Marineland of the Pacific

Marineland of the Pacific was an oceanarium with zoo in Los Angeles County that housed several large saltwater and freshwater tanks as well as outdoor enclosures for marine mammals. The facility spread along the coast on an extensive site with different exhibition buildings and viewing platforms.

The facility opened in August 1954 as the first large oceanarium on the American West Coast and drew hundreds of thousands of visitors in its early years. After financial difficulties and changes in public awareness about animal captivity, the park closed permanently in early 1987.

The complex was divided into different themed zones where visitors stood directly at the edge of the pools and watched seals or whales just a few meters away. Show pools for dolphins and orcas were among the most visited spots, where trained animals performed their jumps and movements.

Access was through a main entrance with direct views of the coastline, while signage guided guests to the different areas. On hot days the wind from the ocean provided cooling, while covered zones offered shade during sunny weather.

A cable car connected different parts of the site and offered guests the chance to glide above the pools and see the animals from above. The gondolas moved slowly over the entire area, allowing a panoramic view of the facilities and the adjacent ocean.