Why the
Monterey Aquarium
is special

Of all the world's major aquariums, this one is the most successful at being simultaneously very educational and interesting.

This institution in Monterey, California is large, and so are many of its exhibits. It does a fine job recreating natural habitats, as opposed to using standard fish tank style presentations normally used in public aquariums.

Monterey Aquarium
tips & insights

Must-sees

There are two dozen significant indoor and outdoor exhibits, habitats and galleries. The most popular include:

Kelp Forest
This glass-fronted three-story affair has a multitude of fish swimming around towering kelp (see photo). If possible, be there at feeding time when divers hand-feed the denizens.

Outer Bay
It boasts the world's largest Plexiglas viewing window, allowing you to see up close a slew of large-fish species in a single glance.

Sea Otters
Observe energetic, fun-loving sea otters as they dash about in and out of the water.

Tidal Pool
It teems with natural inhabitants including crabs, anemones and sea stars.

Ocean's Edge
See a giant octopus and walk through a special wave-crash tunnel.

Non-permanent presentations can also be stimulating.

Building complex

It is a former fish-processing factory located in the historic Cannery Row.

Family favorite

A visit will please both adults and children. There are exciting touch-the-sea-life opportunities.

Visitor count

The Monterey Aquarium attracts over two million visitors per year.

American cuisine