Central Coast Aquarium
A small, hands-on aquarium a short walk from the beach, with local sharks, rays and other Central Coast sea life.
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- Where
- 50 San Juan St, Avila Beach
- Hours
- Daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Admission
- $15 adults, $13 kids 3-12, $12 seniors and military, free under 3
- Feedings
- Daily at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m.
- Reservations
- Not needed
The Central Coast Aquarium is a small aquarium in downtown Avila, a short walk from the beach. It shows the animals that live right off this coast, and it lets kids get close to them. Its exhibit hall holds 14 exhibits across two rooms.
Sharks, rays and local sea life
- Local sharks and rays. Horn sharks, swell sharks and gray smooth-hound sharks, plus rays, their close relatives.
- Local marine life. The exhibits focus on animals that live off the Central Coast. Pair a visit with a trip to the tide pools at low tide.
- Feedings. Docents lead public feedings every day at 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. The shark feeding and encounter is capped at about 20 people, so get there a few minutes early. Afterward, kids can touch the swell sharks with a volunteer's help.
- Gift shop. Ocean-themed gifts, books, puzzles and plush toys.
Visiting
The aquarium is at 50 San Juan St, a short walk from Front Street and the beach. No reservations are needed.
For parking, free street spaces are spread around town, and there's a paid public lot on 1st Street. On busy summer days, come early or use the free summer trolley. Details on our parking page.
Check centralcoastaquarium.com for current hours, special events and holiday closures before you go.
Make a morning of it
The aquarium works well on a foggy or rainy day, and as a break from the sun on a hot one. Pair it with the playground and picnic area outside, a walk on the promenade, and ice cream on Front Street. For a full day with kids, see Avila with kids.
Local tips
- Time your visit around a feeding. The noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. feedings are the highlight for kids.
- Plan on about an hour. It's two rooms, so it pairs well with a beach morning.
- Arrive early in summer, when free street parking fills up.
- Bring a picnic. There's a playground and picnic area outside.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Central Coast Aquarium?
$15 for adults, $13 for kids 3 to 12, $12 for seniors and military, and free for kids 2 and under. Check the aquarium's site for current prices.
Do you need reservations for the Central Coast Aquarium?
No. Just walk in during open hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Can you touch the sharks?
After the feeding tours, kids can gently touch swell sharks with a volunteer's help.
Where do you park for the aquarium?
Free street parking around Avila, or the paid public lot on 1st Street. The summer trolley is another option.
