Touched a bright starfish lately? Watched a camouflaged seahorse float by? Viewed a sea lion from just a few feet away? This winter, get up close and personal to some celebrities of the sea.

If drama, intrigue, romance, and a character-driven story are your idea of good theater, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has the show for you. The venerable Central Coast institution is currently exhibiting The Secret Lives of Seahorses. Fifteen types of seahorses are featured in aquarium displays that are like glamorous sets of the ocean world: The lighting! The bubble and cylinder tanks! All artistically designed to get you closer to these rare creatures—the only ones in the animal kingdom to have all-male pregnancies. The colorful cast includes the graceful leafy seadragon (our favorite) that so closely resembles a large piece of seaweed you'll have to blink to make sure you're seeing things right; and the quirky (rather bloated) potbelly seahorse. Even inch-long dwarf seahorses have a supporting role. So get to the show that's got everyone talking, and take in some horseplay.

Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey; 831-648-4800. Tickets are $29.95 for adults; $17.95 for kids ages 3-12; kids under 3 have complimentary admission. Visit their Web site for hours of operation.

Where do sea lions go if they are sick or injured? If they're lucky, they get some R&R at The Marine Mammal Center. Since 1975 the center has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, northern elephant seals, sea otters, and many others. The newly renovated animal hospital at Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands has been open since June 2009, providing a glimpse into the hard work done to rehabilitate these animals and get them healthy enough for a release back into the sea. Wander the halls of the center and observe labs where food is prepared for the patients. (Fish is a popular menu choice!) On the walls find photos of previous patients, along with their heartwarming stories. From the upper observation deck visitors can get a look at the current patients and watch staff members tend to them. The courtyard has a life-size elephant seal statue, and a great open view to Rodeo Beach and the headlands. Admission is free. Say ahhhh.

BONUS: Combine your trip to The Marine Mammal Center with a hike to one of the best lookouts in Marin, Hill 88. The trailhead is just down the road from the center.

The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Rd., Sausalito (Fort Cronkhite); 415-289-7325. There is no admission fee but donations are encouraged. The center is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, just north of Half Moon Bay, is a popular low-tide destination. The receding sea reveals rocky reefs the length of a football field, offering a beachside glimpse into an underwater world. Residents include a rich variety of marine life such as sea stars, crabs, sponges, sea anemones, and mollusks. Kids abound, too, getting up close and (sometimes a little too) personal with sea creatures—touching is encouraged, but don't let the crabs pinch! Winter (and spring) are the best times to visit: the big minus tides arrive and the resident harbor seals, of which there are more than 100, are pupping. Even Gatsby would be rapt.

TIP: Keep an eye out for informative volunteers wearing green shirts; they're part of the Friends of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and have been active in maintaining and educating people about this strip of coast for more than 20 years.

The reserve is open during daylight hours. Visit the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Web site for directions. Upcoming low tides: Jan. 9, 12:52 p.m. (0.1), Jan. 10, 1:46 p.m. (-.2). It's best to visit one hour before or after the low tide. For information on more upcoming low tides, check the NOAA Web site. Dogs and groups of 10 or more are not allowed.

Save $10 per person: Buy your tickets online by Jan. 11.

One hundred twenty wineries, one winter weekend, and barrels of good times—all at a tasty price: The Wine Road is back with the 18th Annual Winter Wineland, Jan. 16-17 in northern Sonoma County. Banish the winter blues by bellying up to a complete vineyard adventure courtesy of member wineries in the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys. At just $40 for the entire weekend—or $30 for Sunday only—you'll sip limited production wines, sample new releases, enjoy food pairings and get to know the winemakers on personal tours at participating wineries. The wine road is mapped out and ready to uncork a VIP adventure for you and your friends. Time for a Wine Road trip!

TIP: Buy advance tickets online or call 888-251-0560 by Jan. 11 and save $10 per person ($40 for the entire weekend—or $30 for Sunday only). Or buy them at the door at the regular price ($50 for the weekend; $40 for Sunday only).