Monterey is a beautiful oceanfront town nestled on the cliffs of the rugged central coast of California, USA. Monterey was once famous for its sardine-packing industry, including Cannery Row, which is now home a popular string of seafood restaurants, bars and gift shops housed in converted factories. The town is also renowned for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a fascinating place to visit, with its many marine animals and plants on display, as well as interactive exhibits to educate visitors about underwater life. Before heading to Monterey on vacation, make sure you also read up on a guide to Monterey Bay Aquarium by scrolling below.
Things to do / highlights
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a non-profit organization and is home to thousands of marine animals and crustaceans. The following is a breakdown of what is on offer.
Hello Makana
On weekdays, visitors can meet the aquarium’s Laysan albatross, Makana, during a live program held in the Kelp Forest exhibit.
¡Viva Baja! Life on the Edge
This exhibit offers the Coral Reef Cam, where the amazing land and sea animals of the coastal habitats of Baja California can be seen, including the blue-spotted jawfish, desert tortoise, Cortez rainbow wrasse, and golden trevally fish.
Other live cams to watch
Other live cams in the Monterey Bay Aquarium give a fascinating view of the aviary, jellyfishes, kelp forest, shark, open sea, penguin sea otter and Monterey Bay cams.
Touch pool
Both children and adults can experience the touch pool, getting up close and personal with marine creatures. Just be gentle!
Feeding time at the aquarium
A fun aspect of a visit to the aquarium is to watch the various marine creatures enjoying their daily meals. You may engage in feeding African penguins, sea otter, and also indulge in programs like Open Sea Feeding and Kelp Forest Feeding.
Daily educational programs
Various 15-minute programs are held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium at various times throughout the day. These include Luna: A Sea Otter’s Story, Project White Shark, Journey to Baja: A Tale of Three Travelers, Mysteries of the Deep and Behind the Glass.
What to eat
Monterey Bay Aquarium offers three options for refreshments, with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Café
Visitors can enjoy pizzas, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and desserts between 10am and 4:30pm.
Coffee bar
The centrally placed coffee bar is ideal for a quick pickup during a visit to the aquarium. Here you can enjoy organic coffee drinks, beverages, pastries and desserts between 10am and 5pm.
The restaurant
For a full lunch, relax in the aquarium’s restaurant, gazing at the ocean views, while dining on seasonal, healthy dishes including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, while sipping a glass of wine. Aquarium admission is required to enter the restaurant which is open from 11am to 3pm.
Things to buy
For those who love shopping and buying souvenirs, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers four options.
Aquarium Store
A selection of books and gift items relating to the exhibits in the aquarium including unique jewelry, clothing for all ages and housewares. The store is open between 10am and 5pm.
Ocean Discovery Store
This store sells education books, puzzles and toys, as well as children’s plush and replica animals and clothing between 10am and 5pm.
Splash Zone Store
This shop has a range of plush animal replicas, clothing, and gifts and is open from 10am to 5pm.
Open Sea Store
This shop sells a range of clothing, housewares, and gifts, all made from recycled or repurposed materials. The hours are from 10am to 5pm.
Travelers' tips
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular attraction and during the busy season can get crowded. Here are a couple of suggestions to make the best of your visit.
Visit offseason
To be able to take full advantage of the aquarium and its exhibits, visit offseason. October is recommended, as the weather is still pleasant.
Visit mid-week, early or late in the day
If you can’t avoid visiting Monterey in the busy months, head to the aquarium in the middle of the week. Staff members suggest that Wednesday is a good day. Heading to the aquarium early or late in the day also helps to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Family membership
If you plan to visit the aquarium with the whole family, and intend to do so on a regular basis, save money by purchasing a family membership. This also gives the option of entering the Monterey Bay Aquarium via a side entrance to avoid the queues and also gives a 10 percent discount at the gift stores.
Get the Monterey Bay Aquarium App
There is so much to see and do at the aquarium that it pays to make a plan prior to your visit. By downloading the Monterey Bay Aquarium app from the official website, you can have a daily schedule with reminders, a map to find your way around and information about the marine life and animals in the aquarium.
Wheelchair accessibility
Monterey Bay Aquarium has all the necessary ADA upgrades and is very wheelchair accessible. Elevators are provided to travel between the floors and there are clearly marked accessible restrooms in the building.
How to get there
By car
Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at the west end of the popular and historic Cannery Row, minutes away from Carmel and Pebble Beach.
Parking
Convenient parking can be found at the Downtown East Garage on Tyler Street. The fee is a flat 7 USD. Monterey Bay Aquarium runs a trolley to and from the parking garage for convenience. Should the garage be full, there is a certain amount of street parking available.
Free Trolley
The aquarium’s free trolley service also operates from downtown Monterey, Cannery Row, and Fisherman’s Wharf, making for a fun way to travel.
Uber and LYFT
Both ride-share services are available in Monterey. Download the app prior to your arrival.
How to book tickets (from USD 50.0)
To purchase tickets prior to your visit, check out the official website for ticket purchase and make your choices. Alternatively, you can use third-party admission tickets to jump and line and get early entry.
Skip the Line: Monterey Bay Aquarium Admission Ticket
Duration: 2 to 5 hours
Monterey Bay Aquarium information
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, California, USA
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Cost: 50 USD
Official website: Monterey Bay Aquarium
Department of tourism: Visit Monterey
San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Tour
Duration: 11.0 hour
History
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