Monterey Bay Aquarium without Kids

monterey aquarium kelp forest sharks

Monterey Bay Aquarium

We often think of aquariums as an educational field trip for the kids, but the Monterey Bay Aquarium is also a great place for adults.

I love the ocean and have explored many tide pools and aquariums over the years. It’s definitely fun to go as a child or with your own children, but the experience is also good without them.

The main benefit to going without kids was that I could explore at my own pace. Also, I didn’t have to keep track of active kids darting off in different directions. There was plenty of time to see everything I wanted to see and I could read all of the informational signs to help me understand it all.

I had been watching videos of the sea otters at home and was excited to see them. They are super cute in person and that was a popular area at the aquarium. It was great to see a variety of local ocean life and to learn about conservation efforts.

The large kelp forest aquarium is awesome, but my favorite find of the day was baby jellyfish. An employee had brought out a jar of the tiny jellies for visitors to see and they were beautiful.

Photo Gallery

Baby Jellyfish

monterey baby jellies

Aquarium Entrance

monterey bay aquarium entrance

Shark Tank

monterey aquarium shark

Outdoor Show area

monterey bay aquarium outdoors

Bay Views

monterey aquarium bay

Tube Anemone

monterey aquarium tank

Sea Otters

monterey aquarium otters

Sharks

monterey aquarium sharks

Gift Store

monterey bay aquarium store

Ocean View Decks

monterey aquarium outdoor pool

The touch tanks and other interactive exhibits get chaotic with excited children. If those are at the top of your list, I’d recommend arriving early and heading there first. The non-touch tank exhibits and the outdoor areas were my priority and they were less crowded, even at peak afternoon hours.

Once you get close to the Aquarium, signs will direct you to a parking structure and then you’ll walk through Cannery Row to get to the entrance. The whole area is beautiful and filled with history, so we allowed for extra time to shop, eat and wander before heading back to our car.

I have great memories of visiting aquariums when I was a child and of taking my own my own exuberant boys. However, I now also have memories of my good day at the Monterey Aquarium without kids.

Monterey Bay Aquarium without Kids

Monterey Bay Aquarium