What to See and Things to Do in Monterey Bay Aquarium California

What to See and Things to Do in Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, USA

What to see and to do in Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, USA, a travel guide to the attractions with practical tips and recommendations.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in California, USA. It is a world-class aquarium that showcases the marine life of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a protected area that spans 276 miles of coastline and 6,094 square miles of ocean.

The aquarium has more than 35,000 animals and plants, representing over 550 species. You can see sharks, sea otters, penguins, jellyfish, octopus, and more in their natural habitats. Whether you are a nature lover, a family with kids, or a curious traveler, you will find something to enjoy and learn at Monterey Bay Aquarium.

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Table of Contents

A Brief History of Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, USA

The aquarium was founded in 1984 by a group of marine biologists from Stanford University, who wanted to create a place where people could learn about the ocean and its conservation. It was built on the site of a former sardine cannery, which was part of the historic Cannery Row, made famous by the novel by John Steinbeck.

The architect responsible was the renowned Peter Chermayeff, who also designed other famous aquariums around the world. The first to exhibit was a living kelp forest, a giant octopus, and a great white shark. It also pioneered many research and education programs, such as Seafood Watch, which helps consumers and businesses choose seafood that is good for their health and the environment.

Where is and How to go to Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, USA

The aquarium is located at 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940. It is about 120 miles south of San Francisco and 350 miles north of Los Angeles.

You can reach the aquarium by car, bus, train, or plane.

By drive, you can park at the Cannery Row Parking Garage or at nearby metered spaces.
If you take the bus, you can use the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) system, which has several routes that stop near the aquarium.
The train to use is the Amtrak or Caltrain to get to Salinas or San Jose, and then take a connecting bus to Monterey.
Flying, you can use the Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), which is about 10 minutes away from the aquarium by car or taxi.

What are the best times to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, USA

Monterey Bay Aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Christmas Day. The best times to visit are during weekdays and off-peak seasons (January-February and September-October), when the crowds are smaller and the tickets are cheaper. You can also avoid long lines by buying your tickets online in advance or by becoming a member of the aquarium.

The aquarium also offers special events and programs throughout the year, such as sleepovers, behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and lectures. You can check the aquarium’s website for more information and schedules.

What to do in Monterey Bay Aquarium in California

**Where to stay near Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, USA – Best Areas and Region (Best Resort, hotel, hostel and Bed & Breakfast)**

There are many options for accommodation near Monterey Bay Aquarium, ranging from luxury resorts to budget hostels.

Some of the best areas and regions to stay are:

Cannery Row: This is the closest area to the aquarium, where you can find many hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions within walking distance. Some of the best hotels here are InterContinental The Clement Monterey (a 4-star hotel with ocean views and a spa), Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (a 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool and a fitness center), and Spindrift Inn (a 3-star hotel with cozy rooms and fireplaces).
Pacific Grove: This is a charming town next to Monterey, where you can find many historic buildings, gardens, beaches, and golf courses. Some of the best hotels here are Lighthouse Lodge & Cottages (a 3-star hotel with spacious rooms and a pool), Butterfly Grove Inn (a 2-star hotel with rustic rooms and a garden), and Asilomar Conference Grounds (a 2-star hotel with simple rooms and a cafeteria).
Carmel-by-the-Sea: This is a picturesque village south of Monterey, where you can find many art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and cottages. Some of the best hotels here are La Playa Carmel (a 4-star hotel with elegant rooms and a heated pool), Carmel Mission Inn (a 3-star hotel with modern rooms and a hot tub), and Carmel River Inn (a 2-star hotel with cozy cabins and a riverfront location).

Accommodation options in hotels, hostels and inns, be sure to check them out at Booking.com page.

What to do in Monterey Bay Aquarium in California

There are so many things to do in Monterey Bay Aquarium that you will need at least a full day to explore it all.

If you love marine life and want to have a fun and educational day, you should visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, USA. It is one of the best aquariums in the world, with more than 35,000 animals and plants from over 550 species.

You can see amazing exhibits, watch live shows, join tours and activities, and learn about ocean conservation. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Top 10 Attractions in Monterey Bay Aquarium

There are so many things to see and do at the Monterey Bay Aquarium that you might not know where to start. Here are some of the most popular and impressive attractions that you should not miss:

The Kelp Forest: This is a three-story tank that recreates the underwater habitat of giant kelp, one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. You can see sharks, rays, fish, and other animals swimming among the kelp.
The Open Sea: This is the largest exhibit at the aquarium, with a 90-foot window that gives you a stunning view of the open ocean. You can see tuna, sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, sardines, and more.
The Sea Otters: These are the cutest and most playful animals at the aquarium. You can watch them eat, groom, play, and sleep in their cozy habitat. You can also learn about their role in the kelp forest ecosystem and how the aquarium helps rescue and rehabilitate them.
The Penguin Colony: These are African penguins that live in a rocky shore exhibit. You can see them swim, dive, waddle, and nest. You can also watch them being fed and hear their vocalizations.
The Splash Zone: This is a family-friendly area that features colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, seahorses, octopuses, and more. You can touch and feel some of the animals, such as sea stars and urchins. You can also play interactive games and learn about ocean life.
The Ocean’s Edge: This is a two-story exhibit that showcases the diversity of life along the California coast. You can see sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, shorebirds, and more. You can also explore tide pools and rocky shores.
The Jellies Experience: This is a mesmerizing exhibit that displays different types of jellyfish in changing lights and colors. You can see moon jellies, comb jellies, sea nettles, and more. You can also learn about their life cycle and adaptations.
The Tentacles: This is an exhibit that features cephalopods, such as octopuses, squid, cuttlefish, and nautilus. You can see them change colors, shapes, textures, and behaviors. You can also learn about their intelligence and evolution.
The Viva Baja!: This is an exhibit that celebrates the vibrant life of the Baja California peninsula. You can see desert plants and animals, such as cacti, lizards, snakes, scorpions, and more. You can also see marine animals from the Gulf of California, such as seahorses, rays, eels, and more.
The Mission to the Deep: This is an exhibit that explores the mysteries of the deep sea. You can see rare and bizarre creatures that live in the dark depths of the ocean. You can also learn about the technology and research that the aquarium uses to study them.

Top sights and most recommended tours and activities near Monterey Bay Aquarium:

1 Day in the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California

If you have only one day to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you might want to plan ahead and prioritize what you want to see and do.

Here are some suggestions for different types of visitors:

For families with kids: Start with the Splash Zone and touch some of the animals. Then head to the Penguin Colony and watch them being fed. Next, go to the Sea Otters and see them play. After that, visit the Kelp Forest and watch the feeding show. Then go to the Open Sea and marvel at the big fish and turtles. Finally, end your day with the Jellies Experience and enjoy their beauty.
For animal lovers: Start with the Ocean’s Edge and see the sea lions and seals. Then go to
the Tentacles and watch the octopuses and squid. Next, visit the Viva Baja! and see the seahorses and rays. After that, go to
the Sea Otters and learn about their conservation. Then go to the Penguin Colony and hear their calls. Finally, end your day with the Mission to the Deep and discover the weird creatures of the deep sea.
For adventure seekers: Start with the Open Seaand see the sharks and tuna. Then go to the Kelp Forest and watch the divers feed the animals. Next, visit the Tentacles and see the cuttlefish and nautilus. After that, go to the Jellies Experience and see the sea nettles and comb jellies. Then go to the Mission to the Deep and see the vampire squid and anglerfish. Finally, end your day with the Viva Baja! and see the scorpions and snakes.

1 Day in the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California

Where to Eat Near Monterey Bay Aquarium – Tips for Bars and Restaurants

If you get hungry after visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you have plenty of options for food and drinks nearby. Here are some of the best places to eat near the aquarium:

The Restaurant at the Monterey Bay Aquarium: This is the official restaurant of the aquarium, located on the second floor. It offers fresh and sustainable seafood, salads, sandwiches, soups, and more. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the bay while you eat.
The Cafe at the Monterey Bay Aquarium: This is the casual dining option at the aquarium, located on the first floor. It offers pizza, pasta, burgers, hot dogs, salads, and more. You can also grab a coffee, tea, or pastry from the bakery.
The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa: This is a luxury hotel that is a short walk from the aquarium. It has two restaurants that offer fine dining and stunning views of the bay. The Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar serves seafood, steaks, salads, and more. The Duck Club Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with local and seasonal ingredients.
The Cannery Row Brewing Company: This is a pub and restaurant that is a short walk from the aquarium. It offers craft beers, cocktails, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. You can also play games, watch sports, and enjoy live music.
Chart House is a fine dining option for seafood lovers near the aquarium. You can savor dishes such as lobster bisque, shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, salmon, swordfish, and more in a cozy and romantic atmosphere. You can also enjoy views of the bay and the city lights from the restaurant.
The Fish Hopper: This is a seafood restaurant that is a short walk from the aquarium. It offers fresh fish, crab, lobster, clam chowder, and more. You can also enjoy a view of the bay and the sea lions.

Key Tips and Practical Information of Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, USA

To make your visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium smooth and enjoyable, here are some key tips and practical information that you should know:

The aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Christmas Day.
The admission prices are $49.95 for adults, $39.95 for seniors (65+), students (13-17 or with college ID), and disabled persons, $29.95 for children (3-12), and free for children under 3.
You can buy tickets online or at the ticket window. You can also buy membership packages that give you unlimited access to the aquarium for a year.
You can park your car at the Cannery Row Parking Garage or at the metered street parking nearby. The parking fees vary depending on the time and location.
The aquarium is wheelchair accessible and you can rent wheelchairs and strollers at the aquarium for free on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also use the elevators and ramps to access all areas of the aquarium.
You can bring your own food and drinks to the aquarium, but you cannot eat or drink inside the exhibits. You can use the picnic tables outside or eat at one of the restaurants or cafes inside.
You can take photos and videos at the aquarium, but you cannot use flash or tripods. You can also buy souvenirs and gifts at one of the shops inside.
The aquarium has free Wi-Fi for visitors, as well as audio guides, maps, and apps that you can download on your smartphone.
You can join guided tours and behind-the-scenes tours at the aquarium for an extra fee. You can also sign up for special programs and events that let you feed or touch some of the animals or sleep overnight at the aquarium.
The aquarium also offers various programs and events for visitors, such as behind-the-scenes tours, sleepovers, animal encounters, and lectures.

Key Tips and Practical Information of Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, USA

The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves the ocean and its creatures. You can spend a whole day exploring the exhibits and learning about the marine life.

If you are looking for a fun and educational day out, you should visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, USA.

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