Things to Do in Heal the Bay Aquarium

The Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a small, public-private marine education facility. It has been operating since 2003, by the non-profit organisation Heal the Bay at the beach level under the iconic Santa Monica Pier. It is a small, single-room facility that concentrates on the marine ecosystem of the local area of the Santa Monica Bay, as opposed to large and exotic organisms. It contains more than 100 Southern California coast species in several tanks, such as the moray eels, lobster and the moon jellies. One of the main characteristics of an aquarium is its interactive components, like various touch tanks where visitors, particularly children, touch harmless horn sharks, swell sharks, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and abalone under the supervision of trained volunteers and staff. The aquarium also provides daily educational lectures, Microscopic Safaris to see tiny creatures, family-friendly crafts, a multimedia space with books and colouring pages, and a gift shop with zero-waste products. The aquarium is also a centre of community science and advocacy, including information about the local water quality and monthly beach cleanups. 

What Can You See & Do at Heal the Bay Aquarium?

Here are the six best things to see and do at the Heal the Bay Aquarium:

1. Interactive Exhibits: At the Heal the Bay Aquarium, the visitors are immersed in the marine life and the coastal ecosystems of Southern California. The interactive displays allow the visitors to directly participate in marine science, touching sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs in touch tanks and finding out how ocean currents, tides, and effects of pollution work. These displays are aimed at enjoy people of all ages and learning about marine biology.
2. Marine Animal Displays: The marine animal exhibits display over 100 local species of the Santa Monica as colourful fish, sharks, rays, sea urchins, octopuses, and jellyfish. These displays focus on the stunning biodiversity of the coastal waters of the area and the need to preserve and conserve the habitat. Tourists are allowed to observe the animals being fed and learn about their habits and adaptations that make them survive in the varying marine conditions.
3. Educational Presentations: The marine biologists and educators of the aquarium present educational talks about the issues of sustainable fishing, the ecology of the ocean and the impacts of pollution on the marine environment. Such discussions have demonstrations and question-answer sessions that enlighten visitors on the importance of conserving the oceans and fostering the need to protect the marine resources.
4. Conservation Activities: Another activity available at the aquarium is conservation, whereby the visitors engage actively in the process of protecting the ocean. They involve beach clean-ups, courses on plastic reduction, and interactive classes on sustainable ways of life. The objective of such programs is to sensitise people on the human actions in the coastal ecosystem and enable citizens to make environmentally friendly decisions.
5. Kid-Friendly Fun: For the kids, many funny and enjoyable activities are presented as hunts, storytelling, and crafts with a marine theme. The simple exhibits and physical activities of the aquarium contribute to cultivating curiosity and awareness of the atmosphere since childhood.
6. Photography Spots: The aquarium offers great photo opportunities, especially in the area of the big viewing tanks and touch pools, where natural light brings to the fore the rich colour of the marine life. A visitor acquires the most interesting shots of amazing sea creatures and spectacular images of the Santa Monica Pier and coast, which additionally makes it an informative and beautiful place.

How to Get to the Heal the Bay Aquarium?

Here are the six best ways to go to the Heal the Bay Aquarium:

1. By Car: Car is the most convenient way to go to the Heal the Bay Aquarium. The aquarium is directly underneath the Santa Monica Pier, and there are a number of parking structures and lots that are easily accessible. The nearest parking is the Santa Monica Pier Deck Parking lot and Beach lot. There is a very short walk down to the pier and the entrance of the aquarium from the parking area.
2. By Metro: Metro E Line (Expo) takes a fast and environmentally-friendly ride to Santa Monica. The train gives the passengers an opportunity to ride to the Downtown Santa Monica Station, which is within a 10-minute walk to the pier. The path provides a tour of the Third Street Promenade, which is full of shops and cafes, and passes in front of the aquarium.
3. By Bus: The area along the Santa Monica is served by several Big Blue Bus routes that go through the pier. Rapid 10, route 1, and 3, which offer direct routes between different regions of Los Angeles. There are bus stops that are within walking range, and this makes this mode of transport cheap and environmentally friendly.
4. By Limo Service: A more luxurious or group-friendly service alternative is to hire Limousine service Los Angeles and personal cars, which drop off the people at the door to the pier. This is the best option to go on special events, school outings or family outings where comfort and convenience are paramount.
5. By Bike/Scooter: Santa Monica is a bike-friendly neighbourhood that has bike and e-scooter rental stations and paths. The bike trail of Marvin Braude Bike Trail takes visitors through the scenic road to the pier. There are bike racks located around the area to ensure that there is a secure place to park your bike as you explore the aquarium in the area.
6. By Ride-Share:  Uber and Lyft services drop the passengers in Ocean Avenue or directly in front of the pier entrance. It is best for those who do not want to worry about parking or transportation schedules, particularly with the visitors who have to travel to other locations in Los Angeles.

When is the Best Time to Visit Heal the Bay Aquarium?

The most appropriate moment to visit the Heal the Bay aquarium is the morning hours of weekdays in spring or fall, when the weather is pleasant and the crowd is not thick. Between 10-1 PM, visitors have a more relaxed experience and more time to interact with the employees and peruse the exhibits without disturbing others. Weekends, holidays are more active and have special programs and family events. Afternoons before sunset are also the best time to have fun at the nearby beach and have beautiful scenery of the coastline of Santa Monica after visiting the aquarium.

 Is There Food at Heal the Bay Aquarium?

The Heal the Bay Aquarium does not have a cafe or restaurant of its own, but there are many dining options right within walking distance on the Santa Monica Pier and along Ocean Avenue. Visitors find the range of relaxed restaurants, snack bars, and seafood restaurants that sell them fresh fish tacos and burgers, ice cream and coffee. It is easy to have fun and a meal at the same time with the ocean in front of your eyes, as many of the visitors take a quick bite during or after exploring the aquarium.

Where to Eat & Drink Near Heal the Bay Aquarium?

Here are the eight best eating places near the Heal the Bay Aquarium:

1. Pier Restaurants: The Pier Restaurants are close to the Heal the Bay Aquarium and provide a casual seaside environment and choices of casual meals. They serve seafood, burgers, and local specialities and have a view of the Pacific Ocean, and it is the best place to visit after visiting the aquarium.
2. The Albright (on Santa Monica Pier): This is a seafood restaurant run by a family known to have a fresh, sustainable menu of seafood items such as fish and chips, clam chowder, oysters, lobster roll, and local craft beers. It has oceanfront seats and a relaxed atmosphere, which is a traditional pier dining experience.
3. Seaside on the Pier: Opportunity to enjoy the California-style rooftop ambience with wide views of the beach, Seaside on the Pier offers dishes that reflect the taste of California, such as tacos, burgers, salads, and cool cocktails, all to enjoy the sunset after you visit the aquarium.
4. Big Dean’s Ocean Front Café: This is a vibrant beach cafe and bar, which is situated right beside the pier and serves delicious American comfort food, such as burgers, wings, nachos, entrees, etc. It is popular with tourists and also with locals who seek a casual and enjoyable meal.
5. Redondo Coffee Shop: A homely-looking retro-style diner offering breakfast and lunch items like pancakes, omelettes, sandwiches and fresh coffee. It is an excellent place to have a free and simple lunch.
6. Casa Martin: This is a Mexican restaurant that serves colourful foods consisting of fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas. The carnival feel and warm reception also make it family and group-friendly.
7. Blue Plate Taco: Blue Plate Taco is Located on Ocean Avenue. The restaurant is modern with the Baja-style cuisine, including fish tacos, ceviche and guacamole, served with signature margaritas and patio seating overlooking the ocean.
8. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is A convenient coffee, tea or light snacks break.  This cafe serves speciality espresso beverages, teas, pastries and smoothies, and the best things to have before and after visiting the aquarium.

Is Heal the Bay Aquarium Worth Visiting?

The Heal the Bay Aquarium is worth visiting, especially for family members, students, and all the people who are interested in marine life or nature conservation. It is below the Santa Monica Pier, has a close-up view of over 100 local species, such as sharks, rays, sea stars, and jellyfish, and interactive touch tanks and educational displays. It is a small, but very interesting, practical learning experience devoted to the marine ecosystems of Southern California. The time spent visiting ranges between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the visitor. It is an ideal addition to visit the beach or a pier to have a pleasant and informative experience.