What to do in Monterey, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Carmel Beach which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a sandy beach
Carmel Beach which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a sandy beach
Monterey
Monterey showing heritage architecture and general coastal views
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showing mountains, general coastal views and landscape views
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Most fun & popular experiences in Monterey

Tours & day trips

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Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day Tour

Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day Tour

Activity duration is 11 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 234 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp2.335.200 per adult
Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day TourOpens in new tab

History & culture

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Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour
6.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
The previous price was Rp134.232 and current price is Rp100.666 per adult
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

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Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

Activity duration is 1 day
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp386.232 per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up ComboOpens in new tab

Water activities

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Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 264 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.041.600 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 7 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.596.000 per adult
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in Monterey

Popular places to visit

Cannery Row which includes a beach as well as a small group of people

Cannery Row

Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.

Cannery Row
Aerial view of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California, United States.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

You can take time to visit WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during your travels to Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
17-Mile Drive featuring rugged coastline and a beach

17-Mile Drive

Discover palatial mansions, lush golf courses and a wild stretch of coastline inhabited by sea lions on a road often dubbed one of the world’s most scenic drives.

17-Mile Drive
Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes boating and general coastal views as well as a large group of people

Fisherman's Wharf

Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.

Fisherman's Wharf
Del Monte Beach featuring mist or fog and a sandy beach

Del Monte Beach

Relax in this tranquil sandy bay hidden behind quaint coastal villas among the sand dunes and choppy waves of Monterey Bay.

Del Monte Beach
Great golf and great views.

Del Monte Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Monterey at Del Monte Golf Course. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

Del Monte Golf Course
Golden State Theatre showing a city and theatre scenes

Golden State Theatre

Sit back, relax and enjoy the show at Monterey’s legendary movie palace, which has been delighting theatergoers since 1926.

Golden State Theatre
Monterey, California's marina is filled with sailboats and yachts. Birds fly over the water, while fog partially obscures the distant hills.

Waterfront

Enjoy a trip to Waterfront and popular activities such as golfing in Monterey. Discover the area's seafood restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries.

Waterfront
My attempt at an artistic shot! Beautiful day at Monterey.

San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater during your travels in Monterey? Amble around the area's seaside or visit its shops.

San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater

Explore areas of Monterey

Following highway 1 south out of Monterey you get views like this

Downtown Monterey

4/5(31 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and popular aquarium are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Monterey State Beach or Dennis the Menace Playground might round out your trip.

Downtown Monterey
One of the most mesmerizing jellyfish species I have ever seen!

New Monterey

If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Cannery Row and San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater are top sights worth seeing.

New Monterey
panoramic drone view of Pebble Beach, California

Monterey Vista

While Monterey Vista isn't home to many top sights, Munras Avenue and Waterfront are some notable places to visit nearby.

Monterey Vista
Golden State Theatre showing a city and theatre scenes

Old Monterey

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

Old Monterey is a destination visitors seek out for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and popular aquarium. You might also want to check out attractions like Waterfront or Perry House while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Monterey
Point Sur Lighthouse at Big Sur, California

Lighthouse District

4/5(9 area reviews)

Lighthouse District is well-regarded for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and popular aquarium, and you might also want to make a stop by Cannery Row, a top sight in the neighbourhood.

Lighthouse District
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Alta Mesa

While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.

Alta Mesa

Day trip destinations from Monterey

Carmel showing a house and autumn leaves

Carmel

The Lone Cypress, seen from the 17 Mile Drive, in Pebble Beach, California.; Shutterstock ID 438920428

Pebble Beach

Carmel Valley Road, Route G20, California

Carmel Valley

Frequently asked questions

Is Monterey worth visiting?
Renowned for its hiking and festivals, discovering awesome things to do in Monterey is easy. Remember to add Monterey Bay Aquarium to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Monterey?
Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are two great places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Monterey while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Monterey?
You can't leave without checking out Monterey Bay Aquarium, rated the top tourist attraction in Monterey.
Is three days enough to stay in Monterey?
Three days will give you time to check out many city sights, such as Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and Carmel Beach. The average stay in Monterey is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Santa Cruz isn't far away.
Is Monterey a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Monterey, including Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kilometers from central Monterey is Downtown Monterey and Monterey Vista is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Monterey with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Monterey with kids.

What to do in Monterey for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Monterey, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Folktale Winery and Vineyards or Ventana Vineyards Tasting Room.
Are there free things to do in Monterey?
In Monterey, Cannery Row is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Monterey.