Virtual Roadtrip: Monterey Bay Aquarium

Your Window to California Marine Life

Stop #15 on our Virtual Road Trip is the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California! The Aquarium is the centerpiece of historic Cannery Row, the former Monterey Cannery & Warehouse complex of buildings. The transformation of Cannery Row began in the mid-1950s with new restaurants opening on the “wrong side of the tracks.” The world-class aquarium opened in 1984 and has won awards for architectural design and marine life exhibits, education, research, and conservation programs.

Today over two million people visit the aquarium every year to see more than 35,000 creatures representing 550 species in 34 major exhibits. The aquarium’s team of biologists have developed one-of-a-kind exhibits, including the first living kelp forest. They were also the first to successfully care for and display a great white shark. The museum is organized on two floors, with exhibits featuring the aquatic habitats of Monterey Bay and Central California. A few of the major habitats include: Kelp Forest, Sea Otters, Open Sea, and Giant Pacific Octopus.

Travel Tip: Arrive at the aquarium early and review the daily feedings and show times to get a closer look at some of the animals. On weekends and summer months you should secure a spot in advance for the feedings and shows. The aquarium also offers special tour opportunities to go behind the scenes, such as Feeding Frenzy, Sea Otter Conservation, and Shark Tours.

Following the Connection

Monterey was the “Sardine Capital of the World” during the first half of the 20th century. These days, the sardine factories have ceased operation and the tourists have arrived. Monterey does still hold on to one title— the Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continuously running annual jazz event in the world, with over 500 performing artists! Most people would have thought that title belonged to New Orleans, which leads us to our next stop on the road trip— the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

Next Stop: New Orleans Jazz Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana

Detour: If you can’t make it to the West Coast this summer, consider visiting the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The aquarium opened in 2005 and is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The aquarium has seven major galleries and is the only place in the United States with a whale shark exhibit.

Plan Your Trip

Monterey, located in Central California, is a great destination whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, shopper, foodie, or nature lover. Spend a few days in the area to truly enjoy all it has to offer while on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Here are some recommendations from the travel desk at Check-it-Off Travel to consider while planning a trip to the Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey.

Photo: Courtesy of Monterey Bay Aquarium