The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most famous attractions in Monterey County. Known for its commitment to ocean conservation, the Aquarium features some of the area’s most iconic and mysterious sea creatures. The Aquarium is perfect for a fun family day with furry sea otters, mesmerizing jellyfish, and multiple tidepool touch tanks.
When planning your visit, knowing when and how to visit is important. Here is our complete guide to bringing your family to the Monterey Bay Aquarium:
How to Buy Tickets or Book a Tour
Admission tickets can be purchased online on the Aquarium’s website. Here are the ticket prices depending on age:
- Children four years and younger: Free admission
- Children 5-12 years old: $45 per ticket
- Youth ages 13-17 years old: $50 per ticket
- Adults 18-69 years old: $65 per ticket
- Seniors 70+ years old: $50 per ticket
For the month of October, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is offering free tickets to Monterey County residents. You can find these tickets online here: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/visit/admission-tickets/.
You can also buy tickets for a tour of the Aquarium or a membership package. These additional steps are found on the same page online: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/visit/admission-tickets/.
When to Visit
Babies, toddlers, and younger kids should visit the Aquarium early in the morning. This ensures your kids are ready to explore the Aquarium without being tired for the rest of the day.
Visiting the Aquarium on a weekday is best if your kids are younger and not in school. There will be fewer crowds. If your kids are in school, visiting the Aquarium in the morning on a weekend is best.
Where to Park
There are several places to park near the Aquarium. The Aquarium is located at the end of Cannery Row in Monterey, right before Ocean View Avenue and Pacific Grove. One of the best and easiest places to park is the Cannery Row Parking Garage on Foam Street. This parking garage is only a short walking distance along Cannery Row, allowing you to pay for all-day parking if needed.
You can also park along Ocean View Avenue just west of the Aquarium, where you can pay to park at a meter. However, this parking fills up quickly, and we suggest arriving here early if you plan to park there. There are also many other side streets around Cannery Row, but parking can be tricky with traffic and pedestrians.
Where to Eat
There is no outside food or drink allowed inside the Aquarium. However, if the kids get hungry, there are several places to eat. The Aquarium has a café that opens at 10 a.m. and closes thirty minutes before the Aquarium closes. You can also eat at one of the many restaurants located along Cannery Row.
Special Events
Sometimes, events occur at the Aquarium, usually consistent with live feedings of the inhabitants. Feedings often occurin the morning:
- The Sea Otter feeding is at 10:30 a.m.
- The Penguin feeding is at 10:30 a.m..
- The Open Sea feeding is at 11:00 a.m.
During these times, guests can observe the aquarium staff feeding the animals. Your kids will enjoy watching the animals dive back and forth as they eat and play!
Why to Visit
The Aquarium’s mission is to inspire ocean conservation. Your kids will become stewards of the ocean by visiting the exhibits and learning about local marine life. Volunteer guides and aquarium staff alike will educate the entire family on how to better protect Monterey Bay. Through interactive touch pools and informational signage, the entire family will learn about the abundance of local marine life while enjoying a fun day of playing and viewing the animals.
Additional Information
For more information regarding the Aquarium, please visit https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/.
Leave a Reply