Things to do in Monterey

Activities, attractions and tours

Monterey
Monterey
Monterey featuring heritage architecture and general coastal views
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes landscape views, general coastal views and a beach
Monterey showing general coastal views, a bridge and rugged coastline
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Top places to visit

1. Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases more than 35,000 animals and plants across 550 species. You’ll discover all kinds of local wildlife here, including fish of all sizes, invertebrates, mammals and plants.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life

2. Cannery Row

Discover the leisure attractions along the historic street of Cannery Row. Once a thriving and rather smelly sardine-canning district, today this strip of coast offers fun for the whole family. Peruse the specialty shops and art galleries, dine in seafood restaurants, take the kids to Monterey Bay Aquarium and enjoy watersports in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
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Cannery Row which includes a beach as well as a small group of people

3. Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular waterfront area that played a major role in the development of Monterey. After serving as a busy port toward the end of the 19th century, it is today a diverse district that draws crowds with its seafood restaurants, lively bars and souvenir shops. Admire the excellent views of the ocean in this old-world harbor.
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Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes general coastal views and boating as well as a large group of people

4. Del Monte Beach

Del Monte Beach is a pristine stretch of sand that is a popular spot for surfing and beachcombing. It is an extension of the larger Monterey State Beach and shares many of the same amenities. Appreciate the serene ambiance and silence that take you away from the crowds and noise of the city.
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Del Monte Beach featuring a sandy beach and mist or fog

5. Golden State Theatre

Settle into your plush velvet seat at the Golden State Theatre and wait for the red curtains to open. You will quickly realize that the show you are seeing almost takes a backseat to the opulent setting. This movie palace in Monterey, California is a relic of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
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Golden State Theatre which includes theatre scenes and a city

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What to do in Monterey

Popular places to visit

Monterey Bay Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
17-Mile Drive featuring a beach and rugged coastline

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
Cannery Row which includes a beach as well as a small group of people

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 which includes general coastal views and boating as well as a large group of people

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
Del Monte Beach featuring a sandy beach and mist or fog

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
Golden State Theatre which includes theatre scenes and a city

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
Del Monte Golf Course

Del Monte Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Monterey at Del Monte Golf Course. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

Del Monte Golf Course
San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater

San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater during your travels in Monterey? Amble around the area's seaside or visit its shops.

San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater

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

Areas of Monterey

Carmel showing a city, street scenes and nightlife

Downtown Monterey

4/5(31 area reviews)

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

Downtown Monterey
Monterey Bay Aquarium which includes interior views and marine life

New Monterey

If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are top sights worth seeing.

New Monterey
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Monterey Vista

While Monterey Vista isn't home to many top sights, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Munras Avenue are some notable places to visit nearby.

Monterey Vista
Golden State Theatre which includes theatre scenes and a city

Old Monterey

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

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.

Old Monterey
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Lighthouse District

4/5(9 area reviews)

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.

Lighthouse District
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Alta Mesa

While visiting Alta Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center.

Alta Mesa
Carmel showing autumn colours and a house

Carmel

Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove

17-Mile Drive

Pebble Beach

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.