Monterey Bay Aquarium tops national list

[Dookus]

The Monterey Bay Aquarium reeled in the top aquarium rating and the No. 3 family attraction in the country, according to the first-ever Zagat Survey U.S. Family Travel Guide released Tuesday.

Zagat Survey, in conjunction with Time Inc.’s Parenting magazine, surveyed more than 11,000 avid travelers to rate family-oriented attractions, hotels and restaurants across the United States. Using the survey’s 30-point scale, the Monterey Bay Aquarium received an overall rating of 27, which is considered "extraordinary to perfection" in Zagat Survey terms.

Among U.S. aquariums, the Monterey Bay Aquarium ranked ahead of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, the Newport Aquarium in Cincinnati, the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and SeaWorld in Orlando.

Among the overall 10 top-rated attractions, the aquarium rated just behind the Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World Resort) and SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove, both in Florida.

New this year at the aquarium is "Sharks: Myth and Mystery," an exhibition about sharks and rays of the world and how they’re honored in cultures around the globe. Starting June 18, the aquarium will debut a series of intimate and interactive programs called Aquarium Adventures, including a modified SCUBA experience for children, behind-the-scenes tours and expeditions on a research sailboat in Monterey Bay.


http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2004/May/27/local/stories/12local.htm

[psychopomp]

1. A beautiful aquarium in a beautiful place

There is a beach nearby ("Lovers' Point?") where you can watch the sun set over beautiful breaking waves.

Gotta love the pools in the aquarium where you can touch the sea urchins and other tide pool fauna.

[Dookus]

2. I like the rays...

they used to have one ray that just LOVED to be petted and would fly across the pool and nearly jump out just to get up close to people.

I live about 40 miles north of the aquarium, and go there pretty often. I scuba dive in Monterey Bay, and it's fun to see things in the aquarium that I see underwater, and vice versa.

I'm glad it's getting this recognition - it really is a spectacular aquarium. I took my parents there a few years ago, and they HATE things like that - they both adored this aquarium. The jellyfish exhibit alone is worth a trip.

[psychopomp]

3. Yup

Jellies are cool and the ray tank is cool, too. 40mi north? That puts you about around SC. A beautiful part of the world. Great sunsets.

[Dookus]

4. yup

right in Santa Cruz. It sure is a beautiful part of the world. Ocean, mountains, sun, fog, great weather. It doesn't suck to live here, as long as you can afford it :)

[minkyboodle]

5. does anyone know where the Baltimore Aquarium ranked?

I grew up going there. I've been to the New Orleans one but thats all I've been able to visit. Sounds like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Santa Cruz area in general is a great place to visit.

[Dookus]

7. Baltimore's

came in second, right after Monterey.

Yes, this is a really great place to visit. When company comes from out of town, I always take'em down to Monterey, visit the Aquarium, then take 17-mile drive through Pebble Beach - some of the most dramatic coastline in the country. Then into Carmel for a trip to the old mission and then into town for a nice meal. It's a perfect day-trip, and everybody I've done it with has raved about it.

[flamingyouth]

6. That is a beautiful aquarium

I haven't been there in a long time. I'll have to go back and check it out soon. Good for them for the recognition. :thumbsup: