Parking at the Aquarium Itself

The Monterey Bay Aquarium operates its own parking garage on the grounds, located at 886 Cannery Row. This is the most direct option and puts you steps from the entrance. The garage is a multi-level structure with standard parking spaces, and it fills up quickly on weekends and during school holidays — arriving before 10 a.m. gives you the best chance of finding a spot.

Parking rates run about $15 per day for standard vehicles, though prices vary by season and may be higher during peak summer months. The garage accepts cash and credit cards at the pay stations. Once you pay, you can re-enter the garage as many times as you need during that calendar day, so if you leave for lunch and come back, you do not pay twice.

The garage has accessible spaces near the elevator for visitors with mobility needs. If the main garage is full, the Aquarium directs overflow traffic to a secondary lot a short walk away on the same property.

Key Takeaways

  • The Aquarium's own garage on Cannery Row is the closest parking option and costs around $15 per day.
  • Arriving before 10 a.m. significantly increases your chances of finding a space, especially on weekends.
  • Street parking along Cannery Row exists but is metered, limited, and often full during daytime hours.
  • The nearby Monterey Bay area has several paid lots and garages within a 5- to 10-minute walk if the Aquarium garage is full.
  • Accessible parking spaces are available in the main garage near the elevator entrance.

Street Parking on Cannery Row

Cannery Row itself has metered street parking along the waterfront, but spaces are scarce and turnover is fast. Meters typically run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and rates are usually $2 to $3 per hour. You will need quarters or a credit card at the pay stations, and enforcement is active.

Street parking works best if you are visiting for a short time or arriving very early in the morning. On weekends and holidays, do not count on finding a space — the Aquarium draws thousands of visitors daily, and locals also use Cannery Row for dining and shopping.

Paid Lots Near the Aquarium

Several private parking lots operate within a few blocks of the Aquarium. The Monterey Bay area has lots at the Cannery Row Marketplace and near the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center, both within a 5- to 10-minute walk. These lots typically charge $10 to $15 per day and often have more availability than the Aquarium garage on busy days.

The trade-off is the walk back to the Aquarium entrance, but if the main garage is full, these alternatives can save you time circling for a spot. Some lots offer validation if you make a purchase at nearby restaurants or shops, so ask before you pay.

Parking During Peak Season

Summer weekends, spring break, and school holidays bring the heaviest crowds. The Aquarium garage can be full by mid-morning on these days. If you are visiting during peak times, plan to arrive by 9 a.m., or consider visiting on a weekday if your schedule allows.

Another option during peak season is to use the Monterey Regional Airport parking lot or a lot farther from Cannery Row and walk, though this adds significant time to your trip. Some visitors also use ride-sharing services to avoid parking altogether, which can be practical if you are coming from nearby hotels or downtown Monterey.

Accessible and Handicap Parking

The Aquarium garage has dedicated accessible spaces on the ground level near the elevator, clearly marked and reserved for vehicles with valid disabled placards or license plates. These spaces are free or discounted depending on your permit type — confirm the current policy when you arrive.

If you need accessible parking and the main garage is full, the secondary overflow lot also has accessible spaces. Street parking on Cannery Row includes some accessible spaces as well, though availability is limited.

Tips for Parking Success

Bring cash or a credit card — most parking in the area is now cashless, but some older meters still accept coins. read the parking app for Monterey if you use street parking, as it lets you extend your meter time from your phone without returning to your car.

If you are staying at a hotel in Monterey, ask whether they offer parking validation at the Aquarium or nearby lots. Many hotels have partnerships that reduce your parking cost. Also, check the Aquarium's website before you visit — they sometimes post real-time updates about garage capacity during peak days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my car in the Aquarium garage overnight?

No, the garage closes at the end of the day and does not allow overnight parking. If you are staying in Monterey, use your hotel parking or a separate overnight lot in the downtown area.

Is there free parking anywhere near the Aquarium?

Free street parking exists on some residential streets a few blocks away from Cannery Row, but you will need to walk 15 to 20 minutes to reach the Aquarium. Check the posted signs carefully, as some streets have time limits or permit-only restrictions.

What if the Aquarium garage is completely full?

The secondary overflow lot on the property usually has space. If both are full, nearby private lots on Cannery Row or a short walk away typically have availability. You can also circle back in 30 minutes, as spaces open up as visitors leave.

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

The Aquarium has a brief drop-off zone near the entrance where you can leave a passenger for a few minutes without paying. If you need to stay longer, you will need to park in the garage or a nearby lot.

Are there EV charging stations in the parking garage?

The Aquarium garage has a limited number of electric vehicle charging stations. Call ahead at the Aquarium's main number to confirm availability and reserve a spot if needed, as they fill up quickly.