As my summer vacation came to an end this past week, I managed to fit in one more summer activity with my Mom. This time to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Situated in the picturesque Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific features exhibits and seascapes from the Pacific Ocean, including three permanent galleries, the vibrant reefs of the Tropical Pacific, sunny Southern California and Baja coasts, and the freezing waters of the Northern Pacific. Each gallery is filled with inhabitant from the region with a special focus on conservation associated with each region.
Our visit started at the Penguin Habitat featuring Magellanic penguins from South America. I think it is pretty obvious by now how much I adore penguins and Magellanic are some of my favorite species of penguin. 
The habitat did not disappoint and even includes an underwater crawl-in space so you can feel like you are swimming in the enclosure with the penguins.
Additionally, there is an above, and below water webcam, so you can watch the penguins live 24 hours a day. I’ve checked in on a few of my favorites since my visit.
My favorite part of the exhibit was meeting all the different penguins by reading their name-labeled ID tags on their wings. My mom made friends with the curious Skipper while I fell in love with Anderson, who enjoyed swimming on his side.
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| Skipper |
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| Anderson |
Earlier this year a baby penguin was born and the chick is now on display in the exhibit. The penguin chick is still nameless until they find out if it is a boy or girl.
I’ll be honest I went back three times during my visit to the aquarium to see the penguins. We were even lucky enough to watch a feeding and hear them honk. Trust me the penguin habitat does not disappoint and plan to spend some time watching these little birds and their daily shenanigans.
Other highlights from our visit were seeing the quirky Southern Sea Otters zooming in and out of their kelp forests and chasing the fish. Trying to get a picture of the little furballs was nearly impossible, but they sure were fun to watch. Other highlights were the majestic jellies and the graceful seahorses.
In the early afternoon, we took a few minutes to warm-up by visiting the outside shark lagoon. (It is a little chilly in the aquarium so if you are like me and get cold easily bring a sweater.) After the penguins, this was my favorite exhibit, simply because I love sharks! Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a fascination with sharks and can tell you the most random facts about these graceful predators. Shark lagoon features a 10,000 square-foot-shark tank and touch pools with sharks and rays. I was even able to touch a bamboo shark.
My Mom and I loved our girl’s day at the aquarium. It took us six hours to visit all the exhibits and galleries, partially because we read all the information placards and I take a lot of pictures.
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| Puffins |
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| Puffins |
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| Giant Pacific Octopus |
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| Yellow Tang |
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| Clownfish |
After our fun-filled day at the aquarium, we enjoyed dinner on the pier and the view of the sunset was pretty amazing.
Let me know how your visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific goes in the comments below. And, be sure to say hi to Anderson, the penguin for me. 