Things to Do in Monterey

Monterey’s activity concentration is exceptional for a city of 30,000: one of the world’s best aquariums, productive whale watching waters, a protected marine reserve of international significance, and the gateway to Big Sur — one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline anywhere. Most visitors split their time between the aquarium and Cannery Row, the Monterey Peninsula’s outdoor and coastal attractions, and day trips south to Big Sur.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium (886 Cannery Row; open daily 10am-5pm; admission approximately $55 adults as of 2026) is the most significant single attraction on the Central California coast. Built on the site of a former sardine cannery and opened in 1984, the aquarium operates with a research and conservation mission that gives its exhibits a depth that typical tourist aquariums lack.

The Kelp Forest exhibit (two stories of living kelp, the only such exhibit in the world at this scale when built) and the Open Sea tank (a million-gallon tank housing bluefin tuna, hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and mola mola) are the signature experiences. The Sea Otter Program — with rescued otters that cannot be returned to the wild due to habituation — produces extended otter viewing of remarkable intimacy. The Splash Zone is the primary family-oriented section; the Rocky Shore exhibit simulates the immediate Monterey coastline.

Book tickets online; the aquarium reaches capacity during summer mornings. Budget 3-4 hours for a thorough visit.

Whale Watching

Monterey Bay is one of the most productive whale watching locations in the United States, supported by the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon — a deep-water system that brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface and supports an extraordinary marine food chain.

Gray whales migrate past December through April (southbound) and February through May (northbound). Humpback whales are present May through November — the most reliably sighted large whale in summer months. Blue whales (the largest animal on Earth) are occasionally seen June-October. Orcas transit the bay year-round but unpredictably.

Operators: Monterey Bay Whale Watch (84 Fisherman’s Wharf #1), Princess Monterey Whale Watching (96 Old Fisherman’s Wharf). Tours run 2.5-4 hours; approximately $55-$80 per person as of 2026. Book in advance for summer weekends.

17-Mile Drive

17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach; enter via Pacific Grove gate on Sunset Dr) is a toll road ($12.25/vehicle; fee credited toward restaurant purchases at Pebble Beach Lodge) through the Del Monte Forest and Pebble Beach golf estate. The 17 miles of road pass the Lone Cypress (the trademarked tree on a rock in the sea), Seal Rock and Bird Rock (reliable for harbor seals and sea lions), Fanshell Overlook (harbor seals May-June), and views of the Pebble Beach Golf Links (home of the US Open every 5 years). Open daily; best driven in the morning before the afternoon sea fog returns.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (CA-1, 3 miles south of Carmel; day use approximately $10/vehicle) is among the finest coastal reserves in California. The rocky shoreline supports harbor seals, California sea lions, sea otters, tidal pools, and over 300 bird species. Whaler’s Cove is the primary sea otter viewing location. Bluefish Cove is popular with scuba divers (permit required). The South Shore Trail and Cypress Grove Trail are the most used routes. The reserve reaches parking capacity by 9am on summer weekends — arrive before 8am or plan a weekday visit.

Big Sur

Big Sur (30 miles south of Monterey via CA-1 — allow 45-60 minutes) is one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world: 90 miles of cliffs, redwood canyons, and Pacific ocean meeting with essentially no development. Primary stops within a day trip:

Bixby Creek Bridge (13 miles south of Carmel) — the most photographed bridge in California, a 1932 concrete arch 260 feet above the creek. Pullout on the north side.

McWay Falls (Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, 37 miles south of Carmel; day use $10) — an 80-foot waterfall falling directly onto the beach below, accessible via a 0.5-mile trail. The most iconic single image of Big Sur.

Pfeiffer Beach (Sycamore Canyon Rd, unpaved, 8 miles south of Carmel; $12/vehicle) — purple-sand beach accessible only to smaller vehicles; the Keyhole Arch in the sea stack is the draw.

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove

Carmel-by-the-Sea (5 miles south via CA-1 or 17-Mile Drive) — an affluent village with galleries, wine tasting rooms, and Carmel Beach (white sand, bonfires allowed, dogs welcome). The Ocean Avenue main street leads directly to the beach. Former mayor Clint Eastwood owns the Mission Ranch restaurant.

Pacific Grove (adjacent to Monterey, west of downtown) — a Victorian-era town with lighthouse, coastal tidepools (Lover’s Point Park), and the Monarch butterfly sanctuary (approximately 10,000-40,000 monarch butterflies overwinter October-February in the Washington Park eucalyptus grove; free viewing).