Jelly Dreamscapes at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach | May 2026 – April 2027
Photo: Pacific sea nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens) drifts through Jelly Dreamscapes at Aquarium of the Pacific. Photo by Josh Barber.
The Aquarium of the Pacific just unveiled its newest exhibit — and it’s absolutely mesmerizing. Jelly Dreamscapes transforms the Pacific Visions gallery into an immersive, glow-lit world filled with hundreds of sea jellies from around the globe. It opens to the public on May 23, 2026, and it’s included with general admission. Your summer just got a whole lot more magical!
Keep scrolling to learn more about the new exhibit and how to get discounted tickets to the Aquarium!
Photo: Jelly Dreamscapes at Aquarium of Pacific in Long Beach, CA
What Is Jelly Dreamscapes at the Aquarium of the Pacific?
Jelly Dreamscapes is a reimagined gallery experience inside the Aquarium’s Pacific Visions wing. The space has been designed with meditative lighting and dreamlike soundscapes.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
✔️ Hundreds of live sea jellies — representing species from North America, Japan, Fiji, and beyond
✔️ Species never before displayed at the Aquarium of the Pacific
✔️ Colorful sea nettles with flowing tentacles, displayed in a jaw-dropping mirrored tank
✔️ Glowing ctenophores — comb jellies that shimmer with iridescent light underwater
✔️ An illuminated moon jelly tank at the center of the gallery — low to the floor with railing perfect for leaning over and watching
✔️ Baby jellyfish on display highlighting the moon jelly life cycle
✔️ A new sea jelly film playing throughout the day in the Aquarium’s Great Hall
✔️ Behind-the-scenes insights into how Aquarium staff raise and care for over 40 jelly species
Bonus: Outside the exhibit on Harbor Terrace, the Aquarium’s Moon Jelly Touch Lab lets guests gently touch live moon jellies — a great way to round out your whole jellyfish experience!
Photo: Sea nettle tank inside Jelly Dreamscapes at Aquarium of Pacific in Long Beach, CA
What to Expect Inside Jelly Dreamscapes
The Mirrored Sea Nettle Tank
This was the showstopper during our sneak peek. The sea nettle display is flanked by mirrors on all sides, creating an illusion that makes the tank look like it stretches floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall. At first glance, you might think it’s a massive digital screen — it’s that seamless. Gorgeous golden sea nettles drift through the deep blue water while spotlights create dramatic beams of light. There’s a bench right in front of it, and honestly, you could sit there for a while.
The Illuminated Moon Jelly Tank
At the center of the gallery sits a glowing, open-top moon jelly tank — low to the floor with a railing that’s perfect for kids to lean over and watch. Translucent moon jellies pulse gently just below the surface, lit from below. You can look but not touch here (that’s what the Touch Lab is for — more on that below).
Baby Jellyfish & the Moon Jelly Life Cycle
One of the coolest surprises: a display of baby moon jellies at various stages of development. At first they look like teeny tiny specks floating in water, but look closer and you can see them pulsing and moving just like their full-grown relatives.
Glowing Ctenophores
Ctenophores — also called comb jellies — aren’t technically jellyfish, but they steal the show with rows of tiny cilia that refract light into shimmering rainbows. In the dark gallery setting, they look absolutely otherworldly.
The New Sea Jelly Film
A new film dedicated to the diversity of sea jellies plays throughout the day in the Great Hall.
Moon Jelly Touch Lab on Harbor Terrace
Separate from the Jelly Dreamscapes gallery, the Aquarium’s outdoor Moon Jelly Touch Lab on Harbor Terrace lets kids (and adults — no judgment) gently touch live moon jellies. Staff are on hand to guide the experience.
How to Get Discounted Aquarium of the Pacific Tickets
Looking for Aquarium of the Pacific discount tickets? Through May 31, 2026, participating Southern California Ralphs grocery stores are selling discounted Aquarium tickets right at the cash register — $37.95 for adults ($7 off) and $29.95 for kids ages 3–11 ($5 off).
Tickets are valid for any single day through December 31, 2026, so you can buy now and visit whenever you’re ready. Just remember: you’ll need to make a reservation before your visit, and you must present the actual tickets at entry — receipts won’t be accepted.
Visit the Aquarium’s Ralphs discount page for the full list of participating store locations and details.
Jelly Dreamscapes Dates, Location & Tickets
Jelly Dreamscapes at the Aquarium of the Pacific
📍 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
📅 May 23, 2026 – April 30, 2027
🎫 Included with general admission: $49.95/adult (12+), $34.95/child (3–11), $46.95/senior (62+). Free for members and children under 3. Reservations required.
Jelly Dreamscapes FAQ
Is Jelly Dreamscapes included with regular Aquarium admission?
Yes! There’s no extra charge. It’s included with your general admission ticket.
How long will Jelly Dreamscapes be open?
The exhibit runs from May 23, 2026 through April 30, 2027 — so you have nearly a full year to visit.
Can kids touch the jellyfish?
Yes — but not inside the Jelly Dreamscapes gallery itself. The Moon Jelly Touch Lab on Harbor Terrace (outside) is where guests can gently touch live moon jellies with staff guidance.
Do I need reservations?
Yes — reservations are required for all visitors, including members. You can book online at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100.
Where can I get discounted tickets?
Through May 31, 2026, participating Southern California Ralphs stores are selling tickets at the register for $37.95/adult and $29.95/child — valid for any day through December 31, 2026. Visit the Ralphs discount page for participating locations.
Is the exhibit stroller-friendly?
The Aquarium is stroller-accessible throughout, including the Pacific Visions gallery where Jelly Dreamscapes is located.
What ages is this best for?
All ages. The dark, glowing galleries captivate toddlers and adults alike, and the touch lab is a hit with school-age kids especially.
Is there a new film included?
Yes — a new sea jelly film plays in the Great Hall throughout the day and is included with admission.
Sea Jelly Fun Facts 🪼
🐙 Sea jellies have been around for over 500 million years — longer than dinosaurs, insects, and even trees.
💧 They’re made up of 95% water and have no brain, no heart, and no gills.
🦑 They’re not fish — they’re invertebrates, meaning they have no backbone. Their bodies are made of protein, mineral salts, and water.
🌊 Some species can have up to 1,200 tentacles.
🔬 Sea jellies are indicator species — their presence can signal whether ocean water is healthy or out of balance.
🐢 They’re an important food source for fish and sea turtles, making them essential to marine ecosystems.
🧪 The Aquarium of the Pacific propagates and raises over 40 sea jelly species in specialized habitats designed for each stage of their life cycle.
🍽️ Aquarium staff grow the food each jelly species needs and feed them three to four times a day with diets that mirror what they eat in the wild.
🏅 The Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in the Aquatic Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group to advance knowledge about sea jellies and other invertebrates.
Official Sources and Further Info
Jelly Dreamscapes Exhibit Page – Aquarium of the Pacific
Ralphs Discount Tickets – Aquarium of the Pacific
Aquarium of the Pacific – Official Website
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Kidsguide
