Things to Do in Monterey

Things to Do in Monterey, CA - Monterey Attractions

Things to Do in Monterey


Top Attractions in 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 travelers are saying

  • MissBookworm
    10 contributions
    I enjoyed my visit with friends here! I loved that we got to see Otters and the various exhibits of fishes. One thing I definitely recommend is taking your time and pacing yourself, I didn’t realize how much there was to see. Will have to return!
    Written June 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BobiTychynskiShimoda
    Oakville, Canada297 contributions
    So many interesting vista points! We didn’t stop and get out at all the POI but even just slowing down for a look from our vehicle was great. Our favorite POIs were probably Restless Sea and Lone Cypress. The golf courses were stunning and we also caught a glimpse at some beautiful bucks on the course.
    Written June 4, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • frequent1
    Groveland, CA1,490 contributions
    We walked for miles and were surprised that the severe winter did not do more damage to the trails. We saw many sea lions a couple of sea otters and some baby seal pupts
    Written April 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • neelu2015
    New Delhi, India50 contributions
    Absolutely heavenly.... postcard place on 17 mile drive!
    Aquarium was fantastic, excursion to Point Lobo fruitfully resulted in various seal,sea lion
    Written December 17, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nicki P
    2 contributions
    Fun well maintained park with plenty of kids and parents around on a Saturday morning, there is something for each age. Enjoy!
    Written June 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Deb W
    Reno, NV2,511 contributions
    This area is like a small version of the wharf in San Francisco. We got to see a couple of sea lions. It's mostly restaurants and touristy shops.
    Written November 16, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wendy N
    Johns Creek, GA336 contributions
    The area is good for restaurants and souvenir shops, but not much else. The area used to have more unique stores and galleries but found this trip that most of those had disappeared. If you are visiting the Aquarium, it makes sense to take a stroll through the area and see the history of the town which had a heavy reliance on fishing in some of the old buildings.
    Written May 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tinaNtravel
    San Jose, CA1,810 contributions
    The first time we came here in August, we walked down the pier and there were sea lions all along the way. In some cases, they were only a few yards away, on the other side of the fence on the rocks. At the end of the pier, we saw hundreds of cormorants. Also, along the pier are some of the Coast Guard vessels. When we came back in Sept, the Coast Guard had an event in the small park near San Carlos Beach and the ships were also open. We went on board and were able to ask questions to the Coast Guard member, which was rather interesting. Note: Also, in Sept, there were a lot fewer sea lions on the pier, as they were all in the bay area, along the walkway to Fisherman's Wharf.
    Written September 25, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ItchyFeet
    Camarillo, CA7,673 contributions
    This is a very large area extending down towards Big Sur with great coastal views when you can see lots of wildlife: sea otters, sea lions, whales off in the distance and lots of flowers along trails
    Written June 20, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dphillipd
    Los Angeles, CA20 contributions
    I go to the area twice a year for golf. Now that Torrey Pines is a complete fiasco it's nice to play in under 6 hours. This time my granddaughter came along so we did the Historic walk through the city and cell phone tour. We also visited the common house and other State staffed historic locations. The representative in The State House was awesome. His historic knowledge is very informative. You will learn a lot speaking with these people. Never miss that walk.
    Written August 11, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 無名
    Japan8,169 contributions
    ... right up the hill from the Navy Lodge I'm staying at here in Monterey. I was here for 10 days back in May I think it was and I would have definitely come here to hike if I would have known about it. Really nice, easy trails to navigate. Is perfect weather today. Tried the short and easy Skyline Trail first which had a few epic views of Monterey and the bay. Then made a big loop with the Iris and Rhus Trails. They were up and down a little - a bit steep(ish) in a couple spots. Then I finished with the Jacks Peaks Trail which Wasn't all that difficult either. I guess I jacked up my knee some more With the almost three and a half miles I did here. It's been hurting a few days but now it really feels on edge. Not a good way to start my upcoming trip to... Oh yea, I was thinking a little about Dan and Mary's son Jack and his wife Alexa today because of the name. I think they're visiting him today or tomorrow. They're good people.
    Written October 13, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jennifer S
    1 contribution
    A lot of books and other museum items from the days California was establishing its own State constitution. Monterey was the capital of California at one time.
    Written October 7, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • frequent1
    Groveland, CA1,490 contributions
    The place has a phenomenal view and the houses are structured away from wind. They had plenty of heaters outside and the service, food and ambiance were excellent. Everything went off without a hitch. Highly recommmended
    Written April 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nicole B
    Martinez47 contributions
    Pierce Ranch is a tasting room right off Cannery Row. It is in a quant little house that is nicely decorated. We had the place to ourselves. We tried several different wines. They are a little different than some of your typical vineyards. We really enjoyed the wines and our experience. It was not hard to choose 6 bottles to take home. Very relaxing and enjoyable little place
    Written May 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Warren G W
    Rainier, OR1,654 contributions
    As a marine biology student at Stanford in the 1950's, I came with classes, to Hopkins Marine Station, and visited what was left of Doc Rickett's legacy on The Row. We all had copies of his seminal work on Pacific Coast marine biology - "Between Pacific Tides" - and we tried to find all the invertebrates that he so carefully described.
    Seventy years later, it is nostalgic to find that some small remnants of his work is left (if you would like to read his book, the MBAQ has it in their bookstore), and especially gratifying to introduce a grandchild who wants to be a "biologist" to this fascinating subject.
    Most visitors don't know that the "bike path" along Cannery Row is actually the old Southern Pacific railroad right-of-way that served the canneries and the tourists in Carmel, and that Doc Ricketts was killed by a train at the crossing just in front of the current Aquarium.
    Written July 25, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Monterey





See what travelers are asking

Forum posts were selected by looking for forum titles asking specific questions and taking the top showtopic page by total pageviews as the optimal topic.
myself nd my wife will be visiting friends in san francisco and we plan to drive down to los angeles via hihghway 1. Since we have not been to this area, thought we would drive down and stay 2-3 nights on route..as i m not knowing the area, my question is.... in Monterey where we should stay for a night Or is there another area we should be looking? ..but would love to stay where there are great views and restaurants close by. Thanks!
Answer: Because this type of question comes up a lot, I put together a page on my website which describes the various neighborhoods to help you pick the best lodging area for you. http://montereypeninsula.info/guide/lodging.html

Relating to your stated preferences, Carmel, a quiet forested village, has the best selection of restaurants. And while there are no lodgings on the shoreline, many are just a short walk from the most beautiful beaches in California.

Monterey is a busy urban environment and has a few hotels on or near the shoreline of Cannery Row. Downtown Monterey has several hotels just a short walk from the harbor. Monterey has a good variety of restaurants, but not as many as Carmel.

Pacific Grove, a fairly quiet town, has four B&Bs and two motels across the street from the ocean, and within walking distance of at least a few restaurants.

-Mr. Toy
www.montereypeninsula.info
Note that forum content are individual perspectives of forum posters and not the opinion of Tripadvisor

Monterey Attractions Information

Attractions215
Attraction Reviews52,258
Attraction Photos27,675
Local TimeTuesday 9:52 PM