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.