Sea Change

Plan a Relaxing Autumn Visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium

09.08.2021
penguins exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Right in time for the balmy fall days, the crowds have left and Monterey Bay Aquarium is at its shoulder season best. Fewer people means relaxing with more room to roam and enjoy the animals, exhibits, and nearby outdoors for biking, hiking, and beaches. It’s the best of all worlds—warm autumn days on the Monterey Peninsula and mesmerizing attractions like the Aquarium, plus some big bonuses, like whale season and a giant Pacific octopus that’s beautiful, brainy, and mysterious. Get your tickets now to ensure your spot, then enjoy the sea change. Here are the top three ways to relax, refresh, and rejoice in Monterey.

Get Tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

Sea the Crowd Pleasers Without the Crowd

sea otters exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

jellyfish exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

The animals at the Monterey Bay Aquarium want you to know a little secret: This is the time when they are at their best. Crowd pleasers like the sea otters pour on the charm in less-filled galleries. Get up close and personal with the animals. (Check out the live Aquarium cams.) Sway with the movement of the giant kelp in the Kelp Forest Exhibit. Admire swirling sardines in the Open Sea Exhibit. Come face to face with penguins, sea otters, and sharks! And don’t miss the beautiful, bashful, brainy, giant Pacific octopus. This mysterious animal knows how to keep people guessing!

Get Tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

Whale, Whale, Whale, Look Who's Here

Monterey Bay Aquarium

grey whale breaching in Monterey

It’s a whale of a time to be in Monterey! The bay is a magnet for all kinds of sea life, including 27 species of marine mammals and 94 species of seabirds. But the big attraction in fall is whales. This is a good time to see humpback and blue whales, along with dolphins. One of the best places for whale watching from shore is off the back deck of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, basically a front-row seat for viewing the wildlife in Monterey Bay. On-site spotting scopes help zero in on the action, and expert wildlife staff are there to share information and help you see your favorites.

Get Tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

Relax and Recharge in the Outdoors Nearby

bike on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

After first getting some zen time with the floating, flowing, and glowing jellies at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, refuel close by along the 18-mile waterfront Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Bring a bike or rent one and go for a pedal, past the Aquarium and along the seaside, spying sea lions, passing sailboat docks, and feeling the ocean breeze along this car-free route where the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad once ran. Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of several grassy areas overlooking the rocky shoreline.

Pro Tip: If you’ve ditched the gas pump for an electric vehicle, you’ll find charging stations all over town.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Bike to Aardvark Beach

    Two wheels, a fresh sea breeze, birds, and a beach stop: now that's a California bike ride. Pack a beach blanket and set out on this 16-mile out-and-back pedal along the San Francisco Bay to Aardvark Beach.

    View

  2. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

    View

  4. Peak at the Flowers

    Terrific views and vibrant hues define this 4.8-mile out-and-back journey on Mount Diablo.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

    View
  2. Woman on Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at Death Valley National Park

    Starry Night & Dark Sky Adventures

    You don’t have to stay out all that late to experience eminent stargazing at Death Valley National Park. The park's been given the highest ranking of darkness by the International Dark Sky Association. From ranger-led to self-guided adventures, here are a few amazing ways to witness the mesmerizing night sky at Death Valley.

    View

  3. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  4. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View