DAY TRIP Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach

The Aquarium of the Pacific, one of the largest aquariums in the United States, is home to more than 12,500 ocean animals, representing almost 1,000 different species. The aquarium’s mission is “to instill a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants and ecosystems.” Visitors can watch sea otters at play, get “nose-to-nose” with sharks through a viewing window into their underwater environment, observe the elusive giant Pacific octopus, and interact with the lorikeets — small, 10-inch, brightly colored parrots — in the outdoor aviary. The aquarium also offers marine life films featuring 3-D digital animation, as well as behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.

HOURS

Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, except Christmas day.

ADMISSION

Aquarium admission includes all the galleries, hands-on labs, and presentations described in its daily handout.

Adult: $20.95

Child: $11.95 (3-11)

Senior: $17.95 (62+)

Tickets for admission plus a one-hour guided, behind-the-scenes tour (ages 7 and up)

Adult: $31.95

Child: 23.95 (7-11)

Senior: $29.95 (62+)

GETTING THERE

Take the 405 north to the 22 west. Exit at 7th Street.

Turn left on Alamitos and follow the signs.

PARKING

The parking structure for the aquarium is on the water side of Shoreline Drive between Chestnut Place and Aquarium Way. Parking is $6 for aquarium guests in both the aquarium and Pike parking structures when you show an aquarium ticket stub.

GALLERIES

Southern California/Baja GalleryThe Southern California/Baja Gallery features a bed housing giant, swaying kelp and the Seal and Sea Lion Habitat.

Northern Pacific GalleryThe Northern Pacific Gallery represents habitats in and around the Bering Sea and is home to the sea otter, native to the chilly Pacific waters.

Tropical Pacific GalleryThe Tropical Reef Habitat, which can be viewed from three locations in the gallery, is the aquarium’s largest exhibit, and features colorful fish, coral, sea turtles, seahorses and sea dragons.

EXHIBITS

Shark Lagoon

This exhibit features some sharks — Zebra, bamboo and epaulette are a few — you can actually touch.

Lorikeet Forest aviary

More than 100 lorikeets inhabit the trees in this 3,200 square foot . aviary, and spend approximately 70% of their time feeding. The birds will fly down and perch on visitors’ arms.

Shorebird Sanctuary

Designed to resemble a wetland like the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, this exhibit features four species of shorebirds, including black-bellied plovers, black-necked stilts, killdeer and diving ruddy ducks.

TOURS

Visitors can choose from three two-hour guided tours offered on Saturdays and Sundays only. These tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the care and feeding of sea otters, sharks or the seals and sea lions. Reservations must be made in advance. Cost is $90, and includes the price of admission to the aquarium. Age and clothing restrictions may apply.