The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and stunning coastal landscapes. Along this iconic route, there are numerous attractions that make for an unforgettable road trip experience. For nature enthusiasts and marine life lovers, the Pacific Coast Highway is home to some of the best aquariums in the country, featuring a diverse range of marine creatures and educational exhibits.
In this blog post, I will take you on a journey to explore the top 7 best aquariums along the Pacific Coast Highway, where you can witness and learn about the fascinating underwater world. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, these aquariums are sure to leave you in awe and inspire you to protect our oceans and marine life. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the depths of the West Coast’s best aquariums.
1. Seattle Aquarium
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1.4 MI/ 2,3 KM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
GPS: 47.60739, -122.34296
ADDRESS: 1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
The Seattle Aquarium is one of the top aquariums along the Pacific Coast and a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to the Emerald City. Located on Pier 59 in downtown Seattle, the aquarium offers visitors an immersive and interactive experience with the marine life of the Pacific Northwest.
One of the highlights of the Seattle Aquarium is the Window on Washington Waters exhibit, which features a 120,000-gallon tank filled with colorful fish, rockfish, and other marine creatures found in the waters of the Puget Sound. Visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel to get a close-up view of the sea life swimming above and around them.
Another popular exhibit is the Marine Mammals exhibit, where visitors can see playful sea otters, harbor seals, and Northern fur seals up close. The exhibit includes an outdoor viewing area, where visitors can watch the marine mammals swim, dive, and play in their habitat.
2. Feiro Marine Life Center
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 180 MI/ 290 KM PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON
GPS: 48.12022, -123.42887
ADDRESS: 315 N Lincoln St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
The Feiro Marine Life Center, located in Port Angeles, Washington, is a hidden gem among the best aquariums along the Pacific Coast. Despite its small size, the center offers visitors an immersive and educational experience with the marine life of the Olympic Peninsula.
The Feiro Marine Life Center features a variety of exhibits showcasing the diverse marine life found in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Salish Sea. Visitors can see and touch local marine creatures such as sea stars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins in the Tidepool exhibit. The center also has a touch tank filled with a variety of crabs, including the popular Dungeness crab.
One of the highlights of the Feiro Marine Life Center is the Underwater Habitat exhibit, which allows visitors to view a miniature underwater ecosystem complete with live rockfish, anemones, and other marine creatures through a periscope. Visitors can also see live plankton under a microscope and learn about the importance of plankton to the marine food chain.
3. Oregon Coast Aquarium
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 564 MI/ 908 KM NEWPORT, OREGON
GPS: 44.61770, -124.04729
ADDRESS: 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365
Another point on my list of best aquariums along the Pacific Coast is the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The Oregon Coast Aquarium, located in Newport, Oregon, is one of the top aquariums along the Pacific Coast and a popular attraction for visitors to the Oregon Coast Highway. The aquarium is situated on a picturesque coastal setting, overlooking the Yaquina Bay.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium features a wide range of exhibits, showcasing the diverse marine life of the Pacific Northwest. One of the highlights is the Passages of the Deep exhibit, which takes visitors on an underwater journey through a 200-foot-long acrylic tunnel, surrounded by a variety of sea creatures, including sharks, rays, and rockfish.
The aquarium also features the Sea and Me exhibit, which focuses on the impact of human activities on the marine environment and ways we can help protect it. Visitors can learn about the importance of sustainable fishing, reducing plastic pollution, and other conservation efforts.
4. Seymour Marine Discovery Center
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1258 MI/ 2025 KM SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 36.94932, -122.06500
ADDRESS: 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center, located in Santa Cruz, California, is one of the top aquariums along the Pacific Coast Highway and a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling along California Route 1. The center is situated on a cliff overlooking Monterey Bay, providing visitors with stunning views of the ocean.
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center features a variety of exhibits showcasing the diverse marine life found in Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean. One of the highlights is the Ocean’s Edge exhibit, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with local marine creatures such as sea stars, urchins, and crabs. The exhibit also features an outdoor touch tank where visitors can touch and learn about tide pool animals.
Another popular exhibit is the Whale of a Museum exhibit, which showcases the diversity and biology of whales and dolphins found in the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can see real whale skeletons and learn about the migration patterns and feeding habits of these magnificent creatures.
The center also features a 87-foot-long Blue Whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling, the largest marine mammal skeleton on display in the world. Visitors can also learn about the research and conservation efforts underway at the nearby Long Marine Laboratory and the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem.
5. Monterey Bay Aquarium
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1303 MI/ 2097 KM MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 36.61826, -121.90179
ADDRESS: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, located in Monterey, California, is undoubtedly one of the best aquariums along the Pacific Coast Highway and a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling along California Route 1. The aquarium is situated on the edge of Monterey Bay, offering visitors breathtaking views of the ocean and a unique opportunity to explore the diverse marine life of the region.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to more than 35,000 animals representing over 600 species, including sea otters, penguins, sharks, and jellyfish. The aquarium features numerous exhibits, showcasing the incredible biodiversity and beauty of the Pacific Ocean. One of the highlights is the Kelp Forest exhibit, where visitors can experience a towering underwater forest filled with a variety of marine creatures, such as leopard sharks, wolf eels, and giant sea bass.
Another popular exhibit is the Open Sea exhibit, which showcases the vastness and diversity of the open ocean. Visitors can see tuna, sea turtles, and even sharks swimming freely in a massive tank that holds over one million gallons of seawater.
The aquarium also features the Splash Zone exhibit, which is perfect for families with young children. The exhibit allows kids to touch and interact with a variety of sea creatures, including starfish, crabs, and sea urchins.
If you’re also interested in exploring museums along the Pacific Coast Highway, I invite you to delve into my blog post highlighting the finest cultural destinations nestled along this scenic route: Pacific Coast Highway – TOP 14 BEST Must-Visit Museums Along West Coast
6. Aquarium of the Pacific
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1664 MI/ 2678 KM LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 33.76196, -118.19695
ADDRESS: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Aquarium of the Pacific, located in Long Beach, California, is one of the premier aquariums along the Pacific Coast Highway and a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling along the Southern California coast. The aquarium is situated on the edge of Rainbow Harbor, offering visitors stunning views of the ocean and the Long Beach skyline.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is home to over 11,000 animals representing more than 500 species, including sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, and jellyfish. The aquarium features numerous exhibits, showcasing the diverse marine life found in the Pacific Ocean. One of the highlights is the Southern California/Baja Gallery, which allows visitors to explore the unique marine habitats and species found in the region.
Another popular exhibit is the Pacific Visions exhibit, which features cutting-edge technology and interactive displays to educate visitors about the importance of protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. The exhibit also includes a stunning theater that offers immersive shows on a massive screen and a stunning underwater forest.
The aquarium also offers several touch exhibits, where visitors can interact with sea creatures, such as rays, sea stars, and sea anemones. Additionally, the aquarium offers daily animal feedings and shows, providing visitors with an opportunity to see and learn about the animals up close.
7. SeaWorld San Diego
PACIFIC COAST HWY: 1764 MI/ 2839 KM SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 32.76414, -117.22629
ADDRESS: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
The final destination on my list of the top aquariums along the Pacific Coast Highway is SeaWorld San Diego. SeaWorld San Diego, located in the heart of San Diego, is one of the most famous and popular aquariums along the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a marine life adventure park that combines entertainment with education, making it a fun destination for visitors of all ages.
The aquarium at SeaWorld San Diego is home to thousands of animals, including dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and more. The park features several exhibits that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the marine life, including the Shark Encounter exhibit, where visitors can walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, and the Wild Arctic exhibit, which includes polar bears, beluga whales, and walruses.
One of the highlights of SeaWorld San Diego is the famous Shamu show, featuring killer whales that perform amazing stunts and tricks. The park also offers several other shows and attractions, including the sea lion and otter show, the dolphin show, and the sea turtle rescue exhibit.
👍 Find out more:
Discover the best stops along the Alaska Highway in my travel guide, “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the adventure and wonder of THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY! MUST-HAVE for all West Coast travelers. Visit 202 places on the PCH with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles motorcycle club and an avid traveler. He has completed seven full journeys along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway on his Harley-Davidson and is passionate about promoting this historic drive to others. Mark has also explored the Alaska Highway and Route 66, and has authored three bestselling travel guides on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places,” “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops,” and “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops.”