Monterey Bay Aquarium
Ways to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-visit for families with kids and wildlife lovers on any trip to Monterey. Book tickets in advance to save time when you arrive, or book a guided day trip from San Francisco for round-trip transportation from the city. Tours in the area typically also visit Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea or make the 17-Mile Drive. Admission tickets provide access to shows and exhibit areas such as the Kelp Forest, Life on the Bay, and the Open Sea, while allowing visitors to see sea otters and giant Pacific octopuses.
Things to know before you go to Monterey Bay Aquarium
Most travelers spend between two and three hours here.
The on-site café, restaurant, and coffee bar offer food and drinks. There is also free on-site WiFi.
Lockers are available for your belongings. There's a small rental fee.
The aquarium is accessible, with complimentary wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to get to Monterey Bay Aquarium
The aquarium is located about 115 miles (185 kilometers) south of San Francisco and 43 miles (69 kilometers) from Santa Cruz, with parking available at the Cannery Row Parking Garage. 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. The museum sits along Cannery Row, Monterey’s historic waterfront street made famous by author John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name.
Trip ideas
When to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium
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
To dive deeper into the underwater world of the aquarium, 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.