Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey, CA
An aquarium on Cannery Row built around the marine life of Monterey Bay, with a tall kelp forest tank and a tide pool gallery. Arrive near opening time on weekends, as the halls fill up by midday.
The aquarium opened on October 20, 1984, on the site of a former sardine cannery on Cannery Row. Covering about 322,000 square feet (roughly 30,000 m²), it shows about 35,000 animals from more than 550 species, according to Wikipedia, and draws close to two million visitors a year. The Kelp Forest tank is 28 feet (about 8.5 m) tall and 65 feet (about 20 m) long. A wave machine creates surge, so the giant kelp here grows around 4 inches (10 cm) a day on average.
Sea otters are among the favorites; by 2017 the aquarium had rehabilitated more than 800 orphaned or injured otters. Allow several hours for a visit. Because the galleries can get crowded, it is best to arrive at opening time, especially on weekends.
- Nearest town
- Monterey, CA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 36.6182, -121.9018
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Veteran's Memorial Park CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Monterey Fairgrounds RV ParkMotorhome stopover3 mi from Monterey Bay AquariumMotorhomes
- Montery Pines RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover3 mi from Monterey Bay Aquarium · 37 pitchesMotorhomes
- Marina Dunes RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Monterey Bay AquariumMotorhomes
- Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover21 mi from Monterey Bay AquariumTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Seacliff Center RV ParkMotorhome stopover25 mi from Monterey Bay AquariumMotorhomesWi-Fi
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Monterey Bay Aquarium?
Monterey Bay Aquarium is in Monterey, CA, at GPS 36.6182, -121.9018. It is about 5 mi from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Can you camp near Monterey Bay Aquarium?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Veteran's Memorial Park Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 55 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Monterey Bay Aquarium?
Places worth a stop nearby: Carmel-by-the-Sea (5 mi), Bixby Creek Bridge (17 mi), Natural Bridges State Beach (25 mi) and McWay Falls (34 mi).
When is the best time to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)