Dive Into Fun: Top Activities Near Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium’s just the start—wait till you see what’s nearby!

Published: May 22, 2026
Sea Lion at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Looking for the perfect day in Long Beach? Start at the dazzling Aquarium of the Pacific—home to over 12,000 aquatic creatures and truly a can’t-miss experience. But the fun doesn’t stop once you’ve said hi to the sea otters; this corner of Los Angeles is packed with treats, tours, and delicious eats. We’ve rounded up our favorite things to do nearby, from harbor cruises and floating museums to quirky shops and sandy strolls. Ready to amp up your Aquarium day? Let’s dive in! 

Our fave things to do near Aquarium of the Pacific include: 

  • Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales 
  • The Pike Outlets 
  • Shoreline Village 
  • The Queen Mary 
  • Museum of Latin American Art 
  • Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden 
  • Bike the Shoreline Trail 
  • Rosie’s Dog Beach 

Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales 

Want to level up your ocean adventure? Hop aboard a Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour out of nearby Newport Beach. These outings are more than just boat rides—expect stunning Pacific views and the chance to spot blue whales, gray whales, playful pods of dolphins, and maybe even a sea lion or two. Experienced guides fill you in on marine life and conservation while getting you up close (but respectfully distanced) to wild sea creatures. 

The vibe on these tours is always lively; passengers cluster on deck with binoculars, hoping for that classic tail splash or a bottlenose dolphin showing off its acrobatics. Seasonal sightings mean every trip is unique, and you’re guaranteed fantastic ocean-air selfies. Even if you’re not a marine biologist, the crew’s upbeat commentary and shared excitement make for a genuinely memorable experience on the open water. 

The Pike Outlets 

Love to pair adventure with a little retail therapy? The Pike Outlets, right across from the Aquarium, deliver exactly that. This open-air shopping haven serves up favorite brands like Nike, H&M, and Columbia, along with one-off local gems. The vibe is casual and friendly, with palm-lined walkways, funky art installations, and plenty of spots for people-watching. 

It’s also the perfect lunch spot. There’s a range of fast-casual and sit-down eateries—grab a made-to-order burger at Islands or treat yourself to fish tacos at The Auld Dubliner, a pub with craft brews and great views. Don’t forget to ride the giant Ferris wheel for a sky-high look at the harbor and the LA skyline—bonus points if you time it for sunset! 

Shoreline Village

Aerial View of Shoreline Village

If you’re hungry for seaside charm, Shoreline Village is a crowd-pleaser. This colorful boardwalk wraps the marina with candy-hued storefronts, whimsical shops, and waterside restaurants, all against a backdrop of bobbing sailboats. Window-shop for nautical souvenirs or retro sweets, or simply stroll along the walkways for brilliant views of downtown Long Beach and the glittering harbor. 

Foodies will want to duck into Parkers’ Lighthouse, famous for its fresh seafood (try the calamari or their signature lobster bisque) and a panoramic deck with a front-row seat to the sunset. For dessert, head to the Funnel House for a warm funnel cake or classic saltwater taffy. With street performers and a playful, laid-back feel, Shoreline Village is a great place to end an action-packed afternoon. 

The Queen Mary 

Step back in time at The Queen Mary, a legendary ocean liner permanently docked just across the harbor. This glamorous ship-turned-museum lets you wander elegant staterooms, grand ballrooms, and vintage engine rooms—each draped in 1930s Art Deco perfection. Guided tours share tales of Hollywood stars, wartime intrigue, and even a few friendly ghosts that reportedly hang out below deck. 

The Queen Mary delivers atmosphere in spades. There’s a real sense of adventure as you explore winding corridors and peer out at city views from the sun deck. Check the events calendar for special exhibits, Sunday brunches, or themed tours. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just love a good nautical story, the Queen Mary is a floating slice of LA nostalgia and a Long Beach must-see. 

Museum of Latin American Art 

A quick hop inland takes you to the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), the only museum of its kind in the United States fully dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American art. The space is light, airy, and packed with vibrant paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations from artists across Latin America and the Latino diaspora. 

The rotating exhibits here deliver everything from cutting-edge video installations to mural-sized canvases that dazzle with color. Expect interactive elements and a sculpture garden that’s a tranquil spot for some people-watching or a sunny break. The museum shop is perfect for picking up unique handmade gifts and art books you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re an art lover or just want a snapshot of LA’s cultural diversity, MOLAA is well worth the detour. 

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

Just a short drive from the Aquarium, you’ll find the tranquil Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, nestled on the Cal State Long Beach campus. This beautifully landscaped oasis features koi ponds, arched bridges, and weeping willows—a true break from the city buzz. Strolling along winding paths, you’ll spot turtles sunbathing, delicate bonsai, and flowering cherry trees in spring.  

The garden is known for its peaceful, reflective atmosphere. Docents often offer mini-tours, sharing fun tidbits about Japanese gardening traditions and the local wildlife that call this spot home. Don’t miss one of the many seasonal events like the koi feeding sessions or tea ceremonies. Whether you seek calm or Insta-worthy backdrops, this zen gem feels worlds away from city life—yet it’s just minutes from the Aquarium adventure. 

Bike the Shoreline Trail 

Rent a cruiser or tandem and roll along the Shoreline Pedestrian/Bike Path, one of Long Beach’s brightest ideas. The 4-mile paved trail hugs the coast from Shoreline Village past sandy beaches to Belmont Shore. You’ll pass public art, pop-up snack shacks, volleyball games, and the sound of waves hitting the sand. 

We love that the trail is super flat—perfect for families or anyone eager for a breezy ride. Feel the salt air, soak up sun, and snap some pics with palm-lined city views in the background. No bike? No problem—there are plenty of rental shops near the marina and Shoreline Village. Whether you cruise, jog, or just stroll, this path is a must for anyone who likes their city sightseeing with a side of SoCal scenery.

Rosie’s Dog Beach 

Traveling with a four-legged friend? Head over to Rosie’s Dog Beach, LA County’s only legal off-leash dog beach and a happy haven for pups of all sizes. Here, dogs dash through waves, families toss frisbees, and the mood is pure joy. It’s about a 10 minute drive from the Aquarium of the Pacific, and totally worth it if you want to see happy dogs racing through the surf while their humans soak up the sun. 

Rosie’s Dog Beach is super relaxed, with plenty of space for canine shenanigans and friendly locals always up for a chat about their pups. Whether you arrive with your own pooch or just love seeing dogs live their best lives, the combination of salty breezes and playful energy is unbeatable. Bring a chair or a blanket, pack some snacks, and enjoy the show—it’s a top spot to unwind, people-watch (and pup-watch), and experience Long Beach’s famously welcoming vibe. 

 

The Aquarium of the Pacific is just the beginning of a Long Beach adventure full of ocean views, delicious food, rich culture, and classic California fun. Whether you’re gazing at sharks, shopping at harborfront outlets, or relaxing in quiet gardens, there’s something for every mood in this lively neighborhood. With so many attractions just steps—or a quick ride—away, planning your day in Long Beach has never been easier. Grab your sunscreen and sense of adventure: your perfect LA day starts here! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Knott’s Berry Farm or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes 

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Thursday in Los Angeles: the sweet spot of the week. The weekend crowds haven’t landed, the city buzzes with energy, and the best attractions are wide open for fun. Whether you’re craving action-packed adventures, fascinating tours, golden-hour relaxation, or a taste of that live-and-local LA scene, there’s no better day to jump in. Stick with us—today, you’ll get a tour through LA’s must-see highlights and charming local secrets, all perfectly suited to a Thursday. Ready for your best LA story yet? Let’s start planning.  Our favorite Thursday picks in LA include:  Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour  Natural History Museum  California Science Center IMAX Movie  Griffith Observatory Tour  The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes  Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour  Madame Tussauds Hollywood  Aquarium of the Pacific  The Autry Museum of the American West  Late-night eats at Grand Central Market  Natural History Museum  LA’s dinosaurs, diamonds, and a dash of wonder  For a Thursday that mixes wow-factor displays and hands-on fun, head to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. We love this spot for its blend of classic grandeur—think dramatic marble halls and chandelier-lit rotundas—and always-changing, kid-at-heart exhibits. It’s just steps from downtown, making it easy to fit into your perfect day.  What makes this museum shine? Start with the Dinosaur Hall: a jaw-dropping collection of fossils, skeletons, and animatronic displays that make you feel like you’re in the middle of your own Jurassic adventure. The timeline here takes you from the tiniest feathered raptors to the towering T. rex—you might spot a family posing for that classic “roaring with dinosaurs” selfie.  But there’s so much more to see. Gems and minerals glitter in rainbow-hued galleries, dioramas re-create LA wildlife past and present, and the Discovery Center invites hands-on experimentation. We love the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion, where you can step inside a greenhouse and watch hundreds of butterflies flutter overhead (just try not to smile, we dare you).  The ambience is welcoming and bright, with plenty of quieter corners—ideal if you need a breather from the downtown bustle. The on-site café serves up great sandwiches and salads (grab a seat on their patio if the weather’s right), so you never have to rush. Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or just your curiosity, the Natural History Museum plants a seed of LA magic to carry through your whole day.  California Science Center IMAX Movie  Science gets supersized in LA  After a morning of exploring, sometimes you just want to sit back and get swept up in something spectacular. The California Science Center’s IMAX Theater checks all the boxes. This isn’t your average movie theater—think a six-story screen, seats that seem to hum with anticipation, and jaw-dropping documentaries that make even everyday science feel like pure adventure.  The Science Center is already a hit for hands-on exhibits, from shuttle launches to aquarium tanks, but the IMAX experience is what leaves people wide-eyed. The schedule rotates through films on everything from volcanoes and deep-sea creatures to journeys inside the human brain—sometimes you’ll even find special releases tied to blockbuster sci-fi flicks. Our advice: check the listings ahead of time and pick whatever catches your eye. Trust us, even the most skeptical moviegoer will walk out having learned something new.  What stands out is the feeling of being completely immersed. The projection quality is razor-sharp, the sound system is next-level, and sitting among a crowd that collectively “whoas” at every twist makes it all the more fun.  Before or after your film, roam the Science Center’s galleries for a look at the space shuttle Endeavour, the World of Life exhibit, or some live ecosystem action in the Kelp Forest. It’s all included with your visit, making this spot a Thursday win for both education and sheer entertainment.  Griffith Observatory Tour  Starry skies, city lights, and cool science on the hill  No LA itinerary shines without a trip to Griffith Observatory, perched high above the city like its own beacon. Thursdays here strike that perfect balance: quieter crowds, dazzling views, and enough star power (the celestial kind included) to make even the sleepiest midweek morning feel electric.  Why does this place make the cut? Three reasons—killer views, interactive exhibits, and a chance to feel like an astronomer for the day. Walk through elegant Art Deco halls filled with telescopes, meteorites, and cosmic displays you can actually touch. The guides here know how to turn astrophysics into engaging stories, showing you everything from solar flares to the phases of the moon on giant glowing models.  It’s not all about the science, though. Step outside and you’ll see Los Angeles stretched out at your feet—the Hollywood Sign standing proud, the skyline rising in the distance, and the hiking trails of Griffith Park winding down the slopes. Thursday afternoons often mean golden hour on the terraces, with that famed LA light draping everything in a warm glow.  Evenings are a special treat: many Thursdays offer free public telescope viewings shortly before sunset. If you’re after a slice of LA that blends cinematic scenery, fascinating history, and actual views of the stars, this is your place.  The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes  Your ticket to LA’s hottest selfie spot  Fancy a workout with some serious rewards? The Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes gets you up close—really close—to the world’s most recognizable hillside letters, all while sharing tales of Hollywood fame and city history. Thursdays bring smaller groups and cooler morning temperatures, making it an enjoyable way to trek the trails and still have plenty of energy left for the rest of your day.  Here’s what we love: guides lead you through picturesque Griffith Park, pointing out film locations and wildflowers along the way. They’ll pepper the journey with stories of the area’s golden-age movie days, with just enough trivia to keep even the sleepiest tourist entertained. The trail isn’t too intense, but it’ll wake you up!  The climax: that big reveal as the sign emerges from the chaparral. Snap your photos—your followers will thank you—and soak in views that sweep from downtown towers to Santa Monica’s beaches. The air feels fresh, the city looks endless, and you’re suddenly aware you’re having a quintessential LA moment.  After the hike wraps up, consider wandering into nearby Los Feliz for a celebratory smoothie at a neighborhood café, or stop by the Greek Theatre if a concert’s happening later. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Angeleno, this tour brings fresh energy to your Thursday.  Madame Tussauds Hollywood  Meet the stars (wax ones count, right?)  Maybe you’ve always wanted a selfie with Zendaya or want to see how you measure up to LeBron James. At Madame Tussauds Hollywood, you can wander from red carpet bash to music video set without ever leaving the heart of LA. Everything feels modern, fun, and surprisingly hands-on—Thursday vibes mean fewer lines and more time to perfect that pose.  The museum sits just off Hollywood Boulevard, so it’s easy to slot into a day of sightseeing. Walk among A-listers, villains, superheroes, and even classic movie monsters—all ridiculously lifelike, down to every eyelash. We can’t get enough of the interactive sets: leap onto a movie stunt bike, belt out a karaoke hit, or act out a scene with your childhood icons.  What makes Tussauds a Thursday win? It’s the pure, unfiltered fun and the creative photo ops you’ll take away (plus serious bragging rights when you send them home). Afterward, stroll next door to the TCL Chinese Theatre or tiptoe along the Walk of Fame, seeing which names tug your nostalgia strings. It’s playful, weirdly glamorous, and a total blast every single time.  Aquarium of the Pacific  Undersea wonders right in the city  For a touch of Zen and some serious undersea eye candy, chart a course to Long Beach and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Thursdays mean calmer galleries where you can slow down, watch jellyfish drift through neon-lit tanks, and laugh along as sea otters play in their massive pool.  The aquarium covers everything from frosty Arctic seas to tropical reefs, so you can wander from penguins to sharks with just a few steps. The setting is both peaceful and lively, with touch pools for kids and “ooh-aah” moments for everyone—the giant blue whale model in the main hall always impresses. Volunteers often share behind-the-scenes stories: how they care for rescued turtles, what it takes to feed a shark, and what mysterious creatures are hiding in deep sea caves.  The real treat? The outdoor decks, where the harbor comes alive with salty breezes and views of majestic ships drifting past. This isn’t just a break from city hustle; it’s a reminder of LA’s amazing natural world, even within spitting distance of downtown. Cap your visit with a seafood lunch overlooking the water—The Café Scuba offers the best harbor views.  The Autry Museum of the American West  All the stories (and legends) of Old LA  Step into the boots of explorers, cowboys, and Indigenous leaders at the Autry Museum—right inside leafy Griffith Park. This museum turns the Old West into a living, breathing part of LA’s present. Thursday is a sweet spot: you’ll mingle with art lovers and family groups, but there’s always space to pause in front of a stirring landscape painting or saddle up to try real historic gear.  Why does this spot matter? The Autry blends everything—film memorabilia, Native American art, frontier artifacts, and the stories that made Southern California what it is today. Don’t miss the galleries of classic Western movie posters (major nostalgia alert), or the fascinating displays on the Gold Rush, Route 66, and LA’s changing neighborhoods. There are hands-on stations for kids, so it’s never just “another museum.”  Many locals come simply for the café and garden, both of which offer leafy hideaways and, often, live music events or talks about Western lore. It’s right across from the LA Zoo, so animal lovers can turn their morning into a full Griffith Park adventure. We love how the Autry takes a genre often stuck in old clichés and shows how the true West was far more colorful, complicated, and vital than movies would have us believe.  Late-Night Eats at Grand Central Market  A whirlwind of flavors in one buzzing hall  After a full day of touring, biking, and bouncing from coast to downtown, you need something special to wrap up your Thursday. Grand Central Market, at the edge of Downtown LA, offers just that—a feast of colors, smells, and flavors in a turn-of-the-century hall that feels both old-school and ultra-modern at once.  Here, you can go classic Angeleno and grab egg sandwiches from Eggslut (bacon, gooey cheese, and house-made brioche—trust us, the line moves quick). Or sample Michelin-lauded Thai street food at Sticky Rice—just spicy enough to keep you lingering for seconds. Fancy a taco? Tacos Tumbras a Tomas serves L.A.-style carnitas that locals rave about. The range is mind-boggling: vegan ramen, Salvadoran pupusas, oyster bars, even gourmet PB&J.  The market stays open into the evening and draws everyone from late-working locals to camera-toting travelers. The setting is anything but stuffy—think neon lights, communal tables, and people-watching that rivals any outdoor street fair. Order a craft coffee from G&B, people-watch along Broadway, and savor one more bite before you call it a night.    Thursdays in Los Angeles mean options galore—from rolling movie-star style through Beverly Hills, to hiking up to the Hollywood Sign, biking sunlit beaches, getting hands-on with science, and capping it all with local eats in a Market older than most movie stars. Whether you’re a history buff, a pop culture fanatic, an adventurer, or a foodie, LA keeps Thursdays full of opportunity and excitement. So carve out that Thursday on your calendar, hop from landmark to legend, and find the city at its most welcoming. Your best LA stories start right here—happy exploring!    Enjoyed this? Check out the Best Picnic Spots in Los Angeles or Things to Do with Friends in Los Angeles    Step up your sightseeing with Go City®      We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

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