50 Best Things to Do in Monterey California – Updated Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Monterey, California, I’ve got you covered with all the essential details. From its stunning coastline to its rich history and diverse wildlife, Monterey offers experiences that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor activities, exploring unique cultural sites, or simply relaxing by the ocean, Monterey has it all.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top things to do, the best-hidden gems, and the must-see attractions that will make your Monterey visit truly memorable. Let’s explore what makes Monterey, California, so special!

Best Things to Do in Monterey California

Monterey, California offers stunning coastal views and diverse attractions for every visitor. From marine adventures to historical sites, here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing this beautiful coastal town.

1.Visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium: 

Explore over 200 award-winning exhibits featuring sea otters, penguins, and a mesmerizing jellyfish gallery. The Open Sea exhibit, with its massive window into the ocean, is breathtaking. Perfect for all ages.

Credit IG: sab.skelly

2. Walk along Cannery Row’s Historic Waterfront: 

Stroll this transformed sardine canning district now filled with boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. John Steinbeck immortalized this street in his novel. Great for shopping and people-watching.

Credit IG: actionkidtv

3. Kayak in Monterey Bay to Spot Sea Otters: 

Rent kayaks and paddle among playful sea otters, seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat. No experience necessary for guided tours. Morning trips offer calmer waters and better wildlife viewing.

Credit IG: montereybaykayaks

4. Explore Tidepools at Asilomar State Beach: 

Discover fascinating marine ecosystems during low tide. Spot colorful starfish, sea anemones, hermit crabs, and other intertidal creatures. Remember to observe without disturbing these delicate environments.

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5. Take a Whale Watching Tour: 

Witness magnificent humpback, blue, and gray whales migrating through Monterey Bay. Tours operate year-round with peak seasons in spring and fall. Bring binoculars, camera, and motion sickness remedies just in case.

Credit IG: monterey_bay_whale_watch

6. Stroll the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail: 

Walk, jog, or bike this 18-mile paved path stretching from Castroville to Pacific Grove. Enjoy spectacular ocean views, wildlife sightings, and convenient stops at major attractions along the way.

CREDIT IG: cityofmonterey

7. Go scuba diving in the kelp forests: 

Experience the underwater magic of Monterey’s kelp forests, home to diverse marine life. Several dive shops offer guided tours and equipment rental. The protected coves provide options for beginners and experts alike.

CREDIT IG: ralphpace

8. Relax on Del Monte Beach: 

Unwind on this long, sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing. Less crowded than other beaches, it offers peaceful surroundings and beautiful views. Great for morning walks and sunset views.

CREDIT IG: delmontebeachneighborhood

9. Try stand-up paddleboarding in the harbor: 

Enjoy this accessible water sport in the calm waters of Monterey Harbor. Rentals and lessons available for all skill levels. Paddle around the harbor for unique views of the coastline and potential wildlife encounters.

CREDIT IG: montereybaykayaks

10. Take surfing lessons at Carmel Beach: 

Learn to catch waves at this picturesque beach with gentle breaks perfect for beginners. Several surf schools offer equipment and instruction. The stunning white sand beach and cypress trees create a memorable backdrop.

CREDIT IG: hofsashouse

11. Sample fresh seafood at Old Fisherman’s Wharf: 

Taste just-caught seafood while enjoying harbor views at this historic wharf. Try free clam chowder samples before selecting a restaurant. Watch sea lions and otters playing in the water below.

CREDIT IG: oldfishermansgrotto

12. Enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards: 

Explore Monterey County’s thriving wine country with over 175 vineyards. The region is known for excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Many tasting rooms offer stunning views of valleys and mountains.

CREDIT IG: chalonevineyard

13. Take a food tour of downtown Monterey: 

Join guided walking tours combining local history with delicious food samplings. Learn about Monterey’s culinary influences while tasting specialties from multiple restaurants. Perfect introduction to the local food scene.

CREDIT IG: oldmonterey

14. Visit the Monterey Farmers Market: 

Browse fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted items every Tuesday year-round. Meet local farmers and sample seasonal specialties. Located at Alvarado Street in downtown, it’s a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

CREDIT IG: oldmonterey

15. Dine at a restaurant with ocean views: 

Enjoy fresh seafood and California cuisine while watching waves crash against the shore. Many restaurants feature floor-to-ceiling windows or outdoor patios. Sunset dinner reservations are especially popular.

CREDIT IG: lallagrilloceanside

16. Try clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl: 

Taste this iconic Monterey comfort food, perfect for foggy coastal days. The creamy soup served in hollowed-out fresh sourdough creates a delicious, edible bowl. Available at multiple spots along the wharf.

CREDIT IG: james.ortiz64

17. Visit A Taste of Monterey Wine Market & Bistro: 

Sample local wines paired with appetizers while enjoying panoramic bay views. The tasting room features wines from throughout Monterey County. Educational displays highlight the local wine industry’s history.

CREDIT IG: themarketbistro

18. Pick strawberries at local farms: 

Harvest your own sweet, juicy strawberries at family-friendly farms near Monterey. The season typically runs from April through October. Many farms also offer other fresh produce and farm-made treats for purchase.

CREDIT IG: byron.growers

19. Enjoy craft beer at Alvarado Street Brewery: 

Sample award-winning beers brewed on-site at this popular downtown brewery and restaurant. The outdoor beer garden provides a relaxed atmosphere. Their rotating taps feature seasonal specialties alongside signature brews.

CREDIT IG: alvaradostreetbrewery

20. Experience farm-to-table dining at local restaurants: 

Taste the freshest local ingredients transformed into culinary masterpieces. Monterey’s restaurants emphasize sustainable seafood and locally grown produce. Many chefs develop personal relationships with area farmers.

CREDIT IG: bistromoulinmonterey

21. Tour Monterey State Historic Park: 

Explore preserved buildings from Monterey’s Spanish and Mexican periods. The park includes beautiful gardens and museums. Guided tours reveal fascinating stories of California’s early days as a Spanish colony.

CREDIT IG: montereystatehistoricpark

22. Explore the Monterey Museum of Art: 

View impressive collections of California art, including works by early Carmel artists. The museum houses both historic and contemporary pieces. Two locations showcase different aspects of California’s artistic heritage.

CREDIT IG: montereyart

23. Tour Colton Hall, site of California’s first constitutional convention: 

Visit where California’s constitution was drafted in 1849 before statehood. The preserved government building now operates as a museum. Exhibits chronicle this pivotal moment in California history.

CREDIT IG: coltoninnmonterey

24. Visit the Pacific House Museum: 

Learn about Monterey’s diverse cultural history through interactive exhibits. The museum highlights Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and early American periods. Located in a beautiful stone building from the Mexican era.

CREDIT IG: aldoiirillo

25. See Mission San Carlos Borromeo in Carmel: 

Explore this beautifully restored 1771 Spanish mission with stunning gardens and architecture. View the burial place of Father Junípero Serra, founder of California’s mission system. Still functions as an active parish.

CREDIT IG: americacatholicphotography

26. Explore the Path of History walking tour: 

Follow yellow tiles embedded in sidewalks to discover Monterey’s historic buildings. This self-guided tour includes 55 significant sites. Free maps available at the visitor center help navigate between adobe buildings.

CREDIT IG: pageturnbull

27. Visit the Stevenson House, where Robert Louis Stevenson stayed: 

Tour the 1800s boarding house where the famous author resided while courting his future wife. Period furnishings recreate the atmosphere of Stevenson’s time. The garden features plants, as mentioned in his writings.

28: Attend the Monterey Jazz Festival: 

Experience the world’s longest-running jazz festival held each September. Grammy-winning artists perform across multiple stages over three days. Beyond music, enjoy food, exhibits, and educational events celebrating jazz culture.

CREDIT IG: montereyjazzfestival

29: Check out the Salvador Dali exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art: 

View the largest collection of Dali works on the West Coast. The exhibition includes lithographs, etchings, and sculptures by the surrealist master. The museum also features rotating contemporary art exhibits.

CREDIT IG: apriljoycallahan

30: Hike at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: 

Explore dramatic coastal trails winding through cypress forests and along rocky cliffs. Often called “the crown jewel” of California’s state parks. Wildlife viewing opportunities include seals, sea lions, and migrating whales.

CREDIT IG: pointlobosfoundation

31: Drive the scenic 17-Mile Drive: 

Journey along this famous coastal route through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. Highlights include the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, and the mansions of Pebble Beach. An entrance fee applies but includes a detailed map of key stops.

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32: Golf at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links: 

Play one of the world’s most renowned golf courses with spectacular ocean views. Host to multiple U.S. Open Championships. Even non-golfers appreciate the clubhouse and restaurant with panoramic coastal vistas.

CREDIT IG: thehenebrys

33: Bike along the coastal recreation trail: 

Rent bicycles and cruise the scenic path connecting Monterey’s main attractions. E-bikes available for those wanting assistance with hills. The flat, paved trail accommodates riders of all ages and skill levels.

CREDIT IG: cityofmonterey

34: Go horseback riding on the beach: 

Experience guided horseback rides along the shoreline and through coastal dunes. Several stables offer rides suitable for beginners and experienced riders. Sunset rides are particularly magical with dramatic lighting.

CREDIT IG: espoir_cheval_essaouira

35: Hike Garrapata State Park’s coastal trails: 

Discover breathtaking trails featuring dramatic ocean cliffs, redwood canyons, and seasonal wildflowers. Less crowded than other parks, it offers serene hiking experiences. The Rocky Ridge Trail rewards with panoramic views.

CREDIT IG: christophotoyo

36: Visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary: 

Witness thousands of monarch butterflies clustering in eucalyptus trees during their winter migration. Peak season runs October through February. Docents offer talks explaining the butterflies’ remarkable life cycle and journey.

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37: Explore Fort Ord National Monument’s hiking trails: 

Hike or mountain bike over 86 miles of trails through rolling hills and oak woodlands. Once a military training ground, now preserved for recreation. Spring brings spectacular wildflower displays across the landscape.

CREDIT IG: montereybay.moms

38: Go bird watching at Elkhorn Slough: 

Observe over 340 bird species at this important wetland habitat. Guided kayak tours provide close-up viewing without disturbing wildlife. The reserve features miles of walking trails with viewing platforms and interpretive signs.

CREDIT IG: montereybayecotours

39: Take a scenic drive along Big Sur coastline: 

Experience one of America’s most dramatic coastal drives with towering cliffs meeting the Pacific. Numerous pullouts allow for photo opportunities and short hikes. Bixby Bridge is a must-see architectural and scenic wonder.

CREDIT IG: themalibuartist

40: Visit Dennis the Menace Park: 

Play at this imaginative children’s park designed with input from Hank Ketcham, creator of the comic strip. Features include a climbing wall, a suspension bridge, and an authentic steam locomotive to explore. Recently renovated with modern safety features.

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41: Go sailing on Monterey Bay: 

Join a sailing excursion or charter a private boat on the protected waters of the bay. Various options available from leisurely cruises to hands-on sailing lessons. Many tours include marine wildlife watching opportunities.

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42: Take a glass-bottom boat tour: 

View marine life without getting wet on these family-friendly boat tours. See kelp forests, colorful fish, and maybe even octopuses through viewing windows. Narrators explain the unique ecosystem beneath the surface.

CREDIT IG: mbglassbottomboat

43: Visit MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum): 

Engage children with interactive exhibits promoting learning through play. Designed for kids under 10, activities encourage exploration and creativity. The miniature town allows kids to role-play various community jobs.

CREDIT IG: my_museum

44: Ride the vintage carousel at Cannery Row: 

Delight children with a spin on this beautifully restored antique carousel. Located inside the Monterey Mirror Maze complex. The hand-painted horses and cheerful organ music create nostalgic charm for all ages.

CREDIT IG: visitcanneryrow

45: Attend the Monterey County Fair (late summer): 

Enjoy classic fair attractions including carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and live entertainment. Held annually since 1935, this end-of-summer tradition features local food, wine, and craft competitions. Great for families.

CREDIT IG: montereycountyfair

46: Explore the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History: 

Discover exhibits on local wildlife, geology, and Native American cultures. The monarch butterfly gallery is especially popular. Kids enjoy interactive displays and the small but impressive collection of taxidermied animals.

CREDIT IG: pgmuseum

47: Enjoy a picnic at Lovers Point Park: 

Relax at this scenic parkland with panoramic ocean views, beaches, and grassy areas. The protected cove is perfect for swimming. Morning brings the rare west-facing sunrise view over the water on the west coast.

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48: Go fishing off the Coast Guard Pier: 

Cast a line from this accessible fishing spot without needing a boat. No fishing license required for this public pier. Often see sea lions lounging on the rocks below while waiting for your catch.

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49: Attend free summer concerts at Fisherman’s Wharf: 

Enjoy live music performances against a beautiful harbor backdrop during summer months. Various genres featured from jazz to rock. Combine with dinner at wharf restaurants for a perfect evening out

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CREDIT IG: Montereysoldfishermanswharf

50: Visit the Monterey Library’s children’s section: 

Enjoy story times, puppet shows, and craft activities in this family-friendly space. The library often hosts special events during school breaks. A relaxing indoor option during inclement weather.

CREDIT IG: montereylibteen

Best Times to Visit Monterey, California

Monterey, California, offers something unique throughout the year. Here’s a guide to the best times to visit, depending on what you’re looking for.

Spring (April to Early June)

Spring is one of the best times to visit. The weather is warm, and the crowds are smaller. Festivals like the Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Artichoke Festival make it a fun time to visit. Temperatures are in the mid-60s to low 70s, perfect for outdoor activities.

Top Events:

• Pebble Beach Food & Wine (April)
  Big Sur International Marathon (April)
• Sea Otter Classic (April)
• California Roots Music Festival (May)

Summer (June to September)

Summer is the busiest season in Monterey. Expect warm temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s. It’s a great time for popular attractions, but also the most crowded. Don’t forget a sweater since the ocean breeze keeps things cool.

Top Events:

• Artichoke Festival (June)
• Monterey Car Week & Pebble Beach Concours (August)
• Monterey Jazz Festival (September)

Fall (October to November)

Fall is the “Secret Season” in Monterey. Crowds decrease, and hotel prices drop. The weather is still pleasant, with temperatures in the upper 70s at times. This is perfect for those who want a quieter experience.

Top Events:

• Big Sur Food & Wine Festival (November)

Winter (December to March)

Winter in Monterey is mild with highs in the low 60s and lows around 44°F. It’s a peaceful time to visit with fewer tourists. If you like whale watching, this is peak season. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February also brings big names to town.

Top Events:

• AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am (February)
• Whale Watching (December through March)
  

Final Thought:

Monterey, California, is a destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and history. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant marine life, wandering through historic streets, or enjoying the tranquil coastline, there’s something here for everyone. 

With this guide, I hope to have inspired you to make the most of your visit, uncovering the best experiences Monterey has to offer. So pack your bags, and get ready to explore this coastal paradise!

Chanin

Chanin is a seasoned traveler and digital nomad who has lived in various states across America, immersing herself in diverse cultures and experiences. Her passion for exploration and storytelling makes her an expert in uncovering the unique charm of every destination. As a writer for Wavy Destinations, Chanin shares her firsthand knowledge and insights on the best places to visit, hidden gems, and tips for making the most out of every journey.
Her writing not only inspires wanderlust but also offers practical advice for travelers seeking authentic and memorable experiences.