At the Aquarium
We are Los Angeles' premier teaching aquarium! Download Visitors Guide - English / Visitors Guide - Español
Since 1935, we have been exhibiting Southern California’s rich diversity and adaptations of our local sea life through a combination of aquaria, interpretive displays and museum collections. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Susanne Lawrenz-Miller Exhibit Hall, Exploration Center, Aquatic Nursery and John M. Olguin Auditorium comprise a unique science education facility where visitors of all ages can pursue informal marine biology education, ecological awareness, and scientific research training. These complex topics are made fun and accessible by the creative and informative exhibits.
Our marine life is all from Southern California. Want to see some of them and learn more?
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.
The main Exhibit Hall is closed and will reopen Fall 2025. Click Here for more info on our renovation.
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
The fully-accessible Cabrillo Coastal Park is located just steps from the front doors of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. This coastal park includes many different habitats and recreational opportunities: Follow walking trails to tidepools, beaches and a saltmarsh. Guests can participate in fishing, boating, swimming, tidepooling and birdwatching.
The Cabrillo Coastal Park also includes picnic areas and a historic Southern California Bathhouse, fishing pier and a boat launch ramp.
Please explore the Cabrillo Coastal Park by using our Walk Cabrillo Guide Guia del parque costero en espanol.
Tidepools
Low tides are the best times to explore tidepools. See a tide table for Cabrillo Beach.
Join us on a virtual tidepool walk. Learn about the animals that live there and how they are adapted to living in that environment. Before your next visit to a tidepool learn how to enjoy them safely.