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All 85 Santa Monica Attractions »

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
310 393 6149
Ranked #15 of 43 attractions in Santa Monica
4.0 of 5 stars 16 Reviews
Type: Aquariums, Science Museums
Most recent review
- May 11, 2012
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16 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    2
    9
    5
    0
    0
Date Rating
Simi Valley, California
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012

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.... More

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North Hollywood
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 27, 2012

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

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Salt Spring Island, BC
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 25, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

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

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Los Angeles, California
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2012

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

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Houston, Texas
Top Contributor
86 reviews 86 reviews
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 26, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

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. More

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Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

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

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Vancouver, Canada
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 22, 2012

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

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Culver City, California
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed January 18, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

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

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Santa Monica
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 11, 2012

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

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owasso
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 13, 2011

stop in & give a donation! it's neat to look at the stuff there! then enjoy everything else too that's there!! have fun!!! More

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