) different species and processes.
I really, really enjoyed this museum. They have a low tide guided tour as well, though I didn't make it in time for that. When i visit again in the future, I want to go on the tide tour!
Overall, it was an awesome experience and I'm really glad I visited. -
Review from sarah p.
San Pedro, CA
5/15/2011
Oh how I adore San Pedro for many reasons, but mostly for the free things you can do. Here's one:
The Marine Aquarium is small but packed with knowledge and friendly help/tours/advice. I have taken my 8 month old son here daily for the past...8 months. He has loved staring at fish and odd looking creatures since infancy. No fee, but donation suggested.
This place has really grown since I've grown! I participated in the docent program as a 13 year old (they train you to give tours - which is completely free as well) and they have re-modeled their entire building. There is a man made tide pool in the back which is narrated by a volunteer twice daily. There are real tide pools just outside, but this is a good place to start if you are a first timer!
They now have a kids science room and an eco-friendly room just outside the main Aquarium building.
There are always events. Check in with the information center before entering and get a monthly schedule. There are always great activities for young kids to participate in. Definitely not for infants, but 3 years and older.
PLUS: If you have a day to kill then why not visit the bird sanctuary? Ask the information desk when you get there. They normally have it locked and it's a little walk down from the Aquarium. This has always been a fun spot for a baby...birds...cats...stimulation....mom relaxes!! -
Review from Grace C.
Long Beach, CA
2/6/2011 1 photo
Bf and I visited San Pedro for the first time on Saturday, with the Aquarium as our first stop.
There is no admission fee, but it is highly suggested for adults to donate $5 each, and for children to donate $1 each. I honestly think that they're not asking much out of the public considering what they offer. Donate generously!
Parking is free for the first 20 minutes, and then it is 1 dollar for every hour. Maximum you may pay in a given day is 9 dollars. Lots of parking, so don't worry about that.
The aquarium is much smaller than many others. And, it's definitely not as fancy as Aquarium of the Pacific or any of the bigger aquariums. But, the staff is consistently helpful and nice. I think part of it is that they are mainly volunteers who are there because they enjoy what they do, whether it's being scientists or helping out around the aquarium. The type of visitors who come to the Cabrillo Aquarium also tend to be the more down-to-earth people instead of the snobby/bourgeoisie type that I saw quite often at the Aquarium of the Pacific, so that's always a plus in my book.
The bf and I saw everything (except for the library). You can go into one of their labs and see the experiments that they are doing. Not sure if they do demonstrations often, but there are different schedules for different things. Grunion Run is once a year, and I hear that it's definitely a good experience. They also have schedules to go to the tidepools (we didn't have the time to go).
The actual exhibits are pretty nice when considering what you pay for. Probably one of our favorites was the moray eel, and the moon jellies. And the seahorses! You can also touch the starfishes and other awesome creatures at certain hours of the day in one of the designated areas.
I think the kids will definitely have a blast here compared to the adults. The aquarium seems to be more geared towards children, and educating them about the waters and the different creatures. It's a good learning experience for them, and they'll likely leave with new information in their brains.
I thought the gift shop was much cuter than I expected it to be. Plenty of unique items for a good budget. A penny machine, stamped sea pods, tagua or pseudo-ivory (to be an alternative from people killing elephants for their ivory tusks), and lots of other novelty items. We took home one of the ivory figurines that had a turtle carved out of it, as well as a VERY soft manatee plushy.
After you're done with the aquarium, there is a small park for the kids. No swimming! But it's really nice to be able to see part of the sea, and all of the boats being docked.
The weather was a little cold, but it was also sunny. Overall, the area was very nice, and pleasant. We'll likely come back again when we can. =) -
Review from Tori H.
Chico, CA
1/23/2011
This place was a fun little way to spend a couple of hours. Although it was the smallest aquarium I've ever been to, there were plenty of creatures to see and a lot to read about. They even had a hands-on exhibit that opened a few times throughout the day.
The most interesting part of this aquarium was that it had a research program that you could walk through. They featured information about projects they were currently working on and some info from past projects.
There was also a section that was more directed a the little ones, which a considerable number of kids were exploring.
For an inexpensive, short afternoon activity I'd recommend exploring the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. For $5, it's worth seeing. -
Review from Karen C.
8/24/2010 7 photos
What "free" admission?! =) Okay so there is a suggested donation of $5, but this is still way cheaper than going to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Sure Cabrillo's Aquarium can't really compare to Long Beach but it's perfectly sized for small kiddos.
I like how once you go to the entrance there is a large white board with tide info. That way you can head down Cabrillo Beach at low tide to look at the stuff in the tide pools.
This Aquarium is perfect for kiddies because there are easy to read displays and tanks are about kid height. There is a fish dome thing you can stand in the middle of so a school of fish swim around you! I had to kinda crawl in and stand hunched over, but kids have no problem. There is a table outside displaying whale fossils with a sign saying "Please Touch". =) Awesome level of interaction this place allows, but Jenny Y noticed a crayon wedged in one fossil. =/ In the back they have a lab area where you can look at sharks being hatched and baby grunions swimming in a tank. A couple good photo ops outside with a whale and shark head. The best thing is the touch tank outside; you can pet starfish, sea urchins and poke at the sea anemones (It's quite disturbing how the suck at your digits).
I can't help but think that all these critters are edible and a strong onset of sushi craving occurs!!!! Tons of uni, jellyfish, monster abalone, giant lobster and various fish. I totally could go on a seafood binge... but no, I can't eat them because they are for display only. =( Looking at the abalones about the diameter of my hand I know these would have fetched a pretty penny in market, it takes about 20 years for one of them to grow that big. I suspect they put some sorta lo-jack on their majestic aquatic creatures... but even if I managed to pilfer one, who would buy a lifted abalone?! So if I decide to eat it, would I be able to stomach the guilt?! Ahh it's too complicated.
It's better to just buy a souvenir from their well stocked gift shop and take plenty of photos that will last longer. -
Review from Lennar M.
Walnut, CA
11/7/2010
I got to go to the aquarium for an Educator's Open House. It's definitely not like other aquariums. They highlight more on learning rather than the appreciating/reveling aspect of the aquarium.
Love that it's next to the beach. Immediate access to a real life experience of the ocean after learning about it in the aquarium. Love even more that touching and exploring is encouraged. I actually like the small intimate scene. Another yelper (Bryan W.) said it best, "The Cabrillo aquarium is just about the right size to hold a five year old's attention without boring them".
Some parts even look like real research labs. So if you want to get a good experience playing marine biologist, come to Cabrillo!
*side note: The gift shop has the coolest hats. I will own you one day, shark-eating-my-head hat -
Review from Stacey I.
Monrovia, CA
1/16/2011
You cannot beat the price!! For a $5 donation for adults and $1 donation for kids, this place is perfect. We arrived just in time for our daughter to go out and touch a few fish such as starfish. I think this is a perfect location for people with younger children. It is very hands on.
The aquarium is small however the exhibits are nice. The tanks are low enough for small children to look in.
Across the parking lot is a playground by the ocean. That was fun too. -
Review from Bryan W.
9/13/2010
My 3 and 5 year old nieces had a fabulous time exploring the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. The admission is pay what you will ($5 suggested donation for adults and $1 for kids). The admission makes Cabrillo Marine a superior choice for kids my nieces age to the Long Beach Aquarium. The Cabrillo aquarium is just about the right size to hold a five year olds attention without boring them. We ran quickly through the exhibits spotting Lobsters, Jellyfish (truly fascinating), and of course Sharks.
There are plenty of opportunities for kids to learn about the ocean in this compact aquarium There are also hands on exhibits for kids. A tidepool is open at certain times during the day.
The BEST of all is that Cabrillo Aquarium is located on a beach where there are real tidepools. So after exploring the museum you can take a medium length walk to the Cabrillo Beach tidepools. My niece and I enjoyed walking around the rocks and spotting primarily sea anenome in the surf. -
Review from Elizabeth V.
Long Beach, CA
7/25/2010
I was part of the Long Beach school system back in the 70's. This was one of the places I remember going on field trips to and it was the best place ever because of the giant whale skeleton. Of course, I was only a couple of feet tall back then. I'm a bit taller than that, now, and the whale isn't as big as I remember, but the bird display is still there and the tide pools. All the great things to learn about the sea are still there waiting to be discovered by a new generation.
Including the grunion run.
I had never gone as a child and saw my first one just a few years back. I have to go this year too because it was something to see. Of course, the movie they show before the run (Beverly Hillbillies) makes it that much more retro.
I have my new battery in my flash light, I just need my crew!
But on non-grunion time, the science displays and the variety of sea life is incredible. They ask for a donation to keep this place open -- please donate. They are not just an aquarium. They also mentor the passionate people that keep our water ways and sea protected so we can share them with our next generations. I hope to sea you there! -
Review from Jonathan Z.
Orange, CA
7/9/2010
I'm a big fan of animals. I wouldn't want any in my house, but I do like to go see them. CMA has a variety of ocean life and displays that make it easy to enjoy ocean life from a distance. If you want to get more hands on, they have open tanks in specific areas.
I came here for the Grunion run, so they played a video (circa 1960's?) that showed everything you needed to know about grunions. My gf was snoozed through this part, but I like watching Discovery Channel type material. Honestly, there were barely any grunion out on the beach that night. I thought it was kinda lame, but that doesn't really apply to CMA, just those damn fish!
CMA is everything you want in an aquarium. They're not as fancy as the Aquarium of the Pacific, but at least it's a friendly environment where you can talk to the staff and get direct answers. -
Review from kcbabe k.
New York, NY
6/4/2011
I used to live in the southbay and am back for a 6 wk stay.
I just got home last night from a Grunion Run sponsored by Cabrillo Aquarium. My complaint about this place is with whoever runs the parking lot (Parks & Recs? since I saw their trucks around the lot). If the lot is full and there is a mass exodus, YOU WILL WAIT AN HOUR TO EXIT THE LOT! I waited 70 minutes!
Main entrance & the back exit only had 1 toll taker each. Only 1 out of 2 booths was being utilized at main gate cause the toll booth worker said the other booth at was broken. Well fix it then before a big event! Talk about poor planning and preparation. If that's not bad enough they charge you parking fee for the wait time!
During off hours this Cabrillo Aquarium is great! Their afterschool and wkend programs are awesome. I totally support the Aquarium but not how the parking lot is run. -
Review from Patrick D.
Los Angeles, CA
7/30/2011
I was expecting a small little place, but was pleasantly suprised by this aquarium. I actually enjoyed this one more than the one in Long Beach. I highly recommend a visit to this place.
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Review from Rain F.
5/3/2010
My 100th review goes to...
CABRILLO MARINE AQUARIUM!
I stopped writing reviews for a bit because I wanted my 100th one to be extra special. I was reminded of this place while I was posting on Yelp Talk how I wanted to go to the beach and study. Well, this place happens to be one of my fave study spots. Not exactly the aquarium but the outside area.
Anyways, I was first introduced to this place through a Biology field trip. My professor at that time thought that it would be a good idea to attend a "grunion run." I had no idea what grunions are and wondered how fish could run. I found out that it wasn't literal.
Ever since then, I have come back to this place numerous times just to check out their exhibits. I even took some of my family and friends to see the grunion run.
Another thing I like about this place is parking. You can park outside along the street for free. Or if you wanna park closer, it's a dollar per hour with the first hour free.Listed in: Entertainment for Cheap
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Review from Shan L.
Los Angeles, CA
7/11/2011 6 photos
This place is pretty cool. Came her with a friend our kids. Ages-18, 12 and 4. All the kids a fun too. Not nearly as fancy as the LB Aquarium, but still really fun. It was not overly crowded. The 4 year olds had fun dressing up in the sea inspired costumes. The staff was nice and very informative. The price is just right (free or small donation). But you do have to pay for parking. I really liked the hands on exhibits. Next time going to make it a day and hang out on the beach as well. Come check this place out!
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Review from Cynthia A.
Torrance, CA
4/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you're a local, this is a good place to hang out for free! The aquarium is not that big but it's fun to check out, go to the tide pools, hang out at the beach and just make a day out of it. I go with my kids from work on field trips and they enjoy it.
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Review from Sam V.
Pasadena, CA
7/24/2010
"Sex on the Beach", That's a drink you can ask for in hopes of making the waitress blush. You ARE so cool. But here's your chance to see hot, sexy, steamy sex on the beach while watching unmarried couples go at it. Oh yeh, They're fish.
GRUNION RUN. I thought this was a lot like "Snipe hunt" or "cow tipping" too bizarre to be true. but it is true and it happens two days from now...at a decent time. I'll be working the next day so I won't be there, but every one on the West Cost should see this once in their lifetime, it's OK for children too.
It's a little cold so bring a coat or a sweater but it is, a once in a lifetime experience and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will make it even more memorable... -
Review from Holly C.
Huntington Beach, CA
10/26/2011
This was my first time ever going to an Aquarium I always wanted to go to the one in Long Beach but I heard it was overpriced and blah blah blah....So the first good thing about this place was that it was FREE to get in. Free is good, especially when you don't work. You could donate money if you want to. Which would be the nice thing to do, I didn't because I was just going to the beach and had no money on me. I will go back one day and donate. The workers were so nice and everything was just to amazing to not go back. Lots of stuff to see. I'm really into everything having to do with the beach/sea life so this was magical for me :) The highlight for me were all the Jellyfish! I sat there for 20 minutes trying to get a picture of them but it wasn't happening. It kind of took me back to when I was a kid and we would go on field trips to museums and go from station to station learning about things. Super cool!
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Review from Emily S.
7/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place is kind of small, but admission to get in is dirt cheap.
I wouldn't really come here just for the Aquarium. I would probably make a trip out of it.
Stop by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium...
Visit the Marine Mammal Care Center (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
Visit the Korean Friendship Bell
(http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
A few months a year, the sponsor a Grunion Run. More info on their website.
Overall a nice place to visit. -
Review from Julia I.
Los Angeles, CA
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's dated, a little dirty, but very approachable for families and the price is right. A great place to spend an afternoon looking at the tanks and learning about the ocean. The touch tank is great for the little ones. The staff is nice and i think mostly volunteers which is admirable. The grunion run deal they do is great.
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Review from fran d.
Long Beach, CA
9/12/2007
this is long beach's aquarium of the pacific nerdy cousin. LBCAotP is all flash and glamor with only a marginal amount of education thrown in for effect while CBMA is far more educational.
mind you the place still caters to the under 14 crowd like LBCAotP does, but you do not find the same large crowds and the kids here are far more quiet and studious.
there are microscopes you can view sea life with and a petting tank. admission is by donation ($5 dollar suggested) and then there is the biggest reason to come here for. at least for myself:
they have an extensive collection of jelly fish. i love jellyfish. they fascinate me and here you see can so many of them. bring your camera with you.
just mind you, there is $7 dollar parking fee. cash only.Listed in: aquariums
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Review from Anita L.
2/19/2008 3 photos
It wasn't very big, nor was it flashy, but I really enjoyed myself here. The main section of the aquarium houses different fish, starfish, jellyfish etc. There is a tide pool where kids (or adults too) can touch the starfish, sea urchin in the shallow water.
On the opposite site of the entrance are 2 smaller interactive areas where you can see how they make the food for all the critters who live there. The coolest part was when we were there, one of the staff members had just taken this huge jellyfish out and was about to extract the fertilized eggs from it to put into a petri dish where they can grow. This jellyfish was almost the size of the plastic tub it was in (see photo).
The staff member was explaining to us the various types of jellyfish and I was curious about the fertilization process of the jellyfish. Anyway, in the end, it was a super cool visit.
There is a recommended donation -- put some money in people!! -
Review from andrea d.
Long Beach, CA
7/12/2008
Ok, so this isn't exactly about the aquarium, but it is about their parking lot.. Last week I thought I would take my niece to see the grunion run at Cabrillo Beach. We got there around 9:30 pm. As we pulled into the parking, I took a look around at the signs to see if the parking lot closed at any certain time. The only signs I saw said that parking was pay-when-you-leave depending upon the amount of time you're there. There was an attendant at the exit booth, so I assumed we were fine. I parked and we headed to the beach in the dark.
My niece played around in the sand building sand pyramids. No grunion. The last time I went to the grunion run a few years ago, there were docents there who talked abut the fish and what what going on and shined big flood lights on the beach when the fish came ashore. Nothing this time. No docents, no lights, no fish.
After and hour and half of waiting in the cold in the dark, I was done. I told the kid we could come back the following night if she wanted, but it was time to go home. As we walked back to the car, the parking lot was strangely empty for the amount of people who were on the beach. As I drove up the driveway to exit I realized why. The gates were locked. We were freaking locked in the beach.
There were two Harbor Division cop cars on the other side of the gate. I got out of my car and asked if there was a way I could get out. They said they didn't have the key, that the parks and aquarium people do. They were sending someone "to the station" to see if there was a key there, but if they were able to unlock it that I would probably receive a citation for trespassing. Greeeeeat.
So we sat in the car for another half hour or so. The kid fell asleep in the back seat. I watched two more cop cars show up and six officers talking and chatting it up on the other side of the gate. Finally, fifteen minutes after the person with the key showed up, they unlocked the gate and let us out sans citation.
Part of me thinks this was a little game they play every night because I find it very hard to believe that this doesn't happen often since there was another person stuck there that night too and since there are no freaking signs posted. Whatever. At least I learned my lesson, right?Listed in: How She Spent Her Summer…
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Review from Lori K.
9/21/2007 6 photos
The first time I came to this aquarium my mother brought a boatload of my cousins and I. I must have been in first or second grade so all I remember were dark-ish rooms, an awesome gift shop and THE TOUCH TANK! I came again in High School on a field trip organized by my aunt who was also my biology/chemistry teacher. I recently visited again because my cousin works there so you see, it's always been a family affair!
I love this aquarium because no matter how many times I go I always learn new things and there are always new exhibits. I think I learned the most during my most recent visit because my cousin gave me a private tour and explained everything. I touched sea stars, saw baby shark's developing and moving around in little egg pouches, I learned about Jellyfish, sea otters and vernicious knids (just kidding no vernicious knids that's from Willy Wonka!) I learned about those fish with the lights on their heads like in Finding Nemo (did you know the males latch on to the females and don't go away even if she dies? talk about clingy!) My poor cousin....I was like a fascinated little kid! If anyone else wants a private tour with her let me know and I'll take you! -
Review from Robin Z.
I wasn't ready, should never have bought the weapon!
At least not before learning what constituted a legitimate target and what did not. I was 20, maybe 25' below the surface, about a hundred and fifty yards off the Palos Verdes peninsula, newly certified in SCUBA, and excited to see what my new Hawaiian sling (a three pronged, rubber-band powered spear) could do. So I shot the first fishy thing I saw and surfaced with my catch to brag about my incredible undersea battle. A nearby diver told me that it was a Garibaldi, California's state fish, and protected with a fine of $500! Doh! I may have been just 15 and immature but wished I'd known that before jumping into the ocean armed to the teeth. I was young, dumb and full of ignorance.
Hello Cabrillo Marine Aquarium!
Every time I come here, I learn something new, something that might help me (like how to avoid certain poisonous critters) or even how we can help save a species nearing extinction. And though this aquarium is small and certainly underfunded, it offers a treasure trove of information concerning the seas and how vitally important they are to the future of our bipedal, ever-growing air-breathing society. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a wonderful introduction into near-shore inhabitants and children are encouraged to ask questions, look at some of the wondrously exotic creatures living in this harsh environment and even touch many of the animals that live in our southern California tide pools. A functioning laboratory provides insight into the protection of species, the future of aquaculture and how we're learning to grow certain animals previously thought doomed to overfishing, tourist demand and human pollution, species such as sea horses, abalone and even that bright orange expensive Garibaldi!
Maybe one day, there'll be so many of them, they'll be everywhere. It'd sure be nice to shoot something and not get into any trouble for it.Listed in: Kulture Klash, ROTDs (a mighty short list)
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Review from Rinky N.
East Bay
1/6/2007 8 photos
FIVE BIG STARS for this family-oriented aquarium!
Lots of activities for kids under 11:
Costumes (fish, lobster, skin divers and other sea creatures)
with four or five large backdrops to act out your sea fantasies
Puppets and a puppet theater.
A circular fish tank with a tunnel underneath so you can crawl into the middle and pretend you are a tank dweller.
Microscopes to examine small sea life.
A center to draw and create art works.
Hands-on tables of shells, shark teeth and other sea life.
A huge touch tank.
Lots of extremely kind, friendly and knowledgeable docents.
The main aquarium has tanks of various Pacific coast tide pool and ocean life. Beautiful anemones and sea urchins, HUGE starfish, the LARGEST lobster (3 or 4 feet) I have ever seen--I hope he know how lucky he is to be in a tank with a comfy future in the aquarium instead of some human's future dinner!
AND........the admission is by suggested donation. $5 for adults.
What a bargain! I loved seeing the variety of families there.
There is a parking fee of $7 on weekends and probably summers. We took the free shuttle from the Red Car Trains parking lot. -
Review from Regina L.
Iowa City, IA
9/30/2008
Me: "ALL THE SEAFOOD ARE BELONG TO MY MOUTH!"
Him: "....*uneasiness* Um, I don't think so, baby. Not here anyway."
Me: "Why? Don't you think if you open up that purple sea urchin, it'd be like opening up and eating those sea urchins at Redondo Beach pier ?"
Him: "...(I don't like urchins, but okay)...It's not food, buddy...and all the seafood doesn't belong to your mouth"
Ok, so all the sea creatures here in this aquarium don't belong in my mouth, but after being in places like Quality Seafood (http://www.yelp.com/bi... ) and Santa Barbara Shellfish Company (http://www.yelp.com/bi... ), I saw as living creatures in tanks as food....who could blame me, right ? I had to do a bit of paradigm shifting to see this place as what it is: an aquarium.
Like several reviewers said, this is an indie movie version of an aquarium with a strong emphasis on education. We were here in the first place for the grunion program. They showed an old 1970-ish video from the alma mater about how the grunion spawn and what not. It was very informational and it setted us up for some false expectations. (which is not their fault. The video was pretty awesome)
There are tons of families and little ones here, so as a couple, we felt like we stuck out like a sore thumb. We didn't get to catch any grunion that night and we attribute that to the overly anxious kids who couldn't wait for the educator's go-sign to look for the grunion. I personally think they scared the grunion away, but we were able to see one before the night ended.
For 20-somethings like us, we thought this place is okay. At this point, we like things shiny and flashy, so we feel like we probably won't be back here anytime soon. Maybe it'll change though in 10-15 years from now....who knows?
Oh, one thing I really enjoyed in their exhibit in the museum was the camouflaging flat fish. That entertained me for a good while....that's pretty much it though. -
Review from Racquel R.
Carson, CA
5/3/2011
my friend and i came here...and we suddenly became five years old again. we were trying on fish costumes and scuba diver costumes....playing around with the video camera, creating a puppet show involving sharks that don't eat fish, tunelling through squishy walls and having to give up our time in the auarium tunnel because real 5 yr olds were waitng for us.
my bad kids.
yes the aquarium is a quaint and educational place for all. touching the sea urchins and starfish is the cherry on top. oh yeah....and its FREE! but donations accepted. -
Review from Matthew C.
Irvine, CA
1/20/2008
This is the independent cinema version of an aquarium.
Great exhibits but without the flash of Long Beach. Very educational.
The research center where they breed fish is open for visitation.
Really terrific and unique experience.
One of the best museum type places to go on the weekends with your kids. -
Review from Gina G.
3/18/2009
My grandparents lived in Gardena, so San Pedro was just a stone's throw from where they lived. Every summer, my brother and I would spend a few days here and there at my grandparent's place. They would take us on outings... they were mostly educational, but always fun.
One of my favorite outings was Cabrillo Beach and Museum. Before we left for the day, we would pack a picnic lunch of sandwiches, fruit, crackers and juice, and put on our bathing suits under our clothes. We would always start out the day at the beach by visiting the museum. I love this museum. I actually like it much better than the Aquarium of the Pacific. It is smaller and more quaint....and its free!
After visiting the museum, we would finish up our day at Cabrillo Beach. The beach has a cove, and by the rocks, you can spot the same sea anemones and some of the fish that you see in the museum. Its really cool to see them in their real natural habitat. -
Review from kimberly p.
Los Angeles, CA
5/16/2010
I've been going to the cabrillo marine aquarium since i was 13.
My first time here was with my older sister when i was in the 8th grade. I remember reading up on everything and exploring. I had a really good time. We even had lunch at the beach. It's a really nice place.
I now take everyone from my niece to my friends baby here. They have such a wonderful time. Things have changed a lot since I was 13. They have a nursery place and and an exploring place. I think that's what they call it. I love how it's educational and entertaining at the same time. I'm now 24 and still enjoy it here. I absolutely love the octopus tank. I can watch it for hours. The staff is very friendly and are glad to give you the information that you need. I really like this aquarium a lot! -
Review from Erica F.
6/21/2009
So cute, a small and intimate yet very educational aquarium. Having recently started scuba diving, I really enjoyed learning about the different types of local sea life you see in the kelp beds. It was not crowded, which is good cuz it's so small, and there is just enough information presented on the Courier-font (talk about old-school) placards on display next to each tank that you learn something without being overwhelmed by too much info.
Things I loved: there's a huge whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling; touch tank w/ sea urchins, sea stars, limpets, anemones, abalone; octopus tank; jelly fish tank; giant sea bass; wave display; the exhibit about off shore oil platforms & the sea life that forms around them; and the moray eels! There is also a deeper part of the touch tank where you can look at leopard sharks, scorpion fish, and a moray eel, but you can't stick your hands in there - duh, would you want to?
I think it would be a good place to take little kids, since it is small, you can basically get a lot out of it just by walking thru the whole museum & taking it all in, within a 2 hour span. Parking is $1 an hour, and there is no admission but a suggested $5 donation per person. Totally worth it! -
Review from Karey R.
8/24/2010 3 Check-ins Here
My kids and I stumbled upon the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium one summer day, with nothing to do. I faintly remember coming here for a field trip when I was a kid...and I think my brother worked here one summer, but other than that I had no idea what I was getting into. We took a ticket at the gate and proceeded into the parking lot. There is a play set in the sand and a beautiful view across from the aquarium. We walked in and was directed by a volunteer to various displays and touch tanks. My 6 year old loved it, my 17 month old was mildly interested. I used to have a annual pass to the Aquarium of the Pacific so I was wondering while we walked around what the heck I was spending my money on all those years. The Cabrillo Aquarium only asks for donations. The "staff" that day consisted of extremely knowledgeable 9 and 10 years olds that jumped at the chance to educate my daughter on sea creatures. After about 45 minutes, a guide told us that they would be hatching grunion in the front in 5 minutes, so we walked out with some other kids and stood in a semi-circle. The volunteers passed around jars and told everyone how to hatch their eggs. My daughter stood in amazement as the fish started swimming around in her jar. Across from the grunion hatching was a room with microscopes and various fish tanks. To the left was a puppet theater and dress up area. My daughter put on a fish costume and put on a play. I couldn't believe how much my daughter had learned in just one day. I highly recommend bringing your kids to the Cabrillo Aquarium.
When our trip to the Aquarium was done, we made our way to the play set where my daughter ran around and jumped and played. I think next time I will bring a picnic so we can stay at the beach a little longer and enjoy the view.Listed in: Family Fun Time!
