The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, nestled along the coast in San Pedro, is a haven for marine enthusiasts and curious minds alike. With its engaging exhibits, events, and interactive programs, the aquarium offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich marine life found along the Southern California coast. 

One of the standout events hosted by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is the annual Whale Fiesta –  this year the event is on Saturday, February 4th from 10am – 4pm. This event celebrates the majestic giants of the sea – gray whales, of course. And, if you visit the coast during this time, be sure to bring your binoculars because you just might be lucky enough to see a whale from the shore! To have an even more up close and personal view, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has teamed up with the American Cetacean Society to take interested visitors on whale-watching tours. You can find more information on these tours by contacting the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. If you aren’t up for traversing the high seas, fear not! Visitors can attend lectures and interactive workshops that delve into the fascinating lives of whales and their winter migration patterns. 

Another event not to be missed are Cabrillo’s periodic Tide Pool Walks. Led by knowledgeable naturalists, these guided walks take visitors to the rocky shores near the museum during low tide. From colorful sea stars to sea anemones to elusive hermit crabs, tide pools are teeming with fascinating life to explore. During these walks, visitors not only get to observe these creatures but also learn about their behaviors, adaptations, and ecological significance. 

Of course, conservation is at the forefront of the work being done at the aquarium. Visitors can attend educational lectures or webinars in order to better understand how to protect California’s fragile marine habitats for future generations to come. You can even get involved by joining one of the monthly Beach Cleanups. It’s an amazing opportunity to keep our beaches clean and engage with the local community.

There is so much the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has to offer and we hope you’ll find time this winter to attend an event or check out the amazing marine life within the aquarium’s exhibits. To keep in mind for your upcoming trip, the aquarium is open Tuesday through Friday from 12pm to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am to 5pm. The museum is located at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, CA 90731 and can be contacted at (310) 548-7562.

We hope that this article has inspired you to go and explore local marine life whether that’s outdoors or virtually from home. Be sure to share any photos you capture of local marine wildlife with us at lastormwater@lacity.org. We’d love to see them!