Things to Do in Monterey
25 curated spots from Monterey itineraries
Activities & Attractions
11 curated experiences
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Spend several unrushed hours with the kelp forest, Open Sea tank, touch pools, and family-friendly programs; time some breaks on the outdoor decks overlooking the bay.
3h · $60-80 per adult, discounted child tickets
17-Mile Drive
Scenic toll road through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach featuring dramatic rocky coastlines, twisted cypress groves, pristine beaches, and spectacular ocean vistas. Multiple pullouts for photos and short walks.
2h · $10-12 per vehicle
Cannery Row
Historic waterfront district with galleries, boutique shops, sea otter watching, and restaurants. Stroll the wooden boardwalks, explore art galleries, and experience the area that inspired John Steinbeck's famous novel.
2h 30m · Free to explore; shopping/gallery entry varies
Carmel Valley Wine Trail
Visit 3-5 boutique wineries and tasting rooms in scenic Carmel Valley, 20-30 minutes from Monterey. Picturesque countryside settings with award-winning Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Cabernets.
3h · $25-50 per person (tasting fees)
Lovers Point Park & Beach
Spend time on the small sandy beach and rocky outcrops, letting the kid explore while you frame classic Monterey Peninsula shots of surf, rocks, and cypress trees.
1h 30m · Free
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (Old Fisherman’s Wharf Segment)
Walk the waterfront segment from Custom House Plaza past Old Fisherman’s Wharf, watching for sea lions on the buoys and photographing boats framed by the harbor.
1h · Free
Monterey State Historic Park
Self-guided walking tour of historic adobe buildings and museums in downtown Monterey, including the Royal Presidio Chapel and Casa del Oro. Explore California's colonial past.
2h · Free to $5 per location
Monterey State Historic Park & Custom House Plaza
Stroll through the Custom House and surrounding historic adobes and gardens at your own pace, using the self-guided walking route from the plaza.
1h · $0-10 (donation / occasional tour fees)
Old Fisherman's Grotto
Historic waterfront restaurant and landmark on Cannery Row featuring classic steakhouse fare with scenic bay views. Popular for both dining and casual observation of sea otters and wildlife.
1h 30m · $30-65 per person
Pacific Grove Coastal Trail & Photography Stroll
Follow the oceanfront path west from Lovers Point toward the golf course, stopping at pullouts for tidepool inspection and wide-angle coastal photography.
1h 30m · Free
Sunset Lookout from San Carlos Beach Park
Walk a few minutes from Cannery Row toward the harbor to watch the sun drop behind the peninsula, with divers and sea lions often in view.
45m · FreeRestaurants & Food
14 local favorites
Alejandro's
Upscale Mexican with neon-lit ambiance, private c-shaped cenote booths, and an impressive tequila collection. Signature dirty horchata and guacamole are must-tries. Great for cocktails and sophisticated Latin cuisine.
1h 40m · $60-100 per person
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill
Brewpub with polished interiors; order the fish tacos or seasonal catch for local seafood and a pizza or burger for the kid.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
C restaurant + bar
Contemporary seafood-focused restaurant with excellent tuna main courses and great selections of fresh fish and meats. Highly-rated for quality and presentation.
1h 40m · $75-120 per person
Coastal Kitchen
Located in the historic Plaza Hotel with incredible oceanfront views. Frequently-changing menu features beautiful plating and creative flavor combinations like poached white asparagus with charred avocado and wasabi, plus miso black cod with creamy coconut milk.
1h 30m · $85-135 per person
Crema Monterey
Charming converted Victorian with brunch classics; order eggs Benedict, brioche French toast, and coffee on the porch or in the garden if weather allows.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Fandango Restaurant
Warm, European-influenced dining room known for paella, fresh fish, and Mediterranean-style dishes; ask for a slightly earlier seating with the family.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Fish Hopper
Casual waterfront restaurant on Cannery Row with spectacular bay views and fresh seafood. Great for clam chowder and fish & chips with an accessible, laid-back vibe.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Montrio
Upscale New American in a historic firehouse; go for locally sourced seafood, seasonal vegetable sides, and a shared dessert.
1h 30m · $40-70 per person
Paris Bakery Café
Classic French-style bakery-café with croissants, fruit tarts, and strong coffee; grab a small selection to share plus hot chocolate for the kid.
45m · $10-18 per person
Passionfish
Sustainably-sourced seafood with creative presentations like scallops with caper-walnut relish and mussels in bacon-fennel broth. The aquarium-inspired décor with illuminated fish sculptures creates a romantic ambiance. Exceptional wine list with half-bottles starting at $20.
2h · $90-140 per person
The C Restaurant + Bar
Oceanfront dining inside an elegant hotel setting; choose Dungeness crab, local fish preparations, and a simple pasta or flatbread for your child.
1h 15m · $35-55 per person
The Sardine Factory
Classic steakhouse with over-the-top opulence featuring high-backed monogrammed velvet chairs, elegant sconces, and signature items like an enormous prawn cocktail served with dry ice vapor. Top-notch menu without being fussy.
2h · $95-150 per person
Tidal Coffee at Cannery Row
Bright, modern café steps from the water; order espresso drinks, pastries, and a light breakfast plate before your aquarium visit.
45m · $12-20 per person
Whaling Station Steakhouse
Old-school, wood-paneled steakhouse above Cannery Row; share a steak and sides, with a simpler entrée for the kid.
1h 30m · $50-80 per person