Monterey Bay Aquarium

Fantastic experience: By far my favorite aquarium I’ve visited! It was super cool to see all the aquatic animals up close then be able to walk outside and look out to the ocean where they live. This aquarium was unique in the fact that they use the ocean to filter the natural sea water into all the tanks.

Fantastic experience: Always a great time, food court needs major improvement but the actual aquarium is amazing.

Fantastic experience: It was very busy, a lot of people. I always enjoy my time there. We were able to catch an educational chat at the bat rays. The kids always love the touch pools. My favorite is the deep sea. It's so peaceful, even when there are hundreds of people.

Fantastic experience: For sure the best aquarium in the world. The entire Monterey Bay is a wildlife sanctuary so the experience isn't contained to the aquarium itself but the entire region. Super amazing touch tank and incredible fish and life everywhere. Plan ahead it can be busy especially on hot holidays. Wheelchair access but I think its first come first serve on the provided chairs. Gift ship and the usual stuff you'd expect plus you might learn a thing or two about sea life.

Fantastic experience: The line is long but moves super fast. Line was 400-500 people long when we were there, total of 30 minutes spent in the line. But tickets ahead of time.

Fantastic experience: It's crowded but the absolute best aquarium my family has personally ever been to.

Fantastic experience: We love the aquarium the drive out for use is beautiful and when we get there the weather is always amazing. Then we get into the aquarium itself and the first thing you can see pretty much is the otters and the view of the ocean. It is just amazing.

Positive experience: I enjoyed this aquarium. Saw most everything in about 3 hours. I toured without kids so YMMV. It was still pretty crowded given it was a weekday. And it was a chilly day for late June. A bit steep at $65 to enter and public lot parking at $40 but a *clearly* improved experience from my initial visit in 2018. Go. You’ll like it!

Fantastic experience: Busier than I expected, but beautiful exhibits! The facilities we clean and the layout was great. The activities for the young ones were age appropriately designed.

Fantastic experience: I'm giving it a 5 star because of the animals and the good things that they do, BUT soooo many people. It was very crowded. We bought a tour in advance. That saved the day. Vig was a great Volunteer guide.

Positive experience: It is very nice aquarium with tremendous varieties But extremely costly 65$ s per adult

Fantastic experience: Reserve tickets and plan a 3 to 5 hour visit. Dress in layers for inside and outside exhibits. There was street parking within a 2 block radius on a Tuesday. Lots of activities for toddlers and kids. Really a great day out!

Fantastic experience: Just awesome. This place is a great place for visiting with friends or family, but especially your kiddos. SNAP benefits can get you and 3 other people in for free, just check in at the ticket counter. There is lots of interaction with animals and knowledgeable staff. Areas are clearly marked to make navigating the aquarium easy. ADA accessibility for everything. There is even a theater where a short film and presenter thrust knowledge upon you. It held the attention of my 5 year old, so in my opinion, that makes it a great film and presentation. Food, clothing, gifts, etc are available all around the aquarium. You can pay to snorkel with a trained instructor in the ocean, just outside the back of the aquarium. 10/10 loves this place.

Positive experience: It was a fun day. Busy for a holiday weekend. Get tickets ahead of time. It opens at 10am and the line to get in starts at 9am at least on the weekends so plan ahead. Lots to do for all ages and the view of the water is amazing. You can exit and re-enter so since there’s a lot to do in the area. You can go back and forth.

Fantastic experience: Lots to see! Great for all ages. Food and gift shops in several locations. Elevator available. Play areas for littles. Biggest complaint - there should be more handicap parking available at the Cannery level. Hills are steep from parking areas. Dangerous for elderly and physically challenged.

Fantastic experience: Spent around 3 hours here. Great cafeteria with reasonably priced snacks and meals and the outdoor viewing area of the protected bay was neat! Saw wild sea otters and lots of birds in addition to the animals inside.

Fantastic experience: The Monterey Bay Aquarium truly lives up to the hype. Yes, it was very crowded during my visit—but once you're inside and surrounded by the stunning exhibits, it’s easy to see why. From the mesmerizing jellyfish to the playful sea otters, every corner offers something magical. The Open Sea exhibit felt like being transported into another world, and the vibrant marine life displays are incredibly well-curated and informative. Despite the bustle, the staff kept things running smoothly and were always friendly and helpful. If you're a fan of ocean life or just want to experience something unforgettable, this place is worth every minute. Pro tip: go early or later in the day for a bit more breathing room!

Positive experience: I've been to aquariums all around the country and this one was on my bucket list! The exhibits were beautiful and I loved the outdoor spaces and viewing decks. Being able to see wildlife along with the animals in the exhibits was wonderful and I spent a good amount of time spotting otters in the bay with my toddler. I took off two stars for two reasons: 1. The prices are very steep. For $65/adult, I was expecting more. Both my husband and I commented to each other after the final exhibit that we thought there would be more, which brings me to... 2. Some of the exhibits are very small or things aren't functioning properly. We did have a toddler with us and she loved the children's area, but several things were just not working and clearly hadn't been maintained recently. And while some exhibits featured incredible tanks and viewing areas, many were very small (like... shockingly small). We love aquariums, and I admire the work that the Monterey Bay Aquarium is doing and I hope that they can continue. That being said, we would not go out of our way to revisit this aquarium again in the future.

Fantastic experience: It has been a while since I last visited the aquarium. It is a world class aquarium. The exhibits were great. It was busy but still enjoyable. The sea otter and penguin feedings were fun and informative. My daughter and niece really loved the octopus and the touch pools.

Negative experience: Disappointing and overhyped - not worth the money. Monterey Bay Aquarium is extremely overrated. First of all, there’s no dedicated parking lot - be ready to spend an extra $40 just to park far away and then walk back. For the high admission price, there’s surprisingly little to see. It’s a tiny aquarium compared to what you’d expect for the cost. Some exhibits look neglected - the penguins in particular looked miserable and half-dead. To the aquarium’s management: have you ever seen the Dubai Aquarium? It’s on a completely different level. Monterey Bay Aquarium needs serious improvement if it wants to justify its reputation and ticket prices.

Fantastic experience: Arrived at 11 am on Saturday morning. Free MST trolley all summer, so we parked in Lot 21. Aquarium wasn't packed. Waited under 10 mins to get in. Only Cal-fresh EBT cards will get you in for free. Not the Medi-cal or Sun Bucks. FYI.

Fantastic experience: The Monterey Bay Aquarium blew us away! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff who clearly love what they do. Their passion made every exhibit even more engaging and educational. The exhibits themselves are incredible—beautifully designed, interactive, and full of amazing sea life. The kelp forest and jellyfish displays are especially mesmerizing, and the ocean views from the decks are just as stunning as what’s inside. This is an unforgettable experience for all ages, and you leave with a deeper appreciation for marine life and conservation. A must-visit if you’re anywhere near Monterey!

Positive experience: Fun aquarium. You can tell a lot of love and work was put in. There are a variety of exhibits and they really inspire the wonder and curiosity of God’s creation in the sea. A bit steep on price but worth a visit, at least once.

Fantastic experience: It was crowded on a Sunday. My favorite part was the jellyfish. So cool.

Positive experience: My baby was so intrigued by all the fishes and aquatic life! Would definitely bring young children here, so many different fishes to see and learn about. Very educational, very mesmerizing, very cutesy, very demure. The only con about this place are the bathroom, half the stalls have stuff in it and it's hard to flush. Also you can't reenter the aquarium if you didn't get a reentry stamp, but the lady working there was nice enough to let us through because I stepped out for a bit and came back without a stamp. Now I will remember for next time!

Fantastic experience: Well this is the place to take the kids. Our kids were under 4 so they were both free. We got there right before opening and we walked right in. We went to the Deep ocean first and then the jelly fish room I called. So much for the kids to see, big enough to where I didn't feel crowded. The snack bar and cafe was really good, just pricey so be aware of that. It adds up fast but they had a ton of food. Good options for kids but a wide variety for adults too. Alcohol sold there as well. They had scuba lessons for you to sign up if you wanted to go in. The touch pools were good for the kids. I think my kids will appreciate it when they are older. The gift shops were great, a TON of stuffed animals of all types for the kids to choose. Good hat and shirt options too. Don't forget to walk down Canery Row after. Good beach right down the way!

Fantastic experience: We always have a wonderful time at the aquarium. Well maintained, well cared for animals, spacious tanks, short educational shows in the small theater, animal feedings, multiple play areas and interactive exhibits for younger kids, and so many beautiful ocean and coastal animals to learn about and admire. Always happy to support the aquarium!

Fantastic experience: A fantastic aquarium thay highlights the Monterey Bay area. It had lots of interactive areas for families and kids.

Fantastic experience: Love the aquarium! So much to see and do, especially for our little one. Food is expensive, but they allow you to go in and out with a hand stamp.

Fantastic experience: Amazing staff! My son has Autism and they wanted to know if we needed a place so he could breathe and calm down. Very clean and beautiful. Make sure to bring a wagon if ur taking kiddos or bags. Oh, we even brought lunch.

Fantastic experience: For it being a busy Saturday, the line moved quickly, and it didn't feel like we were busting at the seams once inside. This was my 4 year old nephews first time, and it was so magical seeing things through his eyes. He made me feel like a kid again, and he was so enamored with everything around him that it made it that much better. Monterey is such a beautiful place that it's hard to pass up going if you're given an opportunity.

Fantastic experience: Monterey Bay Aquarium – A Fascinating but Thought-Provoking Experience I’m not usually an aquarium person, but we were invited to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and I’m glad we went. It definitely lives up to the hype in terms of variety—some species discovered by the researchers were so new to the world that they didn’t even have names yet! One of the most unique parts of the experience was getting to gently touch some of these marine creatures, which made the visit even more interactive and memorable. The aquarium highlights its commitment to marine life preservation and research, which is impressive. The research they’re doing sounds amazing, and they say it’s all to help protect marine life. But I have to say, I feel a little conflicted—it’s hard not to wonder about the impact of these rare or unnamed creatures out of the ocean, even if it’s for a good cause. Plan to spend about 4–5 hours there, and keep in mind that there is not parking onsite be prepared to pay parking that can cost anywhere from $10 to $40, depending on where you find a spot. Also, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, but you can bring an empty water bottle to refill at designated stations. Overall, I do recommend the visit—especially for families or anyone interested in marine life. Just be prepared for some inner debate about the balance between education and conservation.

Fantastic experience: Love how preserved cannery row history and observation decks into the ocean. Crowded weekend, but able to see everything. Educators friendly and passionate

Fantastic experience: Always have the greatest experiences here! Fun for the entire family. Wildlife up close is NEVER A BORE! We arrived early and watched the live instructors and feedings. Always a must see while we're in town. Takes roughly 2 hours to stop and see everything! Maybe 3 if you loop back around to your favorite exhibits.

Fantastic experience: Such a beautiful aquarium! We loved our time spent here, would totally come back and visit! It’s so magical! Worth visiting!

Positive experience: Had an absolute blast with my family! I loved seeing all the cool fish and other sea life! Only things I would love to see as an adult that may make the adult experience a little better is if they maybe had a 2 hour block period where it’s 18+? I don’t know if they do something like this or not but as cute as the children are it can be challenging walking around when they’re running around in front of you. Also maybe some fans or something because it did get a bit warm in there, other than that it was an amazing time!

Fantastic experience: Good selection of exhibits. The Aquarium is deceptively larger on the inside due to the multiple floors. The interactive shows that happen regularly are done very well. Above all, who can ignore the adorable otters!

Fantastic experience: One of my favorite aquariums in California! Definitely can get very busy so highly recommend getting your tickets beforehand. Also recommend seeing in the off-season if possible to minimize crowds.

Fantastic experience: Outstanding aquarium! Interactive, engaging, and full of excellent educational information about the creatures there, environmental conservation, and how you as an individual can contribute to sustainable wildlife practices. Of course the otters are adorable, and the jellyfish are mesmerising, but the octupuses (octopi?) stole the show! There's usually a queue out front, so it's certainly worth booking ahead of time. If you're a local, it's a good idea to get a pass, but if you're just visiting it's probably not worth it. It's suitable for all ages and all family sizes -- or even just as an individual! With the gorgeous bay as a backdrop, it's pretty special to visit.

Positive experience: For the price- I expected a bit more but still a beautiful aquarium nonetheless. We particularly enjoyed seeing the jellyfish! Lots of hands on activities, especially for kids. Comfy, relaxing, and clean zone for nursing mothers. Stroller friendly, but with a second floor and lots of stairs, I would recommend bringing a carrier for kiddos that cannot walk yet.

Positive experience: We went right as it opened, and the lines were up and down the road. It was difficult to see the exhibits due to the crowds. I highly recommend finding the off-season or times with fewer people. We would have loved to spend more time there and see everything in more detail. However, the crowds were to much and to loud.

Fantastic experience: Buy your tickets ahead of time!! And make sure if you go to wear good walking shoes and take some snacks. We went during a very busy weekend and waited about 40 minutes just to get in. The dark exhibits are alittle difficult especially based on how many kids are there so just be mindful. Really enjoyed the jellyfish exhibits.

Fantastic experience: Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a captivating and serene experience with its stunning sea views and vibrant marine life displays. The atmosphere is calm yet exciting, perfect for visitors of all ages. Walking through the exhibits, you’ll encounter a wide variety of fish, sharks, jellyfish, and other marine creatures, each beautifully showcased in immersive habitats. The layout is thoughtfully designed, making it easy to explore and learn about ocean conservation. The overall vibe is inspiring and educational, with friendly staff and engaging exhibits. Whether you're a nature lover or simply seeking a relaxing day by the sea, Monterey Bay Aquarium provides an unforgettable, immersive underwater adventure.

Fantastic experience: Set aside at least three hours. There is so much to see and explore. If possible, visit on a weekday. We went on a Sunday and it was quite crowded.

Fantastic experience: This place is Amazing!! It is absolutely beautiful. It is so neat and clean. The exhibits are very impressive. The vibrant colors of some are awe-inspiring. There is definitely plenty to see and do. All of the children that I observed seemed to be really enjoying themselves. I definitely will be back!

Fantastic experience: This is a fun and beautiful place to take your family and friends, beach nearby and so much store around for you to enjoy after you finish touring the aquarium. The food there is delicious and there is so much to choose from. Also much to do.

Fantastic experience: This place is incredible and such amazing experience. Please come whenever you can. The facility is so open and lovely and bright and every employee is super knowledgeable and friendly. If you are disabled, it is incredibly great and no area is inaccessible even slightly and many areas have great accommodations including the otter elevator and the personal tray they have at the second floor touch tanks if you are in a wheelchair or on the shorter side. This place is worth every penny

Positive experience: Pretty cool exhibits. Only on otter when we came and had aquatic animals that are seen at most exhibits. Some of the games didn't work in the children's area. Could easily spend 3-5 hours here.

Fantastic experience: If you don’t go here when you’re in the area, what are you even doing?? The tickets are a little pricey, but it’s 100% worth it. You can tell that the people working there really love what they’re doing, and there are a bunch of cool exhibits. Definitely visit the jellyfish area, the otters and the penguins. Also, go to at least one of the feedings. They’re really fun and educational.

Fantastic experience: This place is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! I LOVE AQUARIUMS AND THIS MET MY EXPECTATIONS and more! The open ocean exhibit was astonishing and there was so many jellies!!!! The views outside are beautiful!!! I came around Friday at noon, didn't struggle to find street parking. Bought our tickets in advance online same day. Pricy, but I feel like I got my money's worth. Loved it, will definitely make a trip back.

Fantastic experience: Very fun day spent with the family. Lots of interactivity and even more amazing sights to see. Highly recommend!

Positive experience: I went with my family during Memorial Day Weekend to the aquarium. When we first arrived, the line to enter the building was VERY long. I figured we'd be standing there for a couple of hours. Surprisingly, the line moved quite fast, and we were inside within 30 minutes. The layout of the aquarium seemed reasonable. Outside observation decks on both levels and a third floor deck for photos. All the animals appeared to be well-cared for and there were no signs of any in distress. Elevators were convenient for those who cannot walk up stairs. The major issue my family and I all agreed on was the cafe. Now we expected it was going to be a little pricey. But $25 for chicken tenders and fries? $35 for a burger? Add to that the tables and chairs were all sticky and covered with food. No cafe staff were cleaning anything. Otherwise, the visit was enjoyable. However, the entire cafe experience definitely needs to be improved, which is why I gave this review 3/5 stars.

Fantastic experience: Great aquarium. My family and I have been coming here for years. It's a bit pricey but they do a good job. Parking nearby can be hard to find but not impossible. If possible I would highly recommend coming on a weekday. The place gets packed on weekends.

Fantastic experience: Been coming here for decades and always like it. If in the general area, this is a MUST SEE national treasure worthy of the time and money. It is quite amazing the skill and resources that go into keeping all that marine life in their habitats. The displays and the feeding shows are impressive. Expect the full spectrum from jelly fish to sharks passing through sea otters and a giant octopus. The kelp forest and deep sea exhibits are both worth looking at twice, once away from feeding time. The layout is very kid friendly. Some more could be done to keep the tall people from blocking the view for smaller and older folk. Don't miss any part of it except the cafeteria. The cafeteria and its prices are to be skipped. The constant drumbeat to donate is not as heavy handed as the environmental lectures and both seem to be done in a counterproductive way. This is a place with a lot of knowledgeable people working at it. They have a lot to say, but don't seem to think that any staff has anything to learn from the visitors. So you'll get great docents, but it is not usually a conversation.

Fantastic experience: This was my first time at the aquarium and even at 21 years old I found it absolutely fascinating. Definitely recommend for tourists like me that are in the area. The lines are pretty long so plan accordingly, and you can only purchase tickets online so keep that in mind. Parking is very hard to find but there is a parking garage a block or so away which costs $20 flat rate. There are many small shops and restaurants around too!

Fantastic experience: Very expensive with huge lines! I mean, the line was absolutely massive. Although the aquarium itself was beautiful. A little sad there weren't many freshwater fish though..

Positive experience: Always fun to visit! Detailed exhibits, animals that will intrigue and captivate, and informative shows in the auditorium - what's not to like? The only complaint is the cafe is pretty overpriced.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful aquarium, with several interesting and informative touch tanks and exhibits throughout! We had a great time, we spent about 3 hours going through the exhibits - if you plan to have lunch at the cafe or watch an auditorium film you could certainly spend the whole day.

Fantastic experience: The Monterey bay aquarium is easily the best aquarium in California. I love their conservation efforts and encouragement of bettering the environment through stopping the usage of single-user plastic waste as well as identifying that a major of the trash in the ocean comes from seafood. Another thing that I really enjoy is the splash zone. It's an excellent way to stimulate the minds of children through exploration of waters currents and the creatures that live in it. One of my family's favorite things to do while we're here is enjoy the creatures that are available to touch. This allows us to connect with our neighbors in the ocean by sharing physical contact. Lastly, I don't recommend eating here. There are excellent food options very close by that are more cost-effective and better tasting.

Fantastic experience: Our family loved our time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium! Best aquarium we’ve visited. We went on a Friday and it didn’t seem too busy. We easily found free parking less than a 1/4 mile away and walked the paved path to the aquarium. The walk was quiet and serene and we saw harbor seals along the way which just enhanced our experience. The walk was quick, even with 3 kids in tow (no stroller).

Fantastic experience: Beautiful aquarium. Lots to see. Interactive kids areas. Fun for the whole family.

Fantastic experience: Spectacular and make sure you check out every part as the aquarium will amaze you.

Fantastic experience: So it was my daughter’s 13th birthday today. So my beautiful wife and I brought our birthday girl and her bestie. We arrived when they opened. Had pre ordered our tickets. So we bypassed the line and went right in. This is the way to do it. Because we were a party of six. Went in and went to the visitors center and got a birthday button for a girl. Then started on our way through the aquarium. So many animals to see learn about and even pet. From open ocean to deep ocean. There are even penguins and other beach birds. We loved seeing the bat rays, manta rays, and hammerhead shark swimming around with the tunas. My daughter loved the sea otters. There is some really amazing art pieces made from trash pull out of the ocean. The aquarium is very clean. The bathrooms are clean and easy access. There is a cafe. And places to get snacks around the aquarium. And there are a few gift shops.

Fantastic experience: SUCH a good aquarium, I think about it often and want to visit again someday! It was beautiful in every area, especially the kelp. Loved seeing all of the diverse sea life. Even just the view outside was beautiful. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: This is the best aquarium I've been to, so much to see,so much for kids to do with touch tanks, interactive exhibits, even an aviary where they rehabilitate injured birds. The food options are good, if a little pricey, and there are great gift shops. The outdoor areas offer views of the bay, with many seabirds, sea otters and sea lions. If you're really lucky you might even spot a whale (sadly I did not). We spent 4 hours there and would highly recommend a visit The kelp forest exhibit is amazing and the jellyfish are wonderful. It is worth the entrance fee.

Fantastic experience: I been to the aquarium a few times. Avoid summer all together there is usually long lines and it can get very crowded inside. Fridays can be busy. The times I have visited on a Tuesday or Monday morning have been the best in terms of the amount of people specially if you are taking a little one. They have a cafeteria if you want to buy lunch there. There are several elevators making it friendly for wheelchairs. It’s always amazing to look at all the different ocean animals. It’s always beautiful.

Fantastic experience: Such a fun experience for our family. Clean establishment. Lots of things to look at and learn. Love that they had little play areas for our 4 yr old to reset. Food was good, over priced as expected. The feeding times were cool, just get to them 30 mins before they start so you can get a good view. We will be back for another visit :)

Positive experience: Aquarium is set up very nicely. Everything looks great and well taken care of. Buying tickets was easy and getting in. Wasn’t an amazing experience because of the amount of people in the aquarium. It made it less enjoyable because you couldn’t really view the exhibits. Definitely recommend going during an off season and not on a weekend. We could only visit on a Saturday due to that being the day it hit on our road trip. The price is a lot too, not sure if it’s worth the cost if you attend on a day with so many other visitors.

Fantastic experience: LOOOVE this place!! Grew up coming here. We brought our EBT card and got in for free! We took our daughter for the first time and she was in awe. It was very kid friendly and we didn't feel weird or pressured when she got upset or was noisy. Crew there is FANTASTIC!! Can't wait to come back again. All the animals and fish look so happy!

Fantastic experience: The aquarium was a blast! I got to see so many sea creatures. That you'd normally never see in the ocean. The jellyfish were marvelous. I am surprised that there were no sea horses. Will the aquarium introduce sea horses?

Fantastic experience: It’s really nice place for visit with family and friends. Kids really love this place Parking fees in this area 40 to 60 USD , Entry ticket 65 USD ticket each adult Lots of Restaurants Turkish Grand Bazaar shop is amazing Seafood variety Cute downtown area

Fantastic experience: Its been a very long time since i had a visit to the Aquarium. So much has changed, and so much more to experience. We arrived early and was promptly admitted right @10 no lines. Touring a place like this with 4 kids turned out to be just fine, people for the most part were nice and courteous. We spent 6 hours in the facility before we even looked at the time. My favorite part was the hammerhead shark, I had never seen one previously. The Aquarium was very clean, had everything you could want, and was equipped with a staff who cared. We will be back!

Fantastic experience: Very nice aquarium. Great place to observe sea otters both in and around the aquarium. Definitely recommend trying to plan your visit earlier on weekdays when it's less busy. Weekends are often very crowded with children and strollers. Buying tickets in advance allows you to skip most of the entry line.

Fantastic experience: Took our son here for the first time on Tuesday and there was no wait to enter the aquarium. We did purchase our tickets in advance but there was also no wait if you needed to purchase tickets at the door. We were immediately greeted upon entering the aquarium with an employee holding some baby jellyfish in a container that had just been hatched a few days prior. This truly sparked my son's curiosity and made him even more excited to see more sea life. We were saddened to see none of the sea otters on display but we were able to see some on the outdoor viewing patio swimming in the ocean. It wasn't the same experience but we were still happy to see some. The aquarium has three areas with touch pools which was exciting for myself and my son. We were able to touch sea urchins, different types of seaweed, crabs, abalone and rays. This was such a cool experience. The aquarium has a nice cafe but we did not eat there. There are restrooms located throughout the aquarium and on all three levels. There are stairs, elevators and escalators on every floor as well. There is no onsite parking available at the aquarium. There is metered street parking throughout cannery row for a maximum of four hours. There are also parking garages throughout the area but be aware that they change the rates throughout the day. When we arrived, parking was $40/day and when we left, it was $20 for eight hours which we did not qualify for since we came during the $40/day price. Total rip off but good for others to know. Overall we had a great experience and it was great for our son to experience as well.

Fantastic experience: Small wait for us to enter due to us not having tickets before our arrival. This place is awesome. The experience was great for our children!!! Getting to learn about the fish of the sea we can look out and see what great for the entire family!!

Fantastic experience: I love this place so much. It’s expensive but worth it. I loved coming here as a kid and it felt so special to visit home and take my son there to experience the same wonder that I did at his age. Hearing the wows and ooos from him was the best! Bring a reusable bottle for water and save up for the gift store. The staff and care takers are very friendly and the bathrooms are clean. There are many snack options and a cafe. If you have littles I would get there first thing when it opens and on a week day.

Fantastic experience: Just wow! This place is truely magical. Not only is it clean and well attended to, but the animals seem genuinely happy. The staff is so kind, accommodating, and helpful. I've been here so many times and I will keep on going back. They keep it interesting as well as have the most AMAZING food. Definitely on the pricey side but so worth it!

Fantastic experience: Always a fun time visiting Monterey. Spend a good 3 hours here. There were less people this year than last year (at least a certain spots of the aquarium but it was nice). Next time I’ll try to go when most kids are in school rather than on break

Fantastic experience: We just walked straight in and only had maybe 3 hours before they closed, but we still got to see a lot. I enjoyed the small theater room where they show an educational video, and theres an actual speaker with a degree in marine biology or ocean life that was fun. A lot to see, and they have a kid corner where they can actually interact with small marine life. Overall, fun and enjoyable, plus the ppl who work their are helpful and extremely knowledgeable even though the volunteers were so kind.

Fantastic experience: This place has lots of things to see. One of my favorite things was the gigantic octopus they have. You can see wildlife outside of the aquarium as well which is pretty cool. My kids we entertained by the waterfall simulation as well. Food is a bit overpriced. Paid $10 for a cookie. Overall we really enjoyed this place and the view is amazing with the aquarium located just off the coast. There is a parking garage close by and there is a flat rate fee. There are also lots of eating places around the aquarium.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful exhibits, especially of the local ecology and deep sea, and nice to see conservation promoted in the talks. We particularly liked the fish guides recommending what fish to eat or avoid until stocks improve.

Fantastic experience: Amazing aquarium! Lots of great exhibits - sea otters are my favorite, also touch pools, aviary, kelp forest and octopus! It is super busy on weekends and school breaks, plan accordingly.

Fantastic experience: Amazing aquarium right on the water!! The jellyfish and the deep sea exhibit were my favorites.

Fantastic experience: Amazing aquarium! The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. They have good procedures in place so that during feedings everyone can see.

Fantastic experience: So many cool things to see and do here sea life related!! Damn the jellyfish were my favorite part because they couldn’t sting me ! The sharks r cool, the fish just everything about this place is gas ! This place is BUSSIN ! Must do attraction if ur in the area !

Positive experience: Awesome! Kinda expensive for a family but lots of fun. If you go when it's busy it isn't worth it. We went last year (on a saturday) and weren't able to see anything due to all the crowds. We went there today (A tuesday) right at 10am and it was much better

Fantastic experience: One of the best aquariums! The Deep Sea exhibit is phenomenal. They also have a ton of jellyfish and a few octopi which is not very common in other aquariums. Incredible.

Positive experience: Kids love this place! We had so much fun there seeing all blue underwater world!

Fantastic experience: I really enjoyed this aquarium. The only things that I want to give a heads up to first time visitors to the aquarium are these: There tends to be a bit of a wait to get inside and purchase your tickets. The lines do move at a steady pace and many exhibits have large crowds that can make viewing and moving through some areas can get a little challenging. Be prepared for fairly limited parking anywhere near the aquarium. You will probably have a quarter to almost half mile walk from where you park to the aquarium entrance. If you arrive before they open their doors in the morning will give you the best chance for a close parking spot. Parking is on the streets I don't think they have a parking lot. The city streets all have parking meters also.

Fantastic experience: One of our favorite places to visit every time we are in Monterey! Absolutely incredible aquarium, generally we spend 5-6 hours.

Positive experience: Always an amazing place to visit, although on the expensive side. I recommend purchasing your tickets beforehand so you don't have to wait long in line, especially on busy days. The exhibits were great, lots to see and learn about. The cafe is quite expensive, and eat in only. Plan on packing a water bottle with you if you'll be there a while.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic place to bring children or even adults. They have different sections to look up from surface, right under the water and even deep ocean. The must see is the deep ocean. It's dark and they illuminate some of the aquarium tanks to make some of the organisms stand out more. The food in the cafe also taste great as well. Price is a bit high but they go out of their way to make the food delicious. Figured all the money earned goes back into the aquarium so I don't feel bad spending here and enjoying all the exhibit

Fantastic experience: A one of a kind experience! Best Aquarium we have ever been to in one of the most beautiful areas in California.

Fantastic experience: Awesome Sunday afternoon experience with Family . Would recommend going for annual family membership worth $295 even if you plan visiting twice . The place deserves more than just a day trip

Fantastic experience: Great aquarium with care of the animals, you can see the complex ocean ecological many animals also can touch some seaweed and animals.

Fantastic experience: The first aquarium I ever visited quickly became my favorite, and to this day, each return feels just as magical as the first. Over the years, I’ve brought many family members here, and every time, they understand why it holds such a special place in my heart. More than just a tourist attraction, this aquarium is deeply committed to marine conservation, and its globally recognized efforts have made a lasting impact on ocean health and wildlife protection. One of the aquarium’s greatest strengths is its wide range of engaging exhibits. From vibrant coral reefs to mysterious deep-sea creatures, each display is designed to educate and inspire awe. Several interactive areas let visitors get hands-on with marine life—touching stingrays, sea stars, and other species in supervised settings—making the experience both fun and memorable for guests of all ages. The staff and volunteers are passionate and knowledgeable, always ready to share fascinating facts and stories about the animals and their habitats. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, this aquarium offers a unique and meaningful encounter with the wonders of the sea, reinforcing the importance of preserving our planet’s oceans for future generations.

Fantastic experience: 4 free entries with ID and EBT card! The aquarium was beautiful but it was way too crowded to enjoy it! We made the best of it and saw what we could I would recommend getting there early or not going on the weekend. Parking is ridiculously expensive the cheapest we found was $40!

Fantastic experience: A really cool experience, there's a lot of cool fish to see and there's some that you can actually touch yourself. There's also a lot of birds and other cool things to see there

Fantastic experience: Always a fantastic place to visit. The staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly. Lots of things to see and exhibitions are well presented.

Fantastic experience: The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers an unforgettable experience, blending captivating marine exhibits with scenic oceanfront views. Highlights of my visit included capturing mesmerizing videos of playful sea otters, a serene kelp forest feeding, and vibrant schools of fish gliding gracefully through their habitats. The café provided a delightful culinary break with Ma’s meatloaf, a hearty and flavorful dish that complemented the day perfectly. Whether marveling at the aquatic creatures or enjoying a meal overlooking the bay, the aquarium delivers a unique mix of education, conservation, and enjoyment.