Santa Monica Pier Aquarium - Santa Monica Attractions

The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium features interactive displays, touch tanks, educational films and programs, and a kid's corner, all designed to provide visitors with a look into the ocean world.

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Away Travel Expert: Christine Loomis

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The aquarium is at beach level, below the carousel, and a nice diversion where you can learn about the sea habitats of Santa Monica Bay.
One of the highlights is Shark Sundays, at 3:30 p.m., when you can watch the sharks being fed and hear a presentation on these fearsome predators. There's a shark and ray tank—don't touch.
Exhibits do include a touch tank with tidepool critters, a kelp forest tank, and octopus tank. Want to know what lives under the pier? The pier tank has the answer—halibut, surfperch, enormous ochre sea stars, and more.