The Monterey Bay Aquarium has been a top tourist attraction and family favorite for decades. There is no guessing as to why. The amazing location as it sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean with waves crashing along the cliffs and walls below should draw a crowd in itself. But to top that, its home is a former sardine factory on the historic Monterey Cannery Row and houses many one-of-a-kind exhibits.

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Aquarium History
It first opened in October 1984 and will celebrate 40 years soon. My parents bought a family membership all those years ago so we could visit as much as we wanted in a given year. I won’t tell you how old I was at the time. Let’s all just pretend I was an infant that happened to have a really well-developed memory and can now share my decades of knowledge with you.
I recall waiting in a long line and pushing through a crowd to see the Great White Shark on exhibit back in 2004. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the only aquarium that has successfully had a great white shark on exhibit for longer than 5 days and they did it twice.
In 2004 and in 2011. These were impressive to see up close for sure but there are plenty of other things to see including plenty of other sharks like the leopard and hammerhead sharks that still swim at the aquarium.
8 Must-See Exhibits
There were some must-see exhibits when I was a kid and as I matured, those same exhibits remained my favorites. Now as a mother, I am delighting in bringing my kids a couple of times a year as well. I am amazed how they too have the same favorites. With so much to see and do, the must-see animals, fish, and interactive exhibits will excite and educate all ages.
Below are all the attractions our family loves each and every time we visit. I highly suggest any visit you make should include these stops and to spend plenty of time at each of them. The beauty of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is that it is small enough to not feel rushed but has so much to offer that you are never bored with always more to see and do.
Here are the top 8 exhibits we recommend. Below you will find more details about each including some facts and viewing secrets we wanted to share.
- Kelp Forest
- The Open Sea
- Sea Otters
- Penguins
- Bat Ray Touch Pool
- Wave Crash Tunnel
- Jellies
- Giant Pacific Octopus
KELP FOREST
This was the first exhibit with living kelp when it opened up back in 1984. I remember how large the kelp forest tank looked to me and how it towered over me and kept going up like it was reaching from the sea floor to the clouds. Who am I kidding, it still towers over lil ole me!
It is 28 feet tall and holds 335,000 gallons of water. The king of this exhibit seems to be the giant sea bass. I swear he likes to pose for pictures with guests and often swims close to the glass right next to guests.
The crowds in this area are large on busy days and when it is feeding time you do not want to miss this. Here is my secret, watch from the second floor. If you get a spot on the railing it is a great view of the entire tank and the scuba diver that does the feeding while talking to the crowd.
THE OPEN SEA
This is Ian’s favorite. This enormous exhibit holds 1.2million gallons of water. Yes, more than a million gallons! We are always on the lookout in this huge tank for the green sea turtles and my favorite, the sunfish.
There is also a swarm of sardines that circle together which reminds us of all of the ones in Finding Nemo. They shimmer as they swim around thanks to the daylight that streams down from above. It creates a soothing whirl across the exhibit that I find very relaxing.
SEA OTTERS, OH THE CUTE SEA OTTERS
The otters are always on the move, playing with toys, diving, and swimming right up against the glass. People are often surprised at how large they are. My kids associate cuteness oftentimes with tiny things, like puppies and kittens. And who am I as a petite mom to argue with smallest = cutest, right? But the average size/weight of these female sea otters are up to 4 feet and 50 pounds
All the aquarium's sea otters are female and all are rescued, often found abandoned. The feeding time is a great time to visit this exhibit. We have seen so many different feeding methods that it is fun to see every time we go or even go more than once on the same visit. In a recent visit, they were fed scallops, shrimp, clams, and squid inside clear tubing to help the sea otters keep up their skill of working for their food.
Here is my secret - the best spot to stand for some reason is the upstairs viewing deck on the far right of the tank closest to the restaurant. We do not know why but the sea otters love to hang in this corner a lot and dive and play with toys.
PENGUINS - SAY HI TO MONTY FOR US!
Ok, it isn’t PC to say you have a favorite penguin. Much like you cannot say you have a favorite child. But my kids will be the first to tell you that they are Monty fans. You can find him easily and say Hi for us during your next visit. All the penguins have a name tag on their flippers.
During one visit we heard that his 1st birthday was going to be the next day. The kids were excited about that news but bummed that I was not allowing a return trip the next day. So we wished him a happy last day of being zero?! Penguin feedings are also a highlight and they occur 2x a day.
BAT RAY TOUCH POOL
Roll up your sleeves and take a chance at touching a bat ray. I will not divulge how they feel and keep that a surprise for your visit. I will tell you that watching first-timers in shock as they pull back their arm after the first touch is very funny. (do not worry it is not a bad thing - I promise!)
Here is my Secret - Most of the time the bat rays tend to hang out along the back wall where visitors cannot touch and along the left side of the tank. This is where we always stand and catch a quick pet along their backs as they glide by. Make sure to hit up one of the hand sanitizers when you are done in the touch area.
WAVE CRASH TUNNEL
This tunnel is upstairs near the Bay Ray Touch Pool. You will know you are near it when you hear the combined sounds of squeals of delights and the crashing waves rushing over the tunnel and into the pools outside.
I would say this is a highlight for kids in the 3-6-year-old range for sure. But if you are 96, I bet you like it too. It is fun to be under a rushing wave and not get wet. This is a great photo and video spot so get your cameras ready.
JELLIES (My favorite exhibit!)
My favorite place in the entire aquarium is the Jellies exhibit! There is something about the dark lighting that showcases the glowing jellies in their tanks. They are so graceful as they float along and illuminate the exhibit. It is almost like watching an underwater ballet.
If I were to ever fall into an involuntary trance, I am sure this is where it will happen. As a member, certain evenings are open for sleepovers and if our family ever does this, my sleeping bag and pillow will be right in front of the sea nettles for some sweet dreams.
GIANT PACIFIC OCTOPUS
Near the Kelp Forest is a colossus wonder, the Giant Pacific Octopus. They can weigh up to 50 pounds and reach 6 feet across tentacle to tentacle. Often times the light in the exhibit is out but if you are lucky enough to come by when it is on, expect to be engrossed.
As the octopus moves rhythmically in the tank, the tentacles seem to be doing a hustle across the glass and floor of the enclosure. The suckers are too numerous to count, though we give it a try each visit.
More Habitats & Cafe Information
These top choices are not even close to all the aquarium has to offer. Besides shows & a kid play zone, check out these additional Monterey Bay Aquarium Habitats.
Between all the fun, enjoy something to eat & drink with an amazing bay view. The cafe menu offers a wide variety of items including salads, burgers, chicken tenders, sweets, grab-and-go items, & fountain drinks.
Feeding Times at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Must See Feeding Times, ranked in our order of Favorites:
Sea Otters 3x a day
Penguins 2x a day
Kelp Forest 2x a day
Open Sea 1x a day
Favorite Shows in the Auditorium
Luna: A Sea Otter's Story 3x a day
Project White Shark 3x a day
I have no doubt you and your family will love a day visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Whether you come from near like us, or far, this is a necessary part of any visit to Monterey. For the latest prices, hours, feeding times and all other information visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s official site at https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/
Parking for the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cannery Row is filled with more than the aquarium so it can be quite busy. Parking lots are nearby and if you get there early enough in the day, it should be easy enough to find a spot.
There are 3 nearby lots located at the following locations -
Cannery Row Lot 7
160 Irving St.
Monterey, CA
Cannery Row Parking Garage
601 Foam St.
Monterey, CA
Cannery Row Parking Lot 21
32 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA
Handicapped parking? There are no sites at the aquarium. With a placard, you can park free in any metered spot on the nearby streets. There is also a dropoff/pickup location near the entrance.
MORE TIPS - ride a bike to the aquarium if you can. There are plenty of bike parking spots across from the entrance.
FAQ
They do not have one webcam, they have many! They are all so great and will be hard to not watch them all day. Check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Cams today - a great free way to experience this amazing place.
There are many small and big hotels nearby. For several nearby try this Tripadvisor list. For one just steps away and across the street try the Intercontinental The Clement @ Monterey Bay.
This is an easy question - YES! There are dozens of great restaurants in walking distance to the aquarium. Like some of my favorite places to dine on San Juan Island, seafood is the main event on many of the menus. Try Bubba Gump Shrimp Co or Fish Hopper for a family meal or one of my favorite fancier spots, the Chart House. For steaks try the Whaling Station Chophouse. Whatever you do, save room for ice cream or chocolate at the World Famous Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop.
There is a lot to do at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you wish to see all the habitats, a few shows, several feedings, & have time to explore outside & in the hands-on exhibits, you will need 4 hours. Make sure to grab a snack at the cafe & check out the gift shop.
Joanne says
I love these photos! Thanks for sharing your trip!
Angela says
You are welcome. There are so many wonderful things to see and take photos of that I hope you get a chance to visit someday.
Katie says
Love that aquarium but I haven’t been in years. It’s definitely time to go back. Thanks!
Angela says
Yes, go back. They have one section that rotates the exhibit and right now it is a Baja California theme with lizards and snakes too.
Kyndall Bennett says
If I go missing, just go to the otter exhibit! I can almost guarantee that's where I will return back to!
Angela says
You can hang with my kids, they are happy to talk about the otters for hours.
Lisa Manderino says
We have not been, but it looks awesome and worth a visit next time we are in town!
Michelle says
It's been so long since I have visited an aquarium - your pictures made me want to visit one! We have a big one down here in Corpus, and I've never been despite living in South Texas for more than 12 years now!
Angela says
I am so happy to inspire you to get to that local aquarium. Go for it Michelle and please share your adventure when you do.
Malia says
Between watching the otters and touching a bat ray, I'd be in heaven! And I'd love to see a great white if they ever get one again...
Leigh Ann says
Aquariums are do interesting to me. So many beautiful plants and animals to see.
Tricia Snow says
This looks like an amazing aquarium! Great photos too!
Angela says
Thank you. It is a stunning aquarium and the view outside is just as wonderful. The California coast has so much to offer.
Lora says
Looks like a wonderful place to visit! Thanks for sharing
Karla says
The jelly fish are ALWAYS my favorite. Any aquarium we ever visit HAS to include sufficient time at the jellies.
Jen says
Looks amazing! I love the aquarium. Thanks for the beautiful pics!
Brittany says
I love a good aquarium! You took some amazing pictures =)
Suzan Ferreira says
Love the kelp forest! Wonderful images!!
jen says
Great post! I loved it!
Stacey says
I love aquariums, and this one looks great! I've also always wanted to go to Monterey. My sophomores study John Steinbeck every year, and I've always wanted to see the area he wrote about and see the museum. Now I know there's a great aquarium there, too!
Angela says
Oh, you must go. It is for sure Steinbeck country and so much beauty all around.
Anna says
This looks like an amazing adventure! Thank you for sharing your experience!
Heather says
This looks like a great place. I bet seeing the great white was fascinating. I am curious as to the story behind it. Were they nursing them back to health?
Ramae Hamrin says
Wow, your photos are wonderful! I've never been there, but it looks like a great place!
Lina says
Great photos! My family would enjoy it. We love aquariums.
Michele says
What an amazing place! And your pictures are beautiful.
Carolina says
Wow, I love the picture of the kelp forest, it looks so beautiful!
Angela says
Thank you, the sway of the kelp forest is soothing and mesmerizing. The photos do not do it justice but I appreciate the compliment.
Nissa says
I love visiting aquariums and zoos alike! Great place for family days!
Angela says
They are such a great place for kids of all ages which makes them perfect for all families. This one is special for sure.
Sharon says
Wow! That aquarium looks AMAZING!!!! I'll definitely have to check it out when we go to California.
Pauline says
I love aquariums. I usually go visit the one in Salt Lake when I visit, but I'm opting for the rodeo this time because it's a NO KIDS trip 🙂
Tonya | the Writer Mom says
My daughter would love the aquarium! Someday....
Cindy says
What a great place to visit! I love sea life. And those otters! I could watch them all day. This place is definitely on my must visit list.
Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef says
Looks like such a fun trip would love to visit one day, thanks so much for sharing. Love your photos too! 🤗
T.M. Brown says
I love places like this ~ otters, penguins, sting-rays......yes, even octupus. So much fun to watch them move around and interact. This place looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing!
Alx says
Love your photos! Looks like you had such a fun day out!
Shirley says
I've never been there, yet, but this article makes me want to pack my bags right now! I love your photos!
Tricia Snow says
Looks like an awesome trip! I can't wait to go!
Nomads RTW says
It looks like a great place where to spend a day with a huge variety of species.
King says
I really love those scenes... Thanks for sharing those experience...