Ranked one of the nation’s top family attractions, Monterey’s aquarium draws nearly two million visitors a year. On the border of one of the largest underwater canyons on earth (wider and deeper than the Grand Canyon), it’s surrounded by incredibly diverse marine life. One of the world’s best and largest exhibit aquariums, it’s home to more than 350,000 marine animals and plants, and about 550 species. A three-story, 335,000-gallon tank with clear acrylic walls offers stunning views of leopard sharks, sardines, anchovies, and other creatures swimming through a towering kelp forest. The 1.2-million-gallon Outer Bay tank houses open-ocean life, including yellowfin tuna, large green sea turtles, barracuda, sharks, giant ocean sunfish, and schools of bonito. The Giant Octopus exhibit is also amazing. Splash Zone (designed for kids up to 9) runs daily programs and displays of black-footed penguins, invertebrates, and other inhabitants of coral reefs and the cooler waters of Northern California. Everyone falls in love with the sea otters playing in their two-story exhibit. There are also coastal streams, tidal pools, a sand beach, and a petting pool, where you can touch living bat rays and handle sea stars. Tip: Avoid lines at the gate by ordering tickets in advance by calling 800/756-3737 (or 831/648-4937 outside California) or online through TicketWeb at www.ticketweb.com. On weekdays, it’s best to arrive in the afternoon after the schoolchildren have departed.

Admission $25 adults, $23 students and seniors 65 and over, $16 visitors with disabilities and children 3-12, free for children 2 and under. AE, MC, V. Daily 10am-6pm (9:30am-6pm May 28-Sept 5 and holidays).