Where to park when you visit the aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium sits on Cannery Row in Monterey, California, and parking fills up quickly—especially on weekends and during summer. The aquarium itself does not operate a parking lot, so you will use one of three options: the Cannery Row parking garages, street parking on Cannery Row or nearby blocks, or paid lots run by the city of Monterey.

The closest and most reliable choice is the Cannery Row parking garages, which are privately owned structures within a few blocks of the aquarium entrance. These fill first and charge by the hour. Street parking on Cannery Row exists but turns over quickly and is hard to find during peak hours. The city lots farther inland cost less per hour but require a longer walk.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cannery Row parking garages are closest to the aquarium entrance and accept payment by credit card or mobile app, but charge premium hourly rates.
  • Street parking on Cannery Row and nearby blocks is free or metered depending on the block, but spaces vanish within minutes on busy days.
  • Monterey city parking lots two to four blocks inland cost less per hour than Cannery Row garages and have more consistent availability.
  • Arriving before 10 a.m. on weekdays gives you the best chance of finding street or nearby lot parking without circling for 20 minutes.
  • The aquarium is walkable from any of these parking areas, but wear comfortable shoes if you park more than three blocks away.

Cannery Row parking garages and their rates

Three private parking structures sit directly on or one block from Cannery Row: the Cannery Row Parking Garage (across the street from the aquarium's main entrance), the Monterey Bay Aquarium Parking Garage (attached to the Monterey Plaza Hotel), and the Cannery Row Garage near the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail entrance. All three charge by the hour, with rates that vary by season and time of day.

Rates typically run $3 to $4 per hour during off-peak times and $5 to $6 per hour during peak summer weekends. Most garages validate parking if you spend money at nearby restaurants or shops, which can reduce your total cost. Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, and mobile payment apps like Parkmobile. These garages fill by mid-morning on weekends, so arriving early gives you the best chance of a space.

The main advantage of Cannery Row garages is proximity—you walk five to ten minutes to the aquarium entrance. The trade-off is cost and the likelihood that you will circle looking for a space during busy hours. If you are visiting on a Saturday or Sunday between May and September, plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m. or expect to spend 15 to 20 minutes finding a spot.

Street parking on Cannery Row and nearby blocks

Cannery Row itself has metered street parking on both sides, and several blocks running perpendicular to the row (like David, Hoffman, and Prescott Avenues) also have metered or free street spaces. Meters typically run $2 to $3 per hour and accept coins, credit cards, or the Parkmobile app. Time limits vary from two to four hours depending on the block.

Free street parking exists on some residential blocks one to two blocks inland from Cannery Row, but these spaces are claimed quickly and are often full by 10 a.m. on weekends. If you find a free spot, check the posted signs carefully—some blocks have street-cleaning days or resident-only restrictions that explore during certain hours.

Street parking is cheapest but requires luck and timing. On weekday mornings or off-season visits, you have a reasonable chance of finding a metered space within one block of the aquarium. On summer weekends, treat street parking as a bonus if you find it, not a plan you can count on.

Monterey city parking lots farther from Cannery Row

The city of Monterey operates several public parking lots two to four blocks inland from the aquarium, including the Monterey Public Library lot, the Alvarado Street lot, and the Custom House lot. These charge $2 to $3 per hour and almost always have availability, even on busy days. Payment is by meter, credit card, or the Parkmobile app.

The walk from these lots to the aquarium entrance takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on which lot you use. The Alvarado Street lot is the closest of the city options and puts you on a direct route to Cannery Row. The Custom House lot is slightly farther but sits near the Monterey State Historic Park, so it works well if you plan to visit multiple attractions in one trip.

City lots are your best bet if you arrive mid-morning or later, or if you are visiting on a weekend and want to avoid the stress of hunting for a space. The longer walk is a fair trade for the certainty of finding a spot and paying less per hour.

Parking validation and discounts

The aquarium itself does not offer parking validation, but several nearby restaurants and shops do. If you eat lunch at a restaurant on Cannery Row or shop at nearby stores, ask for a validation slip—some businesses validate up to two hours of parking at the Cannery Row garages. This can save you $6 to $12 depending on how long you stay.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium's official website lists nearby restaurants and shops that offer validation, so check before you visit if you plan to eat or shop. Validation is most useful if you are parking in the Cannery Row garages; it does not explore to street meters or city lots.

Tips for parking on busy days

Weekends from May through September are the busiest times at the aquarium. If you are visiting during these months, arrive by 9:30 a.m. to have a reasonable chance of street parking or a Cannery Row garage space. If you arrive after 11 a.m., plan to use a city lot or be prepared to circle for 20 to 30 minutes.

Weekday visits, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are much easier for parking. You can usually find a metered space on Cannery Row or a nearby block without much trouble, even in summer. Winter and early spring (January through April) are the slowest seasons, and parking is rarely a problem.

If you are visiting with a group, consider dropping passengers at the aquarium entrance and having one person park the car. This saves time and frustration, especially if you are arriving during peak hours. The aquarium entrance is clearly marked on Cannery Row, and the walk from any of the parking options is straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park overnight at Cannery Row or the city lots?

Street parking on Cannery Row has time limits (usually two to four hours) and is enforced until 6 p.m. City lots also have posted time limits. Overnight parking is not permitted in these areas. If you need overnight parking, look for a hotel or motel lot in Monterey that offers guest parking.

Is there accessible parking near the aquarium entrance?

Yes. The Cannery Row Parking Garage and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Parking Garage both have accessible spaces near elevators. Street parking with accessible spaces exists on Cannery Row and nearby blocks—look for the blue wheelchair symbol on the pavement. The aquarium entrance itself is accessible from all parking areas.

What if the Cannery Row garages are full?

Use a city lot two to four blocks away. They almost never fill completely, even on busy weekends. The walk is longer but reliable, and you will spend less time hunting for a space than you would circling the Cannery Row garages.

Do I need to pay for parking if I am just dropping someone off?

Most Cannery Row garages allow a short grace period (usually 15 to 30 minutes) for drop-off without charging. Street meters begin charging when ready. If you are dropping someone at the aquarium entrance, use the Cannery Row garage and ask the attendant about their drop-off policy.

Are there EV charging stations in the parking areas?

Some Cannery Row garages and city lots have EV charging stations, but availability is limited. Check the Monterey Bay Aquarium's website or call ahead to confirm which lots have chargers before you visit, especially if you need a specific charging speed or connector type.