The 45 best places to go out in Monterey (2024)

Always love this aquarium! Been going here ever since I was a kid and it always is a fun place to be. The aquarium is rescue and rehab focused and is also promoting conservation efforts for the local area (which is great!).Even as an adult the touch pools are fun to see and learn at, as the jellies are always a joy to watch pulse around the calming waters.If you can, I would always recommend that you try to check the aquarium out! It's also not too big, so if you only have a couple hours you could still manage to see everything quickly.

If you are going to make your way to Monterey, definitely do the Aquarium. One of the finer ones I have seen and very well managed and maintained. The displays and exhibits are well designed and the variety of aqua life is mesmerizing. Great for families and kids and something to do and learn from all the variety. A few options touch pool like experiences. It is located on the historic Cannery Row area so lots to do around there as well. Definite place to visit and take in.

It was an amazing experience. Beautiful aquariums throughout. The sea otters, penguins, puffers, and seaweed/kelp displays are really interesting to watch. There is so much to see and do. The wildlife is well taken care of. There is a beautiful view of the ocean as well.

So glad to have made the visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium. Went on a weekday and I think that was helpful in avoiding large crowds. The exhibits are wonderful and leave you in awe of this vast world under the surface we know so little about. Being right next to the bay makes the experience that much more relevant as you look out over the water.Logistics: There is paid street parking and also paid parking lots and garages nearby. I would highly suggest buying tickets in advance if you aren’t already a member. There is a cafe and cafeteria with a nice range of food and drink options (including beer) but rather pricey. I admire their commitment to sustainability and conservation so you will find no single use plastics here. If you plan on buying souvenirs you may want to bring your own reusable bag or purchase one. Enjoy seeing the otters and all the other amazing animals during your visit!

It’s way bigger and nicer than what I had remembered 15 years ago. There are way more exhibitions and great sitting and outdoor viewing areas. Coming here with kids the very first time in 15 years and we all had a very good time.

My partner and I came here for the first time ever and for his birthday, he got a very cute birthday pin with art of an otter and it's pup. The staff are super cool, knowledgeable, and friendly, the exhibits were amazing, and of course the otters were so cute. They have 10-15min auditorium showings about different kinds of knowledge and info about our beautiful oceans and earth, we definitely recommend to just sit and relax and learn and educate oneself! We had a really great time and will definitely come again in the future!

So worth a visit, decent size place. With plenty to see. Tons for kids to look at and play with and explore. The aquarium is beautiful overlooking the water with tons of nice observation areas for you to go and watch the waves come in. There was even a touch a sting ray area. They also have a little theatre that plays small movies for you to watch that the aquarium made. There were two gift shops which seemed pretty pricey but not too bad for a tourist attraction. They also have little cafes and spots to buy drinks and snacks while you’re inside. I think the otters were my favorite fun to stay and watch for a while. The aquarium can be quite busy with kids. But was manageable on the holiday yesterday I think. The staff are also super kind and knowledgeable

As an animal loving non seafood eater I was very skeptical about visiting here, but the boss (the wife) wanted to go, so you know.....MBA is brilliantly laid out with some magnificent sights, that unless you scuba dive or go to the north Pole regularly you won't get to see, so it serves that purpose and then some!The animals appear to be well looked after and loved by the team there.The exhibition is technically advanced, interesting, exciting and does nothing but make you smile.It was without doubt the best aquarium I have ever seen in my 50 plus years and would highly recommend it and learning about everything we do for these amazing creatures and of course the not so good things we as humans do to them in the wild.Loved it.

The visit to the aquarium is worth it, every time you visit. This time was special as I was spending a daddy daughter day special visit on my birthday. 😊The weekend crowd required a 15 minute wait in the queue which moved at a reasonable pace. There is a faster queue if you have the vaccine details uploaded to the Clear App.Once inside, it's a wonderful world of marine life. The jelly fish exhibits are mesmerizing and don't forget to visit the penguins and the otters. The shows in the auditorium are short, informative and entertaining.

A fun experience for the entire family! We went on a weekday so it was really quick to get inside. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, the exhibits are beautiful to watch.There are three floors in total, with exhibits on each floor, an auditorium, a cafe with reasonably priced food options, clean restrooms and lots of kid focused activities. You’ll need at least a couple of hours to go through all the exhibits.I definitely recommend the aquarium as a fun family activity to do in Monterey. They’re rescue focused and big on preserving ocean life, which is just amazing!

Great place for the family. Lots of exhibits to see such as the jellyfish, sea otters, penguins, exotic fishes, crabs, small sharks, tuna, sea ray. You can sit in the auditorium and catch an educational show. They have different activities during the day. The cafe has good food. Clean bathrooms. Parking is fairly easy.

Having been a family charter member since it first opened, I’ve seen many changes over the decades. Fundamentally the same though as it’s an incredible place to come with family and friends. Price has definitely gone up, but that’s what keeps it going strong. A corner stone for the tourism industry in the area, it provides a stable economic contribution to the region.I used to bring my young kids all the time and they loved it. I always enjoyed bringing my camera to shoot the aquatic life close up. Now, I usually just escort visitors when in town. If it’s your first time here though….. it’s definitely worth a trip!

Pricey but lots to do and see. We all enjoyed our time at the aquarium, all ages. I like how tranquil it was, the music is a great touch. Exhibits were clean and well taken care of. Could definitely spend all day there. If you have little ones, the splash zone is a great place for them.

$60 for an adult without parking (nearby costs $20-30 no matter how long you park) seems massively overpriced for what you get.The otters as the main attraction are surprisingly small and it is hard to see anything.All other exhibits are quite nice but not overwhelming. Compared to the LA aquarium it feels significantly smaller so it’s hard to understand why it’s almost double the price. 2-3hours should me more than enough.For adults I would recommend the LA aquarium if you are not completely into otters.

This is my childhood and one of the places I never fail to visit whenever I go home. Each time there is a new exhibit, while staying true to the original design. The show that talks about the history of the the Monterey Bay was one of the best parts for my son When he was younger. If you aren’t from the Bay Area, a day at the Aquarium won’t just give you and education, it will give you an entertaining history lesson while surrounded by the most beautiful view in the area.

Such a wonderful experience! The deep sea exhibit and the kelp forest are must sees!!! If you have time, the penguin feeding and sea otter feeding are also really worthy to go. The schedules are all available online so definitely check it out and plan accordingly before you go. The aquarium is not large in size, but it has so many good things to explore. You can buy tickets online. Parking is a little bit hard to find near the aquarium, but there are a few public parking garages a few blocks away

Our family has been visiting this extraordinary aquarium for years, and each visit leaves us in awe of the immense dedication and passion behind this institution. While some may complain about the ticket prices, they fail to grasp the profound mission this aquarium is on—a mission to conserve the ocean and its precious inhabitants.The stories shared within the walls of this aquatic wonderland go beyond mere entertainment; they are tales of tireless efforts to protect and preserve our oceans. This isn't just a place for attractions; it's a powerful platform conveying a crucial message to the public about the urgent need for ocean conservation.As a family, we wholeheartedly support and appreciate the meaningful work undertaken by this aquarium. Yes, the tickets may be on the higher side, but we see it as a small contribution towards a cause we deeply care about. The experience here is not just about viewing marine life; it's about understanding the challenges our oceans face and learning how each of us can play a role in their preservation.In a world where our oceans are under constant threat, this aquarium stands as a beacon of hope and education. We gladly embrace the opportunity to be a part of this collective effort for a healthier and more sustainable marine environment. Our visits here aren't just outings; they are a testament to our commitment to the future of our oceans.

If you’re ever in Monterey, you’ve got to check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This place isn’t just tanks and fish; it’s like stepping into another world under the sea. From the get-go, you’re surrounded by all these amazing sea creatures, all set up in these cool displays that make you feel like you’re right there in the ocean with them.The jellyfish exhibit is totally hypnotizing. You could spend hours just watching them float around – it’s so peaceful. And the kelp forest? It’s like looking into a hidden underwater forest, super cool to see. Oh, and you can’t miss the sea otters! They’re adorable and super playful.What I really love about this aquarium is how they focus on teaching everyone about the ocean and why we should take care of it. They’ve got all these interactive spots and the staff really knows their stuff, which makes it fun and educational.Even when it’s busy, the place doesn’t feel too crowded. Plus, the views of the bay from inside the aquarium are stunning – like a perfect postcard of Monterey.All in all, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a fantastic spot. It’s fun, it’s fascinating, and it’s a great place for anyone – families, couples, solo visitors, you name it. Definitely a highlight of Monterey!

The Aquarium has been a part of my life since our honeymoon in 1982. We had a family pass while raising our kids and I took my kindergarten class every year at least once as well.In May, this recent trip was to take our grandkids for the first time. The cost seems outrageous to me after a twenty year absence because of a move. It was one senior, three adults, one youth and three children. Baby was free. ($400!!! )Tip: A family pass for a year for two adults and unlimited children is $250. If you add two guest passes to that for each visit, $500. Like I said, outrageous! This is the ONLY reason that they have four stars instead of five. (It is probably unaffordable for most families which should be the audience).The displays were still beautiful and the docents charming and helpful. The gift shop was a real highlight with affordable souvenirs that were quality items.

A beautiful aquarium with majestic views of Monterey Bay. There are several exhibits throughout the whole area encompassing 3 floors. The Kelp forest and otters are the two main attractions. I took the time to sit in on one of the free 15 min videos presented in their auditorium.This is a great place for little children. Many special exhibits are designed especially for kids to play with and adventure around in. Some exhibits made me wish I was a little kid because I was much too tall to fit in some of these. There are a couple of places where one is allowed to reach in to touch and feel the animals.They have a large cafe with excellent choices for grabbing lunch at a reasonable cost. There is also a coffee bar where one can buy coffee or espresso drinks for under $5. Keep in mind parking will come at a premium with many all day spots nearby for $15.I really enjoyed myself and glad for all they do there for the preservation of ocean life. It is a great place to build awareness of the wonders of the marine world and our need to conserve them.

This is an absolute must-do! We went on a Sunday morning and there was a long line that wrapped around the building, but we were in the aquarium within ten to fifteen minutes. The exhibits are so informational and beautiful. The staff/volunteers are SO friendly and fun to chat with! Definitely ask them about the exhibits because they have lots of information to share! We started the day off with the 11am feeding which was so fun because we got to see lots of fish right at the start. With the exhibits, you can really get up close, which is awesome! Their Into the Deep exhibit is fascinating.

this place is genuinely gorgeous. I loved all the interactive exhibits. seeing the moray eels and the octopi were definitely a highlight. I wish the adult tickets were a bit less pricey ($60) but it was worth it for the experience. we spent about 3 hours here. would definitely come back again!!

This aquarium is amazing! I went with my brother and my two kids. We arrived around 12:30pm on a Monday and there was no wait to get in. It’s very clean and the animals are well taken care of. My favorite animals to see were the otters, hammerhead sharks and the penguins. Being able to touch and interact with the bat rays was an awesome and unique experience. If you have the chance to go I definitely can’t recommend it enough! I can’t wait to go again.

We visit weekend and it is crowded! But thanks to other reviewers, we reached early and right at the opening so entry queue was not that long.I highly recommend checking out the feeding times/shows at the aquarium. They are worth seeing!Highly recommend for kids 😊😊 the place were full of them and it was lovely to see them enjoy!Now price : I find the aquarium a bit pricey compared to others but still it is definitely worth visiting (May be one time for couples ☺️)The Monterey is beautiful! You could see the beautiful ocean from the aquarium deck.Cost approx $60/adult.The aquarium also has a caffe and restaurant but by afternoon it is bit crowded as expected with families with young kids. We chose to eat outside !Last but not the least a big shout out to all the volunteers and the staff working there. They were all amazing! Thank you

Im a first time visitor to this Aquarium. Visited during the day time. Need at least about 3-4 hours to explore the place. Loved the feeding program and deep sea program, very insightful! The facility is well cleaned and organized. Bathrooms are clean. Would love to visit again!

We like aquarium displays. Been to several around the country and this is one of the best we've seen. Lots of interactive displays, brilliant designs, handicap accessible, tours available too. Well stocked gift shop and cafe. The only complaint I'd have is parking. There is only street parking in the cannery row area - good luck with that - or nearby garage parking which is a bit steep in cost. But don't let that deter you from going. You won't be sorry.

World class aquarium and great experience! Lots of exhibits for all ages.They have a children’s area on the second floor that has interactive activities, penguins and play structures. Good spot to start with 5 and under kids before going to the other exhibits.Cafe offers a wide range of food options from sushi to grass ged burgers. Not cheap food but good tasting and good portions.We used the Cannery Row parking lot and did a short walk to the aquarium. Good parking option that is easy in and out.

We drove up to Monterey for the long weekend so we could visit the aquarium. The line to enter was snaking but because we had the membership passes we bypassed most of the line and got in.The place was packed but we were still able to see all the exhibits and interactive displays. The exhibits were very well planned and designed to engage kids but at the same time still be interesting for adults.Our nephews loved the variety of animals - otters, rays, sharks, penguins, turtles, octopus, and so much more!It was honestly one of the best exhibitions I’ve ever visited.

So while this was one of the best aquariums I have ever been to I am still in shock at the price of admission. I found myself paying almost $300 to admit me and my young son. I came from out of town and my wife suggested we go for his birthday. I arrived midafternoon ignorant of the astronomical cost. I had already promised him we would go so I was committed. Since I was otherwise going to spend $100 for only a few hours of experience on my son’s birthday since we arrived later in the afternoon I opted to become a member…I don’t even live here! It was more of a sunk cost fallacy since I figured I could come back and try to get my money’s worth the few days I will be here for my visit and have my wife join me. While my son had a blast, a lot of the exhibits were broken and it is chaotic with children which works for kids but would detracts if I came alone as an adult or with my wife. They could really strive to have their hypnotic and well designed jellyfish displays and sea kelp walls accessible for quiet observation with a segregated quiet zones. It would actually make a $300 annual membership worthwhile if one was able to come and read and relax in that environment akin to how many spend time at Starbucks. Alas, the aquarium is cool and well designed but like much in Monterey it is just prohibitively expensive for middle class accessibility. Minus one star for cost alone.

If you love to learn more about ocean residents and sea life this place is a must! Lots of great exhibits, amazing live narrated films, outstanding tours. Loved penguin and sea otter exhibits. I wish there would be less people, as it was pretty crowded and it was hard to get to some of the exhibits. Still worth visiting and learning more about the ocean and its inhabitants.

This place is wonderful. They treated me very well and the facilities and animals are spectacular. My favorite is the seabird exhibits. I liked the stingray tank, too. The aquarium was good with my companion's service dog, too.

This is one of the best aquariums that I have visited on the West Coast. It was huge and we ended up spending 4-5 hours here. The feeding session of Otters was the most fun. They also had newly discovered species of jellyfish in an exhibit. The Octopus at the facility had laid eggs and it was cool to see the same.

The aquarium has lots of fun exhibits. Our favorites were the open sea exhibit, the penguins, and otters.There are a few exhibits where you can touch and feel sea life. Our kids really enjoyed those.There's places to buy snacks and food. We were interested in the Cafe but didn't end up going.

Awesome fish displays & showcases! I will say, having been to a few aquariums around the US, I don't think what this place offers justified its normal price tag. However, it is unique in its access to the sea & certain sizes of water tanks.

World class aquarium! So beautiful, well maintained, very nice layout. Went on Easter Sunday and it was not too busy! My son loved all the “fishies”. I highly recommend if you’re in the area. We were here for about an hour and half but you could really spend a whole afternoon, maybe longer, walking around and exploring everything . Such a wonderful showcase of the beauty of life in our planets oceans.

A 40 year old world class marine educational center and aquarium for the whole family, young and old to visit. Can easily spend all day here. Only can buy tickets online before visiting or in front of the building using a QR code to enter. You cannot purchase tickets in person.The Open Sea (1.2 million gallon exhibit), The Kelp Forest, African Penguins, and Jelly Fish are must see exhibits. Definitely make the time to watch the free feeding times and live narration videos in the auditorium. Have the kids learn and touch the hands on exhibits provided by the MBA volunteers.Great gift shops to bring back meaningful souvenirs home.Visit during the weekdays during the school year if you want to avoid the crowds. You can easily take a break and walk outside at the back of the building to enjoy the picturesque views of the Monterey Bay.If you are willing and able to park in Pacific Grove (past the aquarium), 10 min, flat walking path with views of the Monterey coastline, parking is free all day.Restrooms are perfect for kids and babies (changing tables and kid-friendly height level sinks).Can easily get your hand stamped for “in and out” access (take a break to eat outside of the aquarium or not).

I was on a solo visit and this place was nice. It was very well-maintained but it should be for the cost of admission. At least the money is hopefully going to good causes.All tickets are purchased online. There is no place to purchase unless you essentially have a phone. You must have tickets on your phone screen to enter.All packages, strollers, and backpacks will be searched upon entering.This is a nice place for children of all ages. There are interactive exhibits and many viewing areas are kid-sized.I spent a couple of hours in the area and between the cost of the parking ($30), a sandwich & drink ($22), and admission this outing cost about $100.You must be 70 for a senior discount and they do not appreciate military service as there is no discount for that at all.

We loved spending our day at this underwater adventure, we probably spent at least 3 hours exploring and learning all about everything, We felt like kids in a candy store. It wasn’t too busy, even with a few schools on field trips. Our overall experience was delightful and it would be worth going again.

Monterey Bay Aquarium was an absolutely amazing experience! I loved every of it. The aquarium features so many unique animals especially the sea otters! (Rosa was my favorite.) The aquarium was extremely informative and you could see the passion each of the crew and staff had for these animals and ocean conservation. I can't express how much I loved this aquarium. Not only the aquarium but the conservation work and the research the aquarium does in incredible. You can even see wild animals like otters, seals, and osprey from the balconies and binoculars. I came from Los Angeles all the way to Monterey just to go to this aquarium and was definitely worth it!

This is a great aquarium! If you like aquariums, this one is a must visit. They have an excellent rotating schedule of talks and demonstrations from trainers who feed the animals and employees who talk about them. The exhibits are lovely, there are two gift shops, ans there's a lot of places to go outside and enjoy the beautiful views of Monterey Bay. There's even an earth friendly Cafe that uses no plastic.

Wonderful aquarium with stuff you won't see at your average aquarium. Beautiful setting along the coast too. A must see if you are in the area. Great movies and feeding presentations. Friendly staff. Advice: Parking can fill up fast in surrounding areas, so factor in having to drive around looking for parking. There are a couple open air lots for bigger trucks.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium does a great job integrating the local surroundings with the exhibits to make visitors feel connected to their environment. The outdoor spaces remind visitors of the natural wonders that exist around us.Rosa is adorable and watching her float was worth the price of admission alone.The deep sea exhibit bioluminescent creatures were awe-inspiring.The museum also allows visitors to re-enter same day with a hand stamp, which is useful if you want to take a break from the crowds.