Visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium – An Honest Review with Pros and Cons

Probably the biggest family attraction in this part of California is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This marine life sanctuary is world famous for having the most diverse species of sea animals and birds. They’ve gone above and beyond to create a fun and interactive learning environment for people of all ages. If you’ve watched the second Nemo film Finding Dory by Pixar, a big part of the movie is supposed to take place at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. So your kids may already be familiar with this spot!

Our family just visited the aquarium in August 2024, and I have a few pointers for new families planning to add the Monterey Bay Aquarium to their vacation itinerary. I have highlighted both the pros and cons from our experience, so that you can decide if it’s worth a visit for yourself.

The Best Exhibits and Guest Favorites at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium is renowned for its innovative, immersive exhibits that celebrate the beauty and complexity of ocean life. Guests leave with unforgettable memories (especially the kids!), not only because of the mesmerizing visuals but also due to the aquarium’s dedication to education and conservation. Here’s a closer look at some of its standout exhibits and guest favorites:

The Kelp Forest Exhibit

Arguably the aquarium’s crown jewel, the Kelp Forest exhibit offers visitors a glimpse into one of nature’s most dynamic underwater environments. This towering, multi-story tank replicates the swaying, vibrant kelp forests found in Monterey Bay. Along its “branches,” a variety of species—ranging from small, colorful fish to larger invertebrates—thrive in a habitat that mirrors their natural ecosystem. The interplay of light and movement creates a serene, almost magical atmosphere that captivates guests of all ages.

The Sea Otter Experience

Sea otters are probably the most favorite residents at the aquarium. Their playful antics, from floating on their backs to cracking open shellfish, draw a lot of attention from guests. You can stand behind a big glass wall and see the otters up close!

Beyond being crowd-pleasers, these charismatic mammals serve as ambassadors for conservation efforts, helping visitors understand the challenges faced by marine wildlife and the importance of protecting their natural habitats.

The Enchanting Jellyfish Exhibit

The jellyfish exhibit offers an underwater whimsical experience for visitors. Under carefully controlled lighting, the graceful movements of various jellyfish species create an ethereal display that feels almost otherworldly. This exhibit not only highlights the delicate beauty of these ancient creatures but also educates guests on the crucial roles jellyfish play in the marine ecosystem.

The Open Sea Exhibit

To convey the vastness and mystery of the ocean, the Open Sea exhibit features a colossal tank teeming with life. Here, visitors witness schools of fish moving in synchrony and catch glimpses of larger aquatic species that inhabit the open waters. The scale and design of this exhibit emphasize the boundless nature of the sea, encouraging guests to reflect on the ocean’s vastness and the intricate networks of life it supports.

Interactive Touch Pools

For hands-on learning and exploration, the interactive touch pools are a another favorite, especially among families and young explorers. These shallow pools let visitors gently interact with tide pool inhabitants—such as starfish, sea urchins, and anemones—providing a tactile experience that deepens their connection to marine life. The touch pools serve as a playful yet educational platform, fostering a sense of wonder and stewardship toward the ocean’s delicate ecosystems.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Ticket Prices Are Very Expensive

It’s been a few years since I had been to this aquarium and I will admit that the ticket prices gave us some sticker shock. For each adult it was $65, a child $50. Lucky our youngest son is 3.5 years and kids under 4-years-old are free. Our total price for the family (one grandparent included) was nearly $300. That’s really expensive for a half-day family outing. 

I looked everywhere online and I couldn’t find any kind of discounts for tickets. We even called the aquarium to ask and they said discounts are very rare and not at set times. For the most part, everyday has the same ticket price, so there’s no “cheap days or times.”

Are the Expensive Tickets Worth the Monterey Bay Aquarium Experience?

The answer to this question depends on your own children’s interests. My kids were very excited to see the marine animals and they would’ve been very disappointed if we decided against going. If your kids (or the adults) aren’t terribly hyped about seeing the aquarium, then you can probably skip it and save your money.

Peak Times Means More Crowds

Despite the high admission prices, the aquarium can get crowded during peak days and hours. This surge in visitors often leads to crowded spaces, with popular displays like the Kelp Forest and Sea Otter habitats drawing larger groups that can extend waiting times and sometimes detract from the tranquil experience.

For a more relaxed experience, planning your visit during off-peak weekdays and early or later hours might allow you to fully appreciate the aquarium’s immersive offerings without the interruption of large crowds.

How Long Does It Take to See the Entire Monterey Bay Aquarium?

When planning out your day, I would allot around 4 hours to spend at the aquarium. There’s two large floors with several exhibits on each floor. The kids also really tend to love the interactive play stations, and they can spend longer periods of time playing in those areas.

Paying for Parking for the Monterey Bay Aquarium

With how expensive the aquarium tickets are, you would hope that it includes parking. But sadly it doesn’t. In Cannery Row there’s paid street parking, paid parking lot and paid parking garages. There’s absolutely no free parking available. We ended paying $20 to park for the whole day in a paid parking lot. 

Bringing In Outside Food to the Monterey Bay Aquarium

One way to cut down on the cost in the aquarium is by bringing your own drinks, snacks or lunches with you. They do have a security check when you come in where they check your bags, but they did not take away our snacks and water bottles. You could pack sandwiches and picnic-style lunches if you really wanted to. They do have a large cafeteria onsite if you wanted to spend the money and eat the hot prepared meals.

Brining Strollers and Wagons

We brought along our large wagon that seats two kids. We use it to pull along the kids, and also to store our diaper bag and snack bag. We were allowed to bring it in without any issues. We saw other parents with wagons and strollers. Some areas of the aquarium don’t have ramps, so you would have to leave your stroller unattended for a short period of time while you check out an exhibit.

Things To Do Near the Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located in the heart of the Cannery Row district. This is a heavily populated tourist area with shopping, dinning and attractions. Along the Cannery Row boardwalk you can find scenic views of the bay and many historical references to local hero John Steinbeck.

After the aquarium you can take a stroll through the Cannery Row streets and grab a bite to eat. We went to Bubba Gumps after the aquarium because they have a hearty kids meal for a reasonable price ($11 for a small pizza, French fries, cookies and a lemonade drink). 

In Conclusion

In conclusion, visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a uniquely immersive experience that balances wonder and education. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to captivate and inform—showcasing the beauty of marine life and underscoring the importance of conservation.

While the engaging displays and interactive touch pools are major pros, aspects such as peak-time crowds and higher admission costs serve as notable cons. Overall, the aquarium remains a rewarding destination for families, marine enthusiasts, and curious minds alike, delivering an honest blend of inspiration and thoughtful insight into our ocean’s diverse ecosystem.