Get to Know the Sanctuary
Designated: September 18, 1992
Area: 6,094 mi²
Off California’s central coast, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the largest national marine sanctuary in the continental U.S., covering almost a quarter of California’s central coastline. It is a premier destination for research, conservation, learning, tourism, and recreation. It has the nation’s largest kelp forests and one of North America’s largest underwater canyons. Known as the ‘Serengeti of the Sea,’ this marine environment is home to 34 species of marine mammals including humpback and blue whales, otters, seals, and sea lions, white sharks, four turtle species, 180 species of birds, 525 species of fishes, and countless invertebrates. It also has nearly 1300 reported shipwrecks and more than 700 prehistoric sites.
Top Sanctuary Attractions
- Sanctuary Exploration Center (Santa Cruz): Interactive center connects visitors with marine life, climate issues, and whale conservation.
- Coastal Discovery Center (San Simeon/Cambria): A northern sanctuary gateway with tidepool exhibits and educational programs.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: Internationally renowned leader in marine education, kelp forest restoration, and ocean conservation, with over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals.
Things to Do
- Monterey Bay Kayaks: Kayak rentals and naturalist-led tours in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay.
- Adventure Sports Unlimited: Santa Cruz-based kayaking and scuba adventures.
- O’Neill Yacht Charters: Daytime and sunset sailing trips that include education about the marine sanctuary.
- Princess Monterey Whale Watching: Eco-focused whale watching and sanctuary cruise tours.
- Richard Schmidt Surf School: Longtime local surf and standup paddle board school at Cowell’s Beach.
- Monterey Bay Food Tours: Walking tour of Monterey Bay’s culture, history, and food with a conservation-friendly focus.
- Steamer Lane: Iconic spot to watch world-class surfers.
- Cowell’s Beach: Ideal beach to learn to surf.
- Capitola Beach & Santa Cruz Harbor Beach: Family-friendly beaches with calm water.
- Lover’s Point Park: Community park with stunning views, beaches, and recreation opportunities including tide pooling.
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Historic beachfront amusement park.
- Sanctuary Exploration Center – Santa Cruz: An interactive center that connects visitors with marine life, and whale conservation.
- Coastal Discovery Center – San Simeon/Cambria: A northern marines sanctuary gateway with tidepool exhibits and educational programs.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: An internationally renowned leader in marine education, kelp forest restoration, and ocean conservation, with over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals.
- Santa Cruz Surfing Museum: Musuem covering the 100-year surfing history in Santa Cruz, located inside the Steamer Lane lighthouse.
- Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History: Museum with immersive exhibits focused on coastal ecosystems.
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center: Interactive marine science center at UC Santa Cruz.
- Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History: A coastal learning hub with hands-on science education.
- Museum of Monterey: Maritime and cultural history museum at Custom House Plaza.
- Monterey Museum of Art: Art museum with coastal-inspired exhibits and regional artistry.
- Day on the Beach: Inclusive annual beach day with Shared Adventures.
- Ride a Wave: Surf days for children with special needs.
- Dream Inn – Santa Cruz: Hotel perched above Cowell’s Beach.
- La Bahia Hotel: Newly opened beachfront hotel with marine sanctuary-themed programming.
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa: Eco-conscious luxury hotel overlooking Monterey Bay.
- Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar: Oceanfront dining with stunning wildlife views.
- The Crow’s Nest: Located on the beach with surf and sail views of Santa Cruz Harbor.
- Riva Fish House: Wharf dining right above the sanctuary.
- Café El Palomar: Oceanfront taqueria at the Boardwalk.
- Steamer Lane Supply: Tucked above Steamer’s Lane with fish tacos and baked goods.
- Shadowbrook Restaurant: Romantic Capitola favorite with environmental values.
- Old Fisherman’s Grotto: A Monterey Wharf institution serving classic seafood dishes.
- Hula’s Island Grill: Seafood Watch partner with locations in Monterey and Santa Cruz.
- Santa Cruz Metro: Bus service throughout Santa Cruz County that donates part of the proceeds to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and the Bay of Life Fund.
