Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the most spectacular marine protected areas. This sanctuary also has one of the largest underwater canyons and closest-to-shore deep ocean environments. By balancing activities and commercial uses with protection of natural resources, the vast area of waters provides some of the best wildlife viewing, as well as a variety of marine life, including several species of marine mammals, seabirds and shorebirds, invertebrates, and algae. Visitors can enjoy these waters by surfing, diving, snorkeling, whale watching, and tidepooling. Out of the water, the stunning coastline can be enjoyed by hiking, biking, or just simply driving along the coastline. To learn more about this sanctuary, visitors should stop by either the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, California or the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz, California.

Located on the Central California coast, from the City of Marin in the north to San Simeon in the south.