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Monterey Bay Aquarium CA: Tips to Visit, Discount Tickets, and Hotels Nearby
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: March 4, 2024 • Published: August 28, 2013
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the top aquariums in the world, and it's only an hour and a half drive south of San Francisco!
It sits on the northern end of the historic Cannery Row district in the cute seaside town of Monterey, CA.
During your visit, you will get the chance to see and learn about dozens of animals from penguins to stingrays. They also have several hands-on exhibits, including touch pools, as well as the largest indoor kelp aquarium in the world.
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More of What You Will See at the Aquarium
Here are a few more details on each of the top exhibits currently on display.
- Giant Pacific Octopus: Watch this intellectual creature open jars, play with toys, and even recognize the aquarists.
- The Jellies Experience: See several species of jellies dance, glow, bloom, and sting.
- Kelp Forest: Look up at the 28-foot-tall kelp forest and watch several animals as they weave their way around these massive plants.
- Life on the Bay: Step outside for a glimpse at the Monterey Bay and the animals that call it home.
- Open Sea: Take a seat and watch the constant movement of the aquarium's largest exhibit.
- Sea Otters: Enjoy the playful nature of these cuties as they tumble, splash, and wrestle around in the water.
- Splash Zone & Penguins: Watch the penguins waddle around and interact with 45 new and improved bilingual exhibits in the Splash Zone.
Best Times to Visit
The Monterey Bay Aquarium can get very crowded. The high season is during the summer months, especially on the weekends.
However, I find that even when it's busy, I can still make my way in to see the displays--with some patience and a little more time to get through the crowds.
The best time to visit is during the off-season. This is during the fall and winter months (minus any holidays).
If you are visiting during high season, you can plan ahead to avoid peak times and days.
Most visitors make their way over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium during the morning hours, so you will find fewer people between 2 pm and 6 pm.
You will also find fewer visitors on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Cost, Location & Hours
These are the admission costs per person:
- Adults: $59.95
- Youth: $49.95
- Seniors: $49.95
- Children: $44.95
- Kids (4 and under): Free
The Monterey Bay Aquarium CA is at 886 Cannery Row. They are open every day except December 25. Here are their typical hours:
- Winter: 10 am - 5 pm
- Spring/Summer: 10 am - 5 pm
- Summer Weekends: 10 am - 7 pm
- Fall (September - December): 10 am - 5 pm
SFTourismTips is made possible by readers like you! If you book through my links, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! Learn more.
Two-Day Passes at Select Local Hotels
In the past, many local hotels offered a two-day pass to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the price of one day's admission. As this attraction continues to gain popularity, fewer hotels offer this option.
However, make sure you inquire at your hotel to see if they sell these passes. If so, it gives you the opportunity to visit the aquarium over the course of two days.
Other Ways to Purchase in Advance
If you don't quality for or aren't able to take advantage of these other Monterey Bay Aquarium discount tickets, then you will want to buy your ticket in advance. This allows you to skip the ticket line and head to the admissions door right away.
This option saves you time as the ticket line will sometimes take up to an hour.
Top Hotels Nearby
This centrally located attraction has several hotels within just a few blocks of its entrance. Here are just a few of my favorites.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
- Address: 400 Cannery Row
- Low Season: Starts at $200
- High Season: Starts at $500
- 4 Stars
>> Learn more about the hotel and find rooms for your stay.
InterContinental The Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel
- Address: 750 Cannery Row
- Low Season: Starts at $230
- High Season: Starts at $350
- 4 Stars
>> Find rooms and more at InterContinental The Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel
Monterey Bay Inn
- Address: 242 Cannery Row
- Low Season: Starts at $165
- High Season: Starts at $375
- 3.5 Stars
>> Learn more about rooms and read guest reviews at Monterey Bay Inn
Spindrift Inn
- Address: 652 Cannery Row
- Low Season: Starts at $160
- High Season: Starts at $300
- 3.5 Stars
>> Read guest reviews from Spindrift Inn and book your room
Best Western Plus Victorian Inn
- Address: 487 Foam Street
- Low Season: Starts at $180
- High Season: Starts at $269
- 3 Stars
>> Fine information on the Best Western Plus Victorian Inn and book your room
Holiday Inn Express Monterey - Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel
- Address: 443 Wave Street
- Low Season: Starts at $182
- High Season: Starts at $230
- Stars: 2.5
>> Learn more about Holiday Inn Express Monterey and find rooms to book.
Read recent guest reviews and find the lowest prices for these and other Monterey area hotels today!
Hi, I'm Jill!
Dreaming of a San Francisco vacation? As a proud local, I'm here to share my insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of this iconic city!
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Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!