Monterey Bay Aquarium Tours and Activities

Monterey Bay Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life
Monterey Bay Aquarium featuring marine life


Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases more than 35,000 animals and plants across 550 species. You’ll discover all kinds of local wildlife here, including fish of all sizes, invertebrates, mammals and plants.

The centerpiece of the aquarium is a three-story-high tank containing a towering kelp forest. Crane your head back and gaze up at the spectacle of wolf-eels, leopard sharks and schools of sardines gliding and darting through the swaying kelp giants. Visit The Open Sea to get incredibly close to enormous sunfish, hammerhead sharks, and blue- and yellowfin tuna. On the other side in the Oceans Edge section check out the Giant Octopuses. In the Rocky Shores exhibit, walk through a tunnel as waves foam and crash overhead. After taking in the larger exhibits, turn your attention towards one of the ocean’s more delicate creatures, the seahorse, in the Splash Zone.

Children will delight in the comical penguin troupes and the sea otters lazing about on rocky outcrops. Family members of all ages can touch and feed a variety of animals while learning about their habitats at the petting pools.

The auditorium hosts shows throughout the day, most of which are 15-minutes long. Learn about the life of the spineless jellyfish or catch the daily feed with turtles, fish and sharks. Take a trip behind the glass with a short film detailing how the aquarium staff feed and care for all the center’s animals.

Join a tour to get more deeply acquainted with specific species. A guide will show you around for anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Kids aged 8–13 can get closer to the action with a dive tour, which includes basic scuba diving training. All tours require a fee in addition to admission costs and must be booked in advance through the aquarium’s website.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located on the waterfront at historic Cannery Row, an area immortalized in the John Steinbeck novel of the same name. A five-minute drive from central Monterey, the area is also serviced by the Monterey–Salinas Transit (MST) bus line.

The aquarium is open daily except Christmas Day. You’ll need about two to three hours to explore all of the exhibits.

Plan a trip to see Monterey Bay Aquarium

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Top Monterey Bay Aquarium Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG

InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG

4.5 out of 5
750 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
The Monterey Hotel
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Spindrift Inn

Spindrift Inn

3.5 out of 5
652 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Spindrift Inn
Lovers Point Inn

Lovers Point Inn

2 out of 5
625 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA
Lovers Point Inn
Cannery Row Inn

Cannery Row Inn

2 out of 5
200 Foam St Monterey, Monterey, CA
Cannery Row Inn
Victorian Inn

Victorian Inn

3 out of 5
487 Foam St, Monterey, CA
Victorian Inn
Martine Inn

Martine Inn

4 out of 5
255 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA
Martine Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-visit destination, renowned for its incredible marine life and interactive exhibits. While there, you can enjoy activities such as wildlife viewing and even a round of golf at nearby courses. This world-class aquarium offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing the beauty of ocean ecosystems and providing educational opportunities for all ages. Don’t miss out on exploring this iconic attraction during your trip!

Shopping

Discover Steinbeck Plaza, a vibrant shopping centre only 322m from the aquarium. Antique Clocks, located 1.3km away, offers unique timepieces. If you're up for a drive, Del Monte Shopping Center, 3.2km away, features a mix of shops and entertainment for the whole family.

Recreation

Lovers Point, a serene recreational area 1.6km from Monterey Bay Aquarium, offers a tranquil escape with stunning ocean views. Enjoy outdoor activities at Pacific Grove Golf Links, 3.2km away, or have family fun at Dennis the Menace Playground, also 3.2km from the aquarium.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located 12.9km from Monterey Bay Aquarium. Enjoy outdoor activities along the scenic Waterfront, only 1.6km away, or challenge yourself at the Monterey Tennis Center, also 1.6km from the aquarium, for an adventurous day out.

Nightlife

For a lively evening near Monterey Bay Aquarium, catch a show at the Golden State Theatre or Bruce Ariss Wharf Theater, both offering rich entertainment vibes. If you're after some fun, challenge your mates at the nearby Monterey Mirror Maze & Lazer Challenge for a thrilling adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a delightful blend of cultural and family-friendly experiences, with nearby attractions including beautiful beaches, the iconic jetty, and nature reserves. Visitors can explore the wonders of the aquarium and the stunning Monterey Bay, while staying close to top attractions that showcase the region's charm. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, there's plenty to enjoy in and around this captivating destination.

  • Cannery Row: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Cannery Row, a historic street lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. Famous for its rich maritime history, you can enjoy scenic views of the bay while indulging in local seafood delicacies.
  • Fisherman's Wharf: Stroll along Fisherman's Wharf, a lively pier brimming with charm. Watch sea lions basking in the sun, sample fresh clam chowder, and take in the picturesque views of boats bobbing in the harbour.
  • Carmel Beach: Experience the serene beauty of Carmel Beach, renowned for its soft white sands and stunning coastal scenery. Perfect for a leisurely walk, it's an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

Best time to go to Monterey Bay Aquarium

The best time to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.5°F (12.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.0°F (17.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.9°F (17.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.0°F (17.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October61.3°F (16.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November55.9°F (13.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Monterey Bay Aquarium

To save money on your visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium, consider travelling during the off-peak months of November to January when accommodation rates drop. Tuesdays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays see higher prices. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and combine your bookings for flights and activities to snag better deals. Look out for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options, and take advantage of free activities around the aquarium and affordable public transport to explore the area without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Monterey Bay Aquarium are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Monterey Bay Aquarium is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Monterey Bay Aquarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it simple to find the most affordable accommodation first. Furthermore, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay near the Monterey Bay Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.