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Monterey Bay Aquarium
Category: Active Life Aquariums Aquariums [Edit]
886 Cannery RowMonterey, CA 93940
(831) 648-4800
Announcement
Shark Days, Feb. 11 & 12: Explore the ocean's most mysterious species with our experts and special programs. http://bit.ly/8T4Hkg
Announced one week ago- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
1299 reviews for Monterey Bay Aquarium
1298 reviews in English
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Review from Jackie R.
Playa del Rey, CA
2/7/2012
Simply...Woohoo! As good as it gets!
Beautiful, informative exhibits. It *is* on the expensive side, but I think it's better than any other aquarium I've been to, including Shedd in Chicago.
If you live in the area, I think becoming a member is the way to go. That way you can go frequently and bring guests for no charge. -
Review from William K.
Saratoga, CA
2/5/2012
Yes, tickets are $32 for adults, but presentation is outstanding!! Basically, I feel you really do get what you pay for.
The designers were meticulous about each exhibit. They really allow you to just immerse yourself in the ocean and get you to as close as what you would actually see. Also, the variety of fish or sea life here is pretty overwhelming.
It's a good 2 1/2 to 3 hours or so if you take the time to enjoy your visit.
I felt this was just the right amount of fish for one day. I'm completely satisfied and stuffffeedddd.
P.S. I literally almost cried when I saw the open sea exhibit.. amazing. -
Review from J A.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012
A fun aquarium but quite expensive ($33/adult) and not quite as big as we had hoped. We saw most of the museum in 3 hours.
We thought the highlights were the large open tanks of sealife (the open sea and the kelp forest). The jellyfish and the comb jellies were pretty cool too. There's currently a seahorse exhibit on which was fun to explore.
There were also a number of touch tanks (with starfish and skates) that were great for the kids. Also, the place gets quite cold so bring a jacket.
A fun afternoon but not one we'll have to repeat anytime soon. -
Review from Linda T.
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Must visit at least once!
I thought that maybe i wouldn't enjoy it, since I am not a child nor have children, but I was wrong! It is a beautiful, well-thought out and well-executed.. So many things to see, much better than Long Beach Aquarium. It has so many huge aquariums,and all ofthe areas are designed with cohesive themes.
My favorite was the seahorse exhibit. Not only did they have a large variety of seahorses, some I didn't even know existed, but the area is surrounded by rod-iron like decoration with an intricate seahorse design, and the magical idea of seahorses is enhanced by the subtle, and whimsical soundtrack that plays in the background, and the effect of shadows and light. Really a treat! -
Review from Nicole W.
1/31/2012 4 photos
After years of talking about making a trip to Monterey and seeing the Aquarium, we finally made it. I should clarify that my husband works at Shark Reef Aquarium in Vegas, we both love anything science or biology related, and we are giant nerds. But you don't have to be a nerd to enjoy this place, and it's a definite must visit if you are in the area.
The highlights of the visit were the puffins, the Monterey sea birds, and the giant Open Sea Exhibit featuring sea turtles, a scalloped hammerhead, and a sunfish. We also really enjoyed the views of the bay from the outside deck areas. My husband, a fish expert, was enthralled with the seven gilled shark and cuttlefish.
Like any good aquarium, you will find exhibits with penguins, sea horses, jellyfish, and a touch pool. These are the things that tourists love the most and Monterey made sure to have all of the above. I can't lie, I love to see me some penguins too. The entire upstairs area is geared towards children with bright colors, games, and a tank featuring the fish from "Finding Nemo." We quickly ran through this part of the aquarium.
Like everyone else has said, this place gets crazy busy. We got in around 3, which I think was a good time since it seemed like a lot of people (that is, large families) were leaving. It doesn't give you a ton of time since the aquarium closes at 5, but if you can run around quickly then you'll still have time to see everything. If you are more casual or have children, then definitely give yourself several hours to make your way around the building. I would recommend going right when the aquarium opens.
My only real complaint is that everything is sprawled out and you wind up backtracking a lot through the building. "Did we go over that way? That doesn't look familiar," was a common line my husband and I were saying during our visit. Make sure you take a good look at the map when you first get in and have a game plan ready on what you have to see and what you want to avoid. Chances are you won't get to everything in one visit; either you'll run out of time or some areas will be so crowded that you'll just want to skip it to avoid all the people.
Be prepared to do some walking, get run over by a couple strollers, and most importantly enjoy all the beautiful exhibits. Try to learn something new and definitely make sure you find the information on Monterey's Seafood Watch program.Listed in: California Dreamin', Culture Club
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Review from Jay B.
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Visited this place recently after about a 10 year hiatus and it was even better than the last time. Love that they have such an incredibly big saltwater tank...I can honestly just stand there and watch for hours and find it very relaxing.
I really like how the aquarium has some themed exhibits about pollution and preserving the various sea creatures and even has a guide on ordering seafood etc. Would come here again and again...no aquariums on the west coast compare! -
Review from Sarah R.
Monterey, CA
2/4/2012
This is a great place to visit. I've known adults to easily spend four hours here. With a toddler, we usually max out at an hour and a half, but not for lack of things to see and do. We're members, so sometimes we even just pop in for 15 or 20 minutes, which is also nice.
Get there first thing in the morning, preferably on a weekday. Start at the Open Sea exhibit. At some point in your visit, be sure to make it to the Aviary and the Touch Pools. If you have kids, they could probably spend the entire time running around the Splash Zone. On a beautiful day, be sure to go outside, sit in the sun, and gaze at the water. I love this place. -
Review from Lyna K.
San Jose, CA
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love this place, it's beautiful and sometimes cramped when it's the weekend so staring at jellyfish and sea horses is limited to how rude you want to be. We have the year passes and they've already paid for themselves in two visits on top of it being completely tax deductible.
The Open water exhibit is one of my favorite along with the jellyfish against the bright blue backdrop. Amazing.
What's not amazing are people who just walk around with cameras taking pictures of the animals then walk away. These people tend to be pushy and changes the ambiance from slow and relaxed to frenzied. I'm all for people taking pictures home with them, but you're not even taking the time to enjoy them while you're here. anyway...
Go on a Monday, super calm. Moms with cute kiddos age 1-4 who are super into the exhibits. The older kids are presumably in school. Winning. -
Review from Wayne J.
Los Angeles, CA
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Amazing aquarium.
Spent about 3hours there and got to see all of the exhibits but would have liked to stay longer and stare at the giant ocean tank.
Ocean Tank: Ocean tank is HUGE and had multiple sea turtles, tuna, mahi mahi, a hammerhead shark and other aquatic life. Amazing. There is a seating balcony that is an excellent place to rest and take everything in.
Seahorses: Large exhibit with multiple tanks containing seahorses and their cousins (sea dragons, pipefish, etc.). Lots of tanks to see. Another great exhibit.
Jellyfish: Mesmerizing. The lighting makes the jellies glow. Really amazing to see jellyfish up close.
Otters: Tried to catch the feeding time but it was super crowded and hard to see. Probably easier to see the otters when they aren't feeding or get there early to get a spot up front.
Touch Tanks: There are multiple touch tanks filled with various types of seaweed, starfish other aquatic life. There is also a touch tank for rays but they were all hiding in the far corner. I guess humans are scary.
There were also volunteers at a lot of the exhibits to answer questions about the exhibits which was nice. They seemed pretty well informed and were very nice.
Overall a GREAT experience. Would definitely go back. -
Review from Gari S.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/16/2012
After reading unfavorable and mixed reviews, I went in there rather skeptical and wondering this was going to be somewhat of a waste of money. The facility is fascinating (from watching real life microbiotic marine life to seeing hammerhead sharks in a huge aquarium) and it is worth every penny.
The highlights include the cute otters, the jellyfish (many varieties, colors, and sizes, including baby jellyfish).
This place is certainly worth going to and arguably the best aquarium on the planet! -
Review from Sunny W.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
An hour and a half drive each way.
$15 for parking in a lot nearby.
$32.95 a ticket (if you have AAA you can buy it at one of their locations for $3 off a ticket)
I've visited this place twice in 2 years :D
There isn't much more I can add to the 1,200 plus reviews. Its clean, well maintained, 2 gift shops with the most adorable stuff animals, and a food court that I haven't tried.
They have such a variety of sea animals and exhibits, its really worth the trip. If you haven't visited this aquarium.....check out their website!!! I've been to a few aquariums and this one definitely takes the cake!!
I would avoid holiday weekends if possible. Its already busy as it is on weekends that I can't even imagine how the holiday crowd is. -
Review from Port L.
New York, NY
1/21/2012
Although it may seem pricey, it is definitely worth going to.
Tip: Subscribe to the unscheduled feeding by texting "feeding" to 56512.
I was a bit reluctant to come here due to the ridiculous aquarium I saw at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. My girlfriend and I came here on a Tuesday and there was absolutely no line, no crowd.
Must see the otter feedings, they are surely adorable. Even on Tuesday, I would advise to go to the site a little early since the place do get crowded fast. The penguin feeding on the other hand was slightly boring for me, we left to see an unscheduled feeding of the sevengill shark which was pretty awesome. They have a huge variety of fishes and a lot of great games to play (for kids of course). The touch pool was also great, typical rays, starfish, crabs and some sea cucumbers.
Unfortunately after we left to eat, I received two text alerts informing me about unscheduled feedings for the seahorses and octopus. I think it would have been awesome to check those out. So definitely do subscribe to the unscheduled feeding, the spontaneity is beyond exciting! -
Review from KT T.
Carson City, NV
1/13/2012
Who doesn't love beautiful marine life? It's incredible any way you look at it. Monterey bay aquarium does a great job with nicely set up exhibits and well taken care of facilities.
The highlight of the trip was when my son and I got to touch starfish & sea urchins. The stingrays looked like they had it with people and were pretty much staying out of everyone's reach.
It's nice to be able to just sit and look at one of these huge tanks, the longer you look the more you see and it's awe-inspiring.
Another cool feature was the wave machine - you stand in a plexiglass tunnel and wave simulator goes off every min or so.
Why I gave it only 3 stars...I paid $80 for tickets and barely saw anything. It was so overcrowded we couldn't get close to any exhibits. At one point we left and decided to come back later. Even later it was still crowded although not as bad. The sea otter exhibit was impossible to get to. So basically we spent a bunch of money and saw very little. Which is a total bummer since we were looking forward to coming here. Perhaps I'll figure out the off season. -
Review from Edward L.
San Mateo, CA
1/16/2012
Came here over MLK weekend to check out the aquarium....
Driving over from the peninsula didn't take too long.... 1 1/2 hour drive.
When we got here, parking meters cost 1.50 per hour and there are also parking lots ($10 for the day). Decided to park a few blocks away in the residential area where there are no signs. Free parking..... walking time is about 10 mins.
As we walk in, the guide gives me a map of the aquarium, so, it's relatively easy to go from area to area.... There are different exhibits available, from the the giant sea (where you can see many specimens of fish, turtle, etc) to the otter exhibit, the plant life, the penguins, so, there are lots to see.
They even have a 'child' center for kids to play and learn with educational games.
While it was fun to see, the exhibit is definitely in my opinion geared for parents to bring the kids to get an educational experience. Nothing wrong with that!
We went thru all the exhibits in a couple of hours. Definitely interesting and would bring back family in the future. -
Review from Sarah D.
Monterey, CA
1/28/2012
Because I am a sea animal buff, I've been to many different aquariums/marine parks. This one is my favorite of all, hands down.
I won't repeat what other reviews have said, but I will say, try not to go on a weekend or holiday if possible.
I have seen white sharks on display here twice. Nothing compares! Also, I know it is expensive, but keep in mind the money goes towards conservation efforts and the animals- if that makes you feel better about it. -
Review from Rebekah O.
San Jose, CA
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Don't stop by if you don't want to hear about how we are destroying the world. Plastic bags, pollution and people are all threatening the world we live in.
Walk softly. I especially recommend the feeding times - make sure you get there for morning feedings - the jelly fish, the million gallon tank. So amazing! -
Review from Irina s.
San Jose, CA
1/23/2012 3 photos
Love the Monterey Bay Aquarium! It's a great time no matter how old you are.
The usual problems with such places: can get crowded, problems finding parking, etc etc. -
Review from Jennifer T.
Riverside, CA
1/24/2012
This place was great. It took us about 4 hours to get through the hole thing. Definitely check out the feeding shows. They are worth the 10-15 minutes. We parked nearby in a lot for $10 (right down the street from the lot for $15) and it was a nice couple block walk to the aquarium itself. There is so much to look at. I went on a Saturday and it was busy but not uncomfortably packed. If you're in the area this is a great place to take friends and family. Kid friendly, too. We packed a backpack of food and drinks and there were plenty of places to sit and eat lunch. Highly recommend! Everyone was so mice, too.
$10 parking
$32.95 for adults -
Review from David R.
North Las Vegas, NV
1/8/2012
If you like aquariums, you will love this one. It has everything you would expect. The naturalness of it all is amazing!
The only drawback is that it was crowded making some exhibits hard to see.
They do have a text feature that is really cool, make sure you use it if you go, and you should definitely go! -
Review from Marissa C.
Oakland, CA
12/28/2011
I adore the Monterey Bay Aquarium! I spent so many weekends coming here as a kid when my folks had a family membership. My top exhibits:
1. Otters!!! How can you not fall in love with these incredibly cute animals?? Be sure to get a good spot on the upper level early on to catch the feeding "show."
2. Tide Pool. I remember waiting with rapt attention for the big CRASH as the wave came tumbling down.
3. Sting Ray Pool. These creatures look like they are straight up from another planet. So ethereal and dangerous!
4. Touch Pool. You haven't lived until you've touched a Sea Cucumber.
And as far as museums go, the cafeteria has some pretty tasty food (though very expensive) and the gift shop has a HUGE selection of stuff (also very pricey), and the view from the deck outside is lovely. -
Review from Jennifer R.
Los Angeles, CA
1/4/2012
I love nature, wild animals, seeing them in their natural habitat. Aquariums are less than natural, but its as close as I can get without diving in the ocean. I had so much fun here! The octopus was swimming around and that excited me - they usually just sit up against the glass!
There are some beautiful exhibits here. The way they've built some of their tanks, and how the fish make it comfortable for them. It all comes together as a beautiful display. I think I like this aquarium better than the aquarium of the pacific which is in Long Beach, CA. Its huge, inside and out, three stories.
I only wish they had Whale sharks. I have to visit the Atlanta aquarium for that. :-)
Parking does suck though. I'm still confused on how that went. But my best friend found a legitimate park so that was cool. We had to walk down a small hill (Not too abnormal considering we were in nearing SF), but that may be inconvenient to someone whose using a walker, crutches, or has limited mobility. Where was handicap parking? I don't know.
I may have researched it if we needed it, but we didn't. Those who do, be wary though. Make sure you get your spot, assuming they're available.
The place is still awesome, and totally worth the difficult parking trek! =) -
Review from Alanna G.
San Jose, CA
My husband and I stayed and the Monterey Hotel Plaza and Spa on New Year's Eve. The bell hop at the hotel was kind enough to tell us if we purchased aquarium tickets via the hotel we could get two consecutive days for the price of one! Awesome! Even better was the gorgeous walk to the aquarium from the hotel (about 15 minutes). Since it was NYE and a Saturday, the aquarium was a bit crowded but that was expected.
I've been going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium since I was a little kid so I was overjoyed to finally be able to take my little one. Granted my son is only 11 months, but he was mesmerized watching the fish, sharks, jelly fish and sea horses. Most of the tanks are large and leave enough viewing room for lots of people. My favorite exhibit is the jellyfish. Once he gets a little older, I'm sure my son's favorite will be the touch pools :-) My husband and I are hoping to make this a NYE tradition and I can't wait to go back. -
Review from Charmian W.
San Francisco, CA
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
CROWDED, CROWDED, CROWDED!!! Parking sucks too.
But of course, the aquarium and their staff are quite nice so I guess they deserve at least 3 stars.... Despite the fact that kids and parents are rude and inconsiderate alike. However, it's a great place to take your kids if you don't mind getting jostled around! Or, just take them out of school one day and visit the aquarium when it's not as busy, I suppose I can still enjoy the exhibits when I can actually see the fish, haha... -
Review from Nanette M.
Mililani, HI
1/1/2012
I hadn't been here in over a decade but heard great things about this place and was definitely not disappointed! While other aquariums leave you thinking, "that's it?", the Monterey Bay Aquarium leaves you saying "wow!" more than once. The vastness of the large open sea and kelp exhibits is amazing and the jellyfish exhibit is almost supernatural with the beautiful jellyfish looking like they're floating in the air. Of course, the sea otters are as entertaining as usual and a definite favorite for everyone. My husband is a tropical fish hobbyist and he loved seeing some of the fish we have in our tanks.
In addition, the staff there was great. I got food poisoning from eating fish and chips at Cannery Row Brewing Company (see my bad yelp review and don't eat there) and it took effect when I went back to the aquarium after lunch. I was stuck in the bathroom and couldn't move because my stomach was in such pain. The aquarium's first aid/ security (thanks Tom and staff!) took great care of me and knew what to do to help make me more comfortable. They even provided a wheelchair to help to get me to the car and get some fresh air.
AND...even though they had nothing to do with the food poisoning, they provided complimentary passes for me and 3 other people (they asked me how many passes I wanted :) )to return and enjoy the aquarium when I was feeling better! Talk about great customer service!!
This place is not to be missed! I highly recommend for everyone! -
Review from Joleen Q.
12/20/2011
I don't even really like marine life and I loved this place. If you are going to go to one aquarium, THIS IS IT. It's one of the best in the nation and I went when they had the baby shark exhibit (which is rare). There was a great show of the ginormous tank where they fed all the fish and it's just breathtaking to see even all the little silvery sardines swimming in a whirlpool of shimmer.
There is the friendliest staff there and this place is organized so well... very spread out so there isn't crowds of people you are stuck behind. I imagined it bigger but it was so great to see penguins being fed, puffins swimming around, and the gorgeous, purple jellyfish against bright blue water.
You can get your hand stamped so you can leave to eat at any of the charming seafood eateries in the cute downtown area (feels like a smaller version of SFO!)
Best date place ever! -
Review from dina r.
Sacramento, CA
1/23/2012
I really loved the aquarium although I did think it would take a lot longer to see everything. I really loved seeing the Great White and being able to touch the star fish, those were definately the highlights.
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Review from Iggy Evee H.
San Jose, CA
Iggy: entered building with wife and kids upon entering you see the otter nice facility clean people from all over dim lighting with ocean like feeling. Kids played with touchable activities all water related this place puts you with sea life just relax and enjoy.
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Review from Connie L.
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been coming to this aquarium for years, and I'm constantly surprised by all the new exhibits they have. I recently came here to see the sea horses exhibit, which was awesome. Clean, beautiful, and spacious, with gorgeous views of the bay. The highlights are the kelp forest, the otters, the jellyfish exhibit, and the open ocean exhibit (with the 50 year-old sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and huge, bullet-shaped tunas). Plan your trip carefully since it can be super crowded with tons of people taking pictures on their smart phones. Recommend checking out the 15-minute videos in the auditorium and the kelp forest feedings. Parking can be tricky in the immediate vicinity, but are plentiful a few blocks away. Avoid the restaurants in this area, and check out Vivolo's Chowder House if you want reasonable prices and decent fare.
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Review from Julia B.
San Jose, CA
1/19/2012
LOVE this place! I go all the time thanks to membership passes! always something interesting to see! I am a little bummed that the flamingo exhibit is gone but I am hoping that only means that something better is coming
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Review from Paul P.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
1/28/2012
In my opinion, the best aquarium in the west coast. Only downside is the entrance cost.
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Review from Samantha S.
Roseburg, OR
1/3/2012
Price: Around $30. But a lot of that goes to research so I'm fine with that.
This place, on a weekday, was crowded. Children were running everywhere and it made it hard to enjoy a lot of the exhibits.
The staff was friendly from the few that I personally encountered.
The fact that this place is world famous made me expect more. My boyfriend and I were traveling from Oregon and our end destination was the aquarium. When we got there, parking was a little farther away than expected. The exhibits were nice, but having been to the aquarium in Paris, the Newport Aquarium in Oregon (Keiko, people!), and of course Sea World, this was underwhelming. They don't have anything I haven't seen many many times before. I'd like to see more marine mammals. The Portland Zoo has more of that than this place.
This aquarium is nice to visit once.... if you just happen to live in the area. I don't think I would even make the drive from SF to see it, knowing what I do now. I don't think I'd take the time to come back. Good place to go. Once. Just for the experience. -
Review from Wendy H.
Berkeley, CA
12/2/2011
Two words: Open Sea.
My 17-month-old spent almost an hour just staring at the giant tuna swimming by within inches of her face. She absolutely love the exhibit. And who can blame her? The Open Sea exhibit gives you an otherworldly experience of the magnitude and beauty of the underwater world.
More words (okay, there's a LOT to be excited about in this aquarium): seahorses, jellyfish, penguins, octopus, otters...
Park for free: a few blocks north of the park in the residential areas. There are a few streets that don't have time limits. We ended up on Irving and Hawthorne. Keep driving around to find them. (Look early for best spots).
Enjoy! We sure did. -
Review from Melanie K.
Oakland, CA
12/5/2011
Sea otters, penguins and funny sea dragons...
Sting rays and dolphins and starfish and urchins...
Colorful fish and some sharks with sharp teeth...
Those are a few of my favorite things.
... and they're all at the Monterey Aquarium! Amazing. Throw in some sea turtles and bathrooms all around, and I'm set for a day of fun. -
Review from Gatsby's G.
Lemoore, CA
12/11/2011
Easily one of the best aquariums on the West Coast! All sea creatures have an exhibit here...jelly fish, starfish, seahorses, octopi! I just can't get enough, and if I lived closer I'd probably visit twice a year.
Be sure to check out the touch pool-- you will enjoy it if you are an adult or kid.
There is an outdoor splash pool, as well as an observation deck where one can spot sea otters, birds, boaters, etc.
Remember that the price of your ticket goes towards research and conservation. (If you are active duty military check out the ITT office at the Monterey Language Institute-- you will save a few bucks on each ticket.)
xoxo -
Review from Lisa C.
Pleasant Hill, CA
12/2/2011
Who doesn't love the Monterey Bay Aquarium?
We were able to purchase slightly discounted tickets through my husband's employer, which lessened the blow.
I think most people arrive when the aquarium opens at 10, we arrived at 1130 and parking was a little tricky. The lots nearby can get expensive so we ended up driving out a bit, found street parking for free and walked back along the bay. Even saw some dolphins out in the bay along our walk!
We spent the entire day there. Ate lunch at their cafeteria and did some shopping in the gift shop. It's really magical to be there right before closing because the place is practically empty! We were able to get some beautiful photographs of us with no one else in them!
Their habitats are always so beautiful. I was sad that there was no sea-turtle in the main tank, but it's just an excuse to come back again soon. We watched the penguin feeding and our 9 year-old was captivated the entire time.
If you're going to watch a feeding, get there early. It gets packed!!! -
Review from Malia W.
12/17/2011 2 photos
Ive been here a few times throughout my life. Always love coming here. I had a few questions and asked a younger lady in a gift shop, named Audrey who was very helpful.
The exhibits were awesome. Too bad we went on a busy day. The Puffins and Penguins were my favorite. I also like the hands on areas. The sting-rays swam far away from the public, but it was cool touching the starfish.
I hope to come back soon! -
Review from Kevin M.
Monterey, CA
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
What can you say, this aquarium is famous and there's a good reason. It's huge, the exhibits are amazing, and it seems like every employee you bump into can tell you tons about anything you'd like to know.
Love the jellies, sea horses, and penguins.
If you live nearby, get a membership because you're going to want to go back. -
Review from Yuki M.
Updated - 11/30/2011 12 photos
Rode in for Thanksgiving weekend and walked around for a couple hours to stretch our legs.
This place is big and CROWDED. I would have a better time here if everyone just buggered off.
$30 per person? Man, that's a bit steep but I understand it's for research so it's okay.
It's not the best aquarium I've been to but it's a nice one none the less. I enjoy the large tank with the Sunfish and turtle and stuff but it's more spectacle than anything else.
I just can't give this place five stars because it's just too crowded. The occupancy control is poor and most of the people here bring their children and let then run around as if it were a McDonalds or something. Poor.
I love aquariums so I'll probably return again and again, but the ticket prices are not what I would call "worthwhile" and if not for the Sunfish, I probably wouldn't come at all.Listed in: Ride
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7/30/2011
1125 reviews? What else can I add to what's already been said probably several hundreds of times… Read more »
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Review from Jackie C.
East Bay, CA
1/1/2012
I have the best memories of this aquarium!
To start off, Monterey is just beautiful! It is fairly easy to get to the aquarium and I think it's well worth the price of admission to see everything that they have to offer.
I remember coming here for school field trips and family outings. Most recently, I went with some friends to share the wonder. :) I can't say enough about the staff! They were great when we brought my mom, whom was wheelchair bound. It was one of the last trips we took with her and it couldn't have been more memorable. They escorted us in past the line and throughout the day, helped us to make sure that she had the best experience. She was able to get her mind off the pain for an entire day, which was a miracle! It didn't end there, several months later, I went with my friends again and still had a great experience. There's so much to see and do there, that you can just barely fit it into a whole day.
I recommend getting a membership because you'll probably end up wanting to go again and it's good for a whole year. You save a lot and you'll support the aquarium. It's tax deductible too!
Food inside the place is super expensive. You cold bring your own meals or walk further away from the aquarium to get cheaper food. The restaurants on the same strip of street tend to be pricey too. There are fast food places and markets near the freeway going towards the aquarium too.
Be sure to wear your comfy shoes and layers because it gets cold FAST there! There is a mall across the street if you end up needing to buy another layer or something else while you are there.
It can be a little difficult getting around if you have someone that is in a wheelchair but it is doable. We were still able to see everything. They have wheelchairs there as well but I think it's first come, first serve, so you have to get there early if you need one.
Very family friendly but be warned, it is a massive place and on weekends, there tends to be huge crowds. Make sure to designate a meeting point and maybe tie the little ones to you in some way.
Anyway, 10 stars if I could give it! :D LOVE this place!!! -
Review from Tedd F.
San Jose, CA
11/23/2011
The counter staff at the entrance was not too friendly and seemed like either a.) they were cooler than my wife and I. or b.) had better things to do than explain anything well. We WERE going to buy a membership but the guy seemed like he would rather not explain the different options and just pointed to an LCD screen and said "read". We almost did not even buy the tickets...but whatev...get a new job if this one is so annoying. They wonder why membership is down? This is why.
We wandered in to the main areas and a man pleasantly told us about the live music in the main area by the awesome otters.... we then started to have a good time and interact with the pleasant staff member around the area. We dig aquariums and we has a blast here.
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