2023.09 San Francisco (Part 4)

One of the things we wanted to see during our visit was to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Thanks to Pixar, the place had me thinking “This is just like the movie”, well, that’s because this was the basis used for their movie (Finding Dory).

Journey to the Pacific

First up, was the drive to Monterey. From the bay area there are a few routes that will take you over the hills and towards the Pacific. I ended selecting a quieter route, that provided us with less traffic. The drive on this road reminded me of the Australian route that connects Sydney to the Blue Mountains.

It was another clear and sunny day for the drive, there was a viewing area along the way where we stopped to take a few pictures looking towards the coast:

Then as our drive got closer to Monterey, we past massive farms. There were many signs up for local produce while we were driving to Monterey. One of the signs that you’re almost in Monterey are sand dunes that almost feel like they are trying to move onto the highway!

Farming en route to Monterey
View during drive
Dunes as you approach Monterey, CA

Once into the city we were able to easily find parking for the aquarium and I took the time to read the historical plaques on the buildings. For those, like me, who didn’t know the history, this was originally a massive fishing town. It was so large that the canning factories had different bell tones to make sure their employees knew when the catch was coming in, and to report to work. I can only imagine what the smell from so many factories in such a short distance.

View from parking garage

View from entrance to Aquarium

Aquarium

Being a long weekend, this place was packed!

The arrangement of the aquarium is impressive as there are many sections highlighting the aquatic life in the Bay, or not far offshore in the Pacific ocean. Without any long stories here, enjoy the multiple slideshows of things that drew my attention during our visit at the Aquarium.

Part 1:

Then a slideshow with crabs:

One of the items that is part of the bay, is the temperate kelp and sea life around Monterey Bay:

I don’t think I have ever turned down the opportunity to take a picture jellyfish whenever we’ve been at an aquarium:

There was a massive tank that had two levels for viewing, and the mix of life made it so easy to pause and focus on one of the many kinds of fish, and turtles in this large tank:

The Aquarium also has an outdoor section. We spent sometime watching the bay where we did notice some sea life:

And a collection of more pictures from the aquarium:

After leaving the highway we drove a small section of Highway 1, the famous seaside highway that would take us to Los Angeles, if we wanted. Our time didn’t permit it, and with construction along the way, there were many signs informing motorists that the road was closed in sections. We travelled a small section, took some photos and easily understand why this is a road that is constantly mentioned to enjoy the drive:

Another picture from another stop along the highway:

After that short detour, we returned to Monterey, had dinner and then proceeded to drive back to the hotel on the main thoroughfares. The last picture in the slideshow below had us both thinking of garlic bread, as the smell from the garlic in the fields was intense, and smelt so good.