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by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: January 12, 2023
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.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Here are a few more details on each of the top exhibits currently on display.
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 2pm and 6pm. You will also find fewer visitors on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
These are the admission costs per person:
The Monterey Bay Aquarium CA is at 886 Cannery Row. They are open every day except December 25. Here are their typical hours:
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
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.
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.
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:
>> Learn more about the hotel and find rooms for your stay.
InterContinental The Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel:
>> Find rooms and more at InterContinental The Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel.
Monterey Bay Inn:
>> Learn more about rooms and read guest reviews at Monterey Bay Inn.
Spindrift Inn:
>> Read guest reviews from Spindrift Inn and book your room.
Best Western Plus Victorian Inn:
>> Fine information on the Best Western Plus Victorian Inn and book your room.
Holiday Inn Express Monterey - Cannery Row, an IHG Hotel:
>> 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!
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you join me in my private Facebook group!
It’s a great place to interact with me and others that 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!