Marine Life in Monterey Bay, CA

Monterey is a singular place for learning about California’s sea life and historic seaside country. Study up on ocean life before activities such as snorkeling and SCUBA diving; opt for Big Sur coastline drives.

Start, of course, with the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Its Splash Zone, an interactive exhibit for kids, recently doubled in size—now you can walk “through” a giant kelp forest (via a glass tunnel) and (gently) pet a living abalone in the display’s expanded touch pool.

The old canneries made famous by John Steinbeck are now filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Fill up on morning blueberry pancakes or cinnamon raisin French toast at this local breakfast haunt.

Dive into Italian seafood—shrimp scampi, and salmon fettuccine—at the waterfront, touristy-but-fun restaurant.

Convenient and family friendly, the lodge is just steps from the beach and a 10-minute walk to Cannery Row.