Monterey Bay Aquarium Review: Is It Really Worth the Hype?
🐋 Quick Take: My Honest Monterey Bay Aquarium Review
If you’re looking for an honest Monterey Bay Aquarium review before planning your visit, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what to see and ticket tips to food prices and how long to spend inside. The Monterey Bay Aquarium really does live up to its reputation.
It’s a beautiful, educational, and well-run aquarium with exhibits that balance fun and conservation perfectly. The sea otters, kelp forest, and Open Sea tank are showstoppers, but even the smaller displays are thoughtfully done. I loved the walk-through tunnel in the wave crash exhibit. It was great for kids and a picture perfect spot.
Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yes — it’s absolutely worth it, especially if you appreciate interactive exhibits, ocean views, and a genuine focus on marine life protection. I could spend hours walking through this place, without running out of interesting things to see and do. In fact, I’ve been to the top 3 US Aquariums, and overall, this is my absolute #1 favorite!
📍 Address & Quick Info
| Category | Details |
| Address | 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 |
| Phone Number | (831) 648-4800 |
| Hours | Typically 10 AM – 5 PM (check website for seasonal hours) |
| Parking | Public garages and street parking nearby |
| Tickets | Adults: $$, Kids: $, Discounts available (see below) |
| Website | montereybayaquarium.org |
💡 Tip: The aquarium doesn’t have its own parking lot. Arrive early, especially during weekends or holidays, to snag a spot close to Cannery Row.
🐧 Highlights: What You’ll See Inside
🌊 The Kelp Forest
The signature exhibit — 28 feet tall, filled with leopard sharks, sardines, and mesmerizing kelp that sways like an underwater forest.
🦦 Sea Otters
The most popular residents. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s otter program is also a rescue and release effort, so every visit supports marine conservation.
🐋 The Open Sea Exhibit
A massive, cinematic tank showcasing tuna, rays, turtles, and ocean sunfish. (This is the “biggest tank” most people ask about!) What surprised me most was the tornado funnel cloud of shiny sardines.
🪸 Into the Deep
One of the aquarium’s newest exhibits exploring deep-sea creatures rarely seen by the public — a mix of eerie and awe-inspiring.
🐠 Penguins, Jellyfish, and Sharks
Crowd favorites! Don’t miss the Jellyfish Cam and Live Otter Cam online if you want a sneak peek before visiting.
🎟️ Ticket Prices, Discounts & Free Entry Options
| Type | Price | Notes |
| Adults (18–64) | Around $65 | |
| Children (5–12) | Around $50 | Under 5 free |
| Seniors (65+) | Around $50 | ID required |
| EBT Cardholders | Free entry for up to 4 guests | |
| Military Discount | Available (check ID.me verification) | |
| Educator & Student Discounts | Yes, often through group visits | |
| AAA Discount | Typically 10% off tickets | |
| Costco & Groupon | Not generally available | |
| Membership | $75-$500/year depending on student/senior/individual/family options | Includes free visits & special perks |
Need to leave and return? Grab a hand stamp so you can come back in.
🕓 How Long to Spend at the Aquarium
Plan for 2.5 to 4 hours minimum.
Families with kids or photography enthusiasts (🙋♀️) might easily stretch it to a full day.
💬 Pro Tip: Visit early or after 3 PM for fewer crowds — especially during school breaks or summer weekends.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
| Season | What to Expect |
| Spring | Fewer crowds, perfect weather |
| Summer | Busy! Book in advance |
| Fall | Great light for photography, calmer vibe |
| Winter | Quieter days, occasional maintenance closures |
If you’re visiting around Halloween or special events, expect themed exhibits and extended hours.
🧭 Getting There & Nearby Attractions
For planning purposes, check out these approximate drive times.
Pacific Grove: ~4 minutes
Carmel-by-the-Sea: ~ 20-25 minutes
Big Sur: ~1 hour
Santa Cruz: ~1 hour.
San Francisco: ~ 2 hours
Los Angeles: ~5.5-6 hours.
San Diego: ~ 7-8 hours
For my visit, we started in San Francisco for a few days, then drove to Santa Cruz to stay. From Santa Cruz, it was about an hour drive to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We spent upwards of 4 hours here and then took a relaxing ride along the 17 Mile Drive, a perfect combination.
🅿️ Parking Tip: Use nearby Cannery Row garages — expect $20/day.
🔌 EV Charging: Available at several nearby lots.
📍 Make it a weekend: Explore Cannery Row, Pacific Grove, and 17-Mile Drive after your visit.
🍴 Food & Amenities
You can bring your own reusable water bottle, and refill stations are available.
☕ Café Menu (with Prices)
This may have been the most extensive and impressive Aquarium Cafe I’ve ever seen. Though sample menus are put on the Aquarium website, it’s NOT a small or limited menu. There is also a barista and a whole treat and sweets bar.
Scroll through for multiple personal photos from the cafe including menus screens
💰 What Our Lunch Cost
Here is what my family of three ordered and what it cost. Note: they did give us a 10% member discount out of the kindness of their heart (we weren’t members), but it was still an expensive lunch (August 2025):
Poke Bowl $24.79
Prosciutto and Burrata (Delicious!) with kelp chips (not my favorite) $18.79
Pepperoni Pizza $22.49
3 Happy Himalayan Waters $20.37
Mixed Berry Kombucha $8.49
Total (with tax and discount): $93.33
Some other kid approved options:
Burgers, pizza, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, PB &J (with sunflower butter), berry bowls.
🎁 Gift Shop & Merch
Expect ocean-themed plushies, apparel (yes, otter shirts), eco-friendly souvenirs, and conservation donations. There is a separate store down the street that we missed because they are only open between 11-4.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Store is located about 2 blocks down Cannery Row at:
585 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940
🏨 Nearby Hotels
I stayed about an hour away in Santa Cruz, CA here at Hilton Santa Cruz Scott’s Valley
🦈 Monterey Bay Aquarium vs. Other U.S. Aquariums
| Aquarium | Location | Why It’s Special |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | CA | Conservation-driven, oceanfront, kelp forest |
| Georgia Aquarium | GA | Largest tank in the U.S., whale sharks |
| Shedd Aquarium | IL | Historic, strong freshwater exhibits |
| Florida Aquarium | FL | Massive glass-dome wetlands and world-leading coral restoration work |
Monterey wins for ambiance, ocean views, and sustainability focus.
💤 Unique Experiences
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
These small-group tours give you a closer look at how the aquarium operates, from food prep to animal care. They’re a great choice for curious visitors or photographers who want a different perspective.
Underwater Explorers (Kids Snorkeling Program)
Designed for ages 8–13, this surface scuba experience lets kids safely explore the ocean environment in a controlled setting. It’s one of the most memorable (and educational) add-ons available for families.
Yoga by the Bay
Held on select weekends, this peaceful morning session takes place with ocean views as your backdrop. The schedule isn’t regular, so check the aquarium’s official website or social channels for announcements.
Sleepovers at the Aquarium
Not currently offered, but the aquarium has hosted special overnight events in the past — often tied to educator programs or themed experiences. It’s worth keeping an eye on their event calendar or newsletter in case they bring them back.
MeditOceans: Guided Mindfulness Meditations
If you can’t make it to a yoga session, try the aquarium’s free MeditOceans audio series — short, ocean-inspired mindfulness practices created by the aquarium team.
🎧 Listen to MeditOceans
🐚 Fun Facts
- Opened in 1984 on the site of the historic Hovden Cannery along Cannery Row
- The Open Sea exhibit holds approximately 1.2 million gallons of seawater
- The aquarium’s sea otter rehabilitation program has cared for hundreds of otters, with many rescued, rehabilitated, and successfully released
- Pixar’s design team visited Monterey Bay Aquarium for inspiration when creating the Marine Life Institute setting in Finding Dory
🧾 Packing It Up: Is Monterey Bay Aquarium Worth It?
If you love the ocean, yes.
Do you love photography — yes.
If you have kids — definitely yes.
It’s not just an aquarium; it’s a moving reminder of why ocean conservation matters. Every tank, every otter, and every wave that laps against the building feels like a call to care more deeply about the sea.
