Roundhouse Aquarium
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Roundhouse Aquarium

4.5
·882 reviews·Manhattan Beach, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, mornings

Beat the weekday afternoon rush

CrowdMedium
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Roundhouse Aquarium

Roundhouse Aquarium

Best Time

Weekends, mornings

Beat the weekday afternoon rush

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.5
(882 reviews)

"A cute little aquarium right at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier — perfect to stop by if you're already at the beach."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Touch Tanks

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

Jellyfish Exhibit

Dedicated tank

Mesmerizing to watch these graceful creatures drift and pulse. A truly captivating display.

Octopus Encounter

Octopus Encounter

Specialized tank

Spot the elusive octopus, a favorite for many visitors. Its intelligence is fascinating to observe.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Fun on the Pier

This charming aquarium at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier is free to enter, though donations are highly encouraged to support its operations. It's a fantastic, budget-friendly stop for families and marine life enthusiasts.

Timing is Key

While generally free, some visitors note that the aquarium can open a bit later than advertised. Check their hours before you go, especially if you're on a tight schedule, to avoid disappointment.

Best Times

When
Weekends, mornings
Why
Beat the weekday afternoon rush
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays, late afternoon
Why
Less crowded, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hidden Gem in Manhattan Beach! • We stumbled upon the cutest aquarium on our day out exploring and I just had to tell you about it! • Roundhouse Aquarium is a teaching aquarium that welcomes more than 300,000 visitors every year. It is managed and operated by the nonprofit oceanic and environmental organization Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. Their mission is to connect and engage visitors ...
the.real.la.mama
0 likes • 30.8K views

💰 Donations Welcome!

Entry is free, but donations keep this gem running. Give what you can to support marine education! Instagram

🐙 See the Octopus

Many visitors highlight the octopus as a must-see. Look for it in its dedicated tank! Reddit

$20 or less activities in LA. The Roundhouse Aquarium is at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier. The tiny aquarium and marine life center won’t take long to explore but it’s definitely worth checking out when walking on the Pier. It’s free to enter with a suggested donation of $2. 📍 Manhattan Beach Pier ⏰ M-F 2PM - 7PM Sat & Sun 10AM - 7PM
lifehacksla
3.6K likes • 97K views
On Monday I shared an Ocean-Themed library in Manhattan Beach. This aquarium is a 10 minute walk from the library, and it’s FREE! They are also doing a craft hour here from 12:30-1:30pm on Saturday February 22. Comment “fish” below to get a link to the aquarium event page! A few helpful tips! 🐠 Roundhouse Aquarium is located at the end of the Manhattan Beach pier. 🐠 You won’t need longer than 2...
lacountyparentguide
50 likes • 2.5K views

✋ Touch Tank Fun

Kids (and adults!) love the interactive touch tanks. Great for hands-on learning. Reddit

⏰ Check Opening Hours

Some visitors experienced slight delays in opening. Confirm times to maximize your visit. Reddit

🦞✨ Lobsters grow by molting—shedding their shells to form new, bigger ones! Our amazing Aquarist Director, Eric Martin, breaks down this fascinating process and shows why it’s such a key part of their survival. 🌊💙 Want more cool ocean facts? Come visit us! #RoundhouseAquarium #LobsterMolt #OceanEducation #MarineLifeMagic #DiscoverTheOcean
roundhouseaquarium
88 likes • 2.7K views

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! Instagram

🐙 See the Octopus

Many visitors highlight the octopus as a must-see. Look for it in its dedicated tank! Reddit

✋ Touch Tank Fun

Kids (and adults!) love the interactive touch tanks. Great for hands-on learning. Reddit

⏰ Check Opening Hours

Some visitors experienced slight delays in opening. Confirm times to maximize your visit. Reddit

📸 Pier Views Included

Enjoy ocean views from the pier before or after your aquarium visit. Perfect photo ops! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(882 reviews)

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

Free admission
Interactive touch tanks
Educational staff

What People Dislike

Opening time delays
Tank lighting/displays

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

The pier itself is generally accessible, and the aquarium is located at the end. Restrooms are available at the beginning of the pier. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit+1

No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can simply walk in during their operating hours. Donations are accepted on-site. Instagram

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. Instagram+2

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. Reddit

Absolutely! Donations are crucial for the aquarium's operation. You can make cash or electronic donations on-site. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

Most visitors find that it takes about 10-15 minutes to see everything in the aquarium, as it's a smaller, teaching-focused facility. Instagram+1

Yes, the aquarium features interactive exhibits, most notably the touch tanks where you can gently feel sea creatures like starfish and urchins. Reddit

It's excellent for kids! The size is manageable, the touch tanks are a huge hit, and the educational staff makes learning fun. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Definitely! The pier offers beautiful ocean views, especially during sunrise or sunset. You can get great shots of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Roundhouse Aquarium is a fantastic, budget-friendly outing for families. Its free admission makes it an easy choice, and the interactive touch tanks are a guaranteed hit with children, allowing them to safely experience marine life like starfish and sea urchins. Reddit The manageable size means kids won't get bored, and the educational staff are great at engaging young minds with fun facts about the ocean. Reddit

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. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For travelers looking for affordable activities in the LA area, the Roundhouse Aquarium is a gem. Free entry means you can enjoy a unique marine experience without spending a dime. Instagram+1 While donations are encouraged to support the aquarium's operations, the suggested amounts are very reasonable, making it an excellent value. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

📚 Educational Enthusiasts

The Roundhouse Aquarium shines as a teaching laboratory. Its focus on local marine life and conservation education makes it a valuable stop for anyone interested in oceanography. TikTok Engage with the knowledgeable staff who are eager to share insights about the creatures and their habitats. Reddit The interactive exhibits, particularly the touch tanks, offer a hands-on learning experience that goes beyond passive observation. Reddit

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Educational Mission

The Roundhouse Aquarium is more than just a collection of tanks; it's a dedicated marine science teaching laboratory operated by Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. TikTok Its primary goal is to educate the public, particularly children, about marine life and ocean conservation. This focus means exhibits are designed to be interactive and informative, rather than just visually spectacular. Visitors often praise the educational staff who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Reddit

This commitment to education is evident in their programs, which include classes, parties, and camps. TikTok 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. Reddit

Navigating the Manhattan Beach Pier Experience

Visiting the Roundhouse Aquarium is often part of a larger experience on the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier. The pier itself is a popular spot for strolling, fishing, and enjoying ocean breezes. Instagram+1 The aquarium is situated right at the end of the pier, offering a unique vantage point and a rewarding destination after a walk. Instagram+1

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. Instagram Parking is available at the beginning of the pier, but it can fill up, so arriving earlier is often recommended. Instagram Combine your aquarium visit with a walk along the pier to fully appreciate the coastal atmosphere and stunning ocean views. Instagram

Understanding the Donation Model

A key aspect of the Roundhouse Aquarium experience is its free admission policy. This makes it an accessible attraction for everyone, regardless of budget. Instagram+1 However, it's crucial to understand that the aquarium operates largely on donations. InstagramReddit This model allows them to continue their educational mission and maintain the facility.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to make a donation, with suggestions often around $2 per person or $5 per family. InstagramReddit+1 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. Reddit

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