Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium features kid-height tanks that display the marine life of Southern California -- live jellyfish, octopuses, fish, leopard sharks and eels. The front courtyard has full-sized killer whale, shark and dolphin models while the exhibit halls contain numerous preserved animals and skeletal remains.

Kids can indulge their need to explore the world with their hands at the Tidepool Touch Tank, which includes sea anemones, sea stars and other safe wildlife.

Visitors can also take a plunge in the ocean at nearby Cabrillo Beach -- remember to pack swimsuits and towels!

Throughout the year, the aquarium offers such seasonal events as grunion hunting (March through July), whale watching (January through mid-April) and various workshops. At low tide, staffers lead tide-pool tours.