Hi
How long does everyone spend (on average) at the Monterey Aquarium?? We have 1 1/2 days to drive from Monterey to San Diego. This includes seeing the Aquarium.

I'd like to stop in San Simeon and See the Hearst Mansion too.

Thanks so much.
j

My kids asked to leave after about 2 hours. We had lunch and I thought we'd go back but they said no. They prefer tidepools and the beach. They are california kids so they see alot of ocean life anyway.

1 1/2 days to see the aquarium, Hearst Castle and drive from Monterey to San Diego? The aquarium can be a full day if you really want to see everything. Hearst Castle is a good 1/2 day if you take a tour. And the drive from Monterey to San Diego is a full day! Unless you plan to drive thru LA at midnight, I think you need to rethink your trip.

Depends on your level of interest. I could easily spend the entire 1 1/2 days there!

I go to the aquarium about once a month and usually spend pretty much the whole day there (11 to 4 or so). But I've got small children who loooove the Splash Zone. For a grownup, I'd say you could see it in three hours but you could also spend longer there.

I agree with the others that Monterey to San Diego in 1 1/2 days is pretty agressive. Can you possibly add at least another 1/2 day?

Check their wonderful website with live views cams of some tanks full of fish, background music included!
We did enjoy a full day there...
www.montereybayaquarium.org

I would say you can do the aquarium justice in 1/2 a day, or 3-4 hours. Try not to miss the otter feeding, btw...enjoy!

I would agree also. We saw everything in less than 4 hours. It has a ton of exhibits but it's not a huge place. You really just have to deal with the crowds and how long you spend looking at things.

Thanks everyone for your advice. We are going to do two days in SFO and two days down the coast. I am more comfortable with doing less in San Fran and being less rushed going down Hwy 1. I have three kids (9, 13 and 12) and my 9 year old LOVES sharks so we will plan on 4 hours at the Aquarium.

We will tour the Aquarium first thing in the morning and then drive down to either San Luis Obispo or to the Hearst Castle and spend another night. Then we will head out to San Diego.

Thanks so much - I know I will be posting again!
J