You might be thinking of visiting the Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach on the pier. This is your guide to what it is, how long to spend there, nearby activities, and everything else.
As a mother, I’ve been to the Roundhouse Aquarium many times, and each time, as my kids grow, this place offers new perspectives and joy through my children’s eyes. With that said, I have a solid idea of what it will bring for you and your visit.
Now would I center my day around it? That is not necessary. This is a 20-40 minute stop in your day in Manhattan Beach, depending on how you spend your time inside. However, if I were on the Pier and it was open… it’s always a fun stop, especially if you are local to the area.
What Is the Roundhouse Aquarium?
The Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center is a very small, but interesting marine education center located at the very end of the Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach.
It is literally on the pier.
It’s that circular building at the end of MB Pier that makes the MB Pier look as iconic as it does. An unmistakable landmark. It’s this sense of nostalgia that adds to the charm and special character of the place.
Unlike massive aquariums found in big cities, the Roundhouse Aquarium focuses on local Southern California marine life and hands-on education. (Go to Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach for a big aquarium to spend the day at.)
Like I said. Roundhouse is tiny. Make it worth your visit by asking questions and really soaking in looking at the sea life, reading the names, and getting to know our local fish.
Visitors can explore several small tanks filled with creatures from the nearby Pacific waters, including eels, some jellyfish, lobsters, and a few tide pool animals.
When you walk in there is a touch pool so little ones can gently explore some sea stars, urchins, and sea cucumbers.
It’s a community aquarium run by a nonprofit organization with the goal of teaching visitors about ocean conservation and the marine ecosystems of the Southern California coast. (Roundhouse Aquarium)
IMO, if you don’t engage with the people there to give you some knowledge and you don’t hype your kids up about what they are seeing or learning…you might be missing out on the experience.
It’s one of those places that you walk in and have to make the most of it… ask questions, study, really look at things, because with just two very small floors, Roundhouse is more about quality versus quantity.
Where Is the Roundhouse Aquarium?
The aquarium sits at the very end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, making it one of the most scenic aquariums in California.
📍 Address
2 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
The round building with the red roof is easy to spot and is considered an iconic landmark of the pier. (roundhousebeautification.com)
Walking out to the aquarium is part of the experience—you’ll get sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, surfers below, and sometimes dolphins passing by.
So, visiting Roundhouse is great, but it’s the entire experience. Pier views, sweeping across the coastline. EPIC!
Be sure to take some pictures from near and far while you are there.
Hours of Operation
Hours vary slightly depending on the season.
April – September
- Monday – Friday: 2 PM – 7 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 10 AM – 7 PM
October – March
- Monday – Friday: 2 PM – 5 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
The aquarium is free to enter, though donations are encouraged to support its programs and marine care.
I’ve been many times, and it’s nice to even give a few dollars if you can. Everything helps and keeps Roundhouse going.
Hours can occasionally change due to weather, pier conditions, or events. With that said, do not depend or plan your entire day around visiting. For example, if they happen to be closed… don’t let that be your only plan and have it ruin your day. There is so much to do in Manhattan Beach and on The Strand.
Seasonality: When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The aquarium is open year-round, but the experience can feel different depending on the season.
Summer
- Longer evening hours
- Busy beach crowds
- Perfect for combining with a beach day
Fall & Winter
- Quieter and more relaxed
- Easier to explore the exhibits without crowds
- Beautiful sunsets from the pier
Spring
- Great weather and fewer tourists
- A nice balance between calm and lively
Because it’s small, many visitors pair the aquarium with a beach walk, pier stroll, or lunch nearby.
Transportation and Parking
Driving
The easiest way to visit is by car.
Keep note that Manhattan is hilly and there is a bit of walking. You may find yourself parking in Manhattan in a lot or street and walking several blocks, walking on the Strand, or walking from Hermosa Beach to get to downtown Manhattan Beach.
Parking options include:
- Manhattan Beach Pier parking lot
- Nearby downtown Manhattan Beach street parking
- Beach parking lots
Parking fills quickly on summer weekends.
Bring a stroller if you have small kids.
Research accessibility paths in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach if necessary.
Bus
Several LA Metro and Beach Cities Transit routes stop near Manhattan Beach Boulevard, just a short walk from the pier.
Walking or Biking
Many locals simply:
- Walk from nearby neighborhoods
- Bike along The Strand, the oceanfront bike path that runs through the South Bay
Bike racks are available near the pier.
Why Visit the Roundhouse Aquarium?
Even though it’s small, there are several reasons people love it.
It’s Free
One of the few free aquariums in Southern California.
Perfect Ocean Education
A great way to learn about local marine life.
Amazing Location
Few aquariums sit literally over the ocean.
Great for Families
Interactive exhibits make it fun for kids. Manhattan Beach offers tons of reasons to visit from food, beach, and walk streets.
What Is the Vibe?
The Roundhouse Aquarium has a friendly, laid-back coastal vibe. It’s surf style, beachy, and flip flops and board shorts are welcome.
Expect:
- Friendly volunteers explaining sea creatures
- Kids pressing their faces to aquarium glass
- Surfers and beachgoers walking through after a swim
- A relaxed community feel
It’s not a massive tourist attraction—it feels more like a local hidden gem.
Is It a Real Aquarium?
Yes, but it’s very different from a large commercial aquarium. This is not a place where there are maps needed and you need hours to explore.
It’s small, less than 2,500 square feet. Two small floors.
Instead of giant exhibits, the Roundhouse focuses on:
- Local Pacific Ocean marine life
- Educational displays
- Interactive touch tanks
Inside you’ll find:
- A tide pool touch tank with sea stars and sea urchins
- Moon jellyfish
- Moray eels
- Lobsters and reef fish
More than 100 marine animals from Southern California waters live at the aquarium, many native to nearby Santa Monica Bay. (Roundhouse Aquarium)
What to Do at the Roundhouse Aquarium
Most visits last 20–45 minutes, depending on how much time you spend exploring.
Popular activities include:
Touch Tanks
Kids can gently touch sea creatures like:
- Sea stars
- Sea cucumbers
- Sea urchins
Marine Life Tanks
See local ocean animals up close.
Educational Displays
Learn about:
- Pacific ecosystems
- Ocean conservation
- Marine biology
Ocean Views
The deck outside offers spectacular views of the Pacific, making it a great photo spot.
History of the Roundhouse
The building at the end of the pier dates back to the early 20th century.
Key moments in its history:
- 1922 – Original Roundhouse pavilion built
- 1979 – Converted into a marine studies lab and aquarium
- 1992 – Rebuilt to replicate the historic structure
- 2018 – Major $4 million renovation modernized the exhibits and learning spaces (abc7.com)
Today, the aquarium welcomes over 300,000 visitors per year and serves thousands of students through marine science programs. (Roundhouse Aquarium)
Who Is It Good For?
The aquarium is ideal for:
- Families with young kids. It’s a very kid-friendly activity at the beach.
- Beach visitors looking for a quick activity
- Ocean lovers
- Tourists exploring Manhattan Beach
- Couples on a pier walk or sunset date
It’s not meant to be a full-day aquarium experience, but rather a charming stop along the pier.
What to Do Nearby
Because the aquarium sits in the heart of Manhattan Beach, there’s plenty to explore nearby.
Walk the Pier
The pier is one of the most beautiful in Southern California.
Manhattan Beach
Relax on the wide sandy beach just steps away.
Ride Bikes
Bring or rent bikes at a bike rental shop and get rolling. The Strand is next to the bike path that goes for miles North and South.
Downtown Manhattan Beach
The nearby downtown area has restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops.
The Strand
A scenic oceanfront walking and biking path stretching for miles along the coast.
Sunset Watching
The end of the pier near the aquarium is one of the best sunset viewpoints in the South Bay.
✅ Quick Tip:
Visit the aquarium late afternoon, then hang out and stay for sunset on the pier or beach. It’s one of the most beautiful and relaxing experiences in Manhattan Beach.
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