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The top 10 best aquariums in California
When you picture California, you likely imagine surfing and sunsets. But this coastal state has much more beneath the surface — literally. Along with a stunning coastline (the third longest of any state in the U.S.!) and incredible views, California is home to some of the most exciting aquariums in the country. Aboard a Princess® cruise, guests can immerse themselves in marine experiences during a shore excursion or as part of a pre- or post-cruise stay.
Although there isn’t just one to claim the title of “best aquarium in California,” each of these top 10 spots offers different interactive exhibits and hands-on animal encounters that make a great addition to your vacation. These experiences provide an educational look into marine ecosystems, as well as enriching opportunities to appreciate the biodiversity of the Pacific. Read on to find out the best aquariums in California to add to your coastal vacation.
Table of contents
1. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium
3. San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay
4. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
5. Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
6. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
7. Steinhart Aquarium
8. Aquarium of the Pacific
9. Living Coast Discovery Center
10. SeaWorld
1. Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Explore interactive tide pools
If you keep an eye out, you’ll likely be able to see pods of dolphins playing in the ship’s wake during your cruise. For even more up-close excitement, explore the wonders of the Pacific at Birch Aquarium, located in La Jolla.
With more than 100 years of dedication to marine conservation, this aquarium offers a chance to interact with tide pools brimming with starfish, anemones and hermit crabs. You can also explore exhibits highlighting cutting-edge oceanographic research, such as the migration patterns of sea turtles or the bioluminescence of deep-sea creatures. Watch playful sea otters float and marvel at the bright hues of tropical reef fish, set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium
Feed sea otters and penguins
If you've seen videos of energetic sea otters and desperately wished to play with them, you'll need to make a stop at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Here, guests can feed sea otters and penguins, or simply marvel at a giant Pacific octopus as it moves gracefully through the water.
This spot is renowned for its captivating exhibits, including an indoor kelp forest, and for those looking to take a deeper dive into marine life, Princess offers both a Monterey Bay Aquarium guided tour and a Monterey Bay Aquarium self-guided tour. You can explore at your own pace or get expert insights into all the animals your cruise ship will pass. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-see, perfectly blending fun with a rich educational experience for guests of all ages.
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3. San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay
Walk through aquarium tunnels
Located on San Francisco’s iconic Pier 39, Aquarium of the Bay offers a unique underwater experience. You don’t have to be a good swimmer to walk through its clear tunnels and be surrounded by more than 20,000 marine animals — including the impressive “Sharks of Alcatraz.” This exhibit showcases local shark species that inhabit the waters surrounding the infamous island. Fun fact: these sharks just might be the answer to what happened to the three prisoners who escaped.
The touch pools provide an added hands-on opportunity to interact with rays, sharks and sea stars, and the Bay Lab is a great place to learn about the diverse ecosystems of the region. For a more in-depth look at the aquarium’s conservation efforts, check out Princess’ behind-the-scenes day excursion.
4. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Discover endless exploration
Immerse yourself in the wonders of marine life at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, where you can get a sense for the scale of the creatures you’ll likely be seeing off the bow of the ship. This must-see stop is home to the largest collection of Southern California marine species in the world, and it allows guests to dive deep into coastal ecosystems. Step outside to the expansive Coastal Park as you stroll among native plants, spot shorebirds and watch sea creatures thrive in their natural habitat.
The award-winning exploration center offers a variety of interactive exhibits, including a whale skeleton exhibit that demonstrates just how massive these marine mammals are.
5. Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Become an ocean life hero
Tucked beneath the well-known Santa Monica Pier, the Heal the Bay Aquarium proves you don’t need a cape to be an ocean hero. Guests can join the fight for marine preservation by "adopting" sea creatures, like playful sea otters and graceful jellyfish, and supporting clean ocean initiatives that protect marine habitats.
The interactive exhibits and close-up encounters with sea life (think: sea urchins, sea stars and even sharks) mean you get a hands-on learning experience about California’s coastal ecosystems. It’s a great stop for anyone passionate about ocean conservation, and it can be an effective way to entertain the family before your cruise departs.
6. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
Pet rays, urchins and sharks
The Sea Center, located on Stearns Wharf, is a gateway to all things marine life — particularly the marine life of the Santa Barbara Channel. Guests can get up close and personal with rays, urchins and small sharks in the interactive touch tanks.
The sea study exhibit allows visitors to engage with marine research for a more immersive experience. It includes everything from observing sea horses and octopuses to learning about ocean currents and plankton under a microscope. The interactive exhibits like touch tanks and the programs exploring the ecosystems of California’s coastal waters make this aquarium the perfect blend of education and entertainment.
7. Steinhart Aquarium
Tour the largest indoor coral reef
In the heart of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, you’ll find the world’s largest indoor coral reef — a 25-foot-deep and 212,000-gallon underwater oasis full of bright tropical fish and graceful rays. Steinhart Aquarium offers an unparalleled look into a variety of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to the depths of the ocean.
Guests can explore exhibits featuring rare fish, vibrant corals and unique aquatic species, including the elusive flashlight fish that use bioluminescence to glow in the dark. The aquarium also showcases exotic seahorses, delicate and almost otherworldly in their appearance, as well as giant sea bass, a species making a comeback thanks to conservation efforts.
8. Aquarium of the Pacific
Swim with the fish
If you want to swim with the fishes (and not in a theatrical mafia way), then the Aquarium of the Pacific is the place for you! The exhibits are so immersive that it feels like you’re in the water. Located in Long Beach, this aquarium has plenty to offer, from frogs and penguins to sea otters. One of the most popular attractions is the Shark Lagoon, where guests can observe these fascinating creatures up close.
If you have some extra time before or after your cruise, the Ocean Science Center provides interactive displays on climate and oceanography. The Aquarium of the Pacific also hosts seasonal exhibitions and events that showcase marine life from all around the world, including special programs aimed at educating guests about ocean conservation and environmental responsibility.
9. Living Coast Discovery Center
Explore life above and below sea
Channel your inner little mermaid and explore life both under the sea and up where the people walk at the Living Coast Discovery Center. Here, you’ll find a blend of coastal aviary exhibits and marine life displays. You can learn about a wide variety of animals, including sea turtles and a variety of bird species — all native to the California Coast.
This center is committed to conservation, making it an inspiring stop for visitors who want to learn more about preserving the natural habitats of both marine and land-based animals. Experiencing the open sea on your cruise is sure to spark a deeper appreciation for marine conservation, and the Living Coast Discovery Center in San Diego features interactive exhibits on habitat restoration and programs that support efforts to protect Southern California’s delicate marine ecosystems.
10. SeaWorld
Enjoy exciting rides and large exhibits
No list of top aquariums in California is complete without mentioning SeaWorld. Famous for its thrilling rides and large-scale exhibits, SeaWorld combines all the things that make California so iconic for an unforgettable experience. Guests can encounter majestic animals such as whales, walruses and dolphins in expansive habitats.
Beyond the animal encounters, SeaWorld is also known for its exciting theme park rides and unique shows that offer both education and entertainment. Thrill-seekers can dive into adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like the Manta or the high-speed Electric Eel, while families can enjoy interactive experiences like Dolphin Days or Orca Encounter.
Take your California Coast vacation to the next level
Exploring the best aquariums in California is just one way to experience the incredible marine life along the Pacific Coast. Plan your California Coast vacation with Princess today!
