Ads
related to: What makes Monterey Bay a great vacation destination?8.0/10 (11178 reviews)
Low Prices + Great Reviews on Tripadvisor (The World's Largest Travel Website). Tripadvisor: The Trusted Travel Site for the Latest Reviews & Lowest Prices.
- Top 25 Things to Do
Book the Best Activities Around the
World. Based on Traveller Reviews.
- 5-Star Hotels
Enjoy The Best of The Best
at These 5-Star Reviewed Hotels.
- Top Wellness Hotels
Kick-Back, Relax, and Recharge at
the World's Best Wellness Resorts.
- Plan It All With Trips
Get recs, save your faves, and make
itineraries�all in one place.
- Top 25 Things to Do
Having Trouble Finding The Beach For You? Use Our Beach Finder To Find The Perfect Spot. Live Here. Love Here. Explore Here. Plan Your Trip To Where The World Vacations.
Monterey Travel. Find the Best Accommodation Deals for Your Stay in Monterey. KAYAK® Offers Smart Tools to Help You Find Great Hotel Deals. Book Now!
Find Deals on Your Ideal Hotel. trivago™ Compares Prices from many Websites!
Search results
People also ask
Why should you visit Monterey County?
Why should you visit Monterey Bay?
What are some things to do in Monterey Bay?
Why is Monterey worth visiting?
Why is Monterey significant?
Is Monterey Bay Aquarium a good place to visit?
With getaways boasting everything from scenic views, wine, golf to family fun Monterey has a little slice of something for everyone. Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience.
- Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is definitely one of the best places to visit in Monterey. Located on Cannery Row, the aquarium features a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, sea otters, and jellyfish.
- Explore Cannery Row. Cannery Row is the historic waterfront district of Monterey. It’s where the city’s sardine industry was based in the early 20th century, and today it’s a popular tourist destination.
- Go whale watching. Monterey Bay is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. From January through April, you can see gray whales migrating along the coast.
- Explore Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a historic district in Monterey, California, built-in 1870 by the Pacific Coast Steamship Company.
- Must-Do in Monterey
- Unexpected Gems
- Where to Eat & Drink
Point Lobos State Reserve
While Monterey County is a fully customizable destination, you can’t miss Point Lobos State Reserve. This dramatically beautiful and distinctly California park boasts forests, sea cliffs, wild flowers and tide pools all in one place. Point Lobos State Reservealso has some of the most amazing views in central California (which is saying a lot) and it is accessible for all travelers young and old – with paved paths and adventurous hikes.
17-mile drive
17-mile driveis another must-do attraction in Monterey. This iconic stretch of highway 1 takes you past some of California’s loveliest (and, of course, most elite) homes, as well as the breathtaking white sand Spanish Bay beach. Along the way are stands of ancient Cypress trees, and of course plenty of seals and sea lions. For a special Spanish Bay experience, make your way to the Inn at Spanish Bayat sunset, when you can watch a bagpiper play along the sea cliffs every night of the year — a...
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Animal lovers (and kids) will want to make a stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium,one of America’s most popular aquariums. It’s a massive facility and a great place to learn about California’s marine ecosystems. The aquarium is at the end of Monterey’s historic Cannery Row, the city’s main tourist stretch. From there, it is also easy to check out the Monterey pier and enjoy sea food or a sweet treat overlooking the water. Watch more marine life in California
Although Monterey is a famous tourist destination, there are plenty of places and activities to surprise you and keep return visits interesting.
Best eats
Monterey’s food has upscale dining in spades as well as casual watering holes. For seafood, the classic Sardine Factory or more rustic Monterey Fish House are both good options. The best sandwiches in Monterey County are without a doubt found at Mundo’s; make sure to try the Argentine tri-tip.
Craft brews
Enjoy local brews and beer snacks at Alvarado Street Brewery or check out the Central Coast outpost of Bay Area brewery Fieldwork, which opened a beer gardenin Monterey recently; both spots have great ambiance, and children and pets are welcome.
Wine lovers
For wine drinkers, there are plenty of options on the Central Coast, which, although not as well-known for wine as Sonoma or Napa, produces plenty of world-class wines. Cowgirl Winery in Carmel Valleyhas a nice tasting room with a Western twist– it's located in a reclaimed wood barn, and also includes a boutique that sells local jewelry, gifts and, of course, cowgirl hats. Monterey is the setting for HBO's Big Little Lies, find all the filming locations here.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium. Called "one of America's most captivating aquariums" by ForbesTraveler.com, the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium is teeming with discoveries and interactive exhibits.
- Cannery Row. In January 1958, the City of Monterey officially re-named Ocean View Avenue "Cannery Row" in honor of John Steinbeck, the author of the well-known novel by the same name.
- Old Fisherman's Wharf. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of Monterey’s thriving fishing industry as working trawlers unload their catch of the day (and seagulls try to get in on the action).
- Pebble Beach. With eight championship golf courses, gourmet restaurants, spas and shopping galore, Pebble Beach isn't just a community; it's an attraction all its own.
This temperate central California beauty – made up of 12 cities including the cities of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach and Big Sur – is full of lush, dramatic scenery. Picture seaside cliffs and pristine beaches, where you might spot whales, sea otters and migrating birds.
Jul 6, 2023 · Its small size and laid-back nature make Monterey a perfect destination for a weekend vacation from San Francisco, Sacramento, or San Jose. Monterey also happens to be the perfect starting point for exploring Big Sur, which is how we first came to visit this city on the bay.
Aug 9, 2023 · Throw in some wine-tasting, marine critters, and fresh seafood, and you’re all set for an incredible coastal getaway! A world-class aquarium, fascinating history, a rich arts scene, and some of the country’s best wines make this small town a must-visit destination. Here are the best things to do in Monterey.
Ad
related to: What makes Monterey Bay a great vacation destination?8.0/10 (11178 reviews)
Low Prices + Great Reviews on Tripadvisor (The World's Largest Travel Website). Tripadvisor: The Trusted Travel Site for the Latest Reviews & Lowest Prices.
