Stop 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.

(hours subject to change due to weather, pier closures, and private events)

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

Our exhibits are always changing, so come by often to see new creatures and displays.

All the animals in the Roundhouse are native to the area surrounding Manhattan Beach, the Santa Monica Bay.  Some animals could be found right beneath the pier, while others may live very deep.

Some of our displays include:

• A  mural in the Kids Kelp Forest area, donated by Janet Read
• An invertebrate tank housing tube anemones and small sunflower stars
• The Garibaldi Tank, 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 large fish.
• A  Tidepool Touch Tank housing animals found from Southern California tide pool habitats. Here, you can be hands on as you touch the sea stars, sea urchins, anemones, and other sea life.
• 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.
• An Arch Way Tank that you can actually walk under, featuring an artificial pier piling habitat.
• 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, small fish, anemones, and more.
• A Double Tube Tank with camouflaging pipe fish.
• A Seastar Tank that houses the largest Sea Star,the Sun Star as well as some large fish eating anemones.
• Our specimen table provides a chance to touch shells, bones, and other artifacts.
• Throughout the aquarium we have educational posters, cards, and displays to ensure you learn something new each time you visit.

WEEKLY EVENTS

Saturday Feeding Frenzy: Join us each Saturday at 12:30pm as we feed our shark tank.  Observe the behaviors of the animals as they get their meal.

Sunday Story Time: Join us each Sunday at 11:30 upstairs.  Hear an ocean story and create a craft to take home.

SPECIAL EVENTS

We can do birthday parties, scout group classes, afterschool programs, and much more.  Click on CLASSES to learn more.