THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Monterey
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Things to Do in Monterey
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Historic Sites. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Historic Sites. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Monterey.
- On the Waterfromper adultAU$104
- On the Waterfromper adultAU$112
- E-Bike Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$120
- Ghost Toursfromper adultAU$52
- Theatre Showsfromper adultAU$32
- Private and Luxuryfromper adultAU$96
- Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adultAU$13
- Likely To Sell Outfromper adultAU$263
- Historical Toursfromper adultAU$56
- Transportation Rentalsfromper adultAU$88
Aquariums
Scenic Drives
Scenic coastal drive with panoramic ocean views, iconic trees, and cliff-side lookouts. Features photographic spots and a renowned golf course amid natural beauty.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Bodies of Water
Coastal trails with scenic views, historic spots, and diverse marine life characterize this seaside neighborhood. Enjoy beach strolls, wildlife observation, and a historic drive.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Vibrant playground with whimsical designs and diverse equipment caters to children of various ages and abilities. Features shaded areas and a pond with paddle boats for family recreation.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Historic Sites
Historic waterfront district with a blend of dining, shops, and ocean views. Features cultural significance and sea life encounters, ideal for literary enthusiasts.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Other Top Attractions around Monterey
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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What travellers are saying
- Reingding13524 contributionsWe were taken here by members which means we didn’t pay and didn’t have to wait online. Therefore, this was easily 5/5. I try to rate based on value so I can’t guarantee the value would be 5/5 but it is an excellent aquarium. We loved all it had to offer including the binoculars and outdoor area overseeing Monterey Bay. We were lucky to see the pacific octopus putting on a show for visitors.Written 9 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Trey CLos Angeles, CA1 contributionThe drive itself is well-maintained, with plenty of scenic spots to stop and take it all in. One of my most favorite activities I have done so far.Written 31 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- wvogelii165 contributionsTook our family of four (two teenage boys) for a day trip from Fresno area (2 1/2 hour drive). Pro tip, leave early to get there and park before 9am or it’s going to be a challenge finding a good spot (we went on a Sunday). We chose lots of 21 right in between Cannery Row and Old Fishermans Wharf. It was about $10 to park for the day. We chose to walk the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail which is a well maintained bike/run/walk path up and down the coast. Pro tip, there is a free shuttle taking you up and down the trail if you’re tired of walking. We hit up the shops, food and sea life viewing areas over a 6 hour duration. Definitely worth the trip (and beats the Fresno heat ~30 degrees cooler)!
I’ll review a few of the individual locations on my profile.Written 24 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Monica P1 contributionProbably the best park that I’ve ever visited in my life. They had lots of different types of slides and different types of equipment. I couldn’t believe it was free. My kids loved it! Parents please always keep an eye on your children, even if you can see them, this park is very chaotic and there are a lot of people there.Written 18 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lauren CNew Jersey168 contributionsReally fantastic and scenic trail that’s great for biking or walking. You can pick it up wherever and enjoy the views of the water, wildlife, and local charm. Highly recommend!Written 16 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jv66210Oklahoma City, OK152 contributionsCannery Row is a beautiful location with lots of restaurants and shops. We went in the evening, and I think it was even more beautiful lit up after dark.Written 16 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jan w3 contributionsIt was Picture Post Card gorgeous! South of otter refuge area .I am so sorry to hear about Highway 1 and it crumbling hillside ! This was My Mother’s best place to drive too and loved it, she called it her favorite scenic view she has ever got drive and pull over when she wanted too. She took my Brother and myself to this place when we where young as a family trip and boy did we love it, myself and brother remembered what she said , so we travelled this way a few years ago, in memory of that occasion. I don’t think that place was there when we travelled, but I thought that was a beautiful spot to remember her by.Written 28 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeanine Loves TravelSaint Charles, IL147 contributionsGo early in the morning and do the Skyline Nature trail. It is magical with the fog. Heck, spend the entire morning there exploring. Lots to see!Written 1 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joe AlejoSouth Lake Tahoe, CA311 contributionsvery cool spot to stroll and take in the sights! great area to stretch the legs after driving around and visiting the area attractionsWritten 24 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Glenn L16 contributionsSaw some seals, cormorants and even a couple of otters. A number of people were fishing from the wharf, but don’t know if they had any luck. A bit run down and dinghy, especially on the Coast Guard portionWritten 2 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BruinDanFullerton, CA3,346 contributionsFounded in 1959, the Monterey Museum of Art can be found on Pacific Street between the intersections with Madison and Jefferson Streets, across from the Monterey City Hall. There is metered parking along the street. My wife and I visited this museum during late February 2024.
There is a permanent collection of art housed here, but what the museum is known for is featuring 15-20 special exhibitions throughout the year. So, it’s advisable to check the museum’s website before visiting to verify the special exhibit is something you’d like to see. On our visit, the exhibition was named “Harvesting California,” which celebrated the local economy’s close connection with agriculture. It featured the work of both local artists and nationally-known figures such as the famous photographer Dorothea Lange.
The museum was easy to navigate, the artwork was tastefully displayed, and it won’t take you all day to go through it all. We enjoyed our visit and can recommend it to others.Written 19 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - roy vTraralgon, Australia6,024 contributionsWe enjoyed going here after the huge Independence Day parade.
There were so many people on the lawns, eating and drinking and listening to the music.
The Hall looked terrific with the Fourth Of July decorations on it .
We went in and had a look around, nice building and a bit of history to learn. Very historic place and hard to imagine you are standing where history was made as the Californian Constitution was conceived and signed in this Hall.
Nice volunteer Gentleman there who was happy to give us information, That was excellentWritten 5 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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