Dive into an exceptional hands-on underwater adventure at this incredible aquarium — one of the best on the planet. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the fascinating exhibits. Commune with sea otters that frolic in their tank and out in the bay. View sharks and giant tuna in the humungous Open Sea exhibit, where you can visualize epic migrations of ocean animals across the Pacific and the ever-moving life of marine creatures in the open ocean. Learn to identify local fishies in the three-story living kelp forest. Kids especially love petting bat rays and sea stars in touch tanks, and playing in the super-fun Splash Zone with 45 interactive exhibits.

This place gets CROWDED, especially during peak summer months. Buy your tickets online if you have time, and try to come as soon as the aquarium opens or after 2 pm, when the crowds thin out. Line up early for a lunch table at The Restaurant (no reservations) where you can watch otters and other critters romp just outside the huge glass windows. Or fill a tray at the adjacent self-service café and try to snag a table with a similar view. There’s also a café and a coffee bar.

See and save more places to create your own itinerary or modify a Bindu itinerary.

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  Photo by Jim G