Monterey Bay Aquarium
A world-renowned aquarium on historic Cannery Row, showcasing vibrant marine life and a commitment to ocean conservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-renowned aquarium on historic Cannery Row, showcasing vibrant marine life and a commitment to ocean conservation.
"The tanks here are unparalleled, offering a glimpse into the ocean's wonders."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat weekend traffic and secure a spot by arriving before 10 AM. Parking can be a challenge!
🎟️ EBT Card for Free Entry
If you have an EBT/CalFresh card, you can get free admission for up to 3 guests!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Otters
Open Sea Exhibit
Watch these playful marine mammals splash, roll, and groom themselves in their naturalistic habitat.
Jellyfish Gallery
Various exhibits
Drift into a mesmerizing world of pulsating jellies, showcasing their ethereal beauty and diversity.
Kelp Forest
Open Sea Exhibit
Experience the magic of a towering kelp forest, teeming with vibrant marine life and swaying fronds.
Sardine Feeding
Open Sea Exhibit
Witness the incredible schooling behavior of thousands of sardines during a feeding frenzy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Parking & Getting There
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat weekend traffic and secure a spot by arriving before 10 AM. Parking can be a challenge!
🎟️ EBT Card for Free Entry
If you have an EBT/CalFresh card, you can get free admission for up to 3 guests! +1
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers offer great insights and tips for navigating the aquarium efficiently.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring all the exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat weekend traffic and secure a spot by arriving before 10 AM. Parking can be a challenge!
🎟️ EBT Card for Free Entry
If you have an EBT/CalFresh card, you can get free admission for up to 3 guests! +1
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers offer great insights and tips for navigating the aquarium efficiently.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring all the exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Magic
The jellyfish exhibits are particularly photogenic and mesmerizing. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Monterey Bay Aquarium for its stunning exhibits, particularly the sea otters and jellyfish, and its engaging, educational approach. The aquarium's location on Cannery Row adds to its charm. While the ticket price is considered high by some, most feel the experience and the vital conservation work justify the cost. Crowds can be a significant issue on weekends, impacting the overall enjoyment.
"This aquarium boasts an incredible variety of species and is a perfect spot for quality family time. The kids were absolutely enthralled by the environment! It truly is a must-see destination in California.
My personal favorites were the mesmerizing Sea Otters, Jellyfish, Penguins, and the immersive aquarium theater.
A practical tip: The aquarium is huge, and you might feel rushed trying to see everything in one day. We highly recommend buying an annual pass—it's excellent value for money if you plan to visit multiple times a year and want a more relaxed experience."
Mahesh Ananthasubramanian
"My girls friends and I came into town and bought tickets in advance because we knew this was a must see and it did not disappoint. We started with the feeding of the sea otters which was so cute. Then we stopped for a quick coffee at the cafe. Everything in their cafe looked delicious. We enjoyed the many exhibits and enjoyed the touch tanks. There was do many things you could touch and see up close. I would highly recommend going. Couple tips buy your tickets online in advance and get there early it gets really crowded!"
Kathleen McDonough
"The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an absolutely world-class institution that I believe is well worth the visit, offering a truly immersive window into the Pacific Ocean's ecosystems. I found that it excels not just as a display of marine life, but as a dedicated center for conservation and education.
The standout exhibits, which I saw are beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed, showcase the region's unique biodiversity. I think the Kelp Forest exhibit is a breathtaking, three-story spectacle, featuring towering fronds that create a dynamic, lush habitat for leopard sharks, wolf-eels, and schools of fish. Equally impressive to me is the massive Open Sea exhibit, where I was able to watch tuna, sea turtles, and dazzling schools of sardines swim past a spectacular 90-foot viewing window, which really emphasized the vastness of the open ocean. A newer, must-see addition is the Into the Deep exhibition, which successfully brings the mysterious creatures of the dark abyss to light.
Beyond the major tanks, I noticed the Sea Otter exhibit is consistently a visitor favorite, allowing you to watch the playful, charismatic otters romp and groom. The mesmerizing Jellyfish exhibit was also an ethereal highlight for me, using controlled lighting to showcase the delicate beauty and graceful pulsing of various jelly species. The aquarium is perched right on the edge of the bay, and the Great Tide Pool and ocean-view decks provided a wonderful opportunity for me to spot wild marine life, including sea otters and sometimes even whales.
While I know admission is on the higher end, I feel the quality of the exhibits and the aquarium's non-profit conservation mission justify the cost. Be aware that the aquarium can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. To make the most of your trip, I recommend buying tickets online in advance and aiming to visit on a weekday or arrive right at opening time to experience the most popular exhibits, like the Kelp Forest and Sea Otters, before the large crowds arrive. I would plan to spend at least four hours to fully appreciate the two main floors and attend one of the informative animal feedings or programs. I can say this is more than just an aquarium; it's an unforgettable educational experience and a vital force in ocean protection."
Amy AwakeandAlive
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is about a 2-hour drive from San Francisco. Renting a car is the most convenient option. Alternatively, you can find day tours from SF operators like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Parking can be very difficult, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving before 10 AM is recommended, or consider parking further away and taking a shuttle bus to avoid the hassle.
While driving is most common, local bus routes do serve the Monterey area. Check with local transit authorities for specific routes and schedules if you're relying on public transport.
Yes, you can take Amtrak trains to Monterey, and then use local taxis or ride-sharing services to reach the aquarium. Some tour operators also offer packages that include transportation.
From Highway 1 North or South, take the Munras Avenue exit and head towards the coast. Turn right on Cannery Row to find the aquarium. GPS is recommended for precise navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission tickets are around $65 for adults. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most current pricing and any potential deals.
Yes, the aquarium participates in the Museums For All program, offering free admission to EBT cardholders and up to three guests.+1 AAA discounts may also be available; check their website.
It is highly recommended to purchase your Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets online in advance to secure your entry time and potentially avoid long queues at the ticket counter.
Opening hours vary seasonally, but the aquarium typically opens around 10 AM and closes between 5 PM and 6 PM. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, the aquarium offers various membership levels that provide unlimited visits for a year, along with other benefits. This can be a cost-effective option for frequent visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the playful sea otters, the mesmerizing jellyfish gallery, the towering kelp forest, and the exciting sardine feeding.
Absolutely! Kids are captivated by the colorful fish, playful penguins, and interactive touch pools. It's a fantastic place for family fun and learning.
To fully enjoy all the exhibits, plan for at least 3-4 hours. Many visitors spend an entire day exploring the wonders within.
Yes, the aquarium often has volunteers and staff available to provide insights and answer questions about the exhibits. Engaging with them can enhance your experience.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program provides guidance on sustainable seafood choices to help consumers make environmentally friendly decisions. Look for information throughout the aquarium.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the aquarium has several dining facilities, including cafes and restaurants, offering a variety of options from casual snacks to more substantial meals. You can enjoy ocean views while you dine.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the aquarium, except for baby food and formula. There are designated areas outside where you can consume your own food.
The dining options typically include sandwiches, salads, soups, and kid-friendly meals. They often feature sustainable seafood options, aligning with the aquarium's mission.
Cannery Row, where the aquarium is located, offers a wide array of restaurants and eateries, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale dining experiences.
Most dining facilities at the aquarium strive to offer a range of options, including vegetarian and sometimes vegan choices. It's advisable to check menus upon arrival or inquire with staff.
📸 📸 Photography
The jellyfish exhibits are incredibly photogenic.
Flash photography is generally not permitted inside the aquarium as it can disturb the animals. Always check for signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial due to the ambient lighting in many exhibits. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant marine life, while a wide-angle lens is great for immersive exhibits like the kelp forest.
Besides flash restrictions, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Some specific exhibits might have temporary photography limitations.
The sea otters are very active! Try to capture them when they are close to the glass. Patience is key, and a camera with a fast autofocus will help capture their playful movements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Utilize the Museums For All program if you have an EBT card for free admission for up to three guests.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on food, consider packing snacks and drinks to enjoy outside the aquarium in designated areas, or explore more affordable dining options on Cannery Row away from the immediate aquarium entrance. Planning your visit on a weekday can also help avoid peak pricing if any exist.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The kelp forest and open ocean exhibits also provide stunning backdrops for capturing marine life. Remember that flash photography is prohibited to protect the animals, so a camera with good low-light capabilities is recommended.Focus on capturing the movement and textures of the marine creatures. The sea otters are a challenge but rewarding subjects; try to get shots of them interacting or playing. Patience and a keen eye for detail will yield spectacular results.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Sea Otters
These sea otters are not just for show; they play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. Their feeding habits help maintain the health of kelp forests by controlling populations of sea urchins, which can decimate kelp beds. The aquarium's dedication to conservation and education shines through in its otter exhibits, reminding visitors of the importance of protecting these beloved marine mammals and their environment.
Exploring Cannery Row
Visitors can easily spend hours exploring Cannery Row before or after their aquarium visit. The area offers a lively atmosphere, with stunning ocean views and a palpable sense of history. You can stroll along the waterfront, browse the unique boutiques, or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants. The proximity of the aquarium to the shops and eateries makes it a convenient and enjoyable destination for a full day of exploration.
Conservation and Education
Through engaging displays, interactive exhibits, and informative talks, the aquarium educates millions of visitors each year about the importance of ocean health. They highlight the threats facing marine life, such as pollution and overfishing, and empower individuals to take action. The goal is to foster a deeper connection with the ocean and inspire a sense of stewardship for its future. This educational mission is a core part of the aquarium's identity and a significant reason for its enduring appeal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit