Current admission prices at Monterey Bay Aquarium
General admission to Monterey Bay Aquarium costs $50 for adults, $40 for seniors (ages 65+), $35 for children (ages 3–12), and children under 3 enter free. These are the standard walk-in prices as of 2024. Prices vary slightly by season — peak summer months (June through August) and holiday weeks sometimes charge a few dollars more, while winter rates may be lower.
The aquarium does not charge separate fees for parking or for moving between exhibits once you are inside. You pay one price and stay as long as you want during operating hours, which are typically 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, though hours shift seasonally and may close earlier in winter.
If you plan to visit more than once in a year, membership costs between $150 and $200 depending on the tier and includes unlimited visits, guest passes, and discounts at the gift shop and café. A single membership pays for itself in three to four visits.
Key Takeaways
- Adult admission is $50; seniors pay $40, children ages 3–12 pay $35, and children under 3 are free.
- Prices are higher during peak summer and holiday weeks by a few dollars, and lower during winter months.
- Parking is included in your admission price and is not charged separately.
- Annual membership between $150 and $200 covers unlimited visits and typically pays for itself in three to four trips.
- The aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours vary by season.
Discounts and ways to reduce the ticket price
The aquarium offers discounts for groups of 15 or more people, which can lower the per-person cost by $5 to $10. You must book group visits in advance through their website or by phone. School groups and nonprofit organizations may receive additional discounts if they contact the education department directly.
Some California residents may have access to for discounted admission through reciprocal membership programs with other aquariums and science museums. If you hold a membership at another major aquarium or museum in California, ask at the ticket counter whether your card grants a discount at Monterey Bay.
Residents of Monterey County sometimes find discounted tickets through local libraries or community centers, though availability changes. Check your local library's website or call ahead to see whether they offer discounted admission vouchers.
What is included in your admission
Your ticket gives you access to all permanent exhibits, which include the kelp forest tank, sea otter habitat, jellyfish galleries, and deep-sea creatures. You can spend as much time as you want in each area and revisit exhibits. The aquarium does not limit how long you stay or how many times you walk through a gallery.
Admission does not include special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, or the sea otter feeding demonstrations, which cost extra and must be booked separately. These add-on experiences typically range from $15 to $50 per person on top of general admission.
The aquarium's café and gift shop are open to ticket holders, but food and merchandise are not included — you pay separately for meals, snacks, and souvenirs. Bringing your own food and drinks is not permitted inside the building.
Parking and transportation costs
Parking at Monterey Bay Aquarium is free and included with your admission. The lot holds several hundred vehicles and rarely fills completely except on the busiest summer weekends. If the main lot is full, overflow parking is available nearby at no additional charge.
If you are traveling by public transit, Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus lines serve the aquarium. A single bus fare is around $2.50, and a day pass costs roughly $8, depending on the route. The aquarium is located on Cannery Row in Monterey, and several bus lines stop within walking distance.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the Monterey area. Costs vary by time of day and demand but typically run $15 to $30 from downtown Monterey or nearby towns. Parking for ride-share drop-off is available at the aquarium entrance.
Planning your visit to fit your budget
A full visit to the aquarium typically takes three to four hours if you move at a moderate pace and read the exhibit information. If you are on a tight budget, plan for a shorter visit of one to two hours, focusing on the most popular exhibits like the kelp forest and sea otters. You will still see the main attractions without feeling rushed.
Bring snacks and water from home if you plan to stay longer than two hours, since café prices are high — a sandwich costs $15 to $18 and a bottle of water costs $4 to $5. Eating before or after your visit is more economical than buying food inside.
If you live within a few hours of Monterey, visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend can feel less crowded and may allow you to move through exhibits more quickly. Weekday visits also mean you can plan a shorter trip and still see everything without feeling pressured.
Comparing Monterey Bay Aquarium to other California aquariums
Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most expensive aquariums in California. The Birch Aquarium in San Diego charges $30 for adults, and the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco charges $32 for adults. Monterey Bay's $50 adult price reflects its larger size, more exhibits, and reputation as one of the top aquariums in the country.
Smaller regional aquariums in California charge $15 to $25 for general admission. However, Monterey Bay Aquarium draws more visitors because of its location on the Pacific coast, its focus on local marine life, and the breadth of its collection. The higher price reflects what you get: more exhibits, more time to spend, and more variety in what you see.
If you are visiting California and want to see multiple aquariums, buying memberships at two or three facilities can be cheaper than paying individual admission to each one. Many memberships include reciprocal benefits at other aquariums, so check before buying a single-visit ticket.
Special events and seasonal pricing
Monterey Bay Aquarium occasionally hosts evening events, member-only previews, and special exhibits that charge admission above the standard rate. These events are announced on the aquarium's website and typically cost $20 to $40 extra. They are optional and not necessary to see the main collection.
Holiday weeks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and spring break) charge peak-season prices, which are $5 to $10 higher than regular admission. Summer months from June through August also charge higher rates. If you want to visit at the lowest price, plan for a weekday visit in January, February, or September through November.
The aquarium sometimes offers discounted admission on specific days or through promotional partnerships with local businesses. Check their website or call ahead to ask whether any discounts are running during your planned visit dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children under 3 really get in free?
Yes. Children under 3 do not need a ticket and enter at no charge. You will need to show proof of age at the ticket counter, such as a birth certificate or ID. This applies to all children under the third birthday, regardless of when during the year they turn 3.
Can I buy tickets online and save money?
Buying tickets online through the aquarium's website does not reduce the price — online and walk-up tickets cost the same. However, buying online in advance lets you skip the ticket line and enter directly, which saves time on busy days. Some third-party ticket resellers claim to offer discounts, but the aquarium does not officially partner with them.
What if I want to visit multiple times — is membership worth it?
If you plan to visit twice in a year, membership breaks even. If you visit three or more times, membership saves you money compared to paying admission each time. Members also get discounts on food and gift shop purchases, which adds to the savings. A family membership covers two adults and up to four children for unlimited visits.
Is there a cheaper time of year to visit?
Winter months (January, February, and September through November) charge the lowest admission prices. Weekday visits are cheaper than weekends during peak season. Visiting on a rainy weekday in February will cost less and be less crowded than a sunny Saturday in July.
Can I bring my own food and drinks inside?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium building. You can eat in the parking lot or at nearby restaurants on Cannery Row before or after your visit. The aquarium's café is the only place to buy food inside, and prices are higher than typical restaurant prices.