It's nearly impossible to see toes in the ocean around here, let alone the indigenous life below. Thankfully, this Long Beach institution is here to educate.

The Aquarium's 500-plus species fill 19 major living habitats and 32 smaller exhibits. Tours lead through representations of the Pacific Ocean's three regions: Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific and the Northern Pacific. All the worth-it exhibits can easily be done in one day; for those who don't have the luxury to spend the entire day under the sea, be sure to stop by the outdoor Shark Lagoon, where sharks and stingrays are available for the petting. (Just think of them as slimy little puppies.) Otherwise, visitors can spend the day getting acquainted with seals, sea jellies, sea turtles, sea lions and kelp forests. And since this is an aquarium, visitors can make fish faces at cold-blooded species from around the world. Feel free to giggle upon discovering porcupine puffers, large blue Napoleons or humphead wrasses. The Aquarium also offers sleepovers (for those who want to sleep with the fishes in the non-mafia sense), late-night visits at the Shark Lagoon, kayaking expeditions and whale-watching cruises.