What to do in Monterey, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A sandy beach with footprints, a wooden fence, and a clear blue sky.
A white lighthouse with a green door and windows, a flag, and a clear blue sky.
A coastal landscape with a beach, turquoise waters, and surrounding hills.
A coastal bridge with a mountainous backdrop and ocean waves.
Monterey

Things to do

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

฿2,464
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

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

฿657
per traveller
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Picture 9 for Activity Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

฿2,037
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

฿2,135
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California

Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California

฿1,150
per traveller
Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide

฿2,300
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
Picture 1 for Activity Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

฿3,121
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Anytime Admission

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

฿755
per adult
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Cannery Row Cross Overs

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

฿295
per adult
Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey
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Most fun & 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 ฿4,303 per adult
Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 21 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 ฿267 per adult
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

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 ฿267 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 ฿2,168 per adult
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in Monterey

Stay near popular Monterey attractions

A coastal pier with restaurants and a palm tree.

Cannery Row

9.0/5 (8,046 reviews)
This historic waterfront district transformed from sardine canneries into a vibrant cultural hub. Explore boutique shops in converted industrial buildings while enjoying spectacular views of Monterey Bay's marine life.
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Where to stay in Monterey

Find the best Monterey areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Monterey
Learn more about Monterey
Three jellyfish with translucent bodies and orange and white patterns against a blue background.
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.

A coastal bridge with a mountainous backdrop and ocean waves.

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.

A coastal scene with a pier, clear blue water, and a sandy beach.
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.

A coastal landscape with a prominent green hill, a beach, and a lighthouse.

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.

A coastal golf course with a beach, ocean, and residential areas in the background.

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.

Day trip destinations from Monterey

Carmel

Carmel

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.