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Top Things to See and Do at the Aquarium This Fall

This fall at the Aquarium, visit the Coral Reefs exhibits and view the new Pacific Visions show, see new animals, enjoy our cultural festivals, and check out our full calendar of events.

Sea lion touches pumpkin on shoreline with nose

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Robin Riggs

October 4, 2021

The entire Aquarium is open, including all indoor and outdoor areas. Please visit our Aquarium Safety page and make a reservation before your visit.

Kids and father in silhouette looking into tropical exhibit with rays swimming

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific/Andrew Reitsma

Exhibits and Animals

The Aquarium’s newest exhibition and program, Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities, showcases the beauty and diversity of coral reefs and their animal residents in the Aquarium’s reimagined Tropical Pacific Gallery. Learn about coral reefs, the threats they face, and what you can do to help save them. The Aquarium is also featuring a new show in its Honda Pacific Visions Theater, giving visitors the opportunity to experience a virtual dive and see coral reefs up close. This new original show is playing daily in Pacific Visions.

New animals on view as part of the Coral Reefs exhibits include a green sea turtle, flashlight fish, and many species of tropical fish. Also, visit the Beroe comb jellies in the Northern Pacific Gallery. These animals were cultured in-house by Aquarist Josh Wagner and his team, a first for any U.S. aquarium.

Looking for more adventure? Purchase a combo ticket to visit the Aquarium and go whale watching on the same day. Take a voyage with Harbor Breeze Cruises in search of several species of dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and other marine animals. Boats depart from Dock 2 next to the Aquarium at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Southeast Asia Day Performers

Cultural Festivals

Fall is festival season at the Aquarium! Southeast Asia Day on October 17 highlights the cultures of Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and Indonesia. Autumn Festival on November 13 and 14 celebrates the cultures of Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines.

boy in penguin costume at scarium

Halloween at the Aquarium

On Halloween Family Night on October 22 dress up in your coolest costume and have fun exploring the Aquarium’s animal exhibits at night! Touch sharks, rays, and sea jellies as you venture on a self-guided scavenger hunt. Families will receive a scavenger hunt and goodie bags on entry. Scarium of the Pacific on October 30 and 31 features a children’s costume contest, spooky storytelling, and more Halloween fun for the whole family. Fright Dive, for ages 18 and up, is our Halloween-themed Night Dive event on October 29 featuring local bands, artists, and dance performers from Pigeon’s Roller Rink.

Sea turtle swimming under pylons with NOAA logo

Credit: NOAA

Learn Something New

On November 7 the Aquarium will host its annual NOAA and Our Planet Day, when visitors can meet experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and learn what this agency does to monitor the ocean and weather.

First Wednesdays brings scientists, authors, and other experts into one of the facility’s theaters for an illustrated talk paired with book signings or meet-and-greets and cocktail/social hours. On November 3 Dr. Stephanie Wear will give a talk on “re-potty-training the world” and the problem of pollution in the ocean from untreated wastewater.

The Aquarium fosters lifelong learning and dialogue on issues related to the ocean and environment through its Aquatic Academy. In this fall’s course on November 10 and 17 learn about the local Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the environmental impacts of the shipping industry, and how the ports are addressing sustainability.

sea lion man mask closeup

Meet an Animal Up Close

Enhance your Aquarium visit with an Animal Encounter. Choose between four programs: Sharks and Rays, Seals and Sea Lions, Penguins, and Feathered Friends. Get up close to these animals and learn about their care from our staff members.

Aquarium Discounts

Aquarium coupons at Baker’s through December