Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium

About Us

Stop on by and experience the wonders of our local marine life! Located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, the Roundhouse serves as O.T.S.'s educational facility. Inside are ten primary aquaria, each displaying a brilliant selection of marine fish and invertebrates:

WHEN are we open?

Public Hours:
Weekdays 3:00pm - sunset
Weekends 10:00am - sunset
Non-public hours are dedicated to teaching classes and maintenance.

Cost:
The Roundhouse is FREE! However, your donations allow us to operate this wonderful facility. Donations of $2.00 per person and $4.00 per family are suggested.

Parking:
Metered parking is available at the base of the pier for $1 per hour (bring quarters).

HOW to contact us?

Telephone:  (310) 379-8117

Fax:  (310) 937-9366

Email: roundhouse.aquarium@verizon.net

WHERE are we located?

The Roundhouse is at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach, California.

For directions Click Here.

WHAT is the Roundhouse ?

The Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium is part of the non-profit organization, Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. (OTS)
Through teaching of classes, both at the Roundhouse and off-site, and welcoming visitors into the Roundhouse during public hours, we strive to achieve the missions of the OTS.

Our mission statement:
"The specific and primary purposes are to foster and promote the public study of, and interest in, the oceans, tidelands and beaches of Southern California, the marine life therein, and the impact of human population on that environment."
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, OTS and the Roundhouse have been fulfilling this mission since 1979, in the heart of Downtown Manhattan Beach, at the very end of the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Aquaria & Exhibits

 

Check out one of our NEWEST EXHIBITS The DEEP OCEAN HABITAT TANK  which holds various species for the Deep Ocean such as White Plume Anemones, the Sheephead, Rainbow Stars, Sunflower stars and much, much more!!!

 

EXHIBITS

  • A  mural in the Kids Kelp Forest area, donated by Janet Read
  • The Clownfish & Anemone Tank
  • The Garibaldi Tank, sponsored by Rock N' Fish, where you can see our California state Marine fish.
  • A  3,500 gallon Shark Tank containing 3 different species of sharks common to Santa Monica Bay, moray eels and other fish.
  • A  Tidepool Touch Tank housing animals found from Southern California tide pool habitats. Our tide pool area also features a  Ray and Baby Shark Tank with thornback rays, baby leopard sharks, baby horn sharks, and some flat fish. With the supervision of one of our volunteers or staff you may touch the various rays in the pool.
  • An Arch Way Tank that you can actually walk under.
  • A  Living Reef Tank containing colorful slugs like sea lemons and Spanish shawls, brittle stars, Catalina gobies, sea fans, and sea anemones.
  • The Specimen Tank displays shark eggs, an octopus, anemones, and more.
  • A Double Tube Tank with baby opal eyes, gorgonians, hermit crabs and anemones.
  • A Seastar Tank that houses the largest Sea Star, the Sun Star and the Pacific Northern Sea Star

 

Experience the Kids Kelp Corner, a fun and interactive space for children and their families. Located upstairs at the Roundhouse, this area includes  whale bones, children's library, learning table, and plenty of marine themed stuffed animals, books and puzzles. Also enjoy the mural in the Kids Kelp Forest area. Enjoy FREE Sea Story time and crafts every Sunday morning at 11:30am!

 


Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium
Comments or questions?? !Send an e-mail to the Roundhouse
Or call us at 310-379-8117
November 2003