THE 30 BEST Things to Do in Monterey, CA
Places to Visit in Monterey
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Historic Sites. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Historic Sites. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Monterey.
On the Waterfromper adult₹5,742
E-Bike Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₹6,625
On the Waterfromper adult₹6,184
Ghost Toursfromper adult₹2,827
Private and Luxuryfromper adult₹5,300
Theatre Showsfromper adult₹1,766
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adult₹706
Culinary Toursfromper adult₹14,487
Historical Toursfromper adult₹3,092- fromper adult₹11,219
Aquariums
Marine sanctuary with interactive exhibits, including a kelp forest and captivating jellyfish displays. Features local sea life, feeding sessions, and a behind-the-scenes tour.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Scenic Drives
Coastal drive through diverse landscapes, with stops like a historic lone cypress tree and cliff-side lookouts. Enjoy photography, sunset views, and a prestigious golf course with ocean vistas.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Bodies of Water
Coastal area with historic exploration sites, marine life encounters, and a lively wharf. Includes scenic drives, sea vistas, and a vibrant seaside ambiance for relaxation and activities.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Expansive playground presenting an array of climbing structures and paddle boat adventures, set amid lush gardens and a scenic pond with ducks. Ideal for family outings and children's play.
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Historic Sites
Iconic waterfront district known for its historical ties to the fishing industry, marine biology, and literary heritage, offering dining, shops, and scenic strolls.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Other Top Attractions around Monterey
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- buppy oSanta Clarita, CA2 contributionsThis is a wonderful aquarium. We spent 2 hours walking through each exhibit. The jellyfish exhibits are extensive and beautiful. There are even penguins! The volunteers are numerous and helpful. The volunteers wait near exhibits for visitors to ask questions. The aquarium is right next to many of eateries and tourist shops and also, right next to the Pacific Ocean. When you walk straight through the aquarium, you walk out to a large, open are that overlooks the ocean, 10 feet above the water. It is gorgeous. There is a 3-story public parking structure about three short blocks away. (Not New York City blocks.) $15 for the day.
It can be chilly outside so bring layers.Written 8 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - huskerunnerOmaha, NE18 contributionsOur family spent a few hours taking in the gorgeous coastal views of along the 17-Mile drive in December 2024. The beaches are gorgeous, you'll see wildlife galore at many of the stops, especially at Bird Rock, and for my golf loving family, sneaking views of the Pebble courses and stopping at the Pebble Beach visitor center was pretty special! Do dress warm for the wind and chill in December.Written 30 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- wvogelii165 contributionsTook our family of four (two teenage boys) for a day trip from Fresno area (2 1/2 hour drive). Pro tip, leave early to get there and park before 9am or it’s going to be a challenge finding a good spot (we went on a Sunday). We chose lots of 21 right in between Cannery Row and Old Fishermans Wharf. It was about $10 to park for the day. We chose to walk the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail which is a well maintained bike/run/walk path up and down the coast. Pro tip, there is a free shuttle taking you up and down the trail if you’re tired of walking. We hit up the shops, food and sea life viewing areas over a 6 hour duration. Definitely worth the trip (and beats the Fresno heat ~30 degrees cooler)!
I’ll review a few of the individual locations on my profile.Written 24 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Monica P1 contributionProbably the best park that I’ve ever visited in my life. They had lots of different types of slides and different types of equipment. I couldn’t believe it was free. My kids loved it! Parents please always keep an eye on your children, even if you can see them, this park is very chaotic and there are a lot of people there.Written 18 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lauren CNew Jersey169 contributionsReally fantastic and scenic trail that’s great for biking or walking. You can pick it up wherever and enjoy the views of the water, wildlife, and local charm. Highly recommend!Written 16 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jv66210Oklahoma City, OK152 contributionsCannery Row is a beautiful location with lots of restaurants and shops. We went in the evening, and I think it was even more beautiful lit up after dark.Written 16 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jan w3 contributionsIt was Picture Post Card gorgeous! South of otter refuge area .I am so sorry to hear about Highway 1 and it crumbling hillside ! This was My Mother’s best place to drive too and loved it, she called it her favorite scenic view she has ever got drive and pull over when she wanted too. She took my Brother and myself to this place when we where young as a family trip and boy did we love it, myself and brother remembered what she said , so we travelled this way a few years ago, in memory of that occasion. I don’t think that place was there when we travelled, but I thought that was a beautiful spot to remember her by.Written 28 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeanine Loves TravelSaint Charles, IL149 contributionsGo early in the morning and do the Skyline Nature trail. It is magical with the fog. Heck, spend the entire morning there exploring. Lots to see!Written 1 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BruinDanFullerton, CA3,331 contributionsFounded in 1959, the Monterey Museum of Art can be found on Pacific Street between the intersections with Madison and Jefferson Streets, across from the Monterey City Hall. There is metered parking along the street. My wife and I visited this museum during late February 2024.
There is a permanent collection of art housed here, but what the museum is known for is featuring 15-20 special exhibitions throughout the year. So, it’s advisable to check the museum’s website before visiting to verify the special exhibit is something you’d like to see. On our visit, the exhibition was named “Harvesting California,” which celebrated the local economy’s close connection with agriculture. It featured the work of both local artists and nationally-known figures such as the famous photographer Dorothea Lange.
The museum was easy to navigate, the artwork was tastefully displayed, and it won’t take you all day to go through it all. We enjoyed our visit and can recommend it to others.Written 19 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Joe AlejoSouth Lake Tahoe, CA297 contributionsvery cool spot to stroll and take in the sights! great area to stretch the legs after driving around and visiting the area attractionsWritten 24 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Glenn L16 contributionsSaw some seals, cormorants and even a couple of otters. A number of people were fishing from the wharf, but don’t know if they had any luck. A bit run down and dinghy, especially on the Coast Guard portionWritten 2 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- roy vTraralgon, Australia6,026 contributionsWe enjoyed going here after the huge Independence Day parade.
There were so many people on the lawns, eating and drinking and listening to the music.
The Hall looked terrific with the Fourth Of July decorations on it .
We went in and had a look around, nice building and a bit of history to learn. Very historic place and hard to imagine you are standing where history was made as the Californian Constitution was conceived and signed in this Hall.
Nice volunteer Gentleman there who was happy to give us information, That was excellentWritten 5 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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