Central Coast Aquarium

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50 San Juan St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

About the Central Coast Aquarium

The Central Coast Aquarium is located in Avila Beach, California, at 50 San Juan St. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting ocean conservation through education and interactive exhibits. The aquarium features a variety of marine animals, including octopuses, seahorses, and sharks. Visitors can learn about the unique marine life found along the Central Coast and the importance of protecting our oceans.

How to get to the Central Coast Aquarium

The Central Coast Aquarium is conveniently located in Avila Beach, just off Highway 101. If you are driving, you can take the Avila Beach Drive exit and follow the signs to the aquarium. There is ample parking available nearby. Alternatively, if you prefer to use public transportation, there are bus stops within walking distance of the aquarium.

Best and worst time go to Central Coast Aquarium

The best time to visit the Central Coast Aquarium is during the weekdays, especially in the morning when it is less crowded. This allows you to fully enjoy the interactive exhibits and have more one-on-one interactions with the staff. The worst time to go is on weekends or during school holidays when it tends to be much busier.

Admission to Central Coast Aquarium

The admission fees for the Central Coast Aquarium are reasonable, making it an affordable option for families and individuals. Children under 2 years old are admitted for free. Seniors, students, and military personnel receive discounted rates. It is important to note that the aquarium operates on a cashless system, so make sure to bring a credit or debit card for your purchases.

Must see/do at Central Coast Aquarium

One of the highlights of the Central Coast Aquarium is the touch tank, where visitors can interact with various marine creatures like starfish and sea cucumbers. Another must-see is the Shark Lagoon, where you can observe different species of sharks up close. The aquarium also offers educational presentations and guided tours for a more immersive experience.

Other places to visit near Central Coast Aquarium

Avila Beach is a charming coastal town with plenty of attractions and activities besides the aquarium. After your visit, you can explore the nearby Avila Pier or relax on the sandy beach. There are also several local restaurants serving delicious seafood and a variety of shops to browse in the quaint downtown area.

Insider tips for visitors to Central Coast Aquarium

To make the most of your visit to the Central Coast Aquarium, be sure to check the feeding schedule ahead of time. This way, you can witness the animals being fed and learn more about their diets. Additionally, consider bringing a reusable water bottle as the aquarium has water refill stations to help reduce plastic waste. Finally, don't forget to ask the staff about upcoming events or special programs, as they offer unique experiences that can enhance your visit.

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Reviews

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4.065 reviews
Photo of Isaiah C.
Isaiah C.
7/13/2025

Really cute little aquarium! It's small, but the staff and volunteers make it a fun and interactive experience. I got to touch sea stars and urchins, and the exhibits were well put together. Great...

Photo of Irena S.
Irena S.
3/11/2025

Randomly stumbled upon this little ~10 ish tank aquarium this past Saturday while we were walking around on the beach, and it's the cutest place ever! $10 per person! Pros: - despite being a...

Photo of Jeff L.
Jeff L.
12/15/2024

Small aquarium, but still great for young kids. There are two main areas with animals, as well as a little coloring station and gift shop. You could easily see everything in 15 minutes, but my...

Photo of Deanne H.
Deanne H.
11/25/2024

Verrrrry small quick stop but cute! Volunteers were very helpful in showing us some sea animals including a sea star, urchin and crab. We got to pet all of those. They have a tank with some baby...

Kati K.
5/3/2025

It's super cute! Kinda small but it's has some nice exhibits.It's super cute! Kinda small but it's has some nice exhibits.This place is adorable! It's a little on the small side, but that's okay....

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