The aquarium building was one of the earliest public projects designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry.
It is located adjacent to the Cabrillo Salt Marsh, one of the last remaining natural salt marshes in Los Angeles County.
The facility maintains a specialized nursery for rearing cephalopods and local shark species.
The aquarium holds an annual 'Grunion Run' event where visitors can observe the unique reproductive behavior of the California grunion on the nearby beach.
Research scientists at the facility actively track local kelp forest health and water quality in the San Pedro harbor.
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium specializes in the marine life of Southern California, focusing on local species native to the San Pedro coastline. The facility is housed in a building designed by architect Frank Gehry, featuring a signature expansive roof. It offers an Exploration Center with interactive touch tanks that allow visitors to handle sea stars, sea urchins, and anemones. The aquarium serves as a research and education facility managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Its exhibits include the Kelp Forest, which houses fish and invertebrates found in local underwater habitats. The site also operates an active rescue and rehabilitation program for injured marine animals, particularly sea turtles. Educational programming emphasizes environmental conservation and the specific ecology of the Southern California Bight. Visitors can explore a dedicated mudflat exhibit that highlights the unique ecosystem of the adjacent salt marsh. It functions as both a public museum and a scientific research hub for coastal environmental studies.
The elevated boardwalk area offering views of the Pacific Ocean and the breakwater lighthouse.
Walk the short nature trail behind the aquarium to explore the Salt Marsh and its bird-watching opportunities.
Visit during low tide to see the tide pools in the adjacent Cabrillo Beach coastal park.
Check the aquarium calendar for scheduled public feeding times, which occur periodically throughout the day.
Do not mistake the aquarium's immediate beach parking for the primary lot if it is full; overflow parking is located slightly further up the hill.
Closed on Mondays.
Gentle touch only in designated tide pool tanks; keep voices low to avoid startling marine animals; do not tap on glass.
