Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the top ranked aquariums in the United States. It requires an enormous amount of funding and resources to manage any large aquarium. This is the most popular attraction while you are visiting Monterey.

Arriving around 2:00 p.m. on weekdays lessens the crowds. Monterey Bay Aquarium has over 550 species, giant saltwater tanks, and an outdoor exhibit that is literally connected to the ocean. My favorite species at the aquarium are the Giant Pacific octopus, the kelp forest, all the jelly fish, bat rays, the swirling schools of sardine, and the hammerhead sharks.

Give yourself 3-4 hours to enjoy the Monterey Bay Aquarium. $50-$35 depending on age. Nearby, I also highly recommend the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Avenue. This is the best and most comprehensive museum displaying the wildlife and natural history of central California. It is simply one of my favorites. It’s a terrific value and is rarely crowded. They display an abundance of birds and mammals, including Mountain lion, rattlesnakes, as well as native plants. $9-$6 depending on age. Just down the street is the famous Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf.