Monterey sits like a jewel on California’s central coast, where rugged cliffs meet endless ocean views and marine life thrives in protected waters. This charming coastal city offers everything from world-class aquariums to historic districts that tell the story of California’s early days.
Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply want to soak up that laid-back coastal vibe, Monterey delivers in spades. The city strikes a perfect balance between natural beauty and human-made attractions, making it a destination that appeals to families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Here is a list of 15 incredible things to do in Monterey that showcase why this coastal gem remains one of California’s most beloved destinations.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium stands as one of the world’s premier marine research facilities and visitor attractions. More than 35,000 animals representing over 550 species call this place home — all within exhibits that recreate the diverse habitats of Monterey Bay.
That two-story kelp forest exhibit? It’s absolutely mesmerizing as you watch leopard sharks, sardines, and colorful rockfish swim through towering kelp fronds that sway like an underwater forest. The sea otters steal the show during feeding time, though their playful antics provide endless entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Cannery Row
Once the heart of Monterey’s sardine canning industry, Cannery Row has transformed into a vibrant waterfront district filled with shops, restaurants, and hotels. John Steinbeck immortalized this area in his novel of the same name. Today, you can explore the very streets he wrote about.
The historic buildings now house everything from quirky gift shops to upscale restaurants serving fresh Pacific seafood. Walking along the waterfront here feels like stepping through layers of history, where industrial heritage meets modern coastal charm.
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17-Mile Drive
This legendary scenic route winds through some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in America, connecting Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea. You’ll pass championship golf courses, exclusive resorts, and dramatic rocky coastlines where waves crash against ancient cypress trees.
The famous Lone Cypress stands as perhaps the most photographed tree in North America — perched precariously on its rocky outcrop overlooking the Pacific. Plan to spend at least two hours on this drive since you’ll want to stop frequently to capture photos and simply absorb the stunning scenery.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Monterey’s historic wharf buzzes with activity from early morning until sunset, offering a genuine taste of the city’s maritime heritage. Fresh seafood vendors hawk their daily catch while restaurants serve up clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls and fish and chips with ocean views.
Sea lions often lounge on the docks beneath the wharf — creating impromptu wildlife viewing opportunities right in the heart of the tourist district. The wharf also serves as the departure point for whale watching tours and deep-sea fishing charters, making it a hub for marine adventures.
Point Sur Lighthouse
Perched 361 feet above the crashing waves on a volcanic rock outcrop, Point Sur Lighthouse offers both historical significance and spectacular views. Built in 1889, this automated lighthouse still guides ships safely along the treacherous Big Sur coastline.
Guided tours take visitors up the winding staircase to the light room while sharing stories of the lighthouse keepers who once lived in isolation on this dramatic promontory. The three-hour tour includes a moderate hike — and provides unparalleled photo opportunities of the rugged coastline stretching in both directions.
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Carmel-by-the-Sea
Just a short drive from Monterey, this fairy-tale village captivates visitors with its storybook cottages, art galleries, and white-sand beach. The town deliberately maintains its quaint character with no street addresses, no streetlights — architectural guidelines that preserve its whimsical charm.
Carmel Beach stretches for a mile of pristine white sand where dogs romp freely and photographers capture perfect sunset shots. Ocean Avenue slopes directly down to the beach, creating one of the most picturesque small-town scenes in California.
Monterey State Historic Park
This park preserves several historic buildings that tell the story of California’s transition from Mexican to American rule. The Custom House, built in 1827, stands as the oldest government building on the West Coast — marking the spot where the American flag was first officially raised in California.
Walking through these preserved adobes feels like traveling back to the 1840s, when Monterey served as California’s capital. The park’s buildings are scattered throughout downtown Monterey, creating a pleasant walking tour that combines history with exploring the modern city.
Pacific Grove
Known as ‘America’s Last Hometown,’ Pacific Grove maintains a Victorian charm that transports visitors to a gentler era. The town’s Butterfly Sanctuary protects thousands of monarch butterflies that migrate here each winter — creating one of nature’s most spectacular seasonal displays.
Lovers Point Park offers dramatic coastal views and picnic areas where families gather to watch sea otters play in the kelp beds below. Strict preservation ordinances have maintained the collection of Victorian cottages, making every street feel like a walk through architectural history.
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Pebble Beach Golf Links
This legendary golf course consistently ranks among the world’s finest, where professional tournaments and amateur dreams unfold against one of the most spectacular backdrops in sports. The 18th hole, with its approach shot over the Pacific Ocean — has decided countless tournaments and created memories for golfers from around the globe.
Even non-golfers appreciate the course’s beauty during the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, when celebrities and professionals compete on these hallowed fairways. The Lodge at Pebble Beach provides luxury accommodations and dining with panoramic ocean views that complement the golf experience.
Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail
This 18-mile paved path follows the coastline from Castroville to Pacific Grove — offering walkers, cyclists, and runners spectacular ocean views throughout their journey. The trail passes through diverse landscapes including sand dunes, rocky shores, and quiet residential neighborhoods where harbor seals bask on protected beaches.
Local cyclists and morning joggers share the path with tourists, creating a friendly atmosphere where everyone enjoys the coastal scenery together. The flat, well-maintained surface makes this trail accessible to people of all fitness levels who want to experience Monterey’s coastline at their own pace.
Tor House
Poet Robinson Jeffers built this stone tower and cottage by hand using granite boulders from the Carmel coastline. It’s one of California’s most unique literary landmarks. Jeffers lived here from 1919 until his death in 1962, writing poetry inspired by the dramatic landscape surrounding his home.
The tower contains stones from around the world, including pieces from the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Egypt, reflecting Jeffers’ global perspective. Guided tours reveal how this remarkable poet-builder created both his home and his literary legacy in harmony with the rugged Carmel coastline.
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Monterey County Fair
Each summer, this traditional county fair brings together agricultural displays, carnival rides, live entertainment, and enough fried food to satisfy any appetite. Local 4-H clubs showcase prize-winning livestock while vendors sell everything from kettle corn to handmade crafts.
The fair maintains that authentic small-town atmosphere where families spend entire days enjoying simple pleasures like pig races and blue-ribbon competitions. Evening concerts feature both local bands and nationally known performers, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates Monterey County’s agricultural heritage and community spirit.
Dennis the Menace Park
Created with input from cartoonist Hank Ketcham, who lived in Monterey, this playground brings the mischievous character to life through creative play structures. The park features a real locomotive that children can climb on, along with innovative playground equipment that encourages imaginative play.
Parents appreciate the park’s thoughtful design, which provides entertainment for children while offering comfortable seating areas with pleasant views. Adjacent Lake El Estero adds natural beauty to the park setting, where families often extend their visits with picnics and paddle boat rentals.
Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley
The Carmel Valley wine region produces exceptional vintages in a more intimate setting than the crowded tasting rooms of Napa or Sonoma. Family-owned wineries offer personalized tastings where visitors meet the winemakers and learn about sustainable farming practices in this unique microclimate.
The valley’s Mediterranean climate and diverse soils create ideal conditions for producing award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other varieties. Many tasting rooms feature outdoor patios where visitors can savor their wine while enjoying views of rolling vineyards backed by the Santa Lucia Mountains.
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Whale Watching
Monterey Bay’s deep underwater canyon creates nutrient-rich conditions that attract an incredible diversity of marine mammals throughout the year. Gray whales pass through during their annual migration, while humpback whales feed in the bay during summer months, often breaching and putting on spectacular shows for tour boats.
Blue whales, the largest animals ever to live on Earth, visit the bay during certain seasons, providing visitors with once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunities. Local tour operators know the best spots and times for whale sightings, significantly increasing your chances of witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Where Past Meets Present
Monterey’s transformation from a rough-and-tumble fishing port to a world-class destination reflects California’s own evolution from frontier territory to cultural trendsetter. The same waters that once teemed with sardines now support thriving populations of whales, sea otters, and countless other marine species, thanks to conservation efforts that began decades ago.
Today’s visitors experience both the preserved history of California’s early statehood and the ongoing story of marine conservation that continues to unfold in Monterey Bay. This coastal city proves that respecting the past while embracing the future creates destinations that truly stand the test of time, offering meaningful experiences for every generation of travelers who discover its magic.
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