Words by Jenna

Even if you don’t like children and families or crowds of children and families, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is definitely worth a stop.A must-see when you’re visiting Monterey/Carmel, the museum switches up its exhibits from time to time but is the go-to place for all of your marine life observation needs.

If you want to see many species of sharks, you’re better off tuning into Shark Week, but there were a few coasting here and there.

It’s just as well that I visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the second time. Compared to my first visit, I am much better-versed in seafood that are SUPER DELICIOUS and so I paid special attention to those that looked better in butter.

This Ling cod bears some resemblance to these guys:

I hadn’t realized spot prawns looked so cute before cooking!

A whirlpool of anchovies would be intimidating like seagulls in “The Birds” if I didn’t know they were so delicious deep-fried.

It’s astonishing to see how big these Pacific bluefin tuna are…

…and how many junior high lunches one of these could provide!

Mmm… Tuna salad…

Digression: When I was in middle school, I learned how to make and write with real feather quills. I love quills.

I really like the idea of camouflage. Why get into any conflict when you can simply… hide from it?

Marvelous how evolution have given these fish their unique shape.

I don’t think the thing below is edible, but it does look pretty rad when it opens and closes its mouth.

Confession: I have an unreasonable fear of jellyfish. It used to be worse – I wasn’t even able to step close to the glass at the aquarium.

Now, I can step close enough to examine their little membranes. Where are their brains? Their digestive tracts?

They’re all small and cute and magical-looking until they go fishing for food.

Everyone must stop by the “petting pools” upstairs. Do you know what stingrays and sea cucumbers feel like?

I do!

(Don’t worry; there are towels and antibacterial foam a-plenty. And you must be willing to kind of nudge kids out of the way – especially those who keep going back for third, fourth, and fifth dips.)

THE VERDICT:

No one, young or old, could walk out of the Monterey Bay Aquarium without feeling awed and amazed at all of the scary, beautiful, puzzling, scary, stunning creatures. Tickets are a little on the pricey side, but if you’re in the area and especially if you have kids in tow, this attraction a must-see!