Location: Monterey
Top Things to do in Monterey
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Top 10 Things to do in Monterey, California (CA)
Think picnics on gorgeous, uncrowded beaches, fabulous seafood restaurants, and great hotels overlooking beautiful Monterey Bay… Monterey is a great place for a romantic getaway. Nature buffs can explore the bay by kayak for a close-up look at sea lions, seals and otters.
Restaurants in Monterey
1. Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 799 reviews
Popular hiking trail running along the Pacific Grove and Monterey coast.
Reviewed By Dao1949 - Chiang Mai, Thailand
It stretches along the coast of Monterey from Fisherman's Wharf all the way through Pacific Grove Beach and Lover's Point. Incredibly scenic views to be viewed along your walk with the Pacific Ocena waves crashing in. In the Cannery Row stretch, walk through history of a famous street of canneries that harvested millions of tons of fish, many decades ago. The Pacific Grove section is completed with the walk through of Lovers Point which features a pristine sandy beach in a protected cove.
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,123 reviews
Located at the ocean's edge, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a window to marine life -- for dive masters and non-swimmers alike. It's home to sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellies and thousands of other marine animals and plants. Its mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean.
Reviewed By Healthy94920 - San Francisco, United States
Re-joined this most excellent Aquarium to Capture the evolving array of remarkable sea creatures from the mysterious jellyfish to playful, entertaining sea otters, sharks, crustaceans, scuba diving experience all @ reasonable rates & with well-trainer staff at your service throughout your tour. Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to begin to enjoy this wonderful venue!
3. Jacks Peak County Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By L0ve2travle
The park was pretty empty during week days, I came across two more hikers. The trails were very shady for a moderate hike. A $2 dollar entrance fee was well worth to pay for access to a beautiful area.
4. Monterey Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,791 reviews
Reviewed By V236FJrobertn - Monterey, United States
The Central Coast's Monterey Bay is one of the most attractive and interesting places in the country. Beautiful Pacific Coast scenery, and lots to do along the coast, from numerous beach walks, to whale watching on boats out of Monterey, Moss Landing and Santa Cruz, and of course, a number of fine surfing spots.
5. Dennis the Menace Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 714 reviews
Designed by the creator of Dennis the Menace, this park has all sorts of unique attractions.
Reviewed By lizzybl8 - Monterey, United States
great fun. lots to do for all ages, tunnels to hide, climb, walk paths, and views of the lake, ducks, bird watching, bathrooms, 711 and many eateries very close by. mcdonals walking distance. skate park is big, grassy areas to sit, benches too.
6. 17-Mile Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,463 reviews
Seals bask on the beach and pelicans perch on rocky cliffs along this famous drive that passes through many popular spots.
Reviewed By sjwillkommen - Munich, Germany
We consider it a „must see“ when in town or nearby. From beautiful mansion and tree-lined streets with abundant flowers to the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Course to a wild and rugged coast and many wildlife - it‘s an amazing peninsula! We did it 3 times by now - and in very different weather. It‘s worth on sunny as well as clouded, foggy, rainy days.
7. Coast Guard Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By yandinazetland - Stonehaven, United Kingdom
A great spot to see the sealions and if you are really lucky some sea otters. The views back over to Fisherman's Wharf are worth a photograph as the sun sets.
8. Cannery Row
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,339 reviews
Cannery Row is the Central Coast’s premier visitor destination. Home to some of the most luxurious hotels, world-class restaurants, boutiques & galleries, spas, premium wine tasting & exciting recreation Monterey has to offer, including the best nightlife. Walk everywhere. The breathtaking coastline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the backdrop for every Cannery Row experience. Parking is never a problem, and everything is within walking distance.
Reviewed By al130
Nice tourist area with a large variety of restaurants and tourist stores. The wine tasting stores are also nice
9. Old Fisherman's Wharf
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,713 reviews
Gift shops and stores fill this part of town.
Reviewed By RestlessNative365 - Tallahassee, United States
I enjoyed poking around Fishermans Wharf! It’s focused on tourist but there’s a lot to see around it. I enjoyed the old customs house. Tip: if you like clam chowder, go at lunch time and try all the free samples! Yum!
10. The Cannery Row Monument
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By honeygirl2008 - Milwaukee, United States
This was a nice place to sit and relax while eating our ice cream. The view was great. Will definitely be going back.
