The 10 Best Things to Do in Monterey California: My Favorite Activities in 2026

I was actually pretty surprised by how much there is to do in Monterey itself, but also in the surrounding area. I only spent a weekend here, and somehow I still managed to pack in a bunch of really fun activities.

Looking back at this list, I also think Monterey is a great place to visit with kids. Quite a few of the things I did would be fun for the whole family, so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway with the kids, Monterey is a cool spot. And compared to some of the nearby towns, Monterey can be fairly affordable too!

Since I only had a couple of days here, I obviously didn’t get to do everything. But I did try quite a few activities that I’d happily recommend, from some of the bigger attractions to a few things I stumbled across along the way.

So, here’s my list of the 10 best things to do in Monterey, California, based on what I actually did and enjoyed during my visit.

The Best Things to Do in Monterey California – My Experience

I actually didn’t plan on spending that much time in Monterey because my original plan was to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the fairytale-like little town right next door. But now that I’ve visited both, I kind of wish I’d stayed in Monterey the whole time and just visited Carmel as a day trip.

Monterey was so much more affordable, and there were also way more fun activities to keep us busy than I expected. The highlight was definitely our whale-watching tour, where we got to see humpback whales. But we also saw loads of other wildlife during our stay, from sea lions around San Carlos Beach to the animals we spotted along the 17-Mile Drive and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

And since I’m a foodie I of course had to try some of the local highlights too!Having my first-ever clam chowder served in a bread bowl at Old Fisherman’s Wharf was super fun, and I’d absolutely recommend trying it while you’re here.

Quick Tips for Visiting Monterey

Book Your Hotel Early

Whenever I’m planning a trip, I like to book my accommodation as early as possible to get the best deals. We stayed at Merritt House Hotel, a super cute and charming little hotel right in downtown Monterey, and I can definitely recommend it. Stargazer Hotel is also a cool budget friendly alternative!

Be Aware of June Gloom

Don’t make the same mistake we did and assume summer automatically means sunny weather. June Gloom is real, and the Central California coast can stay pretty overcast in late spring and early summer. We had quite a few cloudy days during our trip, which was a little disappointing, especially when we were hoping to enjoy the coastline in the sunshine.

Monterey Is a Good Base for Exploring the Region

If you’re planning to explore Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur and Carmel Valley, I’d really consider staying in Monterey. Accommodation here was waaay more affordable than in Carmel, and you’re still close enough to visit all the surrounding areas without spending half your trip driving.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Monterey?

We visited in July and still had to deal with some overcast weather, but I had a great time regardless. If I were planning another trip, I’d probably plan for September and October, when you’re generally more likely to get clearer weather along the coast.

I’ve also heard that October and November can be absolutely fantastic for for whale watching, because you can even spot some orcas. And if you’re visiting in winter, you may also be able to see monarch butterflies at nearby overwintering sites, depending on the season and conditions.

My Favorite Activities in Monterey

1. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Most coastal towns in California seem to have some kind of pier or waterfront area packed with restaurants, souvenir shops and little tourist attractions. In Monterey, that’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

Yes, it’s super touristy, but who cares? I’m a tourist too, so obviously this was one of the first places I wanted to check out.

There’s quite a bit going on here, from seafood restaurants and ice cream shops to souvenir stores and whale-watching tours. It was a really fun place to wander around, grab some lunch and just see what’s there.

This is also where I had my first-ever clam chowder in a bread bowl, and where I did my whale watching tour!

2. Drive the 17-Mile Drive

The famous 17-Mile Drive is a scenic route that runs through Pebble Beach, connecting the Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea area with some really stunning views over the coastline and the ocean.

A few friends who grew up in the area recommended doing this drive, so obviously, I had to check it out myself.

We entered through the Pacific Grove Gate and spent around two hours driving the route, stopping at five different viewpoints along the way. We saw sea lions, enjoyed some really nice coastal views and even stopped to watch a few golfers teeing off on one of the courses right along the ocean.

I’m not particularly into golf myself, but watching people play on a course with the Pacific Ocean right behind them was pretty cool!

Just keep in mind that the 17-Mile Drive costs $12.50 per vehicle, which is what we paid when we visited. Since the route takes you toward Carmel-by-the-Sea, I’d definitely combine the drive with a visit to Carmel.

3. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

I’m usually not a huge fan of zoos or aquariums, but I’d heard so many good things about the Monterey Bay Aquarium that I decided to give it a try.

The exhibits here are just sooo impressive. Some of the tanks have absolutely huge viewing windows, with one of them being 15 feet tall, so you can stand there watching the marine life and almost feel like you’re looking straight into the ocean.

What I also really liked was the aquarium’s location right on the waterfront. There’s an outdoor wildlife observation area where you can look out over the bay and sometimes spot seals, sea lions and even whales.

The other thing worth mentioning is the aquarium’s work in marine research, conservation and animal rescue. That’s important to me when visiting places that keep marine animals, so it was good to see that this is a major part of what they do here.

Click Here for Prices & Tickets: Monterey Bay Aquarium

4. Day Trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you’re visiting Monterey, I’d definitely recommend taking a little trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, the super cute town right next door. I actually stayed in Carmel for a few nights myself, and I loved it, but if you don’t have that much time, a half-day visit is totally fine.

I’d start in Monterey, drive the 17-Mile Drive, and then head into Carmel afterward. Park your car and spend a couple of hours wandering around town. The cottages and old-fashioned buildings are so cute, and the whole place reminded me a lot of some of the little seaside towns I’ve visited in Europe.

5. Visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse

Visiting the Point Pinos Lighthouse isn’t necessarily a must-do in my opinion, but if you’ve got some extra time and the weather is nice, it’s a fun little stop.

It’s one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses on the Pacific Coast, and there’s a small museum inside where you can learn a bit about its history. The staff were also super friendly when we visited and did their best to explain the place to us.

I actually really liked the grounds around the lighthouse, too. It’s a nice area for a little walk, and you might even spot a deer or two while you’re here. So if you have some time to spare, I’d definitely consider stopping by.

6. Try Monterey’s Famous Clam Chowder

Before visiting Monterey, I had no idea the town was famous for its clam chowder, which is basically a creamy seafood soup that’s often served in a hollowed-out bread bowl. Obviously, once I found that out, I had to try it.

I got mine at Old Fisherman’s Grotto on Fisherman’s Wharf, which is definitely one of the more touristy places to have it. But you know what? It was super yummy, so I really can’t complain.

If you’d prefer somewhere a little less touristy, I’ve also heard great things about Vivolo’s Chowder House, so that’s another option worth checking out.

7. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset at Lovers Point

Lovers Point is one of the few places along the California coast where you can watch the sun rise over the ocean because of how the bay is positioned. You can also get some beautiful sunset views from here.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t actually make it here for either sunrise or sunset, so I can’t tell you what it’s like from personal experience. We visited during the day instead and had a little picnic while watching the ocean, which was really nice, too.

Regardless of when you visit, Lovers Point Park is a beautiful spot to go for a walk, sit by the water and enjoy the ocean breeze. And if you happen to be here early in the morning or around sunset, even better!

8. Join a Whale-Watching Tour

The whale-watching tour we did in Monterey was actually the first one I ever did in California, and guys, it was incredible!

I’d only been on one other whale-watching tour years and years ago, so it was fun to try it again. We saw loads of sea lions and seals, but the highlight was definitely spotting humpback whales out in the ocean. Seeing them in the wild is just so cool.

9. Spot Sea Lions at San Carlos Beach

I feel like pretty much every town along the California coast has somewhere you can go to see sea lions. And I mean, I’m definitely not complaining because I could happily spend hours watching these guys do absolutely nothing.

In Monterey, one of the best spots we found was San Carlos Beach. There were loads of sea lions hanging around here, and depending on when you visit, you might see quite a few of them taking over the beach.

Apparently, the beach has even been closed at times because so many sea lions have decided to hang out there. So before you head over, I’d recommend checking Google Maps or looking online for any updates about access.

10. Go Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley

And lastly, I’d definitely recommend going wine tasting in Carmel Valley, which is only about a 30-minute drive inland from Monterey.

Wine tasting has become one of my favorite things to do in California. I love visiting actual vineyards, sitting outside with a glass of wine and enjoying the surroundings, and the wineries around Carmel Valley are absolutely beautiful.

FAQs About What to Do in Monterey California

Is Monterey worth visiting?

Absolutely! I really enjoyed Monterey, and I was actually surprised by how much there was to do here. It’s also more affordable than some of the nearby towns, especially Carmel-by-the-Sea, which makes it a great place to stay if you want to explore the surrounding area too.

What are the best things to do in Monterey with kids?

I’d say the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must if you’re visiting with kids. They have huge tanks with sharks, tuna and all kinds of other marine life, which is pretty cool even if you’re not a huge aquarium person yourself.

I’d also recommend going on a whale-watching tour. Getting out on a boat and seeing whales and sea lions in the wild is such a fun experience, and I’m sure kids would love it too.

How many days in Monterey do I need?

I think a weekend is perfect for Monterey. If you can spend two full days here, you’ll have plenty of time to see the main sights, go whale watching and explore the waterfront without rushing around too much.

Is it expensive to visit Monterey?

It’s still California, so don’t expect everything to be cheap. But compared to nearby towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea, I found Monterey much more affordable, especially when it came to accommodation.

What are the best free activities in Monterey?

My two favorite free things to do were watching the sea lions at San Carlos Beach and wandering around Old Fisherman’s Wharf. You can spend quite a while watching the sea lions, and the wharf is a fun place to walk around, browse the little shops and enjoy the waterfront without spending any money.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Monterey

I had a great time in Monterey, and I genuinely didn’t expect there to be quite so much to do here.

Some of my favorite things were completely free, like watching the sea lions at San Carlos Beach, having a little picnic at Lovers Point Park and wandering around Fisherman’s Wharf. But there are also some really fun paid activities, especially the whale-watching tours and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which I’d definitely recommend if you’re visiting with kids.

And if you’re staying a little longer, you’ve also got Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur and Carmel Valley right nearby, so you can easily fill a few more days exploring the area.

I hope this guide on the best things to do in Monterey, California gave you some ideas for your own trip and helped you figure out how to spend a weekend here.

Check Out My Other Monterey Guides

Where to Stay in Monterey California: My Favorite Areas and Hotels

Cafes & Coffee Shops in Monterey: My Top Spots for a Good Coffee

How Many Days in Monterey Do You Need? My Honest Day by Day Guide

Is Monterey California Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Things to Do in Monterey California: My Top Activities and Places to Visit

Is the 17-Mile Drive Worth it? My Honest Review