Things to Do in Monterey, CA - Monterey Attractions
Things to Do in Monterey
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Top Attractions in Monterey
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- MissBookworm10 contributionsI 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, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BobiTychynskiShimodaOakville, Canada297 contributionsSo 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, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- frequent1Groveland, CA1,490 contributionsWe 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 puptsWritten April 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- neelu2015New Delhi, India50 contributionsAbsolutely heavenly.... postcard place on 17 mile drive!
Aquarium was fantastic, excursion to Point Lobo fruitfully resulted in various seal,sea lionWritten December 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nicki P2 contributionsFun well maintained park with plenty of kids and parents around on a Saturday morning, there is something for each age. Enjoy!Written June 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Deb WReno, NV2,511 contributionsThis 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, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wendy NJohns Creek, GA336 contributionsThe 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, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tinaNtravelSan Jose, CA1,810 contributionsThe 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, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ItchyFeetCamarillo, CA7,673 contributionsThis 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 trailsWritten June 20, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- dphillipdLos Angeles, CA20 contributionsI 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, 2022This 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, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jennifer S1 contributionA 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, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- frequent1Groveland, CA1,490 contributionsThe 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 recommmendedWritten April 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nicole BMartinez47 contributionsPierce 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 placeWritten May 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Warren G WRainier, OR1,654 contributionsAs 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, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Monterey
- The top attractions to visit in Monterey are:
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- 17-Mile Drive
- Monterey Bay
- Dennis the Menace Park
- Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail
- The best outdoor activities in Monterey according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail
- Monterey Bay
- Dennis the Menace Park
- Jacks Peak County Park
- The best day trips from Monterey according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive - Full Day Tour from San Francisco
- Coastal 17-Mile Drive Self-Guided Audio Tour (Monterey & Carmel)
- BEST 17-Mile Drive, Carmel and Monterey Day Trip from San Francisco
- Big Sur McWay Falls California Coast One Day from Monterey Carmel
- Monterey & Carmel Explorer
- The most popular things to do in Monterey with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- 17-Mile Drive
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail
- Monterey Bay
- Dennis the Menace Park
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
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
| Attractions | 215 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 52,258 |
| Attraction Photos | 27,675 |
| Local Time | Tuesday 9:52 PM |