For any questions not addressed here, please call the Membership Office at (562) 437-3474 (FISH).
BECOMING A MEMBER AND RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Why should I join or renew as a member of the Aquarium?
Members receive unlimited general admission, which means every day is free, and you can visit as often as you like! You will also receive exclusive discounts and offers, invitations to members-only events, 50 percent off parking with pre-paid parking vouchers, and so much more. Take a look at our member levels and benefits to find out which membership level is best for you.
When does my membership start?
Your membership becomes active on the date of purchase and is valid for one year from this purchase date.
Do you have a membership for grandparents?
Yes! Grandparents may purchase a Family-level membership, which will allow you to bring your grandchildren (age 17 and under) on each visit.
I purchased my membership online. When do I receive my materials?
If you purchased your membership online, you should receive an acknowledgement e-mail a few minutes after completing your purchase. You will receive your membership card(s) at Member Services during your first visit.
I purchased my membership over the phone or through the mail. When do I receive my materials?
If you purchased your membership over the phone or through the mail, please allow two to three weeks to receive your materials via mail. Your membership card(s) will be issued at Member Services during your first visit.
When does my membership expire?
Your membership expires 12 months from the original purchase date. If you don’t remember your expiration date, you may ask an associate at any ticket counter or call the Membership Office at (562) 437-3474.
What happens if I renew before my membership expires?
An additional 12 months will be added to your expiration date. For example, if you renew in February but your membership expires in June, then we’ll add 12 months to your expiration date and your membership will expire in June of the following year. This means you don’t “lose” any months from your membership.
What happens if I renew after my membership has expired?
Your membership will have a new expiration date, which will be 12 months from the date you renewed your membership. For example, if your membership expired in June but you renew two months later in August, then your new membership expiration date will now be in August of the following year.
Can I still use my old membership card(s) if I renewed after my expiration date?
Yes, your membership card(s) will automatically be updated with your new expiration date when you renew.
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MEMBERSHIP CARD
When do I receive my membership card?
Your membership card will be issued on site at Member Services during your first visit as a member.
What happens if I lose or forget my membership card?
If you forgot your membership card, please bring a photo ID to the Aquarium and we can check you in at the Membership Desk. If you lost your membership card, we can reissue your card at the Membership Desk.
Is there a digital membership card?
Yes, there is a digital membership card. Download the Aquarium Visitor Guide Mobile App, go to the “Members” category, and input your membership number or scan your membership card’s barcode. All member cardholders will still need to take their picture at Member Services during their first visit.
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TRANSFERABLE MEMBER CARD
Is my membership transferable? Can I change the second adult on my membership?
Your annual membership is non-transferable. As a result, we cannot change the second adult on your membership. If you would like a transferable card, please consider upgrading to our Plus membership (or higher) so that you will receive a transferable card as part of your benefits.
What is a transferable member card?
A transferable card allows you to bring one additional guest and may only be used once per day. The cost for a replacement transferable card is $35.
Do I need to be present for my guest to use the transferable member card?
You do not need to be present for your guest to use the transferable card. Many of our members give the transferable card to their babysitter, nanny, or grandparent so they may enjoy the Aquarium with the children. Your guest should still bring your membership card to check-in any children under your membership.
What happens if I lose or forget my transferable membership card?
If you lose your transferable membership card, it will cost $35 to reissue the card at Member Services. If you forgot your transferable membership card, you must purchase a ticket for your guest. The good news is that all members receive 20 percent off guest admission tickets.
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VISITING THE AQUARIUM
Do you have any blackout dates? When is the Aquarium closed?
The Aquarium does not have any blackout dates. We are closed once a year on Christmas Day (December 25).
When is the best time for members to visit the Aquarium?
The best time to visit on the weekends is between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. On weekdays, the best time to visit is after 2:00 p.m.
Can I get a discount on admission tickets for my guests?
Members receive 20 percent off guest admission tickets .
Are there family restrooms at the Aquarium?
Every women’s and men’s restroom at the Aquarium has a changing table. This includes the restroom located outside the Aquarium near the Member’s Express Entrance. The women’s restroom on the first floor near the head of the blue whale has a mommy lounge with a couch and an activity area for toddlers.
What are rubbing tiles?
Rubbing tiles are tiles that have imprinted designs of different animals located throughout the Great Hall. We invite our members to see if you can find all of the rubbing tiles; Member Services has paper and crayons available for you to use.
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GIFT MEMBERSHIPS
How do I purchase a membership as a gift for someone?
You may purchase a gift membership online, on site, over the phone, or through the mail. Before starting the purchase process, it is helpful to have the name and contact information of the person who will be receiving the membership. Please note: All gift membership materials are sent to the purchaser unless a special request is made on the date of purchase by calling (562) 437-3474.
When does the gift membership start?
If the gift membership is purchased online, the gift membership must be redeemed within one year from the purchase date. Once redeemed, the membership is valid for 12 months from the first visit date.
If the gift membership is purchased over the phone or in-person, the membership is valid for 12 months from the purchase date.
When will I receive my gift membership materials?
Please allow two to three weeks to receive your gift membership materials.
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MEMBER BENEFITS
What exclusive discounts and offers do members receive?
Member-only discounts and offers, include:
- 20 percent off the purchase of guest tickets
- 10 percent discount in our gift stores (20 percent during December!)
- 50 percent off parking with pre-paid parking vouchers
- Discounts on day camps, classes for kids, and more
Be sure to keep an eye out for our monthly email newsletter where we often announce new discounts or limited-time offers.
My membership comes with complimentary guest tickets. When will I receive them?
If you purchased your membership online, your guest tickets will be at the Membership Desk within 24 hours of purchase. If you purchased your membership over the phone or through the mail, you will receive your guest tickets in the mail within two to three weeks. Please note: Some membership levels do not receive guest tickets.
I haven’t received my complimentary guest tickets in the mail, but I want to use them today. What should I do?
Please call us at (562) 437-3474 to discuss your specific situation.
When do my complimentary guest tickets expire?
Your complimentary guest tickets are valid for one year from the date that you purchased your membership. This expiration date is printed on the guest tickets.
What is Pacific Currents?
Pacific Currents is a digital magazine published three times annually and features a variety of stories on the Aquarium, the ocean, and conservation.
Do you have reciprocal benefits with other aquariums or zoos?
Unfortunately, we do not have any reciprocal benefits with other aquariums or zoos.
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PARKING FOR MEMBERS
Do members receive a discount on parking? What is the cost?
Yes, we offer our members three pre-paid parking vouchers at a discounted rate of $12 (at the regular price, three parking tickets would cost $24). Member parking vouchers are good for one year from the date of purchase.
What are member parking vouchers?
Please see question above.
How can I purchase the member parking vouchers?
Member parking vouchers are available for purchase on site, over the phone, or through the mail. Unfortunately, we do not have an online option to purchase pre-paid parking vouchers.
When will I receive my member parking vouchers?
Member parking vouchers purchased over the phone or through the mail will be mailed to you within two to three weeks of the payment processing date.
How do I use the member parking vouchers?
When you enter the structure you will be issued a white parking ticket from the machine at the entrance. Insert your white parking ticket from the parking structure at the kiosk (located on the first and second floors), and then scan your pre-paid parking voucher (each one has a barcode printed on it). This will validate your white parking ticket. When leaving the parking structure, you will insert your white parking ticket at the gate to exit.
I lost my member parking voucher. Can it be reissued?
Unfortunately, we are unable to reissue member parking vouchers. The parking structure is owned and operated by a third party, so the Aquarium has no way of tracking whether or not a parking voucher is used. We recommend treating your member parking vouchers as if they are cash and keeping them in a safe place.
I decided not to purchase member parking vouchers. What should I do?
Please be sure to get a validation scan for your parking ticket for the discounted $8 Aquarium daily rate. There are validation scanners at the Aquarium Map podium and near the Aquarium exit.
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MISC MEMBER QUESTIONS
How do I update my contact information on my membership?
Please call us at (562) 437-3474, or send an e-mail to memberservices@lbaop.org to update your contact information.
I recently moved. How do I change the address on my membership?
Please see the question above.
What does it mean to go paperless?
Going paperless means that you are electing to receive all your membership materials and communication via e-mail.
How do I go paperless?
Please call us at (562) 437-3474, or send an e-mail to memberservices@lbaop.org to go paperless.
Do I have to give my email for my membership?
Email is optional for members; however, you will miss out on member benefits that are often sent via email. This includes event invitations, announcements of special discounts, and our monthly emailnewsletter that keeps you updated on the newest animals and activities.
What is your Federal Tax ID?
The Aquarium of the Pacific Federal Tax ID is 33-0532354. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) institution.
Is my membership tax-deductible?
Yes, all of our membership levels are tax-deductible. In accordance with Internal Revenue Service guidelines, no gifts or services are provided in exchange for your membership donation. We suggest you retain your membership receipt or membership acknowledgement letter for tax purposes.
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