California travel tips host Veronica Hill takes you inside the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Cannery Row, just two hours south of San Francisco beside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Almost 2 million people visit here every year, making it one of California's most popular attractions.
From the moment you step inside the former sardine cannery, you'll be hypnotized by pulsating jellyfish, swaying kelp beds and colorful ocean fish.
Just five minutes in this place and you'll discover why it's the nation's No. 1 aquarium.
More than 623 marine species are on display, 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 ISO to 400.
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.
Throngs of visitors flood the aquarium daily, so if you want to avoid the crowds, visit during fall and winter, or between 2 and 6 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays in the peak summer season.
At lunchtime, enjoy a picnic on the deck overlooking Monterey Bay, or grab a sandwich at the sit-down Portola Restaurant and Cafe.
Monterey Bay Aquarium discounts are not offered through AAA, so check the Web site for special offers or promotions.
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