While only 40 years young, the Monterey Bay Aquarium ranks as one of the icons of Monterey County—a place with plenty of icons to choose from.
An anchor of oceanfront tourist district Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium delivers on its mission to inspire conservation of the ocean.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Logistics, Ambiance and Customer Service
Monterey Bay Aquarium lies on the Pacific Grove end of Cannery Row, making this attraction easy to find and surrounded by a range of parking options (full-day parking lots, parking ramps, metered street parking).
However, I recommend locating free parking in Monterey or Pacific Grove and walking along the Coastal Rec Trail to reach the aquarium. (If you are visiting between Labor Day and Memorial Day, grab a ride on the free trolley!) Not only will you save at least $15, you’ll get a chance to soak in another view of the marine ecosystem the aquarium illustrates so successfully.
The most important logistical detail for visiting the Aquarium is buying tickets in advance. Post-pandemic, Monterey Bay Aquarium went all-in on requiring advance tickets. If you do not have tickets, staff members will stop you outside the aquarium and ask you to take a minute to buy them while standing on the sidewalk (an experience to avoid if you are taking kids!).
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a charity as well as an attraction, and that may help soften the blow when you hear about the ticket prices. One adult admission costs $65 and youth/seniors are $50/each.
Aside from the folks standing around buying tickets outside the front door, the customer service experience at Monterey Bay Aquarium is better than the norm. It is clear the staff understands its elite ranking in international tourism and marine science environments. Check-in is smooth and support staff are responsive and informed.
In my experience, the folks I encounter are mostly the volunteers who serve as hands-on ambassadors. These passionate people are everywhere, inviting you to learn more deeply. Volunteers are particularly skilled with kids, in my experience.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Exhibits and Services
Monterey Bay Aquarium exhibits are terrific, with the dark, moody rooms being my personal favorites. While every detail is educational, some are also jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Into the Deep
This exhibit occupies the rotating portion of exhibits in Monterey Bay Aquarium and is a MUST-SEE. It is such a rare privilege to view these eerie, unexpected and awe-inspiring creatures. I went through the exhibit twice consecutively the first time I visited!
Splash Zone and Penguins
I find it mesmerizing to watch these little guys waddle around and the daily penguin feedings give you a chance to see their individual penguin personalities.
Sandy Shore and Aviary
This walk-through exhibit gets you up close with several species of scurrying, long-legged sea birds, providing a unique experience within the aquarium. It can get a little cramped in this narrow space during peak times.
Sea Otters
The sea otter exhibit is probably one of the most popular in the entire Aquarium. These playful marine mammals reliably put on a show in front of the two-level glass walls. While it can get crowded, there’s usually a great vantage point to enjoy some diving, playing and flipping from these beloved local icons.
Rocky Shore
This exhibit shows what exists just beneath our feet–no scuba gear needed! Feel closer to the vibrant intertidal zones of the Monterey Bay and don’t miss the delightful splash tunnel for a great photo.
Open Sea
Open Sea both terrifies and mesmerizes me, as someone who nurtures a healthy fear of the ocean. In addition to housing some impressive marine creatures, like hammerhead sharks and jellyfish, the tank itself holds more than 1 million gallons of water (-shiver-).
This exhibit is one of the dark ones I love, and includes a poetic and glittering introduction with the spectacular sardine tank and the hypnotic jellyfish exhibits. Take time to dwell in the Open Sea portion!
Monterey Bay Habitats
Depending on your relationship with the ocean (see Open Sea: above), this exhibit may either inspire you or freak you out. Either way, this exhibit does its job of showcasing the terrifying array of creatures just a short walk away.
Life on the Bay
This exhibit is literally the aquarium’s stunning oceanfront patios. Take advantage if you are there on a sunny day! If it’s a little foggy, still spend a little time out there in the quintessential Monterey Bay weather (but beware — it can get a little slick!).
Kelp Forest
Monterey Bay Aquarium is perhaps best known for its Kelp Forest exhibit, the first-ever to attempt a living kelp forest. Enjoy this peek into Monterey Bay’s essential seaweed ecosystem, a point of view that most of us would never get to experience.
Giant Pacific Octopus
This dark exhibit is another rewarding one, so be sure to budget a bit of time to soak in the mood and get a good spot to watch this elusive, fascinating creature. While often not very active during the day, you may see this amazing octopus stretch its tentacles and make some moves.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Conclusion
Every time someone has visited me, a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium was undoubtedly on the agenda. In fact, it was one of the first things I did as a resident of Monterey County!
The ticket prices are substantial, but I believe the caliber of this attraction is worth a visit at least once if you are in the area.
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