Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by Usama
Monterey Bay Aquarium Parking
As the most popular attraction in the city, sea lions and sea otters in Monterey Bay Aquarium are a must-see for any visitor. If you’re planning a visit and searching for directions, tickets, or free parking options in the area, our guide will help you find your way. You’ll learn all about parking near Monterey Bay Aquarium, including the cost of nearby garages, lots, and meters.
If you’re visiting Monterey Bay Aquarium for the first time, use the following address for directions: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, United States.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Tickets
Tickets aren’t available at the main entrance, so anyone who plans to visit the Aquarium should purchase a ticket in advance. These are non-refundable, and you must use them on the reserved date. Check out the prices in the list below.
| Age | Admission Fee |
| Adult (18–64) | $49.95 |
| Youth (13–17) | $39.95 |
| Senior (65+) | $39.95 |
| Child (5–12) | $34.95 |
Members can enter without reservations; simply present your member card and get express entry to the building.
Note: The Monterey Bay Aquarium working hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM. Special tours and programs take place at specific times, and you can find the exact hours on the Aquarium’s website.
Is There Parking at Monterey Bay Aquarium?
The Aquarium doesn’t own any car parking facility, but there are several structures suitable for its visitors in the vicinity. While free bicycle parking is available across the street and along the recreational trail, car parking services are offered by the nearby lots listed below.
- Cannery Row Lot 7 at 160 Irving St. is only a 5-minute walk away. The Monterey Bay Aquarium parking fee is $20 per day, but a $5 fee applies to those who arrive after 5 PM. It is a surface lot without height restrictions, but RVs and buses aren’t allowed.
- Cannery Row Parking Garage at 601 Foam St. offers over 1000 covered parking spots located within a 7-minute walk of the Aquarium. The maximum vehicle height is 6’10”. Daily parking rates range from $5 to $20 depending on the season or other factors. Use your Visa or MasterCard to pay upon entrance.
- Cannery Row Parking Lot 21 at 32 Cannery Row is approximately 15 minutes away, right south of San Carlos Beach. The car parking cost is $1.50 per hour or $10 per day, while the fees for oversized vehicles are $2 per hour and $16 per day.
See the locations of the closest Monterey Bay Aquarium parking structures on the following map.
Free Parking for Residents of Monterey
Monterey residents can avoid the Monterey Bay Aquarium Parking cost if they apply for a discounted parking program. Call 831-646-3953 to apply for a resident pass and obtain free two-hour parking in the Cannery Row Garage, Downtown Garages, and Waterfront Automated Lot.
You can also get your resident parking pass at the Parking Division Office at 340 Tyler Street. Bring a valid ID, your DMV vehicle registration, and proof of address, such as a bill or rental agreement.
Metered Parking Around the Aquarium
Electronic parking meters are available along the Cannery Row District streets. Rates vary from $1.50 to $2.00 per hour, depending on the zone, while time limits range from two to four hours. Meters accept coins, credit cards, and ParkMobile app payments.
We suggest that you look for a convenient metered street parking spot on Foam Street, Ocean View Blvd, or Wave Street. Most Cannery Row meters are in effect from 9 AM to 8 PM. Read the meters and signs carefully, and pay attention to the curb markings to avoid parking citations.
Free ADA Parking Availability
Complimentary Monterey Bay Aquarium parking for visitors with disabilities is available on the surrounding streets. All you need to do is find any metered space and display a disabled placard or license plate. Parking lots and garages in the area also provide limited accessible parking on a first-come, first-served basis, but these require walks of 5 to 15 minutes. A passenger drop-off/pick-up zone is in front of the main entrance.
Additional Parking Near Monterey Bay Aquarium
Free parking near Monterey Bay Aquarium is virtually impossible to find, so we looked into other parking garages and lots in the area.
The 245 Washington St. lot is a 17-minute walk away and charges $1 per 30 minutes or $15 per day. It’s suitable for oversized vehicles, so this would be an excellent choice if you’re searching for RV parking near Monterey Bay Aquarium. Other Waterfront lots charge $10 per day.
Downtown Monterey lots are safe, affordable, and a short drive away. Most of them have an $8 daily parking rate, but the walking distance is approximately 30 minutes.
Taking Public Transit to the Aquarium
Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) offers a low-cost bus service that operates throughout the entire county. Several MST bus lines stop on the streets near the Aquarium, including 1, 2, 21, Jazz A, and Jazz B. The local bus fare is $1.50. The free trolley is unavailable at the moment—click here for up-to-date info.
Those who are searching for a ride from outside the county should look into Greyhound Bus and Amtrak services. If you’re flying into SFO or SJC, you may ride Monterey Salinas Airbus or click here to compare the prices of all shuttle services.
Find Parking Easily Wherever You Go!
In addition to Monterey Bay Aquarium parking, we have created countless in-depth parking guides covering airports, venues, and other popular locations countrywide. Whether you’re planning a trip, visiting a city attraction, or attending an event, look us up to learn about parking at or near your destination. If you’re headed to nearby cities in Central California, you might want to check out the following.
Monterey residents who are flying out of the city can use our help to find and reserve Monterey Airport Parking in a few clicks.