What to Know
- ‘Meet the Grunion’ at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
- The San Pedro maritime institution will offer special evening programs on select spring evenings; part of the event is a visit to the beach, to view the grunion
- The first Meet the Grunion event of 2024 is on April 10 and a ticket is $7; the 2024 grunion run begins March 10, according to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife
Something that can sparkle, or at least shine, when the light is just right, is on our minds as March enters its second week.
It’s something that’s on the smaller side and has a way of inducing gasps, or at least appreciative murmurs, from onlookers. And synonymous with a beautiful California night, this glowing icon certainly is.
We’re not talking about Oscar statues, even though the Academy Awards ceremony is a springtime tradition with plenty of California glitz and cred; rather, it is the grunion to which we pay playful homage.
Small silversides fish are a wonder in many ways, but fish fans know the ocean for spawning location so predictably and amazingly, among us landlubbers, choose: the beach.
No, spying a fish busily engaged in fish-oriented activities while on land is not an uncommon occurrence, but if you time it right — the moon plays a major role here — and you have a handy calendar, and a map too, you can call up a stretch of California sand filled with silvery little critters busily spilling.
To help us understand this ancient act, and, perhaps, see it as it happens, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium team is here.
The San Pedro-based institution’s popular Meet the Grunion event appears on select spring nights, all to give visitors a deeper understanding of the grunion.
Following the educational talk, a walk to the nearby beach takes place where the incredible ritual can, if the conditions are right, be seen.
A ticket is $7, but if you’re a Cabrillo Marine Aquarium member? Your admission is free (but secure it in advance on the aquarium site).
There are five nights of Meet the Grunion on the 2024 roster, with a special celebration on June 8: A festive Fishtival, a gathering held in honor of aquarium members.
Remember that grunion are famous late-nighters so you won’t be going to the surf early in the evening; 10 or 11 pm is a more common time. But the Meet the Grunion program starts earlier, at 9 pm or 8 pm, depending, so check your ticket and details before attending.
The first grunion night of the 2024 season is March 10, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, however, again, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium programs will begin later in April.
For all the upcoming grunion runs, and lots of amazing grunion facts, visit the department’s grunion HQ today.
