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Aquariums

An aquarium that prioritizes the quiet observation of marine life over the chaos of a crowded tourist attraction.

Based on 469 Opinions
+466
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Updated August 2026
01
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center image 1
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center image 2
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center image 3
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Small aquarium offers interactive touch tanks with sharks, sea stars, and anemones alongside educational programs about local sea life. Upstairs features underwater simulation and jellyfish tanks, creating an intimate and engaging experience. Setting on a pier provides beautiful waterfront views that complement the exhibits.

Small size does not limit the cool exhibits like touch tanks and projected sand. Location on the wharf adds a unique vibe to the teaching museum.

Many interactive touch tanks let kids handle sea stars, sea urchins, and sharks. The small size suits families, with educational exhibits on local sea life and a laser sand table showing ocean currents.

People are saying

"It's really Kid Friendly with lots of interactive exhibits."

"This small aquarium is cute and has fun, interactive exhibits for kids."

"The exhibits here are really cool and fun for kids."

Good to know

1

Admission is $14 for adults, but only $3 with WIC or SNAP benefits.

2

The Sea Center features interactive exhibits and touch tanks for hands-on learning.

3

Children aged 3 to 5 will enjoy the numerous touch pools available.

02
Bermuda Aquatics Exotic Fish & Ponds image 1

Aquarium shop with an old school feeling and a family atmosphere creates a peaceful and neat environment. Healthy fish and vibrant plants fill show tanks and sale tanks with a wide variety of fresh and saltwater species. Staff includes a biologist and emphasizes fish health through quarantine and water testing, showing genuine care for aquatic life.

Space feels super cool and peaceful with a small but interesting setup. Visitors get to explore freely, adding to the cool vibe.

Helpful advice on setting up saltwater aquariums comes from knowledgeable staff. The store offers a wide selection of exotic fish and support for managing aquarium problems.

People are saying

"The staff here are super knowledgeable and happy to help with fish."

"Dylan and his team were awesome, guiding me through my new aquarium setup."

"The staff here are so helpful and informative."

Good to know

1

They require water samples each time I want to purchase a new fish.

2

All the fish and frogs are super healthy and well cared for.

3

They quarantine their fish to ensure quality and health.

03
Steinhart Aquarium image 1

Aquarium features colorful sea creatures and immersive water tunnels showcasing diverse ecosystems from deep ocean to swamps. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful to busy and humid with many children present. Exhibits include a butterfly dome and tropical rainforest, offering a blend of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.

The aquarium stands out with its diverse marine life and engaging exhibits. It offers a unique underwater experience that feels both educational and fun.

Exhibits showcase sea life from all corners of the world, including deep ocean fish and swamps. Visitors can watch a dance of jellyfish in a multicolored tank and walk through tunnels surrounded by water.

People are saying

"I found the Aquarium to be really beautiful and peaceful."

"It's really Kid Friendly with lots of interactive exhibits."

"I found the aquarium really cool."

Good to know

1

The admission cost is around $50 per person.

2

Parking is not available, neither paid nor free.

3

The aquarium is wheelchair friendly and can lend you a wheelchair if needed.

04
Roundhouse Aquarium image 1

Two-story aquarium packs an incredible amount of sea life into a small, free-entry space with interactive touch pools for all ages. Cool, comfortable atmosphere features an Immersion Gallery with vibrant jellyfish tanks and spectacular ocean views from the pier location. Visitors find it a quick, educational stop with well-labeled exhibits and a relaxed ocean vibe.

A cool little aquarium sits at the end of the pier with friendly staff and interesting marine life like jellyfish and moray eels. The atmosphere feels relaxed and inviting.

Entry is free with donations encouraged. The aquarium packs an incredible amount of sealife into a small space at the pier's end, featuring sharks and exhibits suitable for all ages.

People are saying

"The aquarium here is free to enter."

"It's a cool little aquarium with nice information and friendly staff."

"It's small, but the exhibits are really interesting."

Good to know

1

Admission to the aquarium is free, but donations are encouraged.

2

The aquarium is located at the end of Manhattan Pier.

3

Visitors can enjoy the beach right after visiting the aquarium.

05
Aquatic Pets and Reptiles image 1

Aquarium shop showcases large selection of saltwater and freshwater fish, reptiles, and aquatic plants in a clean, colorful setting. The atmosphere feels cool and well-maintained, with gorgeous aquascaping creating an underwater world. Self-serve RODI and pre-mixed salt water options add convenience for aquatic care.

A huge variety of saltwater fish and corals makes this spot stand out. The place feels cool and local with awesome service.

A large selection of aquarium plants and tanks, including 60-gallon aquariums, stands out here. Staff like Denis, Brett, and Connor offer knowledgeable and patient help with fish, reptiles, and aquarium setups.

People are saying

"The staff's knowledge about fish and aquariums is really helpful."

"The staff here are so knowledgeable and helpful with my aquarium."

"I found the place to be really cool."

Good to know

1

The store has a large selection of saltwater and freshwater fish.

2

They offer a variety of tanks and supplies for aquatic pets.

3

The staff is knowledgeable about aquatic life and can provide advice.

06
SEA LIFE Aquarium image 1

Aquarium features a linear two-floor design with Lego sculptures integrated into exhibits, creating an immersive underwater experience. The atmosphere stays quiet and calm, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace. Interactive elements like a touch pool and a scavenger hunt keep children engaged throughout the visit.

Exhibits of sharks and seahorses stand out with their beauty. The space design adds to the overall cool vibe, making it a fun spot to explore.

Exhibits feature a great variety of species and unique sea life not seen in other aquariums. The space is very well designed to feel like walking through the sea and keeps kids engaged with highly educational displays.

People are saying

"The aquarium's touch tank was a huge hit with the kids."

"It's amazing seeing so many different interesting sea creatures here."

"I found the aquarium to be very cool and fun."

Good to know

1

Admission is $25 for adults, with kids under 2 free.

2

Parking costs $35, which is higher than the ticket price.

3

Strollers are not allowed inside the aquarium.

07
Stearns Wharf image 1
Historical landmark

Pier offers breathtaking ocean and mountain views with a peaceful, historic atmosphere. Visitors enjoy fishing off the dock and exploring hands-on marine exhibits popular with children. The area features casual dining and souvenir shops that complement the relaxing vibe.

Views from the pier offer cool waterfront scenes and a chance to cool down by the ocean. Several cool restaurants line the pier, making it a pleasant spot to hang out.

A small sea aquarium offers an engaging and educational experience focused on local marine life. It appeals especially to families and children interested in marine creatures.

People are saying

"The panoramic views of the mountains meeting the Pacific are breathtaking."

"I thought the pier was a cool place to visit with great views."

"The Aquarium offers spectacular ocean views and sunsets."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first 90 minutes at Stearns Wharf.

2

There are various shops and restaurants with ocean views on the wharf.

3

Visitors can walk to Stearns Wharf from nearby hotels.

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