Unlock the mysteries of the deep at California's Monterey Bay Aquarium

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you can float along with the jellyfish, enjoy feeding time for the sea otters, play with the penguins and check out a kelp forest through a diver's eyes. You'll be fascinated by the giant octopuses as they change their skin texture and color to camouflage themselves. The 1.2 million gallon Outer Bay exhibit is especially impressive, and is home to a large number of ocean animals including blue-fin tuna, hammerhead sharks and sea turtles.

At California's Monterey Bay Aquarium, the staff works diligently to protect our oceans and preserve the environment, and the facility's scientists devote countless hours to understanding ocean predators, saving sea otters and tagging whales, sharks and turtles for research purposes. Stop by the aquarium gift shop and book store to view the aquarium's expansive collection of conservation books, educational gifts, cool souvenirs and animal replicas.

If you're looking for an elegant dining experience during your Monterey visit, enjoy Portola, the aquarium's formal oceanfront eatery. Don't forget to ask for your complimentary binoculars, since dolphins and other friendly sea life often make a splash right outside the restaurant windows. Stroll along Cannery Row after dinner, enjoying unique shopping venues and exciting nightlife.

Choice Hotels® invites you to book convenient lodging at one of several Monterey properties. You'll find our properties to be the best hotel value anywhere, so book a room on ChoiceHotels.com today.