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Monterey offers iconic California experiences. Experience the top road trip in the United States as you wind along the breathtaking Big Sur coastline on Highway One. Suffice to say that Monterey County is a mecca for all things active. By paddle, pedal, foot or golf cart, you're going to have ample opportunity to move and do.
Take a surfing lesson and catch a glimpse of a barefoot beach wedding as you ride your board to shore. Play 18 holes at legendary golf courses, or just hang out at the 19th hole and watch the pros practice. Monterey County has something special for everyone.
Top things to do in Monterey County, California
There are so many unique attractions in Monterey that it can be hard to pick just one! Here's a quick overview of Monterey County's top attractions, with links to more in-depth information.
For your convenience, there are several easy to book vacation packages that include many of Monterey's top attractions.
1. Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay AquariumDiscover life in Monterey's bay without leaving dry land at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Dedicated to marine research and conservation, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is known throughout the world for its interactive exhibits and ability to present marine life on a truly grand scale. It's been called "one of America's most captivating aquariums" by ForbesTraveler.com.
2. Cannery Row
Cannery RowIn January 1958, the City of Monterey officially re-named Ocean View Avenue "Cannery Row" in honor of John Steinbeck. Today's Cannery Row is anchored by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and features restaurants, hotels, specialty shops, local artists' galleries and wine tasting rooms, all stretching along the historic streets and waterfront. Visitors can take in the wonders of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary by scuba diving, kayaking, or bike riding along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail.
3. Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey should be on the "must-do" list of every visitor to the area. This is a great place to take in the sights and sounds and smells of Monterey. Because neighboring Wharf 2 is the heart of the area's thriving fishing industry, you can usually watch the working trawlers unloading the catch of the day - just look for all of the seagulls hoping for a handout to know who's had a successful day on the Bay! Stroll down the wharf with a cup of hot clam chowder, or stop by one of several restaurants featuring fresh Monterey Bay seafood. You can photograph sea lions and otters frolicking in the calm inner harbor waters, or, if you're feeling more adventurous, take to the waters with a glass bottom boat tour, deep-sea fishing trip or whale watching tour Book It! in season.
4. Pebble Beach
With eight championship golf courses, gourmet restaurants, a top-rated spa, top-flight shopping and one of the most scenic drives in the world, Pebble Beach isn't just a community; it's an attraction all its own. Journey along 17-Mile Drive by car or bicycle, then stop at the renowned Lodge at Pebble Beach for shopping, a meal or a round of golf.
5. Scenic Drives
Scenic Drives17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach is one of the best-known scenic drives in the world. It takes visitors past dream homes and the world's greatest golf courses, as well as miles of scenic coastline and the serene majesty of Del Monte Forest. Highway One from Monterey through Big Sur is "the road trip of a lifetime." It's a State Scenic Highway and has been declared an All-American Road by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Scenic Byways Program
6. Historic Sites
Historic SitesMonterey County, once the capital of Alta California, is the epicenter of California history. Explore the heritage of the California mission era at our three historic missions. Walk the Path of History to learn about the Mexican era, as well as the area's early literary history. Immerse yourself in the artistic legacy of Central California at the Monterey Museum of Art. Experience the works of Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck and the agricultural history of Monterey County at the National Steinbeck Center Book It! in Salinas. Learn about the region's flora and fauna at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.
7. Regional, State and Federal Parks
Monterey County's hundreds of thousands of acres of parks range from the "mini-Yosemite" of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Book It! to the austere beauty of Pinnacles National Monument, the coastal beauty of Point Lobos State Reserve Book It! and everything in between. Walk or ride your bike on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, which stretches 18 miles along the coast and connects many of the coastal parks. Go hang gliding, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, surfing, birding, diving and more at the more than 30 parks in Monterey County.
8. Beaches
Whether you're looking for the quintessential sandy California surfing beach, stunning cliffs with spectacular views of the ocean, or a picture-perfect rocky shoreline, you'll find it all along Monterey County's coast. Dive, surf, sail, kayak or watch wildlife at any of our 13 beaches - or just enjoy the scenery.
9. Special Events
Monterey's widely acclaimed calendar of events attracts visitors from around the world. Music lovers return annually to the Monterey Jazz Festival in September and the Carmel Bach Festival in July. Every August, car lovers descend on Monterey County for the legendary Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and other events of Monterey Auto Week, while racing fans visit throughout the season for the Ferrari Challenge, Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix and other events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Golf lovers converge on Pebble Beach for internationally renowned tournaments like February's AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and the U.S. Open, and April's Big Sur International Marathon is just one of many other competitive events that take place throughout the year. Click here to see upcoming events.
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