Current admission prices at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
General admission to the Monterey Bay Aquarium costs $50 for adults, $40 for seniors (age 65+), $35 for children (ages 3–12), and children under 3 are free. These are the standard walk-up prices as of 2024. The aquarium is located in Monterey, California, on the coast south of San Francisco.
Prices can shift seasonally and occasionally increase, so checking the official Monterey Bay Aquarium website before your visit is the safest way to confirm current rates. The aquarium sometimes runs promotions or discounts for California residents, military personnel, or members of reciprocal aquarium networks.
Parking at the aquarium lot costs $12 per vehicle for the day. Street parking is also available in the surrounding area, though it fills quickly during peak hours and weekends.
Key Takeaways
- Adult admission is $50, seniors $40, and children ages 3–12 are $35; children under 3 enter free.
- Parking at the aquarium lot is $12 per day, and street parking is available but limited during busy times.
- Prices may vary seasonally or by promotion, so verify rates on the official website before you go.
- Annual memberships start around $150 and pay for themselves after three or four visits if you plan to return.
- The aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours may extend during summer months.
Annual membership versus single-visit admission
If you plan to visit more than once a year, an annual membership often costs less than paying admission each time. Membership starts around $150 for an individual and includes unlimited visits, discounts at the gift shop and café, and sometimes reciprocal entry to other aquariums and zoos across the country.
A family membership (two adults and up to four children) runs higher but covers everyone on a single pass. The math is straightforward: if you visit three times in a year, the membership pays for itself. Many members visit more frequently once they have unlimited access.
Members also receive advance notice of special exhibits and events, and some memberships include guest passes you can give to friends or family.
What is included in your admission
Your ticket gives you access to all permanent exhibits and galleries, which include the kelp forest, sea otters, jellyfish, deep-sea creatures, and interactive touch pools. The aquarium does not charge extra to see any of these areas once you are inside.
Special temporary exhibits sometimes rotate through the aquarium and are included in general admission. These change throughout the year and focus on topics like ocean conservation, specific marine species, or research happening at the aquarium's own labs.
Admission does not include food, beverages, or items from the gift shop. The aquarium has a café and restaurant on-site where you can buy lunch or snacks, and prices are typical for a tourist attraction.
Discounts and reduced-price options
California residents sometimes receive a discount on admission—usually $5 to $10 off—if they show a valid California ID at the ticket window. The aquarium also honors military discounts for active-duty and retired service members with valid military ID.
Some employers and credit unions offer discounted Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets through their benefits programs. If your workplace has a benefits portal or your bank is a member of a credit union network, check there first before buying at full price.
The aquarium occasionally runs promotions during slower seasons or for specific groups. Calling the ticket line or checking their website is the best way to learn about current offers.
Planning your visit and timing
The aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during most of the year, though hours extend to 8 p.m. during summer months (typically June through August). Arriving early in the day or on weekdays means shorter lines and less crowding in the galleries.
Plan to spend at least three to four hours inside to see the major exhibits without rushing. The kelp forest and sea otter galleries draw the most visitors, so those areas are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Monterey Bay weather is cool year-round, even in summer, so bring a light jacket. The aquarium itself is climate-controlled, but you will walk along the waterfront to reach the entrance.
Getting to the Monterey Bay Aquarium
The aquarium sits at 886 Cannery Row in Monterey, California. If you are driving, it is about two hours south of San Francisco and roughly 90 minutes north of San Luis Obispo. Highway 1 runs directly to Monterey.
Public transit options are limited. Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) runs local bus routes, and some regional services connect to larger cities, but a car is the most practical way to reach the aquarium. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area.
Parking at the aquarium lot is $12 per day. If the lot is full, street parking is available on nearby roads, though it can be hard to find during peak season (summer and weekends).
What to bring and what to know before you go
Bring comfortable walking shoes—the aquarium is spread across multiple levels and galleries, and you will be on your feet for hours. A camera or phone is useful if you want to photograph the exhibits, though flash photography is not permitted in most areas.
The aquarium can be crowded, especially on weekends and during school holidays. If you are sensitive to crowds or prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday morning or during the off-season (fall and winter).
Strollers are allowed, and the aquarium has elevators and accessible routes throughout. Service animals are welcome. If you have questions about accessibility or special needs, call ahead to speak with guest services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food into the Monterey Bay Aquarium?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the aquarium. The facility has a café and restaurant on-site where you can purchase meals and snacks. You can eat in the outdoor plaza area near the entrance if you bring your own food.
Is there a discount if I buy tickets online in advance?
Prices are typically the same whether you buy online or at the gate. Buying online in advance can save time by letting you skip the ticket line, but the admission cost itself does not change. Check the official website to see if any current promotions explore.
How long does it take to see everything at the aquarium?
Most visitors spend three to four hours seeing the major exhibits. If you move slowly through each gallery or spend extra time at the touch pools and interactive areas, you could easily spend five to six hours. There is no time limit on your visit once you enter.
Do I need to book my visit in advance, or can I just show up?
You can buy tickets at the gate on the day of your visit, but during peak times (summer weekends, school holidays) lines can be long. Buying tickets online before you arrive lets you skip the line and guarantees entry, which is helpful if the aquarium reaches capacity.
Are there any free days or times to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium?
The aquarium does not offer free admission days. However, some local residents and members of reciprocal museum networks may have discounted or free entry through their memberships. Check with your employer, bank, or local library to see if they offer aquarium discounts.