Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

very neat museum-like experience, to check out with the kids. it's mostly free and and enjoy supporting the movement which has been successful in conserving the marine environment.

This place is free and the gift shop has much more affordable things than the main aquarium did. No animals, but still a fun learning center, they have an underwater robot and a few interactive sections. The guy at the front seemed knowledgeable about the aquarium and gave me info about the place.

Fabulous place to visit! Exploration center is for all ages not just for kids and it's free. So much to learn and discover about the Monterey Bay Coast and Marine life. Staff and volunteers are very knowledgeable and helpful. I'd highly recommend going there for 1- 2hrs, watch movies go through the exhibits and learn interesting facts.

Nice educational center that’s free to public. It primary focuses on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It’s a great place for kids and adults that are interested in the marine sanctuary located across the street. Make sure to stop by and visit while you’re in Santa Cruz. They also have a nice little gift shop on the ground floor.

Loved visiting here back in 2019. The staff was so friendly and had lots of information. They enjoyed what they were doing and were happy to be at work. I came here with my husband to just walk around and do something new. We were celebrating our marriage anniversary in Santa Cruz and decided to just walk around and ended popping in here. Beautiful memories and a beautiful little sanctuary.

Kid friendly and I like how the volunteers spent their time in explaining us and they are doing a great job in engaging kids through various activities. It's very good to visit and you get to know a lot of stuff. We had free entry today. We parked our car on the opposite lot which had metered parking that accepts quarters.

We love free stuff!!! Free admission to check out the visitors' center. lot's of information on marine life in the area. Right on the boardwalk! Kid friendly, staff were the kindest. Since they live off donations, it would be helpful to support them!

Thought there would be more to see based on ticket prices. My 3 year old was free, but two adults and one 14 year old ran me $169 just to get in. Gift shop was great, unfortunately, so I ended up spending another $260 on some souvenirs