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Monterey

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38 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

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Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    World-famous aquarium on Cannery Row

    • Tip: Go early
    • Tip: Book ahead
    • Tip: Allow a few hours
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  2. 2

    Historic waterfront street from Steinbeck novels

    3 tips
    • Many shops and restaurants
    • Walk the waterfront
    • Busy in summer
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  3. 3

    Historic wharf with seafood and sea lions

    3 tips
    • Watch for sea lions
    • Try clam chowder
    • Good for whale watching tours
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  4. 4

    Iconic cypress tree on 17-Mile Drive

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • 17-Mile Drive has an entry fee
    • Best at sunset
    • Park in the viewing lot
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  5. 5

    Rugged coast with wildlife and trails

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Look for sea otters
    • Bring binoculars
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  6. 6

    Rocky shoreline with boardwalk in Pacific Grove

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Great for sunsets
    • Boardwalk is easy walking
    • Watch for tide pools
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  7. 7

    Oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast

    3 tips
    • Limited opening hours
    • Adjacent golf course
    • Coastal views
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  8. 8

    Beach and park with sea views in Pacific Grove

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Calm swimming cove
    • Good sunset views
    • Easy parking
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  9. 9

    Historic hall where California's first constitution was written

    3 tips
    • Free to visit
    • Part of the Path of History
    • Short visit
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  10. 10

    Royal Presidio Chapel dating to the 1790s

    3 tips
    • Historic Spanish chapel
    • Respect services
    • Short stop
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Before you go: Monterey tips

Transportation

  • Use MST buses: Monterey-Salinas Transit connects Monterey with Pacific Grove, Carmel and Salinas; check its app for routes and live times.
  • Walk or bike the Recreation Trail: The waterfront path links Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove and is great on foot or rented bike.
  • Drive Highway 1 carefully: For Big Sur, check road conditions first, as landslides can close sections of the coast road.

Security

  • Do not leave valuables in cars: Car break-ins happen at trailheads, beaches and scenic pullouts, so take bags with you or keep them out of sight.
  • Respect the ocean: Cold water, strong currents and sneaker waves make many beaches unsafe for swimming; never turn your back on the surf.
  • Keep away from wildlife: Give sea otters, seals and sea lions plenty of space; disturbing them is illegal and can be dangerous.

Saving

  • Watch otters for free: Sea otters often float in the kelp near Cannery Row and the Coast Guard pier, no aquarium ticket needed.
  • Stay outside peak weekends: Hotel rates jump on summer weekends and during big events, so midweek or off-season stays are much cheaper.
  • Sample chowder on the wharf: Restaurants on Fisherman's Wharf often hand out free clam chowder samples, so taste a few before you choose.

Weather/Clothing

  • Pack for summer fog: June and July are often foggy and cool by the bay; bring a fleece or jacket even when inland is hot.
  • Enjoy autumn sun: September and October usually bring the clearest, warmest days, ideal for coastal walks in light layers.
  • Bring rain layers in winter: Winter is mild but brings rainy spells; a waterproof jacket and shoes with grip help on coastal trails.

Cultural

  • Learn the Steinbeck history: Cannery Row was made famous by John Steinbeck; spot the old canneries and plaques as you walk the street.
  • Visit Old Monterey: Explore the historic adobes of Monterey State Historic Park, a reminder that the city was once California's capital.
  • Choose sustainable seafood: Locals take ocean conservation seriously; look for restaurants that follow the aquarium's Seafood Watch guidance.

Local Hacks

  • Book the aquarium ahead: Buy Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets online and arrive at opening or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds.
  • Hit the Tuesday market: The Old Monterey Farmers Market fills Alvarado Street on Tuesday afternoons with food stalls and produce.
  • Skip the 17-Mile Drive fee by bike: Cyclists can usually enter the 17-Mile Drive without paying the car fee, a great ride from Pacific Grove.

1-day itineraries in Monterey

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

Monterey Bay Aquarium and around

🕘 9:30–17:30📍 5 stops

  1. 1Monterey Bay Aquarium
  2. 2Cannery Row
  3. 3Fisherman's Wharf
  4. 4Custom House
  5. 5Colton Hall
See the day →

Day 2 of 2

Asilomar State Beach and around

🕘 9:30–16:15📍 4 stops

  1. 1Asilomar State Beach
  2. 2Point Pinos Lighthouse
  3. 3Lovers Point Park
  4. 4Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
See the day →

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