The best things to do in
Monterey

Monterey Bay Aquarium

We visit Monterey every year during Car Week but always stop by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Anyone visiting the city for the first time (regardless of the reason) should plan to visit the aquarium. Known for its dedication to marine conservation and education, it is home to thousands of marine animals and plants.

Its impressive exhibits, such as the towering Kelp Forest and the Open Sea wing, allow visitors to learn more about the wonders of the ocean. One of the aquarium’s most popular attractions is the sea otter exhibit, where these playful animals can be seen swimming and interacting.

What makes the Monterey Bay Aquarium particularly special is its focus on sustainability and ocean health. Many of its exhibits show the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, and it actively participates in global conservation efforts.

The aquarium is also known for its interactive displays and live feedings, offering guests an engaging and educational experience. With its oceanfront location and haven for marine life, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the central coast of California.

17-Mile Drive

The 17-Mile Drive, located Monterey Peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and iconic coastal routes in the United States. This private road, which winds through the exclusive Pebble Beach and Del Monte Forest areas, offers dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

As you navigate the road, you'll pass through some of the most famous landmarks in the area, including the Lone Cypress, a striking tree that has stood for over 250 years, and Bird Rock, a haven for seals and sea lions.

The drive also takes you past world-renowned golf courses such as Pebble Beach Golf Links, adding a touch of luxury to the natural beauty. Best of all, you don't need to worry about getting distracted by the incredible views. You'll see more than enough while keeping your eyes on the road.

Besides the wonderful views, the road also offers a serene retreat into nature. Along the way, there are several designated stops where visitors can exit their cars and explore. This isn't something you should pass on. Our experience indicates that the best way to enjoy this part of Monterey is to step out of the car and marvel at the natural beauty.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary cuts across the coastline of Monterey and neighboring cities. Stretching over 6,000 square miles, it is one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the United States.

Known as the 'Serengeti of the Sea,' this protected area has a variety of marine life, from playful sea otters and whales to vibrant kelp forests and deep underwater canyons.

The sanctuary provides opportunities for fun marine activities, including whale watching and scuba diving. The rich biodiversity makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers looking to experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Visitors to the Monterey Bay area can explore the sanctuary from several coastal towns, including Santa Cruz, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Boat tours depart regularly, offering guided trips to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

The sanctuary’s shores are lined with scenic trails and beaches, perfect for hiking or a picnic by the water.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a racetrack built on site that once had a lake. That's how it got the name Laguna Seca (Spanish for 'dry lake'). The 2.24-mile track hosts both auto and motorcycle racing.

Hidden away on an elevation between Monterey and Salinas, it hosts racing events all year, including a round of the Superbike World Championship.

Visitors can head to the track to watch one of the races or elect to be a part of the race day action. Laguna Seca also has a campground. Travelers don’t have to attend a motorsport event to set up on the campsite. It's a great place for star gazing.

Allen Berg Racing School

Want to learn how to drive a open wheel racecar from a Formula One driver? Look no further than the Allen Berg Racing School. Run by former Formula One racing driver Allen Berg, the school teaches its students how to drive a race car. The school offers its lessons at Raceway Laguna Seca in Formula Renault cars.

Here, students will see what real racecar drivers do on one of North America’s best race tracks. For racing fans, it is one of the most exciting things to do in Monterey.

Cannery Row

Cannery Row is a must-visit place for visitors seeking history, culture, and coastal views. Once the heart of the sardine canning industry, Cannery Row is now a vibrant area filled with various attractions catering to all travelers.

Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, where the buildings are now charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants offering fresh seafood with ocean views.

The street is rich in history, famously referred to in John Steinbeck's novel Cannery Row. Visitors can explore this rich heritage through walking tours that detail the lives of the workers who once stayed in the area.

Monterey Car Week

Monterey Car Week is one of the best-known automotive events in the world. It attracts collectors, and industry leaders from across the globe. Held in August every year, it features a series of high-profile car shows, auctions, and rallies.

Highlights include the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an high-value car show that presents some of the rarest and most valuable classic cars. The Quail - A Motorsports Gathering, is another show which brings together luxury automobiles and great food, in an exclusive setting.

Monterey Car Week is a celebration of automotive excellence, where the car world's past, present, and future come together.

Beyond the glamour, Monterey Car Week also offers opportunities for visitors to see historic races at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Visitors can join driving tours along the Pacific Coast Highway and attend auctions where some of the world's best cars are sold.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Monterey is so beautiful that it is difficult not to spend time exploring the local natural attractions. Just outside the town, visitors will find Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. It is made up of unique rock formations, caves, and cliffs. It is a great place to stroll and snap nature photos.

There are also a lot of hiking trails nearby, and explorers can find locations to look down over the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the time of year, visitors may even spot seals, sea otters or whales.

Carmel by the Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming coastal town located south of Monterey. The town is known for its natural beauty and artistic heritage. Carmel is famous for its cottages, white-sand beaches, and art galleries that line its narrow, tree-lined streets.

Its unique nature is visible in the design of the buildings, with many in unusual styles that evoke a storybook feel. The town has long been popular with artists, and writers, contributing to its rich cultural landscape.

In addition to its charm, Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a great place for nature lovers. The town's Carmel Beach is a popular spot for picnics, sunset strolls, and surfing.

Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove is a destination known for its beauty and rich history. Often referred to as "America's Last Hometown," the town offers visitors a quiet escape with its charming Victorian buildings, old-fashioned downtown area, and ocean views.

The town is famous for its display of monarch butterflies, which migrate to Pacific Grove every winter. Their presence has earned the town the nickname "Butterfly Town, USA." Visitors can explore the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, where thousands of butterflies can be seen in the trees. It is a magical sight that draws nature lovers from around the world.

Beyond the butterflies, Pacific Grove is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on the California coast. The town boasts scenic walking and biking paths, such as the Pacific Grove Recreation Trail, which offers views of the rocky shoreline and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.

The nearby Asilomar State Beach is perfect for a stroll or a picnic, with its rugged coastline and tide pools with plenty of marine life. Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast.

Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach is known for its coastal scenery and world-class golf courses. It is home to many beautiful golf courses with views of the bay. These include Pebble Beach Golf Links, which has hosted many U.S. Open tournaments. It is one of the most beautiful and challenging courses on the planet.

The area's resorts, such as The Lodge at Pebble Beach and The Inn at Spanish Bay, provide visitors with fine dining, access to golf courses, and world-class spa services.

Beyond golf, Pebble Beach has many of outdoor activities that show the region's natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Del Monte Forest, where scenic trails wind through groves of Monterey pines and cypress trees. These offer hiking, birdwatching, and photography opportunities.

The coastline along Pebble Beach is also a prime spot for tide pooling and spotting marine wildlife, such as seals and sea otters.

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Old Fisherman's Wharf is a historic destination that offers visitors a look at the region's rich maritime heritage. Originally built in the mid-19th century, the pier was once a hub for the fishing industry.

Today, it has become a lively tourist attraction with seafood restaurants, gift shops, and art galleries. The colorful buildings and the aroma of fresh seafood create a unique atmosphere that draws many visitors. Many of the restaurants offer free clam chowder samples, inviting guests to savor the flavors of Monterey's seafood.

In addition to its wonderful food, Old Fisherman's Wharf is also a gateway to various marine adventures. Visitors can embark on whale-watching tours, fishing charters, and glass-bottom boat rides to explore the marine life in Monterey Bay.

The wharf is also a prime spot for spotting sea lions, otters, and seabirds, which often show up along the waterfront. For those interested in history, the pier offers exhibits and signs detailing its storied past.

Garrapata State Park

Garrapata State Park, located along the Big Sur coastline is about 30 minutes south of Pebble Beach via Cabrillo Highway. It is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Stretching over 2,000 acres, the park offers ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the area.

Visitors can explore various hiking trails, including the popular Garrapata Bluff Trail. It has great panoramas of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. The park’s beaches, though mostly secluded and needing a bit of a hike to reach, offer a peaceful escape for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Big Sur.

Garrapata State Park is also home to diverse wildlife and plant species. Hikers might spot seals basking on the rocks, or whales migrating along the coast during the right season. In addition, the park’s trails lead through lush canyons filled with redwood groves, wildflowers, and ferns.

Pinnacles National Park

About an hour and 30 minutes east of Monterey, Pinnacles National Park is a unique landscape formed by volcanic activity. Known for its towering rock spires, cliffs, and massive boulders, the park offers visitors a striking contrast to the surrounding landscapes.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities here, with trails that wind through rugged canyons and up to panoramic viewpoints. The High Peaks Trail provides one of the best vantage points to see the park’s famous rock formations up close, while the Bear Gulch Cave trail leads explorers past waterfalls and through dark caves.

Beyond its striking rock formations, Pinnacles National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers. The park is home to various species, including deer, bobcats, and more than 160 species of birds.

Most notably, the park is part of a recovery area for the endangered California condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds. Visitors can often spot these birds soaring above the rocky peaks. Spring brings an explosion of wildflowers, adding vibrant colors to the dramatic landscape.

Wine Tasting

Wine tasting in Monterey is a great way to explore California's rich wine culture. Monterey Wine Country has more than 349 vineyards growing a variety of wines. Tasting rooms spread across the region give visitors a good way to enjoy its flavorful wines.

Cool breezes from Monterey Bay create the perfect climate for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Carmel Valley is one of the top wine-tasting areas. It is just a short drive from Monterey. Here, visitors can explore award-winning wineries and sample a variety of local flavors.

The Monterey Wine Trail highlights some of the best stops, including Folktale Winery & Vineyards, Hahn Estate, and Holman Ranch. These are all known for their unique wines and inviting atmospheres. From wine lovers to those who simply want a relaxing afternoon, Monterey County offers a memorable tasting experience.