Shapes in the Water

An Oscar-Inspired Visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach

Elisa in The Shape of Water falls in love with a humanoid creature from a mysterious underwater world, an affection that’s perfectly understandable when we visit the lovable real-life creatures that dwell in the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

Start your journey at the Southern California & Baja Gallery to get cozy with the locals—that is, creatures that live just off our SoCal shores. Pacific lookdowns and porcupine fish are among the handsome denizens here. The 211,000-gallon seal and sea lion habitat is a winner for aquatic entertainment: Inside, follow these slippery swimmers as they glide underwater; topside, watch trainers interact with these fascinating mammals. Just like Elisa looked into the eyes of the mysterious sea creature and saw her own soul, you can peer into the eyes of our distant oceanic relatives and see their curious and intelligent minds at work.

After the show, head over to the Northern Pacific Gallery to meet some cold-water critters. Furry cuties in the sea otter habitat will tug at your heartstrings. So will fluttering puffins and colorfully beaked auklets in the bird tank. Look closely in the giant Pacific octopus tank—this guy is a master camouflage artist.

The scaly creature in The Shape of Water may have seemed a monster to some in the film, but Elisa knew him to be a special and crucial part of this world. The same could be said about the sharks and rays at the shark lagoon, and various behemoths in the Tropical Pacific Gallery. Be fascinated. Befriend them! You’ll love the shapes in this water!

BONUS: Just outside the aquarium is Shoreline Aquatic Park, where you can enjoy a picnic on the grass beneath a lighthouse while enjoying a view of the natural home to the creatures you just saw. Just across the water is the Queen Mary, and all around are slightly smaller vessels to admire. It’s very easy to make an aquarium visit a very full day in Long Beach.

Take the I-710 south to Exit 1C (W. Shoreline Dr). Follow W. Shoreline Dr. 1.6 miles to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Parking is $8 with aquarium validation. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View