Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey is one of our favorite places to visit along the California Coast.  And the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of our favorite places in Monterey.

The kelp garden exhibit is among the most extraordinary exhibits (aquarium or museum) in the world - in my view, it is right up there with the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, the T-Rex fossil at the NY Museum of Natural History (though perhaps not quite up there with the main hall at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC).

All of this is very personal opinion, of course, though I'll also point out that (as appropriate for a "couples" site like this one) the kelp garden is objectively a bit more romantic than the T-Rex.

The aquarium is packed with people on the typical weekend.  If you can swing it, I strongly suggest a visit during the week when it is much less crowded.  Tickets are available at many local hotels, which can be a lot better than standing on the Disneyland-style long line at the aquarium itself.

If you live in the Bay Area (or anywhere in reasonably close proximity), then consider getting a membership.  The prices aren't crazy (they can pay for themselves in three visits depending on the membership level and the size of your group).  A large portion of the membership fee is tax deductible.

Most folks from the greater San Francisco Bay Area have been to the aquarium at least once.  And it is on the list of things to do for many visitors to California.

Bottom line -- if you haven't been there yet, then this really should go on your bucket list.  If you have been there, then consider going back.

For more information:  http://www.montereybayaquarium.com
On Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/montereybayaquarium

We'll be reviewing many Monterey hotels, restaurants, and couples/kids spots in future posts.

--COTC