Top Things to do in Monterey County
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What to do and see in Monterey County, Monterey County: The Best Things to do for Honeymoon
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. Bella Monterey Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 340 reviews
Private Wildlife Tours, Sailing on 47'Luxury Italian Racer Cruiser sailing yacht for your personal and intimate pleasure for sailing our beautiful Monterey Bay Sanctuary.
3. Carrera Sailing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 163 reviews
Discover Monterey Bay Sanctuary under sail with Carrera Sailing during our nature excursions, sunset cruises or private charter tailored to your needs. We provide intimate, small group sailing, where you can participate or sit back and relax. All skippers are US Coast Guard licensed and vessels meet or exceed US Coast Guard requirements.
4. 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.
5. Carmel Surf Lessons
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 192 reviews
Teaching surfing in Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove since 1986, professional instruction, professional grade gear. Trusted by all three surf shops on the Monterey Peninsula. Parties, groups and privates lessons offered almost daily all year around. All equipment included all ages and abilities welcome.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Pebble Beach Golf Links
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 800 reviews
Since 1919, the exquisite beauty and unique challenges of Pebble Beach Golf Links have electrified golfers and spectators alike. Designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, the course hugs California’s rugged coastline, providing wide-open vistas, cliff-side fairways and sloping greens. Over the years, Pebble Beach Golf Links has been the site of golf’s most prestigious tournaments such as the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and five U.S. Open Championships, including the 2010 U.S. Open. We are excited and honored to welcome back the U.S. Open to Pebble Beach for the sixth time in 2019!
Reviewed By dalenilsson - Apex, United States
I had a Sunday to play golf in the Bay Area and have always wanted to play Pebble Beech. I got there early at 8am and asked the starter if there was room for a single. To my luck there was a 3-some at 8:40. I was so happy, the weather was perfect, mid-60's with a slight breeze and I was going to play Pebble Beech. Green fees are $525, the most I have ever payed for a round of golf, but to play the Pebble it was worth it. We took a lot of pics with our phones, but I also took a lot of time to enjoy the experience. There are so many famous golf holes to experience. Number 7 is a great short par 3, number 17 is a tough par 3, and number 18 next to the ocean and heading to the Lodge. The greens are fast and there are a lot of traps, so you better have a decent short game. I'll always remember my round at the Pebble.
9. 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.
10. 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.
