Nestled along the breathtaking California coastline, the Monterey Peninsula is a true gem, with spectacular landscapes, rich history, and an abundance of activities to enjoy.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking a place to escape and unwind, this list of the 10 fun and exciting things to do in Monterey will help you make the most of your visit to this captivating region.
1. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
This world-class institution allows visitors to get up close with marine life from Monterey Bay.
There is no shortage of things to do at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Explore 200 educational and awe-inspiring exhibits featuring crustaceans, octopi, birds, fish, and mammals.
Take a guided tour and gain a deeper connection to the ocean and its inhabitants. Some of these tours even allow participants to feed one of the Aquarium’s exhibits.
2. Explore Cannery Row
Cannery Row, a street set along the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, is the epicenter of Monterey’s tourism industry.
One of the best things to do in Cannery Row is take a trip to the Cannery Row Antique Mall and get back to its roots. Housed in an old Carmel Canning Company building, the mall is filled with Steinbeck-era trinkets.
The McAbee Beach, a favorite among locals, offers beautiful panoramic views of Monterey Bay. Some of the best kayaking tours in the city depart from Cannery Row, as well.
3. Take a Scenic Drive on 17-Mile Drive
Go on a Monterey scenic drive along the 17-Mile Drive and marvel at breathtaking views of the ocean as it weaves through the Del Monte Forest.
Experience the natural wonders of the Monterey coast while viewing multimillion-dollar mansions, famous golf courses, and scenic attractions, including the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, and the 5,300-acre Del Monte Forest of Monterey Cypress trees.
For truly unforgettable views, stop at the Pebble Beach Resorts, home of the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links.
4. Stroll Along Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Located near Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is definitely one of the best things to do in Monterey, CA.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf offers panoramic views of the bay and the harbor seals that lounge on the nearby rocks and buoys, as the sound of the seals barking and of seagulls squawking among the crashing waves provide extraordinary musical entertainment.
While you’re here, be sure to try the many variations of clam chowder. Many of the restaurants serving this dish offer samples to passersby. They all claim to serve the best clam chowder, so you be the judge!
5. Hike at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
South of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is famous for its dramatic rock formations rising from the ocean.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers. The offshore area is popular with divers. A part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, it forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world.
On land, the reserve is home to rare plant communities, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora and fauna.
Multiple trails at Point Lobos SNR offer hikers both easy and challenging opportunities. The Cypress Grove Trail is particularly popular because of its vistas of the rugged coast and the Monterey cypress trees on the seaside cliffs.
For those who like to dive, Point Lobos has two coves for diving – Whalers and Bluefish coves. Swim through 70-foot-deep kelp forests and various coral reefs and if you’re lucky, you may get a glimpse of passing seals and whales.
6. Play a Round at Pebble Beach Golf Links
Many come to the gated community of Pebble Beach to play a round in its world-renowned golf courses. Golfers are encouraged to book a tee time and a hotel reservation up to 18 months in advance.
Those who were fortunate to obtain a coveted slot described the experience as nothing short of magical, especially when completing their game. The 18th hole, in particular, is picturesque.
7. Explore Lovers Point Park
As the name suggests, Lovers Point Park is a romantic spot with a scenic beach and a park perfect for picnics.
The park itself has a vast, grassy area with picnic tables and BBQ stoves. There is a beach volleyball court and a small children’s pool that offers swimming lessons for children during the summer.
The beach is the center of activity, with two sides where families can relax and soak up in the sun. Kids can have fun in the water and play in safe proximity to the shore within a protected cove.
8. Visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History is your gateway to the natural history of the region, providing a comprehensive understanding of the local flora, fauna, geology, and cultural histories.
Pacific Grove’s landmark museum opened in 1883, making it one of the country’s oldest museums of its kind. The exhibits showcase the region’s birds and wildlife, plants, geology, and cultural richness.
The backyard of the museum is home to more than 100 plant species that are native to Monterey County. These plants are arranged into five bioregions – coastal scrub, chaparral, mixed oak woodlands, butterfly host and nectar plants, and ethnobotany.
9. Kayak Through Monterey Bay
Kayaking on Monterey Bay is a great way to see wildlife up close, including sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, pelicans, sandpipers, loons, and grebes. You might even catch a glimpse of a leopard shark or a bat ray!
Monterey Bay is calm and sheltered, making it a perfect spot for a first sea kayaking tour.
10. Go Whale Watching
Monterey Bay is a year-round whale-watching destination. The immense depth of the Monterey Bay Canyon provides a favorable habitat for various whale species to come close to shore to feed.
Witness humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, and orcas migrating seasonally through the area. Whale watchers can also spot a fin, minke, sperm, or beaked whale on rare occasions.
January is the best time to experience the great gray whale migration, as thousands of these majestic creatures travel through Monterey Bay on their way to Mexico for breeding and calving.
Other species of whales can be seen throughout the year, including blue whales, humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, sperm whales, and orcas.
Conclusion
Monterey, CA, is an amazing destination, offering numerous opportunities to have fun and enjoy nature.
If you’re interested in this location and would like to learn about its real estate properties for sale, please give me a call today at (831) 292-5097 or email me at team@heinrichbrooksher.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Monterey?
The best time to visit Monterey is in spring, between April and early June.
Are there family-friendly activities in Monterey?
Kayaking, whale watching, and visiting the museums are some of the best family-friendly activities in Monterey.
What’s the best way to explore 17-Mile Drive?
It is recommended to stop at all 17 of the marked stops along the way, including Shepherd’s Knoll, Huckleberry Hill, Point Joe, and Bird Rock.
