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Located in Long Beach, California, the Aquarium of the Pacific is an excellent go-to activity for families and children of all ages.
This popular attraction is the largest aquarium in Southern California, housing over 12,000 species and 100 exhibits.
If you plan to visit, there’s no need to pay gate prices. There are several reliable ways to buy discounted Aquarium of the Pacific tickets to avoid paying the full price.
The following saving opportunities, along with general tips for visiting, are listed below.
Gate Prices for Aquarium of the Pacific
If you don’t buy tickets online before you go, you’ll pay these gate ticket prices:
To save money on your entry fee, consider the discounted ticket options below.
Due to limited aquarium capacity, tickets are date-specific; you’ll choose a date at the time of purchase.
Aquarium of the Pacific Discount Tickets Options
There are multiple ways to secure a discounted ticket to this world-class aquarium. Here are several ways to save big money on your trip to what we rank as one of the best aquariums in California.
1. More Single-Day Aquarium of the Pacific Tickets
aRes Travel is a San Diego-based authorized ticket seller for must-see attractions and destinations, including the Long Beach Aquarium. We have been partners with them for years.
They sometimes offer an excellent deal on a single-day pass to the Aquarium of the Pacific; however, at the moment, it’s priced the same as regular admission to the aquarium.
When you purchase this ticket, you’ll select the date and time you’d like to visit. Therefore, your reservation is included!
Buy 1-Day Aquarium Admission
Skip the ticket line and go straight to the gate on your selected date and time.
Price: $42.95/Adults and $34.95/Children
2. Aquarium of the Pacific Discounted Hotel & Ticket Packages
If you are traveling to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific and plan to stay in the area, consider using the Aquarium of the Pacific Hotel & Ticket Package.
To capitalize on this deal, you must select your hotel stay dates, the hotel and room of your choice, and the number of tickets you wish to purchase. Guests can choose from 27 hotels for this deal.
Shop Aquarium Vacation Packages
Enjoy substantial savings by bundling your tickets with a selection of 28 different hotels.
We stay in Long Beach several times a year because my daughter plays volleyball at the Convention Center. There are several benefits to consider when vacationing in Southern California.
Why stay in Long Beach?
Note that the area is gentrifying. There are excellent spots but also gritty ones, too.
3. Aquarium of the Pacific Membership Packages
If you live in Southern California or plan on visiting the aquarium several times within the next year, it may be in your best interest to purchase one of the aquarium’s many membership packages.
Every membership offers visitors unlimited free admission for 12 months. Members will also receive 50% off parking with pre-paid parking vouchers, a 20% discount on guest admission tickets, a 10% discount in gift stores, and discounts on day camps and gift memberships.
Members will receive invitations to member-only events, previews of new exhibits, and a complimentary subscription to the member magazine.
Plus
The Plus membership grants benefits to one or two cardholders and to all children (ages 17 and younger) living in the same household.
Users will also receive two single-use tickets and one transferable membership card, which allows members to bring one extra guest to the Aquarium of the Pacific per day.
The plus membership costs $299 per year.
Family
The Family membership grants membership benefits to one or two cardholders and all children from the same family.
The family membership costs $249 per year.
Dual
Dual membership provides benefits to two cardholders living in the same household. If two cardholders visit the aquarium more than once in one year, they can save money by purchasing this membership.
The dual membership costs $179 per year.
Individual
The individual membership grants membership benefits to one cardholder. If you have any particular plans on visiting the aquarium more than three times in one year, you can save money by purchasing this membership.
This membership costs $119.
4. Group Sale Discounts
If you are traveling to the Aquarium of the Pacific in a group, you can save big.
Rather than buying individual gate tickets, consider the group sale discounts listed below.
Corporate, Association, and Union Discounts
If you are looking for ways to reward your loyal employees, signing up for one of the Long Beach Aquarium’s corporate, association, and union discounts is a great option.
Depending on the program you choose, the aquarium offers a range of options, including e-tickets, consignment, and prepaid tickets.
The best part? Enrolling in most of these programs is free for your organization.
Aquarium eticket program
One of the Corporate, Association, and Union discounts offered is the Aquarium eTicket program. Signing up for this program enables companies to establish a personalized online store where employees can purchase discounted Aquarium of the Pacific tickets.
To keep the account active, a company must sell at least 25 tickets per year.
Prepayment ticket programs
Companies can also opt for the Prepayment Ticket Program. This program offers employees a significant discount on aquarium tickets.
Employees will also receive express entry to the aquarium and a flexible ticket. Once an employee purchases a ticket, it will be valid for one calendar year.
To keep this program up and running, you must sell at least 25 tickets per year.
Tour Operator
If you are a traveling tour operator, the aquarium offers a special discount for travel or tour companies that bring 100 or more guests to this attraction in one calendar year.
Prepaid Group Visits
If you are traveling with a group of between 10 and 100 people, you are eligible for a Prepaid Group Visit.
Group visits are available from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets must be prepaid prior to entry. For every ten children, one chaperone is required.
In this group package, adult tickets are discounted to $35.95, child tickets are $28.95, senior tickets are $36.95, and one free adult is admitted for every ten children.
5. Aquarium of the Pacific AAA Discount
By purchasing a ticket at any Southern California Auto Club branch or on the AAA website, individuals can get up to 10% off tickets.
The AAA discount is limited to six guests, and reservations must be made at the aquarium. Please bring your ticket and reservation confirmation to the aquarium upon arrival for your visit.
6. Aquarium/L.A. Zoo Combo Discount
If you plan to visit the Los Angeles Zoo and Aquarium, consider purchasing a combo discount for both instead of individual tickets.
7. Conventioneer Discount for Aquarium of the Pacific
If you hold a Long Beach, Los Angeles County, or Orange County conventioneer badge, you can buy Aquarium of the Pacific discount tickets for at least 50% off.
Present your badge at the ticket counter anytime after noon to receive the Conventioneer Discount. Guests are limited to one discount per badge.
This offer is valid for up to one week before and after your convention. Guests must make free reservations online before visiting the aquarium.
8. College Discounts to Aquarium of the Pacific
If you are a college student at a university in Southern California, there’s a chance that your school offers discounted Long Beach aquarium tickets.
Check with your Student Union or ASI office to see if your school offers college discounts.
9. Military Discounts
Individuals can purchase discounted military tickets at any MWR/ITT office on base.
10. Union and Professional Organization Discounts
Many unions and professional organizations across Southern California grant members discounts on Aquarium of the Pacific tickets.
To take advantage of this opportunity, check with Member Benefits to see if you can secure savings on admission.
Regular Online Ticket and Package Prices
Again, if you decide to buy tickets at the gate, prices tend to be significantly higher than those for purchasing in advance online.
Visitors can also purchase packages at the front gate. These packages will give visitors access to additional aquarium experiences.
For example, the Gray Whale Watch is a 2 to 2.5-hour whale-watching boat journey into the Pacific Ocean. Gray Whales migrate between December and June.
Packages may include boat tours, such as seasonal whale-watching. Aquarium of the Pacific is located right on Long Beach Harbor, where boat tours depart.
You can also take advantage of the year-round Harbor Tour. On this 45-minute boat ride, guests will discover sunny Southern California and explore Long Beach and Los Angeles. Boat-goers will get the chance to see the downtown shoreline, ocean vistas, ships from around the world, and potentially sea lions and other sea creatures.
These tour packages include regular admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Important Aquarium of the Pacific Tips for Visiting
To help make your visit to the aquarium as smooth as possible, you should keep a few things in mind.
Address and Hours
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. It is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day. The aquarium’s general hours of operation range from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reservations
Anyone wishing to visit the aquarium on a weekend, holiday, or during a special event must have a timed ticket or an online reservation to be admitted.
While this is not required on weekdays, it is highly recommended to ensure guaranteed entry. Children under three are not required to make a reservation.
If you are unable to visit during your reserved time, please note that your ticket will remain valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.
Parking
Upon arrival, guests can park at the designated parking structure. Visitors can pay the $8.00 parking fee with a credit card upon departure or use one of the nearby parking kiosks.
Tips
- Check out the various “animal encounter” opportunities, including interacting with sharks and rays, seals and sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and feathered friends.
- Check the schedule of events as animal feedings happen throughout the day.
- If you are hankering for a bite to eat before or after your aquarium visit, there are food and shopping spots nearby at The Pike Outlets and Shoreline Village.
Aquarium of the Pacific Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best exhibits?
Do not miss the June Keyes Penguin Habitat and Shark Lagoon. My favorite animals, no doubt, include the sea otters, sea jellies, sea horses, and sea dragons, as well as seals and sea lions. You can also hand-feed lorikeets.
Is there a discount available for first responders, government employees, or teachers?
Yes, you can purchase Aquarium of the Pacific tickets with a qualifying ID.me membership.
In addition to Long Beach Aquarium discount tickets, I’ve written comprehensive guides to buying discount:
Katie Dillon
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