Things to Do in Monterey
34 curated spots from Monterey itineraries
Activities & Attractions
16 curated experiences
Monterey Bay Aquarium
World-class aquarium featuring the iconic kelp forest, interactive tide pools, sea otters, jellyfish galleries, and innovative exhibits showcasing local marine ecosystems
3h · $35-50 per person
17-Mile Drive
Scenic toll road through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach featuring dramatic rocky coastlines, twisted cypress groves, pristine beaches, and spectacular ocean vistas. Multiple pullouts for photos and short walks.
2h · $10-12 per vehicle
Cannery Row
Historic waterfront district with galleries, boutique shops, sea otter watching, and restaurants. Stroll the wooden boardwalks, explore art galleries, and experience the area that inspired John Steinbeck's famous novel.
2h 30m · Free to explore; shopping/gallery entry varies
Carmel Valley Wine Trail
Visit 3-5 boutique wineries and tasting rooms in scenic Carmel Valley, 20-30 minutes from Monterey. Picturesque countryside settings with award-winning Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Cabernets.
3h · $25-50 per person (tasting fees)
Del Monte Beach Walk
Stroll the sandy beach and dunes just east of downtown, watching surfers and waves and finding a quiet spot to sit together.
1h 30m · Free
Lovers Point Park & Beach
Spend time on the small sandy beach and rocky outcrops, letting the kid explore while you frame classic Monterey Peninsula shots of surf, rocks, and cypress trees.
1h 30m · Free
Lovers Point Park & Coastal Photos
Walk the rocky shoreline, sit on benches overlooking the bay, and take photos of dramatic coves and cypress trees.
1h 30m · Free
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (Old Fisherman’s Wharf Segment)
Walk the waterfront segment from Custom House Plaza past Old Fisherman’s Wharf, watching for sea lions on the buoys and photographing boats framed by the harbor.
1h · Free
Monterey Museum of Art (Pacific Street)
Visit the local art museum near downtown to see regional and modern works in an intimate setting.
1h 30m · $10-20 per person
Monterey State Historic Park
Self-guided walking tour of historic adobe buildings and museums in downtown Monterey, including the Royal Presidio Chapel and Casa del Oro. Explore California's colonial past.
2h · Free to $5 per location
Monterey State Historic Park & Custom House Plaza
Stroll through the Custom House and surrounding historic adobes and gardens at your own pace, using the self-guided walking route from the plaza.
1h · $0-10 (donation / occasional tour fees)
Monterey State Historic Park Walking Area
Stroll past historic adobes, plazas, and the former California capital buildings just off Alvarado Street; pause for photos and plaques.
1h · Free
Old Fisherman's Grotto
Historic waterfront restaurant and landmark on Cannery Row featuring classic steakhouse fare with scenic bay views. Popular for both dining and casual observation of sea otters and wildlife.
1h 30m · $30-65 per person
Old Fisherman’s Wharf & Harbor Viewpoint
Walk the wooden wharf, watch harbor seals and boats, and take photos of the colorful storefronts and bay.
1h · Free
Pacific Grove Coastal Trail & Photography Stroll
Follow the oceanfront path west from Lovers Point toward the golf course, stopping at pullouts for tidepool inspection and wide-angle coastal photography.
1h 30m · Free
Sunset Lookout from San Carlos Beach Park
Walk a few minutes from Cannery Row toward the harbor to watch the sun drop behind the peninsula, with divers and sea lions often in view.
45m · FreeRestaurants & Food
18 local favorites
Montrio
Upscale but approachable New American restaurant in a historic building; share small plates and a cocktail or glass of local wine.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Paris Bakery Café
Classic French-style bakery-café with croissants, fruit tarts, and strong coffee; grab a small selection to share plus hot chocolate for the kid.
45m · $10-18 per person
The Sardine Factory
Classic Monterey fine-ish dining with old-school charm; consider the seafood specialties and a shared dessert in the cozy dining room.
2h · $45-60 per person
Alejandro's
Upscale Mexican with neon-lit ambiance, private c-shaped cenote booths, and an impressive tequila collection. Signature dirty horchata and guacamole are must-tries. Great for cocktails and sophisticated Latin cuisine.
1h 40m · $60-100 per person
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill
Brewpub with polished interiors; order the fish tacos or seasonal catch for local seafood and a pizza or burger for the kid.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
Ocean-view restaurant perched at Lovers Point, offering seafood and American classics; request a window seat if available.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
C restaurant + bar
Contemporary seafood-focused restaurant with excellent tuna main courses and great selections of fresh fish and meats. Highly-rated for quality and presentation.
1h 40m · $75-120 per person
Coastal Kitchen
Located in the historic Plaza Hotel with incredible oceanfront views. Frequently-changing menu features beautiful plating and creative flavor combinations like poached white asparagus with charred avocado and wasabi, plus miso black cod with creamy coconut milk.
1h 30m · $85-135 per person
Crema Monterey
Charming converted Victorian with brunch classics; order eggs Benedict, brioche French toast, and coffee on the porch or in the garden if weather allows.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Fandango Restaurant
Warm, European-influenced dining room known for paella, fresh fish, and Mediterranean-style dishes; ask for a slightly earlier seating with the family.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Fish Hopper
Casual waterfront restaurant on Cannery Row with spectacular bay views and fresh seafood. Great for clam chowder and fish & chips with an accessible, laid-back vibe.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Old Fisherman’s Grotto
Classic wharf restaurant known for chowder and seafood; try the clam chowder and a shared seafood entrée while watching the harbor.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Passionfish
Sustainably-sourced seafood with creative presentations like scallops with caper-walnut relish and mussels in bacon-fennel broth. The aquarium-inspired décor with illuminated fish sculptures creates a romantic ambiance. Exceptional wine list with half-bottles starting at $20.
2h · $90-140 per person
Schooners Monterey (at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa)
Oceanfront restaurant with a deck over the water; share a seafood entrée or fish tacos while watching waves and kayakers below.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
The C Restaurant + Bar
Oceanfront dining inside an elegant hotel setting; choose Dungeness crab, local fish preparations, and a simple pasta or flatbread for your child.
1h 15m · $35-55 per person
Tidal Coffee at Cannery Row
Bright, modern café steps from the water; order espresso drinks, pastries, and a light breakfast plate before your aquarium visit.
45m · $12-20 per person
Wave Street Café
Sunny spot just above the waterfront offering hearty breakfasts; order an omelet or pancakes and enjoy the coastal feel.
1h · $15-25 per person
Whaling Station Steakhouse
Old-school, wood-paneled steakhouse above Cannery Row; share a steak and sides, with a simpler entrée for the kid.
1h 30m · $50-80 per person