Zoos and Aquariums in Los Angeles
An Animal Lovers Guide to Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to an impressive array of zoos and aquariums, many of which offer several unique exhibits to explore. From pandas to penguins and stingrays to sharks, this coastal city offers all the animal attractions you could ever want. Be sure to visit the largest permanent indoor chimpanzee exhibit in the world at the 4,000 square-foot California Science Center, or some of the other award winning nature and wildlife exhibits at these fantastic places listed here. So, let's get to it, here are the best zoos and aquariums around L.A. for your next trip.Aquariums in Los Angeles
California Science Center
This is one of the largest science museums on the west coast, and it has an impressively large list of exhibits, many of which feature fun, hands-on experiences which are great for kids and adults alike. Visitors can also see an aquarium, various ecosystems featuring a variety of animals, plenty of air and space vehicles (some are outside), and even more rotating exhibits about biology, chemistry, physics, and more. On site is also an IMAX theater.
700 Exposition Park Drive, Adams Normandie Historic District, LA, California, 90037
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, located at the Santa Monica Pier, is run by the nonprofit Heal the Bay. Kids under 12 are free. Visitors can see touch tanks and a variety of aquarium exhibits featuring the marine environments from the local ecosystems. Jellyfish, sharks, reef fish, and numerous other sea creatures are on display. It's a great place to visit for the whole family.
1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, California, 90401
Planning a trip to Los Angeles? You might also be interested in Where to Take your Dog in Los Angeles and The Best Things to do in Los Angeles.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
With a focus on both oceanography and marine life, this terrific aquarium has been around for awhile. It's family-friendly and very popular with the local communities, as school trips come here frequently. Visitors can see large aquarium tanks featuring a variety of marine environments with sharks, fish, and a variety of other undersea creatures. Touch tanks are always a favorite with children and adults, too, and you'll find them here as well. The aquatic nursery is another fun spot, as visitors can see actual ongoing research about the local marine habitats right off shore.
3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, California, 90731
Aquarium of the Pacific
Located in Long Beach, this fairly large aquarium has plenty of terrific exhibits that will entertain and educate adults and kids alike. From coral reefs to sharks, to sea otters to various marine ecosystems from around the world, the Aquarium of the Pacific offers a wide range of undersea creatures to learn about and observe. The sea turtles, jellyfish, and the penguins are just some of the favorites of visitors. The aquarium also hosts a number of events, too.
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, California, 90802
How much does it cost to visit an aquarium in Los Angeles?
Zoos in Los Angeles
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California, 90401
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Located in Griffith Park and featuring a wide variety of animal and plant exhibits, the L.A. Zoo is huge (and also entirely owned by the city). With a focus on preserving wildlife and educating the public about nature, animals, and the environment, the zoo is fun and interesting for everyone from kids to adults. See elephants, tigers, fish, exotic birds, primates, reptiles, snakes, and more. In the botanical gardens, visitors can also plants both native to southern California and more exotic areas of the world. Some exhibits also highlight endangered plants.
Zoo Drive North, LA, California, 91201
How much does it cost to go to the zoo in Los Angeles?
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
More Ideas for Los Angeles
The Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in HollywoodThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in West Hollywood in Los AngelesThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Beverly HillsThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in the Hollywood HillsThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in MalibuThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Santa Monica by the Pier and BeachThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Ocean Park by Santa Monica at the BeachThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Venice Beach in L.A.The Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Manhattan Beach in L.A.The Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Redondo Beach in L.A.The Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Hermosa Beach in Los AngelesThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Long Beach, CaliforniaThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Belmont Shore and Naples Island near Los AngelesThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals around Sunset Beach & Bolsa Chica State Beach near Los AngelesThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Huntington Beach, CaliforniaThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Newport Beach, CaliforniaThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Laguna Beach, CaliforniaThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Mission Viejo, CaliforniaThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Anaheim near Disney Land, CaliforniaThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Downtown Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Little Tokyo, Los AngelesThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Bel Air, Los AngelesThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Pasadena, CaliforniaThe Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Westwood by UCLA?The Best VRBO Vacation Rentals in Century City in L.A.?The Best VRBO Vacation Rentals by the Ram's SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles?The Best VRBO Vacation Rentals by Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles?
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Search for Travel Costs
Read More
If you're looking for more information about Los Angeles, read Free Things to Do in Los Angeles and The Best History Museums in Los Angeles and Educational Places and Activities in Los Angeles.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.