Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay
4.5
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Monterey Bay
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
296 within 3 miles
Attractions
236 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,813 reviews
Excellent
2,132
Very good
577
Average
76
Poor
21
Terrible
7
Robert D
Omaha, NE56 contributions
Feb 2020
Having friends in the area and wanting to get away from winter in the Midwest, a trip to this coastal city was just right. Moderate temps with little or no rain, as well as moderate crowds, was perfect. Great sites with in walking distance from our rental unit. A do again some future winter for sure!
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cherylyosh
San Francisco, CA310 contributions
Feb 2020
My husband and I frequently go to Monterey to relax, eat, venture to Carmel Valley to pick up wine, enjoy the cuisine. The Bay is gorgeous! We often stroll along the pathways. Monterey Bay is also the home of Capitola, where our good friend lives. When we visit her in Capitola, we sit at a restaurant with a great view of the bay. Of course, in Monterey itself, there are wonderful places to just sit, walk, eat and enjoy the view of the bay.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
preciousness22
United States818 contributions
Apr 2021
This area is one of the most beautiful on the coast of California. It's no wonder so many people travel here each year to visit and experience the beauty of Monterey Bay. A definite place to visit when traveling to this part of California.
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg W
100 contributions
Jul 2021
You can't beat Monterey and Carmel for beauty. It's one of the most gorgeous areas in California. However, if you plan on staying in Monterey overnight expect to get yourself taxed!! We stayed at the Hyatt Resort for 4 nights and paid over 30% of our room charge in taxes and fees. Better to take say trips in and skip the robbery.
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William
5 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
I have been to Monterey,CA three times and this last time was a let down. Went to the Aquarium and found out that you have to buy your tickets via online to get in. Used my cell phone to purchase while standing in line and lucky enough completed the purchase before entering. Non Tech people would have had a real issue. Also price of admission was expense. $50 Standard, $40 Seniors. Spent rough 1 hour inside and was done. Was very crowded and was difficult to see many of the attractions on a Tuesday. Parked on the street in Cannery Row. Paid with a credit card and selected the max time of 2hrs. Guess what, was back in 1.5hrs and had a parking ticket for $48. Was warned by a local resident about using the parking meters and he was right! Called the parking office about my parking transaction not being processed and so sorry dispute it at our website which I did. Still waiting for a response. Went to the wharfs for something to eat. Sandbar & Grill was good. Other than that we bummed around town for a while but was pretty bored. To us Monterey has lost it charm. Mostly overpriced and more of a tourist trap. Really a shame since I really enjoyed it on my previous visits years ago.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
catwoman58
Spring, Texas25 contributions
Nov 2019
Where do I begin? We traveled by car from San Francisco for a day trip to MB. Our first stop was to Taste of Monterey, on Cannery Row. A great experience! This venue represents most of the wine growers in the region-we each selected a custom tasting flight, plus a charcuterie board of locally curated meats and cheeses, paired with compliments. We savored our fair seated next to a full view of the bay, where we observed all sorts of wildlife: birds, otters, seals, etc. After a few hours, we strolled over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, my favorite of the many aquariums I have visited nationwide. The aquarium abuts the Pacific Ocean, making a horseshoe shape so that the ocean and its wonderful inhabitants are right at the doors. We spent over an hour on the observation deck alone, viewing through the complementary binoculars the wildlife in its natural habitat. Inside the aquarium is a magnificent kelp tank two stories high plus other wonders. I personally spent much of my time near the otter tanks. The aquarium is worth a trip just for the otter education and viewing alone, actually. There is much more to do in Monterey, but we were in only for the day and chose to enjoy these two venues at our leisure.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alix L
Portland, OR58 contributions
Jan 2020
We absolutely lucked out, and experienced 5 days of brilliant sunshine with highs in the high 50s to about 61 degrees. The walk along Ocean Blvd. continuing to Asilomar is one of the most beautiful stretches in the world.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L0ve2travle
United States295 contributions
Dec 2020
Beautiful drive around the cost & plenty of hiking parks. I hiked in Point Lobos Loop Trail Park, Mission Park and Jack Peak Park with the breathtaking view of Carmel and the ocean. Wonderful place to visit during COVID-19 era, no crowds and plenty of things to do.
Written December 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heumanntouch
Huntington Beach, CA1,178 contributions
Feb 2020
This is such a beautiful area that it warrants a stop. The crashing of the waves and the shier beauty of the area making it a PHOTO must stop for sure. Warning this area can get very crowded at times, so plan your arrival into the area accordingly.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MangAndres
San Joaquin, CA652 contributions
Feb 2021
If you have not visited Monterey Bay, I am suggesting that you should go and experience this wonderful city. Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Aquarium are all wonderful places to visit. we even saw California's First Movie Theater and it was such a delight. There are hidden areas that you can explore if you do the walk from Fisherman's Wharf to Cannery Row.
Written March 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TraceyRedhead
Southport, UK4 contributions
we are arriving early in Monterey on March 13th 2019 on a Princess cruise. we wish to hire a car for the day to do the 17 mile drive (have done so before) where is the nearest car hire place that we may pick up a car early in the morning?
Mike K
Phoenix, AZ1,325 contributions
There is an Enterprise and they’ll pick you up Because of congestion and parking issues in both Monterrey and Carmel I’d consider a tour or a bike or a cart
emsyorkie
Bristol, UK26 contributions
We are having a holiday of a lifetime in March. What will the weather be like? Planning on being at sea for most of it. TIA
miggy67
Norwich, NY296 contributions
I've been to the central California coast in late summer and mid fall. I'm not 100% certain but I don't think there are drastic temperature changes throughout the year. I do recommend dressing in layers as the temps change throughout the day. The coast is foggy and cool until mid to late morning. Afternoons are sunny and warm with cool sea breezes. Lovely climate. This region of California is just gorgeous! Enjoy your stay and get out and explore. Try to do the 17 Mile Drive thru Pebble Beach. Don't miss the Monterey and Carmel coast, especially Point Lobos...walks have absolutely AMAZING scenery.
What hotel did you stay at
Cruiser661951
4 contributions
Colton inn. great price and people not to mention the cosy rooms supplied with one duralog per day. great for evening
Andrea D
Nanuet, NY4 contributions
Why does it say Monterey Bay closes at 2:30? Is it a private park?
TJC80401
Golden, CO58 contributions
That reference refers to the driving tour out to the lighthouse and around the various areas at the point. It remains open, and there is parking, but there is no formal driving tour, and the lighthouse may close at that time.
angusoaks11
Janesville, WI79 contributions
Thinking of visiting in late January. What are the crowds like? Anything fun to do besides the aquarium?
malpal
Dallas, TX169 contributions
In my humble opinion, one of THE main reasons to hit the Monterey area is for the views. January is full of overcast, damp days. Monterey has many awesome restaurants/places, but those views..... that is what makes it a great trip. Just food for thought.
Julie S
Rhondda, S.Wales12 contributions
What time of the year is the big whale migration into the bay please. ?
Dosco39
San Jose, CA91 contributions
Hello Julie,
I believe April is a good time as they start their migration back from sea of Cortez to Alaska. They get very close to the Monterey coast to feed.
Hope that helps. Safe travels, Raj
fiona755
Lancashire, UK
When is the best time of year to see marine life from the Bay?
Dosco39
San Jose, CA91 contributions
You can see Marine life in the Monterey Bay pretty much through the year. I was down there last week - I had great weather, saw Elephant seals, otters frolicking in the bay and other than that a great variety of birds. You have to be lucky to see a school of dolphins or whales from the coast, you have to take a boat out to the ocean for more assured results. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is amongst the best aquariums in the world. The area has fabulous hotels, restaurants, golf courses, walking trails and one of the best & most scenic drives in Big Sur.
With Spring around the corner, the flora & fauna is only seen to be believed. Let me know if you need help with planning your trip to the area.
Cheers & safe travel:)
Raulbeatriz
Buenos Aires, Argentina110 contributions
Deseamos hacer esta excursión el
domingo 29 de enero 2017, este es
el único dÃa que podemos hacerla y no
logramos comunicarnos con Viator.
Gracias
Monterey Bay - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Monterey Bay
- Monterey Bay is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- We recommend booking Monterey Bay tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 10 Monterey Bay tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Monterey Bay:
- Whale Watching Tour (From $60.00)
- Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive - Full Day Tour from San Francisco (From $120.00)
- 1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour (From $85.00)
- Monterey & Carmel Explorer (From $119.00)
- Two-day Los Angeles & San Francisco Private Tour (From $2,899.95)
- Hotels near Monterey Bay:
- (0.11 mi) InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel
- (0.07 mi) Ocean Wave B - Monterey Condo - Near Oceanview Row
- (0.08 mi) Ocean Wave A - Monterey Condo - Oceanview Cannery Row
- (0.23 mi) Spindrift Inn
- (0.31 mi) Wave Street Inn
- Restaurants near Monterey Bay:
- (0.03 mi) Monterey Bay Aquarium Cafe
- (0.07 mi) Bistro Moulin
- (0.12 mi) C restaurant + bar
- (0.04 mi) Monterey Bay Aquarium Restaurant
- (0.05 mi) Austino's Patisserie
- Attractions near Monterey Bay:
- (0.01 mi) Monterey Bay Aquarium
- (0.11 mi) Monterey Waterfront & Cannery Row Tours
- (0.08 mi) Doc Rickett's Pacific Biological Laboratories
- (0.11 mi) Spa at InterContinental The Clement Monterey
- (0.16 mi) Segway Tours Monterey