Things to do in Monterey

Activities, attractions and tours

Monterey
Monterey
Monterey
Monterey
Monterey

Things to do

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

€17
per traveller
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Anytime Admission

Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

€20
per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

€60
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

€65
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Picture 1 for Activity Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

€82
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Cannery Row Cross Overs

Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey

€8
per adult
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
Monterey: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

€47
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay

€82
per adult
Sunset Sailing Cruise in Monterey Bay
1-Hour Monterey and Cannery Row GoCar Tour

Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour

€85
per traveller
80% of travellers recommend
Ultimate Monterey Bay, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour
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Most popular experiences in Monterey

Tours & day trips

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Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day Tour

Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day Tour

Activity duration is 11 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 240 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €113 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour
6.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Price is €7 per adult
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History & culture

See all 20 activities
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour
6.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Price is €7 per adult
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €57 per adult
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in Monterey

Popular places to visit

Cannery Row

Cannery Row

Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.

Cannery Row
Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf

Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.

Fisherman's Wharf
17-Mile Drive

17-Mile Drive

Discover palatial mansions, lush golf courses and a wild stretch of coastline inhabited by sea lions on a road often dubbed one of the world’s most scenic drives.

17-Mile Drive
Aerial view of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California, United States.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

You can take time to visit WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during your travels to Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Munras Avenue

Take the family on an outing to Munras Avenue during your trip to Monterey. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Munras Avenue
Del Monte Beach

Del Monte Beach

Relax in this tranquil sandy bay hidden behind quaint coastal villas among the sand dunes and choppy waves of Monterey Bay.

Del Monte Beach
Monterey, California's marina is filled with sailboats and yachts. Birds fly over the water, while fog partially obscures the distant hills.

Waterfront

Enjoy a trip to Waterfront and popular activities such as golfing in Monterey. Discover the area's seafood restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries.

Waterfront
Golden State Theatre

Golden State Theatre

Sit back, relax and enjoy the show at Monterey’s legendary movie palace, which has been delighting theatergoers since 1926.

Golden State Theatre
Dennis the Menace Playground

Dennis the Menace Playground

Set up a picnic on the tranquil shore of Lake El Estero and let the kids run free in this sandy playground.

Dennis the Menace Playground

Where to stay in Monterey

Find the best Monterey areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Monterey
Learn more about Monterey
Photo by Ana Sals
Open Photo by Ana Sals

New Monterey

If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Cannery Row and San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater are top sights worth seeing.

Old Monterey

Old Monterey is a destination visitors seek out for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and popular aquarium. You might also want to check out attractions like Waterfront or Monterey State Historic Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Photo by PollitoAventurero
Open Photo by PollitoAventurero

Downtown Monterey

The pristine beaches and popular aquarium are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Monterey State Beach or Dennis the Menace Playground might round out your trip.

Point Sur Lighthouse at Big Sur, California

Lighthouse District

Lighthouse District is well-regarded for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and popular aquarium, and you might also want to make a stop by Cannery Row, a top sight in the neighbourhood.

panoramic drone view of Pebble Beach, California

Monterey Vista

While Monterey Vista isn't home to many top sights, Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row are some notable places to visit nearby.

Carmel

Carmel

The Lone Cypress, seen from the 17 Mile Drive, in Pebble Beach, California.; Shutterstock ID 438920428

Pebble Beach

A stack of smooth, rounded stones on a pebbly beach with waves in the background.

Del Monte Forest

Frequently asked questions

Is Monterey worth visiting?
Renowned for its hiking and festivals, discovering awesome things to do in Monterey is easy. Remember to add Monterey Bay Aquarium to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Monterey?
Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are two great places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Monterey while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Monterey?
You can't leave without checking out Monterey Bay Aquarium, rated the top tourist attraction in Monterey.
Is three days enough to stay in Monterey?
Three days will give you time to check out many city sights, such as Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and Carmel Beach. The average stay in Monterey is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Santa Cruz isn't far away.
Is Monterey a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Monterey, including Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kilometres from central Monterey is Downtown Monterey and Monterey Vista is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Monterey with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Monterey with kids.

What to do in Monterey for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Monterey, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Folktale Winery and Vineyards or Ventana Vineyards Tasting Room.
Are there free things to do in Monterey?
In Monterey, Cannery Row is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Monterey.