Monterey Bay Aquarium Tours

Monterey Bay Aquarium showing marine life and interior views
Monterey Bay Aquarium which includes marine life and dangerous animals as well as a small group of people
Monterey Bay Aquarium showing interior views, marine life and signage
Monterey Bay Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life
Monterey Bay Aquarium which includes 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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel
Aqua Breeze Inn
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn

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Best Lodging Options Near Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
The Monterey Hotel
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
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
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
Cannery Row Inn

Cannery Row Inn

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

Lovers Point Inn

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

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring captivating aquarium exhibits and taking short walks along the scenic waterfront. Nearby attractions feature exciting wildlife experiences and opportunities for whale watching tours. Additionally, consider purchasing aquarium packages for a comprehensive visit that includes access to special exhibits and events, making your trip to this iconic destination truly memorable.

Food and drinks

Explore the vibrant culinary scene near Monterey Bay Aquarium with seafood delights. Visit Folktale Winery and Vineyards for a romantic atmosphere, or enjoy a meal at Steinbeck House, perfect for families. Don't miss the Ventana Vineyards Tasting Room for a unique wine-tasting experience.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Del Monte Shopping Center, just 2 miles from the aquarium, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. Antique Clocks, located 0.8 mile away, features unique timepieces. If you're up for a drive, check out Carmel Plaza, 4 miles away, for more shopping options.

Recreation

Enjoy a peaceful day at Lovers Point, just 1 mile from the aquarium, where you can unwind with scenic views and gentle ocean breezes. For family fun, visit Dennis the Menace Playground, 2 miles away, featuring engaging activities for kids in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located 8 miles from the aquarium. Feel the adrenaline as you watch high-speed races, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and immerse yourself in the excitement of this iconic racing venue.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night out at the Golden State Theatre, just 1 mile from the aquarium, for a mix of culture and romance. For family fun, visit the Monterey Mirror Maze & Lazer Challenge, only 0.1 mile away, or catch a show at the Sunset Center, 5 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Monterey Bay Aquarium

Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, immerse yourself in culture, or enjoy outdoor adventures, Monterey Bay Aquarium and its surroundings offer a variety of attractions. Explore the stunning Monterey Bay, visit the iconic Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row, or take a scenic drive to Big Sur. With plenty of natural reserves and state parks nearby, there's something for every traveler to enjoy in this beautiful coastal region.

  • Fisherman's Wharf: A vibrant jetty filled with seafood restaurants, shops, and stunning views of the bay. Enjoy fresh clam chowder while watching sea lions bask in the sun.
  • Cannery Row: This iconic street, once the heart of the sardine-packing industry, is now a bustling area filled with shops, galleries, and eateries. Experience the lively urban vibe and rich history.
  • Carmel Beach: A breathtaking stretch of sandy shoreline, perfect for a relaxing day. Enjoy scenic ocean views, soft sands, and beautiful sunsets in a tranquil beach atmosphere.

Best time to go to Monterey Bay Aquarium

Visitor numbers around Monterey Bay Aquarium is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Monterey Bay Aquarium falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Monterey Bay Aquarium falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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)SunnyAverageSlightly High
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)SunnyAverageAverage
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 during your visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and 17-Mile Drive. The best time to book accommodations is between November and January for lower prices, while last-minute deals on Expedia can also yield savings. Use Expedia's search tool to compare hotel prices, filter by eco-friendly options, and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • 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 May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Monterey Bay Aquarium about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can easily sort your results by price, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking a package through Expedia that combines your hotel stay near the Monterey Bay Aquarium with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.