Shark Lagoon at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA

Rating: You Might Like It

This post is not about the entire Aquarium of the Pacific (since I didn't get to experience half of it on this trip), but rather about the FREE Shark Lagoon Nights I found out about this year.  On certain Fridays, from 6pm-9pm, admission is free to everyone to come and experience the
shark lagoon.  You still have to pay for parking ($8 a car), but if you have a car of 4 or more people that's not a bad price for admission.

I was worried we would drive all the way out to Long Beach for a little puddle of water with some tiny sharks in it, stay 5 minutes, and then want to leave.  Instead, I was surprised to find out that we actually got to walk through the whole downstairs of the aquarium.  We got to see the tanks on tide pools and jelly fish and even some sea lions playing in the dark.   The aquarium wasn't crowded at all, and there were more adults than kids (probably because it was getting late).

The shark lagoon itself was rather small but still fun.  We got to touch small sharks and HUGE rays (you can see one in the background of the picture of Nate and I by the petting pool).  There are larger sharks that you can see from a below or above water view.  There is also a small playground with large plastic sea creatures that kids can climb on.  The most surprising part of this area, however, was the live band of older gentlemen singing oldies in sequined suits.  This just made us laugh at first, but they were actually very good and added some liveliness to the otherwise dark and sleepy aquarium.  (This might also be a good time that this is the area where snacks, beverages, and alcohol are sold if anyone is interested).

Overall, this would be a good addition to a longer day in Long Beach.  We only spent an hour there and we really took our time.  It would be good to go to dinner or to the beach or even go shopping in the nearby mall, then stop by the aquarium.