3720 Stephen M. White Drive San Pedro, CA , 90731 Phone: 310-548-7562 Website Several saltwater aquariums display Southern California sea creatures, including sharks, eels, octopi and crabs as they would appear in nature. Visitors can touch live animals in the tide pool “touch tank” (photo) and learn about the marine environment from modern, interactive exhibits, daily slide presentations and special events. Various weekend walks and children’s programs are available.
The aquarium is an educational and research facility which provides rich and varied opportunities to see and learn about the fascinating marine environment of southern California. With multiple aquariums, touch tanks, and fascinating exhibits of local marine life and displays that tell the history of California’s gray whales, visitors get close-up view of our amazing underwater world. You won’t want to miss the grunion come on shore to spawn by the light of a new or full moon. Experience one of mother natures unique events as the females are washed ashore, half bury themselves in the sand tale first and wait for the next wave to bring the males to them, then they make a mad dash back to the ocean.
The aquarium opens at noon now but the gift shop opens at 10am.
Parking in the lot costs money but if you are just getting the pennies it will be quick and you do not have to pay.
Suggested admission donations are $5 for adults and $1 for children and seniors.
PennyMen Machine placed on 5/4/2010. Rolling great and located outside the gift shop next to the front door.
Designs:
1) Dolphin
2) Jellyfish
3) Starfish
4) Leopard Shark
They now also have their own Penny Book with a different design on the cover. The book coin depicts 2 California Grunion, a fish that spawns on the local beaches a few days after a full moon.
12/24/22: Today the aquarium was closed for Christmas Eve but luckily the gift shop was open. The machine is outside. Pennies rolled long on copper. Parking cost $1 for an hour. They still have 1st edition penny books for $3.67. JLT |