At the Aquarium
Welcome to Los Angeles' premier teaching aquarium! Since 1935, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has inspired generations to discover and appreciate the incredible marine life found along Southern California's coast.
Through immersive aquaria, interactive exhibits, museum collections, and hands-on learning spaces - including the Susanne Lawrenz-Miller Exhibit Hall, Exploration Center, Aquatic Nursery, and John M. Olguin Auditorium, visitors of all ages can explore marine biology, build environmental awareness, and engage with science in meaningful and memorable ways. Every exhibit is designed to make the wonders of the ocean accessible, engaging, and fun.
All of the Aquarium's animals and exhibits focus on Southern California's native marine life, showcasing the remarkable diversity of species that call our local waters home. Be sure to learn more about the incredible Southern California species you'll encounter during your visit.
Exhibits
Susanne Lawrenz-Miller Exhibit Hall
The Susanne Lawrenz-Miller Exhibit Hall showcases five major environments: Sandy Beaches, Mudflats, Rocky Shores, Kelp Forests and Open Ocean Ecosystems.
Aquatic Nursery
The Aquatic Nursery is a working laboratory where visitors have access to active scientific research, and to the scientists-in-training who are conducting projects under the guidance of CMA’s professional staff.
Exploration Center
The award-winning Exploration Center challenges visitors to engage all five senses and use scientists’ tools as you learn to explore the habitats of the nearby Cabrillo Coastal Park.
John M. Olguin Auditorium
The auditorium screens free shows daily with educational, in-house productions that promote conservation and education of local species and efforts.
Coastal Park
Extend your visit by exploring the beautiful, fully accessible Cabrillo Coastal Park, located just steps from Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. This unique coastal destination offers a variety of natural habitats and outdoor activities, with scenic walking trails leading to tidepools, sandy beaches, and a thriving salt marsh.
Whether you're interested in tidepooling, birdwatching, fishing, boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the coastline, Cabrillo Coastal Park has something for everyone. The park also features picnic areas, a historic Southern California Bathhouse, a fishing pier, and a public boat launch.
Make the most of your visit by downloading our Walk Cabrillo Guide (English) or Guía del Parque Costero (Español) to discover the park's unique habitats, wildlife, and points of interest.
Tidepools
Discover the incredible world of Southern California's tidepools! The best time to explore is during low tide, when the ocean reveals a fascinating community of sea stars, anemones, crabs, snails, and other marine life. Be sure to check the Cabrillo Beach tide table before your visit to plan for the best viewing conditions.
Can't make it to the shore? Take a virtual tidepool walk to meet the animals that call this unique habitat home, learn about their amazing adaptations, and discover how to explore tidepools safely while helping protect these fragile ecosystems.
Audio Tour
Discover insider stories about Cabrillo Marine Aquarium with our self-guided audio tour. Available in both English and Spanish, the tour highlights our history, collections, and conservation work, giving you a deeper look at the Aquarium at your own pace.
Simply use your smartphone to connect, then follow along as you explore. Start at the Welcome Booth and look for Audio Tour signage throughout your visit. The experience takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
