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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of California

Aquariums

You want to observe marine life in a setting that respects the scale and complexity of the ocean.

Based on 444 Opinions
+441
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Updated April 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.

Exhibits offer interesting displays that engage both kids and adults. The center combines educational content with fun, making it a place with plenty of interesting things to see.

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 local spot has great displays of local sea life."

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

Colorful exhibits showcase a variety of sea creatures that capture attention. The aquarium offers many displays that engage both children and adults with its interesting and fun atmosphere.

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."

"It's an interesting place for children and adults."

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.

03
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.

Small size holds many interesting exhibits and sea life. It offers a kid-friendly experience with engaging displays.

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.

04
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 showcase many interesting fish and animal species with informative facts about ocean care. Attractions are smaller but hold enough detail to keep visitors engaged.

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 parking costs as much as the entrance fee."

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.

05
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.

A picturesque wooden pier offers many interesting sights including local businesses and a museum. The sea aquarium provides educational exhibits, and the sound of driving on the pier adds a unique touch.

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."

"It's interesting to see the local businesses and the museum here."

"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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