Monterey is an endlessly rewarding destination with rich history, wildlife encounters, boutique vineyards, and dramatic scenery. From iconic coastal drives to fresh seafood and charming storybook towns, here are ten experiences you won’t want to miss in Monterey, California.
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Head to Cannery Row to explore the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Plan to spend 2-3 hours wandering immersive exhibits showcasing Monterey Bay’s vibrant marine ecosystems. Get up close with sharks, sea turtles, and schooling fish inside the Open Sea exhibit.
Admire hypnotic displays of moon jellies and other strangely beautiful gelatinous animals. Don’t miss the towering kelp forest, where live kelp grows up to 30 feet high, or the playful sea otters—they’re a visitor favorite. Check the daily schedule for penguin feedings and diver talks.
Cruise Along the 17-Mile Drive
Hop in the car and cruise along 17-Mile Drive, a legendary coastal route winding through Pebble Beach. Pay a small admission fee before following the road past rocky cliffs, manicured golf courses, and sweeping ocean views you can’t see any other way. Pull over to take pictures at must-see viewpoints like the Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay’s rolling dunes.
Watch seals and sea lions sunbathing on Bird Rock, or stop at China Rock for turquoise waters and rugged shoreline. Insider tip: Enter through Pacific Grove to avoid congestion and plan a few hours so you can stop often without rushing.
Spend an Afternoon on Cannery Row
Spend an afternoon on Cannery Row, a historic waterfront street transformed into a lively mix of shops, tasting rooms, and restaurants. Walk through the real-life setting of John Steinbeck’s 1945 novel and see former sardine canneries repurposed into modern spaces.
Stop at the Doc Ricketts Memorial to pay homage to Steinbeck’s close friend and marine biologist inspiration. Photograph colorful murals along the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail, play retro arcade games at Oscar’s Playground, or shop for unique gifts at Cannery Row Mercantile. Enjoy an upscale dinner at Sardine Factory, then catch a show at Paper Wing Theatre.
Taste Chowder at Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Soak up classic California charm at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, a popular marketplace that’s been around for nearly two centuries. Expect an energetic atmosphere with lots of tourists and plenty of spots for people-watching. Watch fishing boats as they pull in the day’s catch, browse souvenir shops, and sample free clam chowder from the restaurants lining the wharf.
Order a bread bowl at hotspots like Old Fisherman’s Grotto or Monterey’s Fish House, or skip the chowder and go for the calamari steaks—a Monterey specialty. Scan the water as you walk and keep an eye out for harbor seals and sea lions lounging on nearby docks.
Hike at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Drive out to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and you will quickly see why it’s often called the crown jewel of California’s state parks. Arrive early or park outside and walk in to avoid waiting when parking fills up. Take in the turquoise coves, dramatic cliffs, wind-shaped cypress trees, and postcard-worthy coastal landscapes.
Choose the Cypress Grove or Sea Lion Point Trail for an easy stroll, or tackle the North or South Shore Trail for more of a challenge and jaw-dropping views. Bring binoculars and watch for sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and migrating whales offshore.
Embark on a Whale Watching Tour
Get out on the water for a whale watching tour around Monterey Bay, one of North America’s top destinations for marine wildlife encounters. Join a morning departure from Fisherman’s Wharf to take advantage of calmer seas. Scan the horizon for humpback, gray, or blue whales, along with dolphins and occasional orcas, depending on the season.
Listen as marine biologists or naturalists explain whale behavior, feeding patterns, and conservation efforts along the way. Dress in layers to stay comfortable on the open water, and prepare for frequent, close-up sightings throughout your trip.
Slow Down at Pacific Grove & Lovers Point
Slow down with a half-day visit to Pacific Grove, a quiet coastal town nicknamed “America’s Last Hometown” for its strong community spirit. Swing by Bookworks for locally roasted coffee and a pastry, then head to Lovers Point Park to relax on the lawn or take a dip at the small beach.
Don’t miss the scenic trail connecting Pacific Grove to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or the residential streets lined with charming Victorian homes. Enjoy the calmer atmosphere here as a refreshing contrast to Monterey’s more tourist-heavy waterfront areas.
Kayak in Monterey Bay
Grab a paddle and kayak through Monterey Bay for one of the most immersive ways to experience the coast. Launch near Cannery Row and glide across calm, beginner-friendly waters alongside massive kelp forests.
Watch for sea otters floating nearby, harbor seals surfacing beside your kayak, and seabirds diving for fish. Choose a guided tour for local insight or rent equipment if you prefer to explore on your own. For the smoothest conditions, opt for an early-morning tour.
Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea on Foot
Take a quick drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea for an ultra-walkable side trip filled with art, wine tastings, and storybook charm. Park once and explore the compact village on foot. Walk along Ocean Avenue and Lincoln Street to pose in front of fairytale cottages.
Head to Dolores Street for gallery-hopping at contemporary spots like New Masters Gallery, Winfield Gallery, and The American Art Gallery. Treat yourself to a wine flight at De Tierra Vineyards or Albatross Ridge Tasting Room, then go for a stroll on Carmel Beach around sunset to watch the sky glow over white-sand beaches.
Sip Wine in Carmel Valley
Indulge in quality wine without the Napa crowds or prices with a day trip to Carmel Valley. Sip your way through tasting rooms that favor wide-open patios, gardens, and laid-back hospitality over formality. Visit Folktale Winery for storybook vibes and live music, or unwind on the patio at Twisted Roots Winery.
Stop by Parsonage Winery Tasting Room to sample small-batch, handcrafted wines made in the heart of Carmel Valley Village. If you plan to visit a few stops, book a tasting shuttle to safely navigate the winding roads and get the most bang for your buck.
