Things to Do in Monterey

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 kelp. Watching the forest through the glass is kind of hypnotic.
• Giant Pacific Octopus: Clever, mysterious and playful, this dude is charming.
• Open Sea: Tuna, sharks (hammerheads!), sardines, sea turtles, puffins, and jellyfish.
• Life on The Bay: Educational exhibit with life-size models of whales and dolphins.
• Sea Otters: Playful and cute as anything, they do crazy tricks.
• Sandy Shore and Aviaries: Mud-flats, marshes, birds and flounders.
• Splash Zone and Penguins: Rockfish, sharks, crabs and penguins.
• Rocky Shore: Mussels, eels, anemone and barnacles.

Occasionally, the Aquarium will hold special exhibits, such as Tentacles and Jellyfish, striving to be the most diverse experience possible of their kind, gathering every possible major specimen in their categories. They’re splendid and educational.

Food wise, you can avails the onsite facilities or just enjoy the picnic area!

Also, these guys are a full service event hosting groups- decor, food, fun, and music. Contact them.

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 Pacific Grove. Now, along this route, you’ll want to stop and take pictures occasionally, so be prepared. Some of the sights you’ll want to take in include:

• Vistas of golf courses such as golf courses including Spyglass Hill, Cypress Point and Pebble Beach.
• High vistas around 600 feet above the sea level.
• Bird Rock
• Point Joe
• Pescadero Point – Site of the Witch Tree / Ghost Tree landmark.
• Fanshell Beach
• Seal Point
• Lone Cypress – One of the most recognised and photographed trees in America. It’s located between Cypress Point Golf Course and the Pebble Beach Golf Links; is 250 years old; and is held in place by cables.

The drive is famous for regularly inspiring artists to paint. There are plenty of places and scenic spots along the drive where you can sit down for a picnic. And fun fact? The Pebble Beach corporation is partially owned by Clint Eastwood.

“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’s been called since). That fishing industry died from a combination of various factors, but this area itself managed to survive by turning into a tourist attraction, with restaurants, hotels and several historically important buildings. Closeby is the Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area, which home to some cute sea lions. Cannery row is also quite popular among fishermen. It’s a charming little place now, with lots of great views and nice people. The walking paths here are wonderful, and there are lots of nice little shops to visit.

One of the historic parts of Monterey, the Cannery Row is a coveted attraction to visit in this city. There are no tickets for Cannery Row, however, it is better for you to buy tickets for Cannery Row tours with us to access all the points and corners of this area. Cannery Row tickets are cheap and affordable and offer you the most in terms of experience. If you further wish to know Cannery Row ticket prices, you can have a look at our tickets section for detailed information.

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 such, it’s more than a place of worship; the church hosts concerts, art exhibits, lectures and numerous other community events. There are also four museum galleries that cover the restoration, the history of the Munras Family, and cells that were the living quarters of the first priest here (Father Junipero Serra). There’s also a chapel containing Serra’s vestments. You may hold your wedding at the church too!

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 and lazing in the sun. Also easily visible are rookeries, otters and harbour seals. On the water you’ll find a bunch of egrets and pelicans. There’s a nice collection of tables over looking the water we encourage you to have a picnic there. It’s great place for families and romantics alike.

You can actually replicate this same experience, albeit with more dining options, at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, which is only a short 10 minute walk away by foot along the Recreational Trail.

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 the book. Among the most important building here include:

• The Royal Presidio Chapel – Oldest building in town; built by the Spanish.
• Robert Louis Stevenson House – Treasure Island, the novel, was born here.
• Colton Hall – Monterey’s premier theatre destination since 1850.
• The Custom House – Oldest government building in California; California State Historic Monument #1.
• Pacific House – A history museum now, that has since 1847, served as has a military supply storage site, a hotel, a church and a ballroom.

If you can, catch the Monterey History Fest here during October. The whole town goes crazy re-enacting favourite historical moments such as fandangos, pirate activities, military encampments; the California Constitutional Convention, and Sloat’s Landing Ceremony (during which, on July 7th 1846, California was declared a part of the USA).

Make sure to also check out the beautiful gardens such as the Memory (Pacific House Museum); Casa Soberanes garden (corner of Pacific Street and Del Monte Avenue); Stevenson House garden (530 Houston Street); and Larkin House garden (Jefferson St.)

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 them away from all but the shallowest part of the water the surf is rough here. You’ll spot wildlife aplenty whales, sea lions, sea otter, dolphins. All in all, beach is a wickedl rugged family experience… and it’s almost always quiet enough to share a romantic sunset. Nearby, you can find the Garrapata State Park, which has lots of nice wildlife and view points.

And happily, there is also free parking.

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 artistic legacy.

Among the prominent artists showcased by the museums are: modernists such as Gottardo Piazzoni, Francis McComas and Margaret Bruton; landscapists such as William F. Ritschel and Armin Hansen; the impressionists E. Charlton Fortune and Evelyn McCormick; and early painters Jules Tavernier and Raymond Dabb Yelland. The photographers showcased here include: Edward and Brett Weston, Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, Wynn Bullock and Henry Gilpin. The museum also showcases non-Californian photography.

A further Asian section displays art from China, Korea and Japan such as textiles, snuff boxes, woodblocks, jade, ceramics and netsuke.

This is only one of the two Monterey Museums of Art (the works are somewhat evenly distributed among the two), though the other, located on La Mirada, is not far off. Featuring 8 galleries of photography and painting both from early and contemporary eras, the museum also provides a library, a gift shop, jewellery, and a sculpture park at the entrance. Wheelchairs may also be found at the entrance.

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 trails, and you should walk the Coffeeberry Trail for the fossils. Jack’s Peak here is the highest point on the Monterey Peninsula.

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 out over three floors: The ground floor has a fantastic photo collection from South America; the first floor has beautiful photos of whales (life-size); and the dazzling third floor has a permanent exhibit on the history of the area. This covers the early Spanish exploration, the rise and fall of the sardine fishing industry and Cannery Row, model ships, decorative pieces from Monterey’s earliest families and some early Californian art. There are also other historical objects specific to Monterey.

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 these important events is on the second floor. Though often overlooked, the museum is beautifully presented and preserved. There’s a map here that shows the political scenario in 1848.

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. Inexpensive, clean and safe, parent after parent has commented on the joys of bringing their child here. Activities tend to be educational, such as: My Hospital, mini-golf, tree-house and theatre.

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 artistic legacy.

Among the prominent artists showcased by the museums are: modernists such as Gottardo Piazzoni, Francis McComas and Margaret Bruton; landscapists such as William F. Ritschel and Armin Hansen; the impressionists E. Charlton Fortune and Evelyn McCormick; and early painters Jules Tavernier and Raymond Dabb Yelland. The photographers showcased here include: Edward and Brett Weston, Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, Wynn Bullock and Henry Gilpin. The museum also showcases non-Californian photography.

A further Asian section displays art from China, Korea and Japan such as textiles, snuff boxes, woodblocks, jade, ceramics and netsuke.

This is only one of the two Monterey Museums of Art (the works are somewhat evenly distributed among the two), though the other, located on Pacific Street, is not far off. This house has the additional acclaim of being host to the silent film stars of the past, and is today a popular place to host weddings, meetings and special events. Turn of the century elegance, serene rose gardens and child friendly activities make this place a hit.

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 pretty pond. And you can enjoy this diversity from the park’s other attractions, such as:

• The Dennis The Menace Playground- World famous in it’s own right, the playground was helped along by Mr. hank Ketchum himself. It’s got a big number of fantastic structures including a bridge, a maze, an adventure ship and a steam engine.
• The Monterey Skate Park- Designed by local skateboarders, you can be sure a lot of love went into the making of this.
• The Exercise Course- The 1.2mile running course with three exercise station clusters (each with 6 stations each) was scientifically designed to give you a full body workout.
• Fishing- Rainbow trout, Sacramento perch, Sacramento blackfish, Sacramento hitch, carp, tule perch and yellow bullet heads. There are piers all along the park, and fishing licence is a must.
• Paddle Boat- Rent and explore.

Nearby, you’ll find the Monterey State Beach, the Monterey Bay Waterfront Park, and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

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 gifted this beautiful trail to the world to pedestrians (CARS NOT PERMITTED).

Many major Monterey attractions lie along this trail, such as Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, beaches, parks, historic sites and Downtown Monterey. Local businesses thrive on renting out bicycles, kayaks, surfboards, paddle boards, in-line skates and six-people-quadricycles. And seriously the company is fantastic when you’re taking in mile after mile of natural beauty, whether in sealife (harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, birds, whales) or vistas beautiful enough to leave you speechless.