20 TOP Things To Do in Monterey, California (#11 & #18 Are The BEST!) (2024)

With 99 miles of coastline in the county, it’s hardly surprising that there are tons of marvelous outdoorsy things to do in Monterey.

This seaside town is blessed with some incredible beaches—but there’s a lot more to do here than just laying on the sand. You can hike along cliffside trails, take a boat out to sea, or hop on a fat tire bike and explore the shoreline.

Add in some marine life watching, great surfing opportunities, historically significant coastal locations, and even some of California’s most gorgeous coastline and you have yourself one epic beach town to explore!

Here are some of the coolest things to do in Monterey…

1. Wander the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail

To really see the beaches in all their glory, consider taking the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, which is pretty long at 13 miles, but you can always pick and choose which parts you want to tackle.

The trail starts around Monterey State Beach/Castroville and ends down in Pacific Grove, hugging the coast the whole way. Much of the trail runs along the tracks of the old Southern Pacific Railway, and it’s paved for easy trailblazing.

The trail will bring you up close and personal with the waves, with unparalleled views of the many fishing piers and sandy beaches. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat along the way, so you really can make a whole day of it.

On a weekend, you could see around 2,000 people a day hitting the trail, so head there in the off-peak season if you can.

TIP: If you don’t feel like hiking, you can bike this trail as well!

2. Take a Hike

Even if you’re not up for the massive Monterey Bay Coastal Trail (no judging, it’s a long one), there are some other great trails in Monterey that are worth checking out.

Whether you want a trail that takes you through the highlights of the city, or something with nature as the star of the show, you’ll have plenty of options. Here are some of our favorites:

• Monterey Waterfront City Walk – this paved path is the perfect mix of city and nature, following the waterfront through town and out to Lover’s Point Park.
• Carmel Meadows Trail – A short and easy loop with incredible views over Monterey Bay. A hidden gem and local favorite!
• Point Lobos Loop Trail – Our favorite hike in Monterey! A longer hike that ambles through the stunning scenery of Point Lobos State Park. Known as the ‘Crown Jewel of the California State Parks System’ – need I say more?
• Jacks Peak and Skyline Trail – Incredible mountain views inside the Jacks Peak County Park. Short and easy with great payoffs!

3. Do Some Whale Watching

There is something incredibly magical about seeing whales launching themselves out of the water. You can witness these majestic creatures right off the shores, making it one of the best things to do in Monterey.

There are plenty of companies that offer whale watching tours, such as this half-day tour. Along the way, you will likely learn a thing or two about gray, humpback, and blue whales, plus some tidbits about their habitat.

TIP: Keep an eye out for dolphins and sea lions during your cruise!

4. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

If you can’t get enough of the wildlife on a whale-watching cruise, you can make a beeline for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

This public aquarium sits along the ocean in the historic Cannery Row district and offers visitors a look underwater at some of the local flora and fauna that sit off the coast of Monterey.

There are tons of cool exhibits, including a living kelp forest, a giant Pacific octopus, an aviary, and the newest exhibit that showcases life in the deep sea.

NOTE: We RARELY mention aquariums or animal attractions here as we don’t support most of them. However, this aquarium is regarded as one of the top in the world and focuses heavily on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals.

5. Escape to Fort Ord Dunes State Park

Located just outside the city center, Fort Ord Dunes State Park is a breathtaking swatch of nature that encompasses nearly 1,000 acres and four miles of coastline along Monterey Bay.

This area was once the site of a military training center, but today, it’s better known for its rolling sand dunes, scenic trails, and glorious beaches.

The park is also home to a number of cool critters including sea otters, pelicans, and migrating humpback whales, so keep your eyes peeled as you explore.

6. Take a Sailing Cruise

There is no better thing to do in Monterey in the evening than sailing around the shores at sunset.

Live the life of luxury for the evening, sipping on a glass of the good stuff while you take in the views. Book your sailing cruise here.

7. Explore Cannery Row

Cannery Row is Monterey’s beating heart and arguably the city’s most well-known street. There is no way you could plan a trip to Monterey without hitting up Cannery Row at least once.

As the name suggests, this part of the city was once the base of its booming sardine trade. The old factories have been revamped and spruced up to more than their former glory and are now used as galleries, shops, and restaurants.

If you don’t care to take the streets yourself, you could also take a guided tour. For a bit of novelty value, why not jump aboard a little yellow sea car. At the very least it makes for some fantastic photo opportunities.

The car is completely GPS-guided and navigates itself, so you can cruise along the coast and into town without a care in the world, listening to fun facts about Monterey’s colorful past and its many attractions.

8. Look for Sunbathing Sea Lions at Coast Guard Pier

The Coast Guard Pier juts out around 1700 feet into the bay and, on the first inspection, may not look like much more than a glorified stretch of concrete. But for fishermen, it is nothing short of a dream.

Although the pier is open to the public, it doesn’t really belong to the people. Instead, the pier seems to be owned by hundreds, possibly even thousands, of huge sea lions, taking in the Californian sun.

This is THE place to come if you want some wildlife. It is usually best to visit at low tide when the sea lions have lots of rocks to laze about on.

9. Discover the History of Monterey at its Museums

Monterey has some pretty cool museums, so whether you’re into history, old military installments, or just want to learn a little bit about the city, visiting the museums is one of the best things to do in Monterey.

Colton Hall offers a recreation of the room where the very first California constitution was signed in 1849, plus some cool exhibits on early Monterey.

The Presidio of Monterey Museum offers insight into military development in the area, its indigenous history, the history of the Spanish and Mexican empires that once claimed it, and more.

There’s also the old Monterey Jail, the Monterey Museum of Art, and the Pacific Biological Laboratories—plenty to learn about and keep you busy on rainy days!

10. Check Out Old Fisherman’s Wharf

No trip to Monterey would be complete without setting foot on Old Fisherman’s Wharf, a feast of dining, shopping, and entertainment. You’ll either love or hate it, but it’s almost a Monterey right of passage.

There are tons of options for eating out, or alternatively, you can browse the many independent shops that line the wharf, with their colorful displays lining the windows.

Take your own tasting tour as you make your way down the pier, sampling endless clam chowders and delicious fresh seafood that the pier is famous for.

Love theater? You can even be entertained during your visit thanks to the Bruce Ariss Wharf Theatre, which sits at the tip of the pier and offers several performances throughout the year.

11. Take a Scenic Ride on 17-Mile Drive (One of The BEST Things to Do in Monterey!)

Skim the edges of the Monterey Bay peninsula on this scenic 17-mile route. As you drive, you’ll hug the coastline and pass a number of incredible attractions. It’s a great thing to do in Monterey and could easily take the whole day.

For a start, the natural elements on this drive are incredible, such as the rugged coastal cliffs, magical forests, and beaches that seem to go on for miles.

Although the list of stops offs along this route are seemingly endless, below are two highlights.

Lone Cypress – The Lone Cypress is exactly as the name suggests—a Cypress standing tall and alone, battered by wind, and often cloaked in a thick fog. Although it is just a tree on a rock, it is a well-known icon of Monterey that needs to have at least one photo snapped of it to prove you’ve been there.

Crocker Grove – Gaze in awe at the trees towering above you when you reach Crocker Grove, home to some of the largest and oldest Cypresses in the world! Take a walk through the mist-shrouded woodlands and be transported to the world of fairytale.

NOTE: Due to its popularity, there is a small fee to take the drive, but it is 100% worth it, so pack a lunch and spend the day on the road.

TIP: Take this tour for a deeper dive into the area, or if you don’t want to take your rig down this road.

12. Stuff Yourself with Seafood

When you’re on the coast, you eat seafood. That’s the rule! Monterey is a haven for seafood lovers, with plenty of fresh catches all around town.

There are seriously tons of fab seafood restaurants around Monterey, but if you want the best of the best, try the Off-the-Hook Oysters at Monterey Fish House (as seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) or the clam chowder at Old Fisherman’s Grotto.

You really can’t go wrong anywhere, and fear not, there are plenty of dining options for those who aren’t seafood fans, too. In fact, if you want a bit of everything, try this awesome food tour for a smorgasbord of yummy offerings!

13. Go Wine Tasting

Once you’ve had your fill of seafood, you can wash it all down with some world-famous Monterey County wine.

There are several wineries and tasting rooms in the area (including Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley and Pebble Beach) where you can discover the region’s wine-making history, how the grapes are grown, and sample several varieties.

If you don’t feel like drinking and driving (don’t), there are plenty of tours, like this one, available that will shuttle you from place to place.

14. Hit the Surf

You can catch some serious waves in Monterey, so don that wetsuit and hit up some of the best spots. There are options for both beginners and experts, here are a few of the best.

Asilomar State Beach

A list of the best surf spots in Monterey would not be complete without mentioning the epic Asilomar State Beach. This incredibly popular stretch of beach has pounding waves most of the year.

Despite the waves, the waters can be full of kayakers and other vessels, so if crowded surfing isn’t for you, you might want to head to one of the lesser-known surfing spots. (Or, at the least, get to this spot EARLY!)

Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach is another great one and offers perfect surfing conditions day after day, as well as some pretty spectacular sunsets.

The almost direct westerly orientation means the swells can be huge during the fall and winter, so this spot tends to be visited by more experienced surfers. It is a pretty stunning destination, located at the foot of Ocean Avenue.

Monterey State Beach

If you’re a beginner surfer, then Monterey State Beach is a good bet. Be aware that you are not going to be the only one in the water, in fact, far from it.

On peak days the waves are full of kayakers, swimmers, and scuba divers. Its saving grace is that this California beach is huge, so there should be plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the many recreational activities it offers.

Lovers Point

Another surfing hot spot with winter swells is Lovers Point. Surfing here is pretty new, but it is certainly growing in popularity, with the many picnickers along the shores settling down to watch the show.

Speaking of Lover’s Point…

15. Hang at Lovers Point for a Day

When you think of Lovers Point you may be imagining a romantic outcrop where fateful lovers go to propose or gaze out at the stars. It’s not exactly like that but is still a pretty cool place to visit.

The park and beach are actually a hotspot for beach and boat lovers, which is definitely better if you ask me.

Take a picnic, your camera, or even a blank canvas to do some painting as avid artists often do, and make use of the fact that this east-facing part of the West Coast allows you to see the sun rising over the water.

Lovers Point Park is the perfect spot for a bit of sunbathing, and the rocks around the park provide the perfect vantage point for views out over the bay, so add it to your list of things to do in Monterey.

The beach park is also popular with adventurers. If you want to experience some fun water activities, bring your surfboard, snorkeling gear, or kayak. Pacific Grove Adventures can rent out gear for your day out on the water, too.

NOTE: There are tons of cute little squirrels all around the rocks in this area!

RELATED: Seattle to San Francisco West Coast Road Trip!

16. Attend an Event

If you’ve made it through this list and want some more ideas of things to do in Monterey, check out which events are happening during your trip.

Great festivities are available throughout the year, including food and wine festivals, whale-watching fests, annual concerts, low-key happy hours, and karaoke nights.

17. Explore Carmel by the Sea (My Favorite Thing to Do Near Monterey!)

For the unsuspecting traveler, Carmel by the Sea may seem like just another California beach town, yet its picture-perfect setting makes it a true gem. This definitely should be an add-on to your trip when planning what to do in Monterey.

There are plenty of local restaurants to choose from, be it something a little upscale or something to grab and go to, there is an eatery for even the fussiest eater. Mission Ranch has a real reputation for its delicious brunch, so why not treat yourself?

There is an abundance of hiking trails in the area. If you’re just on a quick visit then the Carmel Meadows Trail is a good option as it is relatively short, yet still packs a lot of punch in terms of beauty.

Point Lobo’s State Reserve is also a cute little spot, and if you are quiet enough you may get a glimpse of some of the playful sea otters that frolic in the shallows around Carmel. Speaking of…

RELATED: 25 Best Things to Do in Carmel-By-The-Sea

18. Check Out Point Lobos

The Point Lobos area plays host to some pretty epic trails that will take you to the park’s highlights, taking in the views and scenery along the way. There are way too many to list, so here are just some of the best.

• Sea Lion Point Trail – If you fancy a short and sweet jaunt, Sea Lion Point Trail is less than half a mile. As the name suggests, it offers some of the best views of sea lions rocks, and just incredible ocean views in general, to be honest.
• Bird Island, South Plateau Trail, and Mound Meadow Trail Loop – This loop is a little longer, showcasing the park’s many highlights, including the chance to get up close and personal to the sea lions, and see Bird Island off of the shore.

• Point Lobos Loop Trail – When I say the park gets busy, I mean there is nowhere to park busy, which means you may be forced to find a spot outside the park’s boundary. But that’s okay because it just means you’ll be able to explore the park on foot via the Point Lobos Loop Trail, which basically takes you around the entire park, with incredible ocean views around each corner.

19. Wander Garapatta State Park

Deep within the beauty of the Big Sur area, you’ll find stunning Garapatta State Park, a relatively unknown stretch of paradise, where the fact that you may have it all to yourself makes it all the more appealing.

The miles of hiking trails allow you to explore the coast without bumping into endless hoards of tourists and dog walkers, while secret paths twist their way into groves of mighty Redwoods.

The Soberanes Canyon Trail is not to be missed, taking you away from the coast and offering views instead of the impressive Santa Lucia Mountain Range.

During the winter migration, whales regularly pass this section of shoreline, you won’t even need binoculars from the lofty elevation of Soberanes Point.

20. Head Down Big Sur

Monterey is essentially the last or first stop on an epic Big Sur road trip! While you couldn’t do the entire trip in a single day (well, not if you actually want to get out of your car and enjoy it), you can definitely dip down.

Garapatta State Park is just the start. Keep heading down, and you’ll cross over the famous Bixby Bridge, tons of vista points, pass Point Sur Lighthouse and, wander Andrew Molera State Park.

Head to Pfeiffer Beach to sun your buns or hike to Partington Cove and McWay Falls. This is a whole day affair and just a one hour’s trip from Monterey!

Where to Stay in Monterey

• Laguna Seca – Yes, this is a raceway and a campground in one! While this is a bit of a weird spot with nonpotable water and a raceway surrounding it, it also happens to have great views of Monterey and is one of the cheapest spots in town.
• Veteran’s Memorial Park Camping – Just a mile from downtown Monterey you’ll find 50 acres of park with 40 campsites – 30 of them suitable for trailers.
• Ocean Wave – The famous Cannery Row will be at your doorstep with this bright and modern condo.
• Pacific Grove Retreat – Groups or families will love this three-bedroom home that offers ocean views from most rooms, and is just a short walk from downtown Pacific Grove.
• Little Jewel Box – Beautifully renovated cottage in the heart of Monterey with a private terraced garden.

We hope this helped you find some of the best things to do in Monterey for your visit!