Monterey, California, is a coastal paradise packed with stunning ocean views, historic landmarks, and incredible wildlife experiences. As someone who has explored the best places to visit in Monterey, California, I can confidently say this region offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, rich history, and world-class attractions.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a solo adventure, Monterey has something for everyone.
One of the top draws is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, renowned for its cutting-edge marine exhibits and mesmerizing sea otters, jellyfish, and sharks. Just a short stroll away, Cannery Row blends history with modern charm, offering oceanfront dining, boutique shopping, and wine tasting. If you crave scenic drives, the 17-Mile Drive is a must, winding through Pebble Beach with breathtaking stops like Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve provides some of the best hiking, whale watching, and tide pooling in California. History buffs will love exploring Old Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, harbor cruises, and stunning sunsets. Don’t forget the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, just minutes away, famous for its storybook architecture, art galleries, and white-sand beaches.
In this guide, I'll reveal the top attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites that make Monterey one of California’s most enchanting coastal destinations.
Brief History of Monterrey
Before telling you everything there is to do in the city, we think it would be interesting to give you a little bit of its history , because it's a lot to see...
Monterrey was founded in 1770 as part of the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo under Spanish settlers . Following Mexico's independence in 1821, it became part of that new country, but it did not last long. In 1846 , during the Mexican-American War , American forces captured the city at the Battle of Monterrey, and following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 , it became part of the United States.
At the end of the 19th century, Monterrey established itself as an important fishing port , notable for its sardine canning industry . It was considered the world capital of sardines in the 1920s and 1930s , but overexploitation of marine resources and international competition contributed to the collapse of the industry in the 1950s.
In 1967, the year of the Summer of Love , the Monterrey Pop Festival put the city on the global map as a key event in hippie culture and popular music. And today, the city remains a top tourist destination. Ready to learn more about it?
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What to see in Monterrey: Top Places to Visit
Now that we know more about the historical context of this coastal city in California, it's time to answer the big question: what to do in Monterey during your visit? Here are the top 10 must-sees , with the best plans and places you can't miss.
1. Cannery Row
This is the beating heart of Monterrey, a vibrant avenue parallel to the coast that was the center of the sardine canning industry for much of the 20th century. During that time, this area was a hive of people and life thanks to the canning factories that employed thousands of people and turned the city into the world capital of sardines.
Today, only memories of those factories remain, but Cannery Row has been filled with trendy (albeit somewhat expensive) restaurants and cafes, souvenir shops and some historic buildings that recall that golden age. One of them is the Cannery Row Antique Mall , a shopping center located in what used to be a canning factory, where you can feel the nostalgia of that industry that was key to the growth of the city.
And if you need to delve deeper into its history, we suggest the Treasure Hunt: The Ride : it is an interactive pirate-themed experience in which, aboard a boat, you will face challenges, puzzles and clues to find the hidden treasure. It is an ideal attraction if you are looking for things to do in Monterrey with your family or if you are traveling with friends.
2. McAbee Beach
Next to Cannery Row is the small McAbee Beach . Although it's not the best choice for swimming due to its cold waters and rocky shoreline, it's a perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. From the beach, you'll be able to admire panoramic views of Monterey Bay , with the turquoise blue water and mountains in the background creating an idyllic setting.
It's also a great spot to see marine life, especially the sea lions that often come to sunbathe on the nearby rocks. And to make the experience even more special, you can take this kayak tour through the calm waters of Monterey Bay .
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3. Old Fisherman's Wharf
While it doesn't have the atmosphere or size of San Francisco 's famous Fisherman's Wharf , Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf is equally charming. Here you can enjoy local fish specialties (if your budget allows), or just stroll around and try some free samples from the restaurants.
From here you can also go on a catamaran cruise through Monterey Bay to see the city from another perspective as you sail through its waters, crossing paths with sea lions, otters and seals, and perhaps with a little luck, dolphins and whales as well.
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4. Whale watching
Monterey is one of the best places on the Pacific coast for whale watching , thanks to its strategic location near the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, an area rich in marine biodiversity.
Whale watching tours in the city are an incredible experience, as they allow you to observe a variety of species in their natural habitat throughout the year :
- Winter (December to March): This is the best time to see gray whales during their migration from the cold waters of the Arctic to their breeding grounds in Baja California.
- Spring and Summer (April to August): During these months, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas and dolphins can be seen . The warmer waters allow several species of whales to feed and occur in the area.
- Fall (September to November): This is another ideal season to spot humpback whales, gray whales and also dolphins . Orcas may appear again at this time, hunting in the bay.
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5. Path of History
Another great thing to do in Monterrey is to follow the Path of History. This is a walking tour through the historic center of Monterrey , designed so that visitors can explore some of the most significant and representative buildings in the city.
Along the route you can see, among other things, the first California Theatre (1846), the Custom House (the oldest government house in California), the Soberanes House and the Cooper-Molera Adobe House (built in 1820).
The entire tour takes 1-2 hours , depending on the pace at which you walk and your interest in reading all the information.
6. Pacific Grove
Another interesting place to explore on foot is Pacific Grove , a neighborhood full of historic buildings and Victorian homes . What makes Pacific Grove especially attractive is its proximity to the ocean and its access to various nature trails, such as the Asilomar State Beach Boardwalk . It is also famous for being the home of many monarch butterflies during their annual migration (between October and February).
7. Take the free Monterrey trolley
In Monterrey there is a historic trolley that runs through several tourist stops such as Cannery Row, Monterrey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf or Downtown, among others, and it is completely free. How cool is this initiative! More info .
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8. Take a tour of 17-Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive is one of California's most famous and scenic drives , running along the coast between Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea . As the name suggests, the road is 17 miles (approximately 27 kilometers) long and offers some of the most stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, cliffs, pine forests, and pristine beaches .
Along the way, you'll find a number of iconic landmarks, including the Lone Cypress , one of the most photographed trees in the world, standing tall on a cliff. Another well-known spot is Pebble Beach , home to one of the world's top golf courses , which has hosted several major golf tournaments, including the U.S. Open.
Note: Traveling the road is NOT free as it costs $ 11.25 ( per vehicle).
9. Grab a beer at Dust Bowl Brewery
If you're a fan of craft beer, Dust Bowl Brewery is the perfect place to relax with a nice pint. The beer selection is extensive, so there's always something new to try, from fresh and light options like lagers to stouts and IPAs.
Fun Fact: Dust Bowl Brewing is named in reference to the Dust Bowl , which occurred during the Great Depression in the 1930s, when a series of dust storms devastated large areas of the Midwestern United States. This phenomenon, caused by the combination of extreme droughts and the overexploitation of agricultural land, severely affected many families, including those in the Oklahoma region , where the brewery's founders , the Tate family , had their roots.
10. Take the opportunity to explore Big Sur (or part of it)
You're just a short drive from some of the most beautiful spots in Big Sur, a stretch of coastal road that boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in this part of California. This is the case of McWay Falls , a spectacular waterfall that spills directly onto the beach, or the Bixby Creek Bridge , known for its elegant structure and its impressive view of the Pacific Ocean.
→ Here we tell you what to see in Big Sur (coming soon).
More things to do in Monterrey
Do you have more time to explore Monterrey and its surroundings? Here are some extra ideas:
- If you like beaches , you can't miss the beautiful beaches near Monterey, such as Carmel Beach, Asilomar State Beach and Del Monte Beach .
- Rent a bike and ride the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail , an 18-mile paved route that follows the coastline where the Southern Pacific Railroad once ran. Along the way, you'll enjoy incredible views and, with luck, spot some sunbathing sea lions.
- The trail reaches Castroville , a small town known as the “artichoke capital of the world.” Take the opportunity to try a good plate of artichokes and see if the fame is really well earned.
- Also check out Carmel-by-the-Sea , another lovely town. Take a stroll through the town centre, which is a delight. Did you know that Clint Eastwood was once its mayor?
Useful information to plan your visit to Monterrey
Finally, we leave you with some practical tips that will be great when organizing your trip to Monterrey:
✓ Accommodation in Monterrey
We stayed at the HI Monterey and it seemed like a good choice. You can search for accommodation in Monterey here . Good options, although somewhat expensive, are Spindrift Inn or Monterey Bay Inn .
✓ Restaurants in Monterrey
It must be said that Monterrey is not a particularly cheap destination, so the normal thing is to pay around $15-20 per dish. These restaurants offer good value for money and are among the most highly rated:
- Rosine's Restaurant is a Monterey classic, known for its warm atmosphere and home-style dishes. Highlights include chicken parmesan and lasagna. Average price per person: $20-25.
- Old Fisherman's Grotto , where you can enjoy fresh seafood or their famous clam chowder in bread. Price: $12-$25.
- Dust Bowl Brewery , beyond the rich and fresh beers, serves food such as burgers, tacos or nachos.
We hope you like our post about what to see and do in Monterrey and it helps you plan some unforgettable days. As you saw, there is a lot to explore in this corner of California, so get ready to discover everything this city has to offer.
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