World-class aquarium featuring living kelp forest and sea otters






















"A major marine science attraction on Monterey’s waterfront featuring more than 200 exhibits that highlight local marine life and the nearby Monterey Canyon, with popular viewing opportunities for creatures like sea otters and a strong educational focus." - Cu Fleshman Cu Fleshman Cu is a freelance writer and editor with more than five years of experience. She has written for a variety of publications, including Afar, Matador Network, and Editoire. No matter where she is in the world, you can find her hunting for local eats and hiking trails. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A major ocean-focused aquarium notable for ocean-view decks and a million-gallon tank that houses large sharks and sea turtles, offering immersive marine exhibits that complement scenic drives along the Monterey Peninsula." - Sarah Rose Sarah Rose Sarah Rose is a journalist and the author of two best-selling novels. She was a news columnist at The Wall Street Journal and her features have appeared in Outside, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, Bon Appétit, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Located in Monterey, California, this aquarium is famous for its living kelp forest and colorful Pacific wildlife. It is a leader in ocean conservation and education." - Travel + Leisure Staff
"A world-class aquarium on Monterey Bay notable for its marine life displays, including popular sea otter viewing, that make it a memorable, educational stop for families and wildlife enthusiasts." - Chelsee Lowe Chelsee Lowe Chelsee Lowe is a Los Angeles-based writer with an obsession with good eats and interesting stories. She regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure, TravelAge West, Ventura Blvd, and L.A. Parent, writing about food, family travel, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"I noted that after recommending consumers avoid lobster for sustainability reasons, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and its conservation arm Seafood Watch became the center of a political dustup: Democratic Rep. Jared Golden filed a proposal to withhold $190 million in federal funding following criticism from former Rep. Bruce Poliquin, who also highlighted a $667 donation Golden received from Julie Packard; the aquarium told the AP that the money Golden cited does not go to Seafood Watch but instead funds the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute." - Dianne de Guzman