Take a Trip Under The Sea at Monterey Bay Aquarium

We loved spending our day at this underwater adventure, we probably spent at least 3 hours exploring and learning all about everything, We felt like kids in a candy store. It wasn’t too busy, even with a few schools on field trips. Our overall experience was delightful and it would be worth going again.

A 40 year old world class marine educational center and aquarium for the whole family, young and old to visit. Can easily spend all day here. Only can buy tickets online before visiting or in front of the building using a QR code to enter. You cannot purchase tickets in person. The Open Sea (1.2 million gallon exhibit), The Kelp Forest, African Penguins, and Jelly Fish are must see exhibits. Definitely make the time to watch the free feeding times and live narration videos in the auditorium. Have the kids learn and touch the hands on exhibits provided by the MBA volunteers. Great gift shops to bring back meaningful souvenirs home. Visit during the weekdays during the school year if you want to avoid the crowds. You can easily take a break and walk outside at the back of the building to enjoy the picturesque views of the Monterey Bay. If you are willing and able to park in Pacific Grove (past the aquarium), 10 min, flat walking path with views of the Monterey coastline, parking is free all day. Restrooms are perfect for kids and babies (changing tables and kid-friendly height level sinks). Can easily get your hand stamped for “in and out” access (take a break to eat outside of the aquarium or not).

So while this was one of the best aquariums I have ever been to I am still in shock at the price of admission. I found myself paying almost $300 to admit me and my young son. I came from out of town and my wife suggested we go for his birthday. I arrived midafternoon ignorant of the astronomical cost. I had already promised him we would go so I was committed. Since I was otherwise going to spend $100 for only a few hours of experience on my son’s birthday since we arrived later in the afternoon I opted to become a member…I don’t even live here! It was more of a sunk cost fallacy since I figured I could come back and try to get my money’s worth the few days I will be here for my visit and have my wife join me. While my son had a blast, a lot of the exhibits were broken and it is chaotic with children which works for kids but would detracts if I came alone as an adult or with my wife. They could really strive to have their hypnotic and well designed jellyfish displays and sea kelp walls accessible for quiet observation with a segregated quiet zones. It would actually make a $300 annual membership worthwhile if one was able to come and read and relax in that environment akin to how many spend time at Starbucks. Alas, the aquarium is cool and well designed but like much in Monterey it is just prohibitively expensive for middle class accessibility. Minus one star for cost alone.

This is one of the best aquariums that I have visited on the West Coast. It was huge and we ended up spending 4-5 hours here. The feeding session of Otters was the most fun. They also had newly discovered species of jellyfish in an exhibit. The Octopus at the facility had laid eggs and it was cool to see the same.

World class aquarium! So beautiful, well maintained, very nice layout. Went on Easter Sunday and it was not too busy! My son loved all the “fishies”. I highly recommend if you’re in the area. We were here for about an hour and half but you could really spend a whole afternoon, maybe longer, walking around and exploring everything . Such a wonderful showcase of the beauty of life in our planets oceans.