Monterey Bay Aquarium

I'm a bit of an Aquarium Buff, so our first day in California was spent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I loved the interactive exhibits and they had the best educational displays that I've seen yet. Our experience there was just phenomenal. And as an added bonus and a complete surprise to us, there was live jazz and spirits during the evening. It was so nice to grab a glass of wine and wander around the aquarium, surrounded by the ocean life. I wish I had better words to describe what a transcendent experience it was for me, but I don't so I'll leave you with this.... 

"The sea is as near as we come to another world" 

-Anne Stevenson

By far, the best part of this aquarium is that it backs up right onto the Bay. From the outdoor viewing area, hubby and I saw so much aquatic life existing in their natural habitats: the tails and spouts of humpback whales, sea lions sunning themselves on buoys, and a sea otter using a rock to crack open and eat crustaceans. That just cannot be beat. 

Outdoor Observation Area

   I'm in love with these giant green sea anemone that line the Pacific coast. 

I'm a bit of a nerd when I go to the aquarium, as in I read every single plaque and informational pamphlet, so I was especially pleased with the unique educational exhibits. This one on the importance of keeping our oceans clean was my absolute favorite. It demonstrated the chemicals to which octopuses are exposed and the impact that it has on their life cycles. Awesome right? 

How cute is this guy?