Monterey Bay Aquarium

Almost 2 million people visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Cannery Row every year, making it one of California's most popular attractions and the nation's No. 1 aquarium.

From the moment you step inside the former sardine cannery, you'll be hypnotized by the pulsating jellyfish, swaying kelp beds and colorful ocean fish.

Throngs of visitors flood the aquarium daily, so if you want to avoid the crowds, buy your Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets during fall and winter, or between 2 and 6 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays in the peak summer season.

A Monterey Bay Aquarium discount is not offered through AAA, so check the Monterey Bay Aquarium CA Web site for special offers or promotions.

Monterey Bay hotels offer several package deals through the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Some of our favorites are the Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey Marriott and Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, all of which are less than a mile away. A complete list can be found at http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/vi/vi_tickets/hotels.asp

More than 623 marine species are on display in Monterey Bay Aquarium California, so allow at least 3 hours to fully enjoy the aquarium's galleries, touch pools and exhibits. You can easily spend the entire day here.

For the best photos, turn off your flash and set your camera's ISO to 400 or higher. This allows you to capture the quick movement of the fish and adjusts the camera for lower light conditions without a flash. Using a flash causes a reflection on the glass, and ruins any chance of a good photo. Another tip for photographing at an aquarium is to place your camera's lens directly on the glass, ensuring a crisp view of the colorful fish inside.

At lunchtime, enjoy a picnic on the deck overlooking Monterey Bay, or grab a sandwich at the sit-down Portola Restaurant and Cafe, where you can also enjoy a glass of wine.

The outer deck opens up to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, home to the nation's largest kelp forest and one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems. The sanctuary runs 276 miles from Cambria to Marin.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940; (831) 648-4800; www.montereybayaquarium.org/