The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of California's most popular attractions. It's often rated as a top family destination in the U.S. It takes about half a day to tour at a leisurely pace and can sometimes be very crowded. We visited it in the end of July 2016 on our way to Mexico from Seattle, driving around Pacific Coast of California. It was no so crowded and we spent about 5 hours to see all galleries. We stopped almost everywhere inside and outside – the ocean side. It is the best aquarium in USA, may be in the world. It has may be the best collection of sharks. We saw similar aquariums in Jan. 1998 in New Orleans, La and in Sept.2007 in Melbourne, Australia, but the were not sow big and not so rich.
Today, more than 30 years after opening, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a showcase for the habitats and sea life of one of the world's richest marine regions.
More than 35,000 creatures representing over 550 species fill 34 major galleries. With nearly 200 exhibits in all, the Aquarium is a window to the wonders of the ocean. We both with Margy took 88 photos, all of them are shown in this post-album.
Monterey is small city with its extraordinary coastline and windswept beaches. The most interesting part of it is the renovated Monterey Aquarium, may be the richest in USA, We saw similar in New Orleans, LA and Melbourne, Australia. The 17 mile drive is well-known - and scenic. It passes some gorgeous scenery, over-the-top houses and the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links. It will take an hour or two to tour, depending on how many time you stop. Widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world, this famous coastal landmark runs from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, featuring awe-inspiring vistas and legendary sites perfect for a day of exploration. Marvel at some of nature treasures including The Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay and Stillwater Cove, as well as the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links. After a brief stop at the Pebble Beach Golf Links, we continued to the charming seaside town of Carmel, a haven for writers, artists, and celebrities. We slept 2 times around Monterey to spend 1 full day in the city (including Aquarium) and driving around it. All the photos we had taken are included in this post-album.
