Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA, 93940
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is known for its dedication to ocean conservation. It's among the top aquariums in the US, and has a privileged location on California's Pacific Coast. Highlights include exhibit areas such as the Kelp Forest, Life on the Bay, and the Open Sea. Collectively, the aquarium is home to more than 700 species of marine mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates—the sea otters and giant Pacific octopuses are particularly popular.
The Basics
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-visit for families with kids and wildlife lovers on any trip to Monterey. Behind-the-scenes Monterey Bay Aquarium tours are a great way to learn about the inner workings of the aquarium and see areas that are normally off-limits to visitors—book tickets in advance to save time when you arrive. If you’re coming from San Francisco, consider a guided day trip that includes round-trip transportation from the city.
Monterey Bay tours typically also visit Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea or make the 17-Mile Drive. Admission includes access to shows and exhibit areas such as the Kelp Forest, Life on the Bay, and the Open Sea. The aquarium’s sea otters and giant Pacific octopuses are particularly popular.
Things to Know Before You Go
Most travelers spend between two and three hours here.
On-site facilities include a café, a restaurant, a coffee bar, and free WiFi.
Parking is available at the Cannery Row Parking Garage.
Lockers are available for your belongings for a small fee.
The aquarium is accessible, with free loaner wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Get There
The aquarium sits on Cannery Row, Monterey’s historic waterfront street (you may be familiar with John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name). Monterey is about 115 miles (185 kilometers) south of San Francisco and 43 miles (69 kilometers) from Santa Cruz. If you’re already in Monterey, biking to the aquarium along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is a great way to arrive, as is the free MST Trolley.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open daily from the morning until the late afternoon. Summer and the winter holidays are the most popular times of year to go to the aquarium—try visiting on weekdays to avoid the crowds. Fall and winter generally see fewer visitors.
Aquarium Experiences
A variety of tours and activities are available, most for an additional fee. These include kids’ scuba diving experiences and sleepovers, guided behind-the-scenes tours, and sea otter conservation tours.
Ways to explore
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-visit for families with kids and wildlife lovers on any trip to Monterey. Behind-the-scenes Monterey Bay Aquarium tours are a great way to learn about the inner workings of the aquarium and see areas that are normally off-limits to visitors—book tickets in advance to save time when you arrive.
If you're coming from San Francisco, consider a guided day trip that includes round-trip transportation from the city. Monterey Bay tours typically also visit Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea, or make the 17-Mile Drive.
Accessibility
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is fully accessible to people who use wheelchairs and has a range of disability accommodations in place.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Handheld bag, reusable water bottle and small prepackaged snacks
What to wear
Wear comfortable layers and good walking shoes—the Monterey area can be cool and breezy throughout the year.
Not allowed
Most outside food and drink, pets, tripods and flash photography, smoking and vaping
Amenities
Gift shops, free Wi-Fi, bathrooms, café
Address
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at the end of historic Cannery Row, right on the waterfront and a quick trip from Pebble Beach and Carmel. Getting there by car is the easiest option, including local taxis and rideshare services. Alternatively, book a tour with included transportation.
Driving
Monterey Bay Aquarium is located in Monterey; street parking and paid lots are available in the area. It’s roughly two hours south of San Francisco via US-101 S.
Public transportation
Local bus services operated by Monterey-Salinas Transit serve the aquarium, though taxis may be faster.
Best times to visit
The aquarium is typically open daily from mid-morning until late afternoon. If you can, arrive in the morning to beat the crowds; most visits last at least half a day.
Best days to visit
As a general rule, weekends and holidays are likely to be particularly busy at the aquarium; aim for a weekday visit instead.
Best months to visit
If you can, avoid the summer high season, which can draw major crowds—the fall and winter off-season offer a calmer visiting experience.
Special events
The Monterey Bay Aquarium hosts a range of animal feedings, talks, and other events throughout the year; consult its calendar for details.
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