Roundhouse Aquarium
Stop by and experience the wonders of local marine life!
Located in beautiful downtown Manhattan Beach, California, the Roundhouse has undergone a recent revitalization through a $4 million capital project spearheaded by the Harrison Greenberg Foundation. The new Roundhouse Aquarium educates and inspires more than 300,000 visitors every year. It is managed and operated by the nonprofit oceanic and environmental organization Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. (OTS), whose mission is to connect and engage visitors and students to the oceans through hands-on interactive experiences with marine life and habitats of southern California, and to inspire them to become good stewards of our environment.
OTS’ programs at the Roundhouse Aquarium promote the study of the oceans, tidelands and beaches of Southern California through a wide slate of science-based and standards-aligned education programs with its immersive and engaging exhibits of a diverse array of marine life. More than 100 marine animals from Southern California’s waters live at the aquarium, many are native to its local waters in the Santa Monica Bay. Notable wildlife include moon jellies, sharks, octopus, sheephead, moray eels, lobsters, and more – as well as a touch tank with sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and sea snails.
The aquarium prides itself on being family oriented. It’s a great place for kids to take their parents!
Public Hours
| April through September: Mon-Fri: 2PM – 7PM Sat-Sun 10AM – 7PM |
October through March: Mon-Fri: 2PM – 5PM Sat-Sun: 10AM – 5PM |
Non-public hours are dedicated to teaching classes and maintenance. The hours are subject to change due to weather, pier closures, and private events. Please “like” us on Facebook for up to date changes on our hours or activities.
Cost
The Roundhouse is FREE! However, your donations allow us to operate this wonderful facility. Donations of $5.00 per person, $10.00 per family, and $20.00 per group are suggested.
Parking
Parking available near the pier. Manhattan Beach Parking Info.
Health and Safety
The Roundhouse Aquarium no longer requires masks, however; in accordance with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, we recommend all visitors to continue wearing masks while indoors and ask that individual choices are respected.
We ask that visitors do not enter the Roundhouse Aquarium if they are not feeling well. This includes a fever within the last 24 hours, coughing, or vomiting within the last 48 hours. Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days should not enter.
We are continuing to clean surfaces and public spaces regularly.
We ask that hand sanitizer is not used prior to touching in our touch tank, but hand washing is recommended.
We are continuing to follow LA County Department of Public Health Guidelines, and will update our health and safety measurements as needed.
Treat all animals (including other humans) with respect
We celebrate the diversity of our audiences and are committed to doing so with equity, accessibility, and inclusion in mind.
Please do not tap or bang on the tanks or pick up any animals. If our touch tank is open during your visit, please touch the animals gently with one finger, and follow any directions from our staff and volunteers.
We won’t tolerate any yelling, intimidation, threats, swearing, harassment, aggression or any other inappropriate behavior. Anyone who is aggressive towards staff, volunteers or other guests will be asked to leave.