Where is Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Monterey Bay Aquarium is located in Monterey, California, USA. It lies between Santa Cruz and Carmel-by-the-Sea and is situated along the Monterey Bay coast. It is famous for its marine life exhibits, ocean conservation programs, and giant kelp forest tank.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Location Map, Monterey, California

Top Attractions Inside Monterey Bay Aquarium

  • Kelp Forest Exhibit – Towering kelp forest habitat with diverse fish, invertebrates, and interactive displays.
  • Open Sea Exhibit – Large tank featuring sharks, tuna, rays, and other pelagic species.
  • Sea Otters – Viewing area showcasing playful sea otters in a naturalistic environment.
  • Jellyfish Exhibit – Illuminated tanks highlighting various jellyfish species and their movements.
  • Touch Pools – Hands-on experience with tide pool creatures like starfish, urchins, and crabs.
  • Penguin Exhibit – Humboldt penguins in a recreated coastal habitat, perfect for observation and photography.
  • Special Exhibits & Programs – Rotating exhibits and educational presentations on marine conservation and research.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Facts

Official NameMonterey Bay Aquarium
LocationMonterey, Monterey County, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude36.6189° N, 121.9016° W (approx.)
Total Area~322,000 sq ft (29,900 m²)
OpenedOctober 20, 1984
FounderMonterey Bay Aquarium Foundation (marine scientists & local community leaders)
Managed ByMonterey Bay Aquarium
RegionCentral Coast California / Monterey Peninsula
Address886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
Zip Code93940
Area Code831
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptMarine Life Conservation, Education, Ocean Exploration, Interactive Exhibits
Sections (Areas)Sea Otter Exhibit - Kelp Forest - Open Sea - Splash Zone - Jellies Experience - Monterey Bay Habitats
Famous AttractionsGiant Kelp Forest Exhibit - Sea Otters - Penguins - Open Sea Tank (Sharks & Tuna) - Touch Pools - Jellies
Annual VisitorsApprox. 2 million
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission Required
Ticket Price RangeAdults: ~$50; Children (3–12): ~$30; Seniors / Students: ~$40
Ticket OptionsGeneral Admission - Membership Passes - Guided Tours - Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
Best Time to VisitMarch–October (mild weather and peak marine exhibits)
Nearby AirportMonterey Regional Airport (MRY) – ~4 miles (6 km); San Jose International Airport (SJC) – ~75 miles (121 km)
TransportationCar access - Parking lots & nearby street parking - Public buses (Monterey-Salinas Transit) - Walking / Bicycle paths
Official Websitehttps://www.montereybayaquarium.org

Distances from Monterey Bay Aquarium to Nearby Landmarks

  • Old Fisherman’s Wharf – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
  • Pacific House Museum – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Custom House Plaza – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Colton Hall Museum – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
  • San Carlos Beach – 0.4 km (0.25 mi)
  • Monterey State Historic Park – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
  • Cannery Row – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Monterey Conference Center – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
  • Fremont Theatre – 0.7 km (0.4 mi)
  • Monterey Plaza Hotel – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
  • Presidio of Monterey – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Point Pinos Lighthouse – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Asilomar State Beach – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
  • Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Lovers Point Park – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Monterey Bay Coastal Trail – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)