Please contact kateg@centralcoastaquarium.com with questions or reservations.
Event Spaces & Facility Rentals
Oceanfront Views. Unforgettable Gatherings.
A Gathering Place for Our Community: Facility Rental
Set against the backdrop of Avila Beach, the Ocean Discovery Park offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds and illuminated by market lights, the Ocean Discovery Park creates an inviting atmosphere. Bring your vision, and we’ll help create a setting that feels distinctly yours.
Ocean Discovery Park has already welcomed a variety of organizations and experiences, from nonprofit fundraising events and winery tastings to local artist showcases, community gatherings, retirement celebrations, private parties and weddings.
Whether you’re gathering to celebrate, learn, serve, connect, or simply enjoy an evening together, the Aquarium provides a setting that makes the occasion feel a little more memorable.
Ocean Discovery Park can accommodate up to 180 guests for a seated dinner.
The Aquarium has two special event venues that can be combined with a tour of our Aquarium Exhibit Hall to make for a unique, one-of-a-kind, memorable event! The outdoor venue offers a stage area and access to electricity. In addition, your guests can pose near the gorgeous murals painted by artist, Colleen Gnos, and funded by the Avila Beach Community Foundation, the Coastal Commission and many other donors.
*Rental fees support the operation of the Central Coast Aquarium, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. From animal care to educational materials and volunteer development, funds are utilized in cultivating a community dedicated towards ocean stewardship.
Booking Options
Take your event beyond the traditional venue by incorporating the Central Coast Aquarium Exhibit Hall. Begin with cocktails and interactive touch tank experiences, invite guests to explore the exhibits, then transition outdoors as the evening unfolds beneath the market lights. The combination creates a natural flow from indoor discovery to an oceanfront gathering.
Options may include:
Ocean Discovery Park
Up to 180 guests seated | Booking available anytime | Available after 4pm during Summer
Our signature outdoor venue for dinners, celebrations, fundraisers, corporate events, wine experiences, weddings, and community gatherings. Enjoy the ocean view and beautifully landscaped space under sting lights.
Upstairs Classroom
50–60 guests with tables | Up to 70 guests in rows | Booking times subject to availability
A comfortable indoor setting for meetings, retreats, training, birthdays, workshops, and smaller gatherings.
Aquarium Exhibit Hall Experiences
Booking available after 4pm
Add interactive exhibits and touch tank experiences to create a distinctive reception, educational program, or private event.
Aquarium + Ocean Discovery Park
Combine exhibit access with a cocktail hour, outdoor reception, dinner, dancing, or celebration.
Make It Your Own: Event Rentals
Our event team can help you create the setting you envision. Event rentals and enhancements may include:
- Farm-style and banquet tables 8’ seating 10
- High-top tables
- Tables suitable for formal linens
- Market and decorative lighting
- Décor and specialty rentals
- Bar services
- Custom event layouts
- Aquarium experiences and exhibit access
From an intimate cocktail reception to a beautifully appointed dinner under the lights, the space can be tailored to your guest list, style, and occasion.
More Ways to Gather: Event types
Not every event needs to be a large celebration. We offer flexible options for organizations, businesses, schools, families, and community groups looking for a unique place to come together.
Business Retreats & Team Gatherings
Bring your team together in an environment designed to encourage both productivity and connection. The Upstairs Classroom provides a comfortable setting for meetings, training sessions, workshops, and presentations, while the Aquarium and Ocean Discovery Park offer opportunities to step outside the traditional conference room and create space for conversation, reflection, and team building.
College Clubs & Community Organizations
The Ocean Discovery Park is also an easy gathering point for smaller groups. A college club can finish a beach cleanup and return to the Aquarium for a BBQ, which CCA can provide, giving participants a place to relax, eat, and connect after a day of service. Community organizations can similarly use the space for informal gatherings, appreciation events, meetings, or member celebrations.
Weddings
The Ocean Discovery Park is the perfect backdrop for a wedding by the sea. The stage area of the Ocean Discovery Park is the perfect place to say “I do” before enjoying a meal and dancing under the twinkling market lights.
Smaller Celebrations
The Upstairs Classroom accommodates approximately 50–60 guests with tables or up to 70 guests in rows. It is a popular option for birthdays, meetings, educational gatherings, and celebrations for guests of all ages.
Custom Event Packages & Pricing
Every gathering has different needs, so we create custom event proposals rather than a one-size-fits-all package.
Event pricing is based on factors such as:
- Event type and specifications
- Number of guests
- Venue areas selected
- Event date and duration
- Setup and breakdown requirements
- CCA staffing needs
- Tables, chairs, lighting, and other rentals
- Aquarium and exhibit experiences
- Catering and BBQ options
- Bar services and all alcohol-related needs
- Required permits
- Entertainment and specialty services
Our team can help build the right combination of space, rentals, services, and experiences for your group.
Let's Create Something Memorable: Contact Us
Whether you’re planning an oceanfront fundraiser, a business retreat, a college club gathering, a wine tasting, a birthday, or a special celebration with family and friends, Central Coast Aquarium offers more than a place to gather, we offer an experience.
Ocean Discovery Park | Aquarium Exhibit Hall | Upstairs Classroom
Contact the Central Coast Aquarium (kateg@centralcoastaquarium) event team to begin planning your gathering and explore the possibilities. All events with alcohol must have proper permitting.
Rental fees support the operation of the Central Coast Aquarium, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. From animal care to educational materials and volunteer development, funds are utilized in cultivating a community dedicated towards ocean stewardship.
