Nestled in Monterey, California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a captivating world-class destination, housed in a former fish cannery. It seamlessly blends into the beauty of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 

It expands across 3.3 acres and a 320,000-square-foot facility and presents you with a unique blend of history, interactive exhibits, and conservation lessons, all against the stunning backdrop of Monterey Bay.  

All in all, it’s a spectacular place with a whole lot of interesting things to explore and enjoy. And for those traveling with families, it’s a treasure trove of experiences that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. 

However, if it’s your first time visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, there are certain things that you should be wary of. Concerning this, here are some tips to guide you through your visit.

Tips to Help You On Your First Visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium

1. Kick Start Your Day at Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle

Monterey Bay Aquarium will take a long day to explore, hence make sure you start with some good food to keep yourself energized throughout. 

Talking of the food, you can find many pick-and-stop food outlets in the area. I went for this amazing Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle that’s not just a place to eat; it’s an experience.

The restaurant’s laid-back vibe and welcoming staff make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. If you also plan to visit here, make sure to try their signature dishes like the crab cake eggs Benedict, a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. The cinnamon-soaked French toast, topped with fresh strawberries and chocolate chips, is a sweet treat that will energize you for the day ahead. 

2. A Scenic Walk to the Aquarium

As per my personal experience, I’d suggest you to park your vehicle at the wharf and walk to the Aquarium (if feasible). This will help you get a sneak peek into sea life and if you’re lucky enough, you might even get a chance to see many different sea creatures like sea lions, otters, and more. 

Besides this, as you walk along, the route will also take you through the parks and beaches. Herein, you’ll come across many informational markers that’ll help you learn about the history of the area. And you will also walk past Cannery Row which was once home to busy sardine factories but now has been transformed into a shopping and food district.

3. Beat the Crowds : Arrive Early and Stay Late 

The Monterey Aquarium entertains almost 1.8 million visitors every year, yes you heard that right – 1.8 MILLION! This means that no matter what time of the day you visit here, you’ll always find a good crowd. 

One good idea to beat the crowd is to reach the aquarium around the opening hours. 

Arriving early will not only help you beat the crowds but also give you more time to explore the aquarium. Start with the exhibits that are most important to you, such as the touch tank area, where you can interact with marine life up close. By arriving early, you can make the most of your visit and avoid the busiest times of the day. 

4. Pace Yourself : A World of Marine Marvels 

This might surprise you, but there are almost 200 galleries and exhibits at the Monterey Aquarium. It offers a vast and immersive experience, with something new to discover around every corner. So make sure to take your time to explore the exhibits and don’t feel pressured to see everything in one go. 

The best way to go about this is to start with the exhibits that interest you the most and then explore the rest at your own pace, as you like it. I’d suggest you not miss Kelp Forest and The Open Sea as these are the two must-see exhibits that best showcase the beauty and diversity of marine life in Monterey Bay.

5. Stay Informed with Aquarium Texts

While you’re in the aquarium, choose to receive text alerts that’ll keep you updated on all the special events and feeding times, to make sure you don’t miss out on any exciting opportunities. Besides this, upon your arrival, you’ll also get an information sheet listing down the feeding hours. This usually takes place at any one exhibit every 30 minutes. You can use this information to avoid areas where the crowd is gathering all together. 

6. Explore the Surrounding delights

The area around the Monterey Bay Aquarium is packed with many beautiful parks, quaint shops, and eateries to stop by and enjoy a quiet and peaceful time. Herein, one stop that you must not miss is the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. 

Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a vibrant and bustling area, with plenty to see and do. Herein, be prepared to get bombarded with numerous restaurants offering you to try their version of the ‘best clam chowder’, a regional specialty that’s actually worth trying. The viewing area at the end of the wharf offers stunning views allowing you to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bay. It is a great spot to relax and take in the scenery. Keep an eye out for otters and sea lions, which are often spotted playing in the water. 

Other than this, you can also walk a mile to the northwest to reach Lovers Point Park and Beach. Here you might come across sea lions basking in the sun on the beaches along the way to Lovers Point.  

7. Capture the Magic : Take Your Time

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is sure to leave you in awe every time you witness any sea creature or visit any of the exhibits. What caught my attention here the most were the shiny silver anchovies. They were moving through as one unit and were so intriguing to watch that I could’ve spent an entire day watching them. 

Along with this, I was also mesmerized by the Seven gill and Leopard sharks swimming past me. And last but not the least was the Jellies. They seemed to be floating like exotic, breathing flowers fixed right before your eyes. All of it was such a delight to watch and experience.

Takeaway

Monterey Bay Aquarium is a place where wonder and education come together, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and groups. By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit and create many cherished memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags and get on an amazing journey through the wonders of the sea at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Also Read : 10 Must-Visit Places in the USA in 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

Q. How much time do you need at Monterey Bay Aquarium?

A. You’ll need at least 3-4 hours to explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium. However, note that the Aquarium also offers guide tours, animal encounters and feedings, and different shows. Hence if you want to experience all of this, then you may need extra hours.

Q. What is the best day of the week to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium?

A. If you don’t want to deal with heavy crowds, Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days of the week to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium. Try to visit between 2 pm to 6 pm to make the best of your visit. 

Q. What do you wear to Monterey Bay Aquarium?

A. You can wear whatever you want, just make sure it’s appropriate enough for a family environment. Attires exposing excessive portions of skin or featuring offensive language or graphics will be considered inappropriate. Also, note that shoes with wheels may not be allowed on the Aquarium campus. 

Q. Can I bring a water bottle to the Monterey Bay Aquarium?

A. Yes, you can bring reusable water bottles inside the Monterey Bay Aquarium and refill them as and when required from the refill stations available at the Aquarium.  

Q. Can I bring food to the Monterey Bay Aquarium?

A. No, you’re not allowed to bring any outside food or drink inside the Aquarium. However, guests with medical conditions requiring access to food are permitted. 

Q. How long is whale watching in Monterey?

A. The morning whale watching slots are 4 hours long while the afternoon trips extend up to 3 to 3.5 hours.

Q. What time of year are whales in Monterey?

A. The best time to see whales in Monterey Bay is from March through November. However, the peak sightings are generally witnessed during July and August (but this can vary as every season is different). 

Q. How much does it cost to go whale watching in Monterey?

A. It costs you $65 per person (for adults) and $40 per person (for children). One interesting thing to know here is that you are guaranteed a whale or dolphin sighting or your next trip is given FREE!

Q. How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Monterey Bay?

A. The distance between San Franciso and Monterey Bay Aquarium is around 120 miles. So it takes about 2 hours (for one way) to reach Monterey Bay. 

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