Top Things to do in Monterey County
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Monterey County, Monterey County
Monterey offers a host of historic attractions from Cannery Row to the famed Monterey Aquarium. This incredible sliver of oceanfront offers an amazing bounty of things to do, with marine, floral and vine-fresh delights to savor. Monterey-Salinas Transit and Amtrak let you take your eyes off the road. Charming towns, world-class golf courses and idyllic inns lie at the hem of the glittering Pacific. Whether you're looking for calm or noisy beachside fun, the Monterey Peninsula has it in buckets.
Restaurants in Monterey County
1. Point Lobos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,751 reviews
Watch whales in winter and sea lions all year round at this Bay Area nature reserve, which offers hiking, walking, bird watching, scuba diving and magnificent views.
Reviewed By travelerfromsj - San Jose, United States
This park is called the crown jewel of California’s State Park System, and rightly so. It’s one of the most beautiful places in California, equivalent IMHO to the National Parks, Lake Tahoe and Big Sur. Moreover, it’s small enough to see in a half day visit, and very visitor friendly to boot, with easy and well-groomed trails (many accessible) and restrooms scattered throughout the park. We went on a sunny weekday in December, parked at Whalers Cove, and hiked the coast trail counterclockwise around the peninsula to the southern tip of the park at Bird Island, taking every offshoot trail and climbing Whalers Knoll. We then walked straight back to our car. This was about a 5.7 mile loop, with 700 feet of elevation change. In general the trail is easy, packed dirt and sand, plus occasional stairs and some rocks to climb at the overlooks. The only real climb is at Whalers Knoll, which goes up about 180 ft., but you can bypass this via North Shore Trail. Highlights on the walk were the beautiful twisty trees on Cypress Grove Trail and the bird-covered Bird Island. The walk out to Sea Lion Point was closed, possibly because of high surf. No whale sightings, but we did see harbor seals lying out on one of the beaches near Bird Island. Some quick tips if you decide to visit: 1. If you’re a local, check the weather and wait for a sunny weekday to visit, preferably in the off season. If you do, the park will be fairly empty and parking is easy, except possibly near Sea Lion Point. A docent told us that on a sunny day in the summer, parking is full by 9 am, and the park is then closed to cars. 2. Entry is $10, $9 for seniors, plus $2 for the trail map (well worth it). You can get in for free by parking along Highway 1 and walking in. 3. Bring a picnic lunch. There are 3 picnic areas, 5 flush restrooms, and many drinking fountains, but no food for sale. 4. Bring binoculars for a close up look at the birds and marine mammals. 5. Bring a face mask or buff that you can pop on quickly when passing hikers on the trail. Mask usage here was very good. If you’re sick and tired of being stuck at home, visit Point Lobos; it’s the perfect antidote.
2. Monterey Bay Kayaks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,160 reviews
Sea kayak and standup paddleboard rentals, guided tours, classes and sales at two amazing wildlife locations, Monterey and Elkhorn Slough @ Moss Landing! Open daily 9:00 (except Christmas). See website for holiday hours. Closing hours changes seasonally.
3. Discovery Whale Watch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,277 reviews
Whether as an individual, family, group charter, corporate event, or just plain fun – there is something for everyone. A day from which wonderful memories and tales are made! Our daily fishing trips depart from Monterey Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
4. Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 741 reviews
Reviewed By SFantle101 - Bellevue, United States
This is a beautiful alternative (or complement) to 17 Mile Drive; much less traffic and still great views any time of day. Take the time for a relaxing walk and you'll be rewarded with serenity.
5. Asilomar State Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,041 reviews
The name of this State Beach means "a refuge by the sea," which describes the breathtaking views of forest, surf and sand on more than 105 secluded acres of scenic forest and sand dunes.
Reviewed By AdvtrTrvlr - Camarillo, United States
This State Beach starts at Lover’s Point and follows Ocean View Blvd around Pacific Grove to Sunset Dr and ends at Asilomar Beach. There is a something for everyone: nice boardwalks, footpaths, expansive tide pools at low tide, large crashing waves, lots of wildlife including sea otters, Pacific harbor seals, and lots of life in tide pools to explore. There are lots of benches to sit on and lots of rocks to climb at the right tide. Off shore you might see Humpback whales breaching, dolphins, or in winter time Gray whales. We have driven along the coast many times, taken many walks over the years and it’s always been an amazing place to hang and out enjoy nature. The weather can change a lot. Take and have with you layered clothing. The day after Thanksgiving was beautiful and sunny with no wind. Other times it has been extremely windy and cold.
6. China Cove and Gibson Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By aliciasM3431NZ - Roseville, United States
We really enjoyed this state park on our visit. We walked almost 6 miles. We were able to see lots of sea life. They have picnic tables in certain spots, great for lunch and a break in between hikes. Clean restrooms. We will be back to explore more. Great for children just be careful if they are small.
7. Scenic Road Walkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 510 reviews
Reviewed By bargingal - Atlanta, United States
My husband and I enjoyed a run on the Scenic Road early one morning during our trip. Wish we had more time to have enjoyed this Road more than once, it is beautiful. Plus a Frank Lloyd Wright house.
8. Carmel Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 610 reviews
ADDITIONAL TOUR OPTIONS AND AVAILABILITY ON OUR WEBSITE - CLICK 'MORE' ABOVE (DESKTOP) TO BOOK DIRECT. Carmel Food Tours® is a walking, tasting and cultural tour of beautiful downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Experience the most famous artist colony in California with a leisurely stroll through the heart of Carmel, taste a specially-selected variety of foods and wines from local restaurants and boutique shops, and become acquainted with the unique history and culture of this magical city.
9. Moto Talbott
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By DebWong51
We spent more than 2 hours wandering around this museum. There are several sections devoted to motorcycles, scooters and memorabilia. My husband is a rider, has been for most of his life. I don't ride, but I am a Moto-GP racing fan, and am fascinated by the designs, workmanship, and stories behind the bikes on display. You'll see one of Steve McQueen's Harleys, Nicky Hayden and Eric Bostrom bikes, vintage motorcycles, and more. My husband spoke with curator and restorer Bobby Weindorf, and we were shown around by Randy wilder, who told us amazing and entertaining stories about some of the bikes (and their riders). The entry price is very reasonable - as seniors, we got in for $10. each - and you won't regret the time you spend here.
10. Monterey Bay Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
DUE TO COVID19 RESTRICTIONS WE ARE CURRENTLY ONLY OFFERING PRIVATE TOURS - VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL ADDITIONAL OPTIONS! Discover… the hidden gems of the Monterey Bay. Taste… the food and beverages from the Central Coast's finest. Enjoy...the sights and sounds as we stroll through the most authentic and local eateries. We have worked closely with the restaurant owners and chefs to guarantee an exclusive experience you will only have on our tour. We are committed to providing you exceptional customer service, sharing our passion for food, and delivering unforgettable memories, all in a fun and creative environment. The Old Monterey Bay Food Tour last approximately 3 hours. You will sample 5-6 local eateries throughout beautiful downtown and historic Monterey, tasting the different cultural influences that have made Monterey what it is today. On the adventure we will reveal fun and interesting facts about our historic Monterey Bay area. This is an experience you don’t want to miss!
