Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

"Aquarium at the Pier"

This pint-sized aquarium is operated by the environmental organization Heal the Bay and is home to some 100 species of organisms, including moray eels, octopus, sharks, rays and a variety of fish and invertebrates -- all examples of animals found just a short stroll away in the Santa Monica Bay. There are interactive exhibits, touch tanks, craft projects, films and a kid’s corner with a puppet theater and books where kids can create their own undersea adventures. The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is anything but fancy or flashy. And while I love the place’s mission, educational bent and enthusiastic staff, it is tiny and only offers about an hour of entertainment. On the plus side is the low price (kids are free!) and highly enthusiastic staff -- something you don’t usually get at other larger and more popular aquariums. Combine it with a trip to the beach for an afternoon of nearly free entertainment.