Things To Do In
Monterey California

There's no shortage of things to do in Monterey, whether you come with family, friends, a lover or solo. No matter what your tastes, you'll find at least a few pleasures to indulge in.

What's so great about the Monterey Peninsula is that there's a good combination of incredible natural beauty as well as historical interest. Here are some ideas to get you started:

THE 17 MILE DRIVE
Drive around the Pebble Beach area and Del Monte Forest. Maybe have lunch at one of the posh resorts, or picnic on the shore. There's 21 points of interest along the way. More on the 17 Mile Drive.

MONTEREY STATE HISTORIC PARK
Take a free self guided tour around all the historic buildings. Guided tours are also available.

FISHERMAN'S WHARF
Grab some clam showder in a bread bowl and watch the boats in the bay.

GOLF
Pebble Beach has 6 golf courses to choose from! World class tournaments are held here.

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Learn about local birds, butterflies, minerals and native American Indians.

The Beach at Carmel, California

THE BEACH
Head for one of the peninsula's stunningly beautiful beaches: Carmel Beach, Marina State Beach or Asilomar Beach.

SCUBA DIVE
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is home to an amazing array of sea life.

POINT LOBOS STATE RESERVE
Hike the trails, enjoying the stunning natural beauty of places like China Cove. See the museum at Whaler's Cove. Click here for more on Point Lobos State Reserve.

TIDE POOLS
Explore the myriad of tide pools as you walk along the path which winds it's way along the shore of Pacific Grove.

BOAT CRUISE
Take a whale watching cruise or boat tour of Monterey Bay. You can catch one at Fisherman's Wharf.

DENNIS THE MENACE PARK
Bring the young ones to this unique playground designed by Hank Ketcham, creator of the comic strip. You'll find this park at Lake El Estero in Monterey.

CANNERY ROW
One of the most popular things to do in Monterey besides the aquarium. Browse shops and restaurants located in this collection of historic buildings that were once sardine canneries and warehouses.

MARITIME MUSEUM
Learn about Monterey's illustrious past, so interconnected with the water. There's a 14 minute video about the local history. It's right near the wharf.

MONTEREY MUSEUM OF ART
There's one at La Mirada and one at the Civic Center. View stimulating permanent and rotating exhibits. There's a rose garden at the La Mirada branch.

ELKHORN SLOUGH
Take a guided walk through the wetlands, or explore on your own. This tidal estuary is home to otters, harbor seals and shorebirds. Monterey Bay Kayaks offers guided kayak tours or rentals from their Moss Landing location. Call 800-649-5357 or 831-373-5357. Don't forget your binoculars!

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
All year long there is something fun happening somewhere in the Monterey Bay area. For instance:

• See Monterey County California events listed by city
• See Monterey County California events listed by month
• Popular Monterey Festivals

Even More Things To Do In Monterey...

• Visit the Monterey Aquarium
  
• Take a day trip to Santa Cruz
  
• Browse the art galleries and shops in Carmel
  
• Go hiking in Big Sur
  

Return from the things To Do In Monterey page to the main Monterey California page to explore more of the area.

Monterey Getaway home page