
Roundhouse Aquarium
A free, educational marine life center at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier, offering hands-on exhibits and local sea creature encounters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekday afternoon rush

Roundhouse Aquarium
Best Time
Beat the weekday afternoon rush

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, educational marine life center at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier, offering hands-on exhibits and local sea creature encounters.
"A cute little aquarium right at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier — perfect to stop by if you're already at the beach."

💰 Donations Welcome!
Entry is free, but donations keep this gem running. Give what you can to support marine education!
🐙 See the Octopus
Many visitors highlight the octopus as a must-see. Look for it in its dedicated tank!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Touch Tanks
Main exhibit area
Get hands-on with local marine life like urchins and starfish. A hit with kids and adults alike!

Jellyfish Exhibit
Dedicated tank
Mesmerizing to watch these graceful creatures drift and pulse. A truly captivating display.

Octopus Encounter
Specialized tank
Spot the elusive octopus, a favorite for many visitors. Its intelligence is fascinating to observe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Fun on the Pier
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Donations Welcome!
Entry is free, but donations keep this gem running. Give what you can to support marine education!
🐙 See the Octopus
Many visitors highlight the octopus as a must-see. Look for it in its dedicated tank!
✋ Touch Tank Fun
Kids (and adults!) love the interactive touch tanks. Great for hands-on learning.
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Some visitors experienced slight delays in opening. Confirm times to maximize your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Donations Welcome!
Entry is free, but donations keep this gem running. Give what you can to support marine education!
🐙 See the Octopus
Many visitors highlight the octopus as a must-see. Look for it in its dedicated tank!
✋ Touch Tank Fun
Kids (and adults!) love the interactive touch tanks. Great for hands-on learning.
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Some visitors experienced slight delays in opening. Confirm times to maximize your visit.
📸 Pier Views Included
Enjoy ocean views from the pier before or after your aquarium visit. Perfect photo ops!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Roundhouse Aquarium for its free admission, interactive touch tanks, and educational staff, making it a delightful stop on the Manhattan Beach Pier. While small, it offers a charming glimpse into local marine life. Some note potential delays in opening times and wish for improved tank lighting and displays for certain creatures.
"Small but full of interesting exhibits! 🐠 It’s a cute little aquarium right at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier — perfect to stop by if you’re already at the beach. Lots to see for its size, and it’s nice to just wander around and enjoy the ocean vibe. Great for kids and anyone who loves marine life!"
julie S
"Excellent place, small but enough to learn about marine life. I loved seeing the jellyfish, a living creature that never ceases to amaze me with how it moves in its habitat."
Salomón Bonilla Osorio
"The kids were absolutely fascinated with being able to touch and experience the ocean life urchin and star fish. Staff was also educational and provided lots of info and it was free !!! Will be going back"
Amanda Coombs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Roundhouse Aquarium is located at the very end of the Manhattan Beach Pier. If you're driving, there's a paid parking lot at the beginning of the pier, and metered street parking is also available. Public transport options are available, but may require a walk from the nearest bus stop.
Yes, there is a paid parking lot at the start of the Manhattan Beach Pier. Metered street parking is also an option in the surrounding area.
Absolutely! If you have a layover or some time before your flight, the Roundhouse Aquarium is a great option. It's a relatively short drive from LAX, and you can combine it with a visit to Manhattan Beach.
Driving is the most common way, with parking available at the pier. Several bus lines also serve the Manhattan Beach area, though you might need to walk a bit from the stop to the pier itself.
The pier itself is generally accessible, and the aquarium is located at the end. Restrooms are available at the beginning of the pier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Roundhouse Aquarium is free to enter! However, they are a non-profit organization and rely on donations to operate. A suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family is greatly appreciated.
No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can simply walk in during their operating hours. Donations are accepted on-site.
Hours can vary slightly. Generally, they are open weekdays from 2 PM to 7 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 7 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official hours before your visit, as some visitors have noted slight delays in opening.
Yes, the aquarium is designed to be educational and engaging for all ages, from young children to adults. The touch tanks are particularly popular with kids.
Absolutely! Donations are crucial for the aquarium's operation. You can make cash or electronic donations on-site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of local marine life, including jellyfish, sea urchins, starfish, and even an octopus. They focus on educating visitors about the ocean ecosystem.
Most visitors find that it takes about 10-15 minutes to see everything in the aquarium, as it's a smaller, teaching-focused facility.
Yes, the aquarium features interactive exhibits, most notably the touch tanks where you can gently feel sea creatures like starfish and urchins.
It's excellent for kids! The size is manageable, the touch tanks are a huge hit, and the educational staff makes learning fun.
Many visitors rave about the hands-on touch tanks and the opportunity to learn from the knowledgeable staff. The unique location at the end of the pier also adds to the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, be mindful of lighting conditions, as some tanks might have glare or dim lighting, making photos challenging.
The touch tanks and the jellyfish exhibit often make for visually interesting photos. The octopus tank can also be a great subject, though lighting might be a factor.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the marine life.
Since the aquarium is small and the lighting can be inconsistent, there isn't a single 'best' time. Focus on capturing the creatures themselves and the educational aspects.
Definitely! The pier offers beautiful ocean views, especially during sunrise or sunset. You can get great shots of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan your visit around the aquarium's opening hours, as some visitors have noted slight delays. Combining the aquarium with a stroll on the Manhattan Beach Pier offers a complete beach day experience. Remember to bring a small donation to support this wonderful community resource.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pair your visit with a walk on the Manhattan Beach Pier and enjoy the ocean views – all for free! This makes it a perfect addition to a day exploring the South Bay on a budget.
📚 Educational Enthusiasts
While small, the aquarium packs a punch with its educational content. It's a great place to learn about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting them. Consider visiting during weekdays for a quieter, more focused learning environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Educational Mission
This commitment to education is evident in their programs, which include classes, parties, and camps. The aquarium aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the ocean's delicate ecosystems. By providing a close-up look at local sea creatures, they hope to inspire future ocean stewards. The hands-on exhibits, like the touch tanks, are central to this mission, allowing visitors to connect directly with marine life.
Navigating the Manhattan Beach Pier Experience
Be aware that the pier can get busy, especially on weekends. While the aquarium itself is small and can be viewed quickly, the pier can attract crowds. Parking is available at the beginning of the pier, but it can fill up, so arriving earlier is often recommended. Combine your aquarium visit with a walk along the pier to fully appreciate the coastal atmosphere and stunning ocean views.
Understanding the Donation Model
Visitors are strongly encouraged to make a donation, with suggestions often around $2 per person or $5 per family. While not mandatory, contributing helps ensure the aquarium can keep its doors open and continue to provide valuable learning opportunities about marine life. Many visitors appreciate this model and are happy to contribute to such a worthwhile cause.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit