The Aquarium of the Pacific is a world-class aquarium located in Long Beach, California. It features over 11,000 animals representing more than 500 different species in exhibits focused on three regions: Baja California, the frigid northern Pacific, and tropical Pacific islands. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a popular attraction in Southern California, drawing over 1.5 million visitors per year. Many visitors wonder if there are ways to save money on Aquarium of the Pacific admission, such as through AAA discounts. This article will provide an overview of AAA membership benefits related to the Aquarium of the Pacific and other information on discounts and deals for this popular aquarium.
About AAA and Membership Benefits
AAA, formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is a federation of motor clubs providing membership services throughout North America. AAA is best known for its 24-hour roadside assistance program and discounts. However, AAA members also have access to discounts on hotels, attractions, theme parks, and more. The specific benefits available vary based on membership level.
There are four levels of AAA membership – AAA Classic, AAA Plus, AAA Premier, and AAA Premier RV. Higher levels provide additional benefits. Advantages increase for each level and include things like 100-200 mile tows, travel interruption reimbursement, free car battery replacement, and more. Membership dues are paid annually.
AAA is the largest membership organization in North America with around 60 million members. Membership provides peace of mind when traveling and opportunities to save money. Discounts at popular attractions can help AAA members save on family vacations and everyday expenses.
AAA Discounts on the Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific unfortunately does not offer any direct discounts or savings for AAA members. There are no reduced ticket prices or other perks for AAA members purchasing Aquarium of the Pacific tickets.
The Aquarium of the Pacific makes this clear on their website’s frequently asked questions page. In response to “Do you offer AAA discounts?” they definitively state: “No. We do not offer AAA discounts on ticket pricing.”
This applies to all ticket types, including:
– General admission
– Behind-the-Scenes tours
– Animal encounters
– 4D Theater shows
While the lack of a AAA discount is disappointing for members hoping to save, there are still ways AAA membership can benefit a visit. We’ll go over some of these indirect perks next.
Other Discounts on Aquarium of the Pacific Tickets
While an Aquarium of the Pacific AAA discount does not exist, other discounts and deals can help save money on admission. Several options make tickets more affordable including:
– Buying Online – Online tickets are $2 cheaper per person than buying in person.
– Child Tickets – Children 3-11 get discounted admission of $24.95 (instead of $36.95 for adults).
– Member Prices – Joining the aquarium starting at $99 per year provides free admission and other benefits.
– Group Rates – Groups of 15 or more get discounted $5 off per ticket.
– Whale Watch Combo – Bundling a whale watch with aquarium admission saves 20%.
– Specials – Occasional specials include $20 after 3pm tickets.
Taking advantage of any available discounts is recommended. Also, look for coupons which periodically offer $3-5 off admission.
Maximizing AAA Membership for an Aquarium Visit
While AAA discounts are not available directly for the Aquarium of the Pacific, AAA members can still maximize other benefits for their visit:
– AAA Hotel Discounts – AAA gets up to 10% discounts at certain hotels near the aquarium which is helpful for overnight stays. Always ask about AAA or auto club rates when booking.
– AAA Travel Guides – Members can get free travel guides with information on things to see and do in Long Beach and the surrounding area. The guides provide ideas for multi-day trips.
– TourBook App – The AAA TourBook app has discounts and maps to help plan a full day around the aquarium. Search restaurants, attractions, gas prices, and parking.
– AAA Discounts on Whale Watching – If purchasing a whale watch and aquarium combo, use AAA’s 10-20% discounts on whale watching in Long Beach and Orange County.
– Roadside Assistance – Members can get help with car trouble when driving to or from the Aquarium. Flat tires, lock outs, battery issues, and more are covered.
Taking advantage of benefits like hotel, attraction, and restaurant discounts can potentially save AAA members more money than aquarium-only discounts.
Tips for Visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific
To maximize time and savings during an Aquarium of the Pacific visit, keep these tips in mind:
– Arrive early – Get there before doors open at 9am to avoid long lines for tickets and exhibits. Morning is less crowded.
– Pack a picnic – Dining inside is expensive. Bringing food saves money and lets you eat at tables right next to exhibits.
– Don’t miss feeding times – Check schedules for sharks, penguins, otters, and lorikeets. Watching them eat is fun and educational.
– Do behind-the-scenes tours – The animal encounters provide hands-on interactions with various marine creatures.
– See the 4D theater – The 4D Immersion Theater has sensory films featuring animal adventures.
– Download the app – Use the aquarium’s app to find animals, interactive exhibits, schedules, maps, and discounts.
– Visit the gift shop last – To avoid having to carry purchases around, visit the shop at the end. They can hold items at the front too.
Saving money leaves more for gifts, snacks, and other fun parts of the aquarium day. Following these tips will help maximize the experience.
Other Nearby AAA-Discounted Attractions
Long Beach and the surrounding area offer many other great attractions for families and tourists. Many of these do provide AAA members special offers and savings:
– Queen Mary – Save $2 per ticket to tour the historic ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach.
– Aqua Zone Waterpark – Get 10% off admission to Long Beach’s large water park near the aquarium.
– Whale Watching – Up to 20% discounts on whale and dolphin watching trips out of Long Beach and Newport Beach.
– Long Beach Museum of Art – Receive a $2 discount on admission to this downtown museum with a focus on contemporary art.
– Museum of Latin American Art – Get $2 off admission to the largest Latin American art museum in the Western United States.
– Knott’s Berry Farm – Take $5 off gate prices to California’s first theme park, located north in Buena Park.
Combining several discounted attractions over multiple days can make for an affordable local getaway for the whole family courtesy of AAA membership.
Conclusion
While AAA discounts are not applicable directly for the Aquarium of the Pacific admission tickets, savvy AAA members can still maximize their membership benefits when planning a visit. Taking advantage of reduced rates on hotels, transportation, dining, and other nearby attractions can create significant savings on the full trip. Additionally, looking into other available Aquarium of the Pacific discounts and deals on combo tickets and group rates can make the attraction more affordable. Following money-saving and time-maximizing tips for the day itself results in an overall value-packed aquarium experience. By knowing the ins and outs of membership perks and local area deals, AAA members can still fully enjoy the Aquarium of the Pacific without overspending.