Monterey Bay Aquarium

886 Cannery Row, Monterey

(831) 648-4800, montereybayaquarium.org

When Monterey Bay Aquarium rose from the ruins of a former cannery in the early ’80s, few may have expected it would become one of the most renowned aquariums in the world, attracting visitors from both across the globe or just across town – locals love it too, especially if they’ve got visitors in town. But it’s more than just an aquarium, it’s a lead player in promoting the health of marine ecosystems, whether through its groundbreaking Seafood Watch program or, more recently, advocating for a Global Plastic Treaty to battle plastic pollution in the sea. And for educators or learners, the website is a gem. Not only is it packed with information about the Aquarium’s residents, it also offers online classes and a printable collection of crafts that kids can enjoy at home, wherever that may be.