I had the opportunity to spend some free time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium many years ago while on a business trip. I was so engrossed in the displays and everything that when I realized I probably should exit and get on with my work, it had been three hours. Yet if you had asked me before I looked at my watch, I would have told you that it seemed like I had been there just one hour.

I agree with spending time on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway 1) and stopping to look at tidepools, viewing sunsets over the ocean from the cliffs of Monterey and eating at small local eclectic restaurants along the way. Take a day to explore southwest of Monterey. Drive up to La Honda Road along the ridge, the beautiful hills among the massive Sequoia trees and have lunch at Alices Restaurant. Donna and I loved their Roasted Red Pepper Soup. 

Aloha,

Mark  

I personally loved the aquarium and could have spent much more time there than i was allowed. I would love to go back as well. I guess you'll have to judge for yourself what you think about the aquarium. I would also recommend driving down to carmel/big sur and take the PCH1 all the way down. it was a ton of fun and a beautiful drive.

I would stay there again in a heartbeat and my girlfriend loved it so much that she wasn't happy when we had to leave. 

So, don't know if you have ever been to Monterrey bay before, but here are a few things.

The fisherman's wharf is lame, mostly crumby rundown restaurants and pushy maitre des trying to get you to eat there. Definit tourist trap. Best places to eat are back by the Merritt, in town. 

The aquarium is ....ok..... I had overblown expectations. It was nice, fun, and cool, but it was march too, and kinda cold so the outdoor stuff wasn't happening. I guess what I'm saying is, you will probably love it, just don't make the whole trip about the aquarium, its not that great. Do go out on the balcony behind the aquarium and watch the sea otters in the ocean tho. that was neat.

Canery Row was nice, a bunch of places to eat too, but probably tourist traps as well. 

Go whale watching, Duh! We had a humpback come right up to the boat and just hang out under us for about 15 minutes. it was AMAZING! Go on the walking tour of Monterrey bay old town if you will be there more than one night. Go to the harbor and see the seals and stuff. I do have to say that the beaches there are not what I was expecting. I didnt try them all tho, but you will probably have to go to santa cruze if you want that. Pebble Beach golf course is there too, if you are in to that. 

Best advice I have... #1 Stay at the Merritt inn. Your significant other will thank you. #2, go exploring, best decision we made on the whole trip was to head south from san fran with no plans and no reservations. The PCH is amazing! don't just stay in one town. Hopefully you have 5 days or so, but whatever time you have, just take off and go exploring!