Wonderful idea to combine a trip to the aquarium with a day at the beach, especially with little kids who will enjoy touching some sea creatures...afterwards stroll the strip....

Yes, this is a TINY aquarium that really only features local fish (it's financed by Heal the Bay), but the people who run it are so dedicated and knowledgeable, and it doesn't cost much to go in. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit, but if you're at the pier, you've got to see it, if only to... More

Good place for kids to learn a bit about the local fish. Staff is helpful

It is small. Its free for kids and its like a $2 suggested donation for adults. Its not by any means "big". Its a very small aquarium. Its under the pier. It does however have a touch tank, small sharks, octopus. I mean its quaint. Ive been taking my son there since he was 1. He is now 7 and... More

This is a tiny aquarium with lots of touching pools. It's delightful for kids. The cost is $3 for adults and free for kids. If you are in the area, it's worth 30 minutes, but don't make a special trip to see it.

We went here with our 3 year old daughter - it was great. A small place, but full of informative volunteers who were more than happy to give you information and of course, help you touch everything!! We were there for a good hour or so, making use of the touch tanks; making a little pirate hat; chatting with the... More

Not to be compared with SeaWorld, this is a small aquarium run by volunteers. Their staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Note that the aquarium is by donation. Arrived shortly after 'shark feeding' time on a Sunday and almost had the whole place to ourselves. Definitely saw something new - vetebrae of a whale and baby pre-born sharks. Short visit,... More

Great to visit if there already, but not worth the headache for parking and crowds.

This is a small aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier. For such a small place I was amazed at the variety of sea life it contained. The fee to get in is a small donation to the facility, very reasonable.the touch tanks with the star fish and other creatures is amazing! I especially enjoyed the shark egg "pouches" and was... More