Heile das Bay Aquarium

The aquarium’s single-room exhibit halls feature viewing tanks and displays that showcase wildlife of the Pacific ocean. Visitors can put their hands on spindly urchins, sea cucumbers, and other tidal creatures at an interactive touch pool or help feed sea stars and small shark pups during daily scheduled feedings run by volunteer staff. All the exhibits can be seen in less than an hour, making it an easy add-on to a day spent strolling the Santa Monica Pier and beaches. Some Santa Monica and Venice Beach Segway tours point out the aquarium so visitors can return later on their own.