Summer Vibes at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Posted on the 11 August 2017 by Jamie Gall @50states50wines

Disclosure: I was invited out to Monterey Bay Aquarium for a day to see their new exhibits and to experience all they have to offer for summer fun!

There’s something about summer that has me always wanting to visit the Monterey Peninsula.  Something about being close to the water, exploring Cannery Row, and experiencing the Monterey Bay Aquarium that brings joy for me and so many others!

So, what’s new at the Aquarium?

This summer is the last chance to see Tentacles at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  It will be closing down at the end of the summer.

But be sure to check out their new exhibit: Viva Baja! Life on the edge.  An exhibit that focuses on Baja, California and the species that can be found there from desert tortoises, to tarantulas to garden eels and the beauty of the fish found in Baja waters.   There’s something for everyone in this exhibit.  The exhibit will be around for the next 2 years at the Aquarium.

Where you just may not know what you’ll run across:

Such as these Garden Eels, that have become a visitor’s favorite.. Your family will LOVE these guys…

And then, of course, you can experience some of your favorites such as the:

Seeing a feeding of the Sea Otters:

Or another crowd favorite: Watching The Open Sea feeding…. and waiting for those Sardines to make their sneaky and beautiful appearance: So hard to get a good photo!

You can have lunch right at the Aquarium where there offerings are pretty good. The cafe is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm where you can enjoy casual food that’s perfect for the whole family including brick-oven pizzas, made-to-order burgers, fresh-tossed salads and mouthwatering desserts.

The Restaurant is open from 11am to 3pm. Relax in their beautiful restaurant with spectacular ocean views. It’s the perfect spot to sip a glass of wine and savor inspired seasonal dishes with selections such as Pacific Rockfish Tacos and Smoked Pork Loin. Please note seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

or you can enjoy one of the restaurants along Cannery Row.  Your ticket to the aquarium lasts all day and you can have in and out privileges, as needed.  You just need to show you ticket upon re-entrance!

Aquarium Summer Hours: 9:30am to 6pm

Adult: 49.95

Child (3-12, under 3 free): 29.95

Student (13-17) or college ID: 39.95

Senior (Age 65+): 39.95