The Monterey Bay Aquarium is open on Memorial Day with regular hours
The Monterey Bay Aquarium operates on Memorial Day with no schedule changes. The facility opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Pacific Time. You should plan your visit as you would on any other day during the spring season, though you can expect the aquarium to be busier than usual because it is a federal holiday and many people have the day off work.
Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May each year. The aquarium's standard operating hours explore, so there is no special early closing or extended evening access on this holiday. All exhibits remain open and fully staffed.
Key Takeaways
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. on Memorial Day with no schedule changes from regular hours.
- Expect larger crowds on Memorial Day because it is a federal holiday when schools are closed and many adults are not working.
- Tickets are the same price as any other day, and you can purchase them online in advance to skip the ticket line.
- Arriving by 10 a.m. when the aquarium opens or after 4 p.m. will give you a quieter experience than midday visits.
- All exhibits are fully open on Memorial Day, including the sea otter tank, jellyfish galleries, and all other permanent displays.
Why the aquarium is busier on Memorial Day
Memorial Day is one of the busiest days at the Monterey Bay Aquarium because schools are closed and many adults have the day off work. Families plan outings, and the aquarium is a popular destination for visitors to the Monterey Peninsula. The parking lots and exhibit areas fill up faster than on a typical weekday, and you may wait longer at ticket windows and popular viewing areas.
If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting on the day before or the day after Memorial Day may be a better choice. Weekday visits in general tend to draw fewer people than holiday weekends. However, if Memorial Day is your only option, arriving at opening time or in the late afternoon will help you avoid the peak crowd hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Buying tickets before you arrive
You can purchase admission tickets online through the aquarium's website before you visit. Buying in advance has two advantages: you lock in your entry time and avoid waiting in the ticket line on a crowded day. Online tickets are the same price as tickets bought at the gate, so there is no premium for advance purchase.
The aquarium also offers membership options if you plan to visit more than once or twice a year. Members receive free admission and skip the ticket line entirely, which is especially useful on busy holiday weekends. Membership can pay for itself quickly if you visit multiple times during the year.
Parking and arrival tips for Memorial Day
The aquarium's parking lot fills quickly on Memorial Day. Arrive by 9:45 a.m. if you want a spot in the main lot. Street parking is available in nearby areas but may require a short walk. The aquarium is located at 886 Cannery Row in Monterey, California, and the address is useful for GPS navigation.
If the main lot is full, the aquarium directs overflow parking to nearby facilities. Allow extra time for parking and walking to the entrance on this busy day. Public transportation is also an option if you are coming from elsewhere in the Monterey area, and it can be faster than driving and parking on a holiday.
What to expect inside on a holiday
The exhibits themselves remain the same on Memorial Day, but the pathways and viewing areas are more crowded. Popular exhibits like the sea otter tank and jellyfish galleries draw the most people. If you want to spend time at a particular exhibit without jostling, plan to visit it either early in your trip or later in the afternoon when some visitors have left.
The aquarium's restaurants and cafés also experience longer waits on holidays. Bringing snacks or eating before or after your visit can save time. Water fountains are available throughout the facility, and you can refill reusable water bottles at no cost.
Planning your visit length
Most visitors spend two to three hours at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. On Memorial Day, you may want to add 30 minutes to account for crowded exhibits and longer waits at popular spots. If you have a membership or arrive very early, you can move through more quickly and see more in the same amount of time.
The aquarium does not have a time limit on your visit once you are inside. You can stay as long as you like, so there is no pressure to rush through the exhibits. Some visitors spend four or five hours exploring every detail, while others prefer a shorter, focused visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Memorial Day?
You do not need to buy in advance, but it is recommended. Advance purchase lets you choose your entry time and skip the ticket line, which saves time on a busy day. Tickets are the same price whether you buy online or at the gate.
What time should I arrive to avoid the biggest crowds?
Arriving by 10 a.m. when the aquarium opens or after 4 p.m. will give you a quieter experience. The heaviest crowds are typically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on holiday weekends.
Are there any exhibits closed on Memorial Day?
No, all exhibits are open on Memorial Day. The aquarium operates with its full schedule and all areas are accessible to visitors.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted in the aquarium. You can eat at the on-site restaurants or cafés, or eat before or after your visit at nearby restaurants on Cannery Row.
Is there a discount for visiting on Memorial Day?
No, admission prices are the same on Memorial Day as any other day. Discounts are available for members, seniors, military personnel, and children, but these explore year-round regardless of the date.