Monterey Bay Aquarium: Seafood Watch Program
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Seafood Watch Program things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Peaceful & very informative, but can be quite crowded in the summer & on weekends. We usually go for an hour after school on a weekday. Even if you're somewhat of a local, the membership is worth it (and tax deductible). The jellyfish are magical & ancient. The sea otter: playful, surprisingly graceful, and mischievous. The octopus? Hauntingly beautiful, mystical, wise, seemingly melancholy, and elusive (you feel blessed to catch sight of an active one, stretching outside the boundaries of its niched recesses). If you need to lower your blood pressure, just watch the kelp dance and sway for ~5 minutes. For being a pioneer in environmentally responsible cuisine with their Seafood Watch program, I'm surprised the Cafe doesn't offer much plant-based options (even the veggie burger bun isn't vegan). I reckon we all have some aspect in our lives that needs improving, even the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium. You can pack a picnic, store it in a locker, come outside for a lunch break, a re-enter with a stamped hand, at least. For a fun film connection, watch my favorite Star Trek Movie: Star Trek IV, which was filmed there, back when it was newly built. I wouldn't be at all surprised if alien life forms spoke to Humpback whales. But that's a whole other conversation, for another time.
Vintage Vegan
00
The last time that we were out here, correction the last time that my wife and two daughters were here our daughters were really little. Time has gone by so quickly that in the blink of an eye, our daughters grew up, and both graduated from high school. I have never been so proud of both of them. My oldest daughter ended up getting married to a Marine, and shortly after they both moved to Hawaii Our youngest daughter went to college and graduated from college. These past 3 years have been the hardest for all of us, I had the hardest of all things happen. The last time we were here was right after COVID-19, and saying goodbye to my mom was the hardest thing, the last time we made this trip was with her and when my girls were young. I know she is watching over us, with new things to come brings us to new beginnings because we get to share this with our 2-year-old grandson. As I said time has gone by so quickly, and I know she is physically not here to see my grandson grow up but I know she is watching over us. In memory of my mom MARTH O. LIMA I LOVE YOU MOM, YOUR MIJO
Miguel Lima (chunkslima2011)
00
My view from the reserved area of the restaurant inside the aquarium in Monterey. Fiancee set it all up and we sat right at the window with all three of us sitting facing the bay. The seats came with a pair of binoculars that had a laminated card attached to them with the names and a brief bit about what we might see out the window. Sitting on the rocks in the picture my six year old was able to match up four of the pictures with the wildlife. He thoroughly enjoyed the process and after a brief bit of learning how the binoculars worked he eventually located most of the sea life on the card. He had the hot dog, which I am sure was not really part of their much publicized sustainability plan, but he told us it was a good hot dog so there's that. She had a poke bowl that had plenty of salmon with a black rice base, and what she let me taste, was delicious. My trout, while touted as sustainable, was just okay. Nothing wrong with it overall, simply nothing to make it memorable except for the company and the view.
Van Kelly
00
Was very disappointed at what little covid precautions were in place. Buying time slots online gave the illusion that there would be a safe number of people inside. When we arrived line was around tge corner to get but moved pretty good. Inside was shoulder to shoulder with people everywhere. Was hoping for some new experiences and displays since last visit 3 years ago but just the opposite with several areas closed. Not sure why since there was nobody monitoring people inside penguin room, gift shops, sitting areas, etc. The food court was just as busy. People everywhere and every table in use. Nobody going around cleaning tables as people left. Food is terribly overpriced. I understand paying a premium but this was robbery. Shame on Monterey Bay Aquarium for disregarding today's pandemic and doing so little to protect their guests. There were hardly any hand sanitation stands around ad well.
otis2cody
00
This is an incredible aquarium. A few notes: -food is expensive, I recommend bringing your own. -there is LOTS to see. You’ll want a bare minimum of 3 hours here, but you can easily spend the whole day. -there is an excellent lounge for nursing mothers, tucked back near the restrooms past the Open Sea exhibit. -there are filtered water bottle filling stations in multiple places. -on that subject, don’t miss the Open Sea feeding!! The “eruption” of a massive school of sparkling sardines is amazing. -most days, you can see wild otters from the outdoor balconies with the telescopes. Ask a volunteer to help you find otters and they’ll point the telescope for you. -take a second to plan for parking before coming. There are less expensive metered parking options, and very expensive parking garages. -the facility is very clean, and the employees are friendly and helpful.
Chrissy Russell
00
This place can get pretty crowded, which makes it tough to fully enjoy the exhibits. We arrived after 2:00 pm, and it seemed like the penguins, sea otters, and birds were mostly resting—almost as if we hit their break time. The busy environment sometimes detracts from the experience. MAIN PURPOSE AND AMENITIES Primarily, this spot seems designed for educating kids and raising awareness about marine animals. The good news is, all floors are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for visitors who need them. PARKING AND TIPS FOR VISITORS Parking is limited, so it’s best to plan ahead. Arriving early or exploring alternative transportation options can help avoid frustration. Overall, it’s a great place for learning, but the crowds and parking might make your visit a little challenging.
Kish
00
Nearby Attractions Of Monterey Bay Aquarium: Seafood Watch Program
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG
San Carlos Beach Park
Adventures By The Sea
Victorian Inn
Anytime Fitness
Big Sur Adventures, Cannery Row Monterey
Cannery Row
Cannery Row Antiques Mall

Monterey Bay Aquarium
4.6
(15.5K)
Click for details

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
4.6
(1.5K)
Click for details

InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG
4.5
(1.2K)
Click for details

San Carlos Beach Park
4.7
(784)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Monterey Bay Aquarium: Seafood Watch Program
Fish Hopper
Hula's Island Grill
First Awakenings
El Torito
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market
Schooners Monterey
Vivolo's Chowder House
Gianni's Pizza
Louie Linguini's

Fish Hopper
4.3
(2.3K)
$$
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Hula's Island Grill
4.5
(1.3K)
Click for details

First Awakenings
4.6
(1.2K)
Click for details

El Torito
4.3
(3.1K)
$$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Map
Phone
(831) 648-4800
Call
Website
seafoodwatch.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(2.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
entertainment
family friendly
accessibility
attractions: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, InterContinental the Clement Monterey by IHG, San Carlos Beach Park, Adventures By The Sea, Victorian Inn, Anytime Fitness, Big Sur Adventures, Cannery Row Monterey, Cannery Row, Cannery Row Antiques Mall, restaurants: Fish Hopper, Hula's Island Grill, First Awakenings, El Torito, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market, Schooners Monterey, Vivolo's Chowder House, Gianni's Pizza, Louie Linguini's

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