Top 20 Must-See Attractions in Monterey, CA

Best Things to do in Monterey, California

Monterey, just two hours away from San Francisco, serves as an enchanting weekend destination in California. Favored by the affluent, Monterey boasts a stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, and an array of outdoor activities, ensuring fun for the whole family. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or establishing a base to explore the California Coast for a week or more, attractions abound. Here are some highlights of the best things to do in Monterey, California, to enhance your visit.

1. Kayak Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

One of our most unforgettable experiences in Monterey was kayaking in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Observing the coastline from the water offers a unique perspective, particularly when encountering marine life such as endangered sea otters and playful sea lions. Thanks to conservation efforts, sea otter populations have rebounded, and visitors can often see them lounging on kelp forests.

• For kayaking and other outdoor adventures, visit Adventures by the Sea at 685 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, United States.
• Time to visit: Approximately 2-3 hours.

2. Breakwater Cove and the Coast Guard Pier

For those who prefer observing marine life from land, Breakwater Cove and the Coast Guard Pier provide an incredible opportunity to watch hundreds of sea lions basking in the sun. A visit to Monterey wouldn’t be complete without witnessing these charming creatures, who make their homes on the rocks and frolic in the water. It’s certainly one of the most delightful experiences in Monterey.

3. Monterey Bay Aquarium

The iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium occupies the former site of a sardine canning factory. Featuring interactive displays and a captivating open sea exhibit, it showcases hundreds of marine species. While aquariums may not be everyone’s passion, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a trailblazer in conservation efforts, helping to ensure the survival of various species, including the Southern sea otter, sharks, and bluefin tuna.

• Location: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, directly on the waterfront.

4. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Stretching from San Francisco, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is not only a premier attraction in Monterey, but also a treasured destination throughout California. With enchanting tide pools, vibrant kelp forests, and abundant marine life, it’s a required stop on any California itinerary. The ideal way to explore the sanctuary’s diverse wildlife and stunning scenery is through a whale watching tour.

5. Cannery Row

Once renowned as the sardine capital of the world, Monterey’s historic Cannery Row is now lined with shops and restaurants, making it a popular destination. The area gained fame through John Steinbeck’s novel “Cannery Row,” published in 1945, depicting life in Monterey during the Great Depression. Don’t miss the chance to try the acclaimed clam chowder at the Old Fisherman’s Grotto, voted Best Clam Chowder in Monterey County for 16 consecutive years.

6. E-Bike 17 Mile Drive

Exploring the renowned 17 Mile Drive is highly recommended when visiting Monterey County. Starting in Pacific Grove, we opted for an electric bike ride along the Monterey Peninsula, culminating in Carmel by the Sea. This unique outdoor activity allows you to appreciate points of interest without navigating traffic. While cars lined up at the entrance, we effortlessly glided right through.

7. 17 Mile Drive Attractions

The 17 Mile Drive features numerous attractions worth noting, including:

• Lone Cypress – This iconic tree lost a limb in 2019, potentially diminishing its popularity.
• Ghost Tree – This beautifully photogenic tree is a must-stop instead.
• John Denver Memorial
• Seal Rock Creek Beach, Spanish Bay Beach
• Pescadero Point in the Del Monte Forest

If driving yourself, consider downloading a 17-Mile Drive self-guided tour to ensure you see all the popular destinations along the scenic route from Monterey to Carmel.

8. Old Fisherman’s Wharf Monterey

Old Fisherman’s Wharf represents the historical wharf of Monterey, now home to many restaurants, shops, art galleries, and cafés. It’s an ideal destination for a pleasant afternoon, and it’s from here that visitors can book whale-watching tours in the bay.

Dining options at Old Fisherman’s Wharf include Paluca Trattoria, offering outdoor dining, and Abalonetti, renowned for seafood.

9. Monterey State Historic Park

Step back in time at the Monterey State Historic Park. This collection of approximately a dozen historic buildings near Old Fisherman’s Wharf showcases architecture dating back to the 1800s. Be sure to visit the Customs House, California’s oldest government building, and the Old Theater, which claims to be the oldest theater in the state.

10. World Class Golf

The Pebble Beach Golf Course is frequently ranked as the number one public golf course in the country, drawing golfers to Monterey for a top-tier golfing experience. Other noteworthy courses include Spyglass Hill, Del Monte Golf Course, and the Pebble Beach Golf Academy.

11. Hear the Bagpiper at the Links of Spanish Bay

Even if you’re not a golfer, the Spanish Bay Golf course deserves a visit for its scenic dunes by the sea. Every evening, a bagpiper performs as the sun sets over Spanish Bay beach, creating a magical atmosphere.

12. Carmel By the Sea

Just 10 minutes from Monterey lies Carmel By the Sea, another charming community perfect for a day visit. We enjoyed splitting our time between Monterey and Carmel, appreciating the beautiful beaches and excellent dining options in both locations.

13. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Our e-biking guide recommended the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, considered California’s crown jewel of state parks. Offering an array of outdoor activities, it features 13 hiking trails catering to various skill levels, wildlife watching, and excellent scuba diving spots among the kelp forests. The Cypress Grove Trail presents stunning views of Monterey cypress trees perched on sea cliffs, providing the perfect spot to witness migrating gray whales from December to May.

14. Monterey Museum of Art

For indoor activities, the Monterey Museum of Art is a popular attraction showcasing California art and artists. Notably, Ansel Adams lived in the Monterey Peninsula, and his photography is prominently displayed at the museum.

15. Monterey Coastal Trail

If you’re seeking free things to do in Monterey, don’t miss the Monterey Coastal Trail. The entire route spans 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove, passing by major attractions, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery along the way.

16. El Estero Park and Dennis the Menace Playground

For family-friendly fun, visit the Dennis the Menace Playground situated in El Estero Park. Designed with input from the creator of Dennis the Menace, the playground features a giant ship, slides, climbing structures, and more, making it worthwhile even if you don’t have kids. Located on El Estero Lake, this park provides picnic tables, a skateboarding area, and an outdoor exercise course.

17. Monterey County Youth Museum (MY Museum)

Another excellent family-friendly activity is exploring the Monterey County Youth Museum, situated adjacent to Dennis the Menace Park, where kids can engage with interactive exhibits.

18. Whale Watching

Whale watching tours are undoubtedly one of the premier activities in Monterey, offering year-round opportunities to observe these majestic creatures. We even spotted whales from our hotel in Big Sur during breakfast, an unforgettable sight. Join this highly-rated tour to explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in search of whales.

19. Wine Tasting

While Napa Valley and Sonoma are often recognized wine regions, Monterey County has its own burgeoning vineyards. Wine tasting rooms are conveniently located in downtown Monterey, allowing for easy exploration. The Monterey Wine Market and Bistro is especially popular among visitors wanting to sample wines from the region.

Additionally, follow the River Road Wine Trail to experience estate wineries with breathtaking views of the renowned Salinas Valley, often referred to as the Salad Bowl of the World.

20. Pacific Coast Highway

Thanks to its proximity to the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, Monterey serves as a fantastic base for exploring this stunning ocean road. Expect to discover many noteworthy sites on day trips from Monterey to Big Sur.

Monterey is just a 40-minute drive to Big Sur, where you can witness remarkable locations such as the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Garrapata State Park, and the breathtaking Bixby Creek Bridge.

How to Get to Monterey, CA

The optimal method to reach Monterey is by car. A road trip is highly recommended, offering the chance to appreciate California’s scenic landscapes. Monterey is approximately a two-hour drive from San Francisco and five hours from Los Angeles. While many opt for the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway 1 from L.A., it’s wise to check for mudslides and road closures.

If you lack convenient transportation, consider booking tours from San Francisco or multi-day excursions from Los Angeles.

This family-friendly tour includes stops at Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel, and Pebble Beach.

Alternatively, for a longer exploration including Monterey, consider this Wild West Tour from Los Angeles, taking you along the Pacific Coast before continuing to San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, and Death Valley.