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Things to Do in Monterey

There are a number of exciting things to do in Monterey. From historical sites to cultural attractions, explore the exhaustive list of all other local attractions in Monterey. Discover new places to see and unique things to do nearby Monterey. Don't miss out on these amazing sights at Monterey. Check out the list of attractions and activities to do in Monterey and nearby areas. It will help you to plan a perfect trip to Monterey. Highlights of Monterey includes – Best things to do in Monterey and nearby areas, top attractions to visit such as historical monuments, natural attractions, adventurous and entertainment activities to do, places to eat and drink. Provided with all the things to do in Monterey with address, reviews, facts, photos of travellers & more.

Can't wait to discover Monterey by yourself? Create an itinerary for Monterey today! Ranked on popularity, here's the complete list of best Monterey attractions and point of interests recommended by the locals.

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium

    #1 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 29404 times in trip plans

    monterey bay aquarium

    Museum, Aquarium, Educational Site, Food And Drinks, Performance, Family And Kid...

    886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    40 USD 10:00 am - 05:00 pm
    Details
    Almost 2 million people visit this aquarium annually, and boy does it live up to the hype! The residents here are mostly sealife and include over 600 species of plants and animals. The main exhibits are: The Kelp Forest: This exhibit is the museums centerpiece, and since kelp grows quickly, the open aquarium requires divers to regularly trim the k...
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  • 17-mile Drive

    #2 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 18306 times in trip plans

    17-mile drive

    Beach, Golf Course, Scenic Drive, Historical Site, Family And Kids, Hill, Picnic...

    17-mile-drive, Monterey, California

    N/A 24-hrs
    Details
    Before the aquarium, this was everyone’s favourite reason to visit Monterey. Breath-taking coastal views along the Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove as well as sections though historical areas make this unmissable. There are four primary ways to enter the drive main highway entrance at California State Route 1, and entrances in Carmel and Pacifi...
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  • Cannery Row

    #3 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 26111 times in trip plans

    cannery row

    Hotel, Walking Area, Restaurant, Tourist Center, Family And Kids, Specialty Shop

    649 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    N/A 24-hrs
    Details
    “A poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream." That’s how John Steinbeck described Cannery Row. They used to call it the Ocean View Avenue, and then John Steinbeck went and wrote his novel, Cannery Row (named for the sardine canning that went on here till the 1970s, and that’s all it...
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  • Carmel Mission Basilica

    #4 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 21089 times in trip plans

    carmel mission basilica

    Church, Religious Site, Museum, Landmark, Historical Site, Concert, Family And K...

    3080 Rio Road, Carmel, CA 93923, United States

    7 USD 09:30 am - 05:00 pm
    Details
    Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a U.S. National Historic Landmark, this was California’s second mission, and it played a significant role in California’s late 18th century power struggles. The church is today one the most authentically restored churches, with an original bell tower that survives to this day. As su...
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  • Coast Guard Pier And Old Fisherman's Wharf

    #5 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 14124 times in trip plans

    coast guard pier and old fisherman\'s wharf

    Trail, Walking Area, Pier, Dine In, Family And Kids, Picnic Spot

    32 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA

    N/A 07:00 am - 07:00 pm
    Details
    This is a Monterey not-so-hidden surprise! But we’ll get to that. So, extending 1700 feet out into the bay, this pier is super popular among fishermen. Publicly accessible during the day, it’s when you properly venture out onto the pier that you see who it really belongs to sea lions in the hundreds, basking on the rocks, flopped out an...
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  • Monterey State Historic Park

    #6 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 11758 times in trip plans

    monterey state historic park

    Church, Garden, Tour, Historical Site, Monument, Play, Family And Kids, Town

    20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    N/A 10:00 am - 04:00 pm
    Details
    The Monterey History and Art Association must be saluted for what they did for this place. It is nothing short of fantastic. Along a two mile path lie 55 historic buildings, this self-guided tour is marked by the yellow tiles set into the sidewalk. An informative and interactive map of the tour can be found online for those who want to do this by t...
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  • Garrapata Beach

    #7 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 9729 times in trip plans

    garrapata beach

    Beach, Wildlife Sanctuary , Park, View Point, Walking Area, Family And Kids

    Garrapata Beach, Monterey, CA

    N/A 24-hrs
    Details
    This is pretty much everyone’s favourite beach in Monterey. It’s a little way out, but completely removed from the crowds. The sand is white and the water is blue. The flowers blanket the area around the beach, and they dazzle in spring. The view is spectacular and the water dangerous; seriously, your kids may love this beach, but keep ...
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  • Monterey Museum Of Art Pacific Street

    #8 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 6155 times in trip plans

    monterey museum of art pacific street

    Art Museum, Museum, Park, Educational Site, Performance, Family And Kids, Arts A...

    559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940

    10 USD 11:00 am - 05:00 pm
    Details
    The museum organisation has one simple purpose – To preserve the best of Californian art from the 19th century to present day, and to promote contemporary Californian art through exhibition. Through educational programs, lectures, workshops, curatorial tours and public events, this organisation does a good job of keeping up California’s...
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  • Jacks Peak County Park

    #9 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 5936 times in trip plans

    jacks peak county park

    Beach, Trail, Park, Family And Kids, Picnic Spot

    25020 Jacks Peak Park Road, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    N/A 08:00 am - 05:00 pm
    Details
    The local dog-walker’s favourite break-away is more than simple trails. There are fossils embedded in the shale here right from the Miocene epoch of prehistoric Earth, beautiful vistas of Monterey Bay, and pine trees that couldn’t smell more fresh. Heck, it even outfits picnic tables with grills. Altogether there are about 8.5 miles of ...
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  • Museum Of Monterey

    #10 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 4777 times in trip plans

    museum of monterey

    Art And Culture, Museum, Beach, Historical Site, Family And Kids, Photo Gallery,...

    5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    N/A 11:00 am - 05:00 pm
    Details
    Opened in 1992, this delightfully free attraction has thousands of Monterey related artefacts. It’s all about seeing the history of the city through the lens of it’s relationship with the bay. This cannot be helped, especially as its collections were started off the sailor Allen Kinight in the early 20th century. The exhibits are spread...
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  • Colton Hall Museum

    #11 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 5370 times in trip plans

    colton hall museum

    Museum, Landmark, Historical Site, Entertainment, Performance, Family And Kids

    570 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    N/A 10:00 am - 04:00 pm
    Details
    Initially built to function as a school, in 1849, this building saw California’s first constitution drafted, which makes it one of the most important buildings in the state. In 934, it was registered as a Historical Landmark, and is still the important public office building in Monterey County still in continuous use. The museum, which covers...
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  • Monterey County Youth Museum

    #12 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 4038 times in trip plans

    monterey county youth museum

    Museum, Golf Course, Educational Site, Play, Theatre, Family And Kids, Exhibitio...

    425 Washington Street, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    8 USD 10:00 am - 05:00 pm
    Details
    These 8500 square feet full of hands on exhibits are a children’s favourite. There’s just something nice about a museum that will let your child run around, touching everything, and won’t hold her back. It’s a fantastic place to host your kid’s birthday, especially if they’ve got lots of friends coming along. Ine...
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  • La Mirada Monterey Museum Of Art

    #13 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 3939 times in trip plans

    la mirada monterey museum of art

    Art Museum, Garden, Educational Site, Tour, Performance, Play, Street Market, Fa...

    720 Vía Mirada Monterey, CA 93940,United States

    10 USD 11:00 am - 05:00 pm
    Details
    The museum organisation has one simple purpose two preserve the best of Californian art from the 19th century to present day, and to promote contemporary Californian art through exhibition. Through educational programs, lectures, workshops, curatorial tours and public events, this organisation does a good job of keeping up California’s artist...
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  • El Estero Park Complex

    #14 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 4939 times in trip plans

    el estero park complex

    Beach, Park, Play Ground, Bridge, Family And Kids, Adventure, Water Sport, Bird ...

    777 Pearl Street, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

    N/A 24-hrs
    Details
    Lake El Estro was once a brackish saltwater lagoon, until in 1874, the stream connecting the lagoon to the bay was cut off, and this became freshwater paradise. And what paradise! The lake hosts a thriving ecosystem. Over 300 species of birds call this park a home, including many migratory varieties. Turtles, fish and frogs also find home in this p...
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  • Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

    #15 of 17 Things to do in Monterey | Added 4280 times in trip plans

    monterey bay coastal recreation trail

    Beach, Trail, Park, Aquarium, Historical Site, Family And Kids, Water Sport, Nat...

    Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Monterey, CA

    N/A 24-hrs
    Details
    The South Pacific Railroad once ran the length of this trail. The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District saw this abandoned railroad and figured this is no way to waste the beautiful views of this 29-mile route. Along with the cities of Pacific Grove and Seaside, Monterey joined the park district in restoring this pride and joy. In 1986, they gi...
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