Things to do in Monterey
Cool and mild year-round. Summer mornings are often foggy along the coast; September and October bring the warmest, clearest days. Gray whales migrate Dec-Apr.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Monterey
Point Lobos State Natural ReserveDo not miss
Often called the crown jewel of the state parks: turquoise coves, cypress groves, sea lions, and otters.
Nature · 2.8 hr4.9
Lovers Point ParkDo not miss
A picturesque Pacific Grove point with a small beach, lawns, and big bay sunsets.
Park · 53 min4.8
Carmel Mission BasilicaDo not miss
The beautifully restored 1771 mission and burial place of Father Junipero Serra.
Historic Site · 1.4 hr4.6
Monterey Bay AquariumDo not miss
One of the world's great aquariums, built into a former Cannery Row sardine plant, with a kelp forest and open-sea tanks.
Activity · 3.3 hr4.6
Monterey State Historic ParkDo not miss
The Path of History walking route past adobes from California's Spanish and Mexican capital era.
Historic Site · 1.5 hr4.6
Cannery RowDo not miss
The Steinbeck-immortalized waterfront strip of former canneries, now shops, restaurants, and bay views.
Neighborhood · 1.5 hr4.5
Old Fisherman's WharfDo not miss
A lively wooden pier of seafood shacks, clam chowder, and whale-watching and bay-cruise departures.
Landmark · 1.1 hr4.5
17-Mile DriveDo not miss
A toll drive through Pebble Beach past the Lone Cypress, mansions, and surf-battered headlands.
Scenic Route · 2.3 hr
Carmel-by-the-SeaDo not miss
A fairytale village of cottages, galleries, and courtyards above a white-sand beach.
Neighborhood · 2.3 hr
Pacific GroveDo not miss
A Victorian seaside town of butterfly groves, a rugged shoreline trail, and tide pools.
Neighborhood · 1.5 hr
Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea
A cluster of walkable tasting rooms pouring Monterey County wines in Carmel village.
Food District · 2.3 hr5
Monterey Bay Sunset Sail
A sailboat cruise across the bay at golden hour, often with sea lions and otters alongside.
Activity · 2 hr4.9
Spanish Bay Boardwalk
A dune boardwalk along 17-Mile Drive with crashing surf and evening bagpipers at the inn.
Scenic Route · 45 min4.9
Sunset Drive Coastal Walk
Pacific Grove's rocky shoreline path past tide pools and crashing surf, brilliant at sunset.
Scenic Route · 1.1 hr4.9
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Bring layers: coastal fog and wind keep temperatures cool even in summer.
- The marquee drives (17-Mile Drive, Big Sur) and Carmel are best with a car; downtown Monterey is walkable.
- Point Lobos and the aquarium fill up; arrive early or reserve ahead.
- Highway 1 south to Big Sur can close after storms; check conditions before the drive.