National Marine Sanctuary
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
About this sanctuary
Off California’s central coast, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the largest national marine sanctuary in the continental U.S., covering almost a quarter of California’s central coastline. It is a premier destination for research, conservation, learning, tourism, and recreation. It has the nation’s largest kelp forests and one of North America’s largest underwater canyons. Known as the ‘Serengeti of the Sea,’ this marine environment is home to 34 species of marine mammals including humpback and blue whales, otters, seals, and sea lions, white sharks, four turtle species, 180 species of birds, 525 species of fishes, and countless invertebrates. It also has nearly 1300 reported shipwrecks and more than 700 prehistoric sites.
In national marine sanctuaries, America’s marine heritage is appreciated by current and future generations.
Top attractions
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Sanctuary Exploration Center (Santa Cruz)
Interactive center connects visitors with marine life, climate issues, and whale conservation.
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Coastal Discovery Center (San Simeon/Cambria)
A northern sanctuary gateway with tidepool exhibits and educational programs.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
Internationally renowned leader in marine education, kelp forest restoration, and ocean conservation, with over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals.
Visit the sanctuary
Things to do at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Travel guide, recommended operators, beaches and landmarks, and local resources drawn from the Foundation's existing sanctuary content.
Tours & Outdoor Recreation 6
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Monterey Bay Kayaks
Kayak rentals and naturalist-led tours in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay.
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Adventure Sports Unlimited
Santa Cruz-based kayaking and scuba adventures.
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O’Neill Yacht Charters
Daytime and sunset sailing trips that include education about the marine sanctuary.
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Princess Monterey Whale Watching
Eco-focused whale watching and sanctuary cruise tours.
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Richard Schmidt Surf School
Longtime local surf and standup paddle board school at Cowell’s Beach.
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Monterey Bay Food Tours
Walking tour of Monterey Bay’s culture, history, and food with a conservation-friendly focus.
Museums & Visitor Centers 9
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Sanctuary Exploration Center – Santa Cruz
An interactive center that connects visitors with marine life, and whale conservation.
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Coastal Discovery Center – San Simeon/Cambria
A northern marines sanctuary gateway with tidepool exhibits and educational programs.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
An internationally renowned leader in marine education, kelp forest restoration, and ocean conservation, with over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals.
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Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Musuem covering the 100-year surfing history in Santa Cruz, located inside the Steamer Lane lighthouse.
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Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Museum with immersive exhibits focused on coastal ecosystems.
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Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Interactive marine science center at UC Santa Cruz.
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Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
A coastal learning hub with hands-on science education.
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Museum of Monterey
Maritime and cultural history museum at Custom House Plaza.
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Monterey Museum of Art
Art museum with coastal-inspired exhibits and regional artistry.
Community Events 2
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Day on the Beach
Inclusive annual beach day with Shared Adventures.
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Ride a Wave
Surf days for children with special needs.
Hotels & Lodging 3
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Dream Inn – Santa Cruz
Hotel perched above Cowell’s Beach.
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La Bahia Hotel
Newly opened beachfront hotel with marine sanctuary-themed programming.
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Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Eco-conscious luxury hotel overlooking Monterey Bay.
Restaurants 8
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Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar
Oceanfront dining with stunning wildlife views.
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The Crow’s Nest
Located on the beach with surf and sail views of Santa Cruz Harbor.
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Riva Fish House
Wharf dining right above the sanctuary.
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Café El Palomar
Oceanfront taqueria at the Boardwalk.
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Steamer Lane Supply
Tucked above Steamer’s Lane with fish tacos and baked goods.
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Shadowbrook Restaurant
Romantic Capitola favorite with environmental values.
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Old Fisherman’s Grotto
A Monterey Wharf institution serving classic seafood dishes.
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Hula’s Island Grill
Seafood Watch partner with locations in Monterey and Santa Cruz.
Transportation 1
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Santa Cruz Metro
Bus service throughout Santa Cruz County that donates part of the proceeds to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and the Bay of Life Fund.
Watch