Are you ready to explore the best things to do in Monterey, California? Monterey is a beautiful city on the central coast of The Golden State. It is known for its abundant marine life, fresh seafood, beautiful rocky coastline, historical sites, and being home to one of the largest underwater canyons in North America.
The iconic blue water of the Monterey Bay draws millions of visitors each year. The city has significant influence from both Hispanic and Asian cultures. You will find opportunities to find explore history, culture, and nature in the city that simply can’t be compared to anywhere else in the world.
You will find this dreamy coastal town just two hours from San Francisco, making it a great day trip or weekend getaway if you are planning on spending time in the Golden Gate City.
With all of the amazing things to do in Monterey CA, you are sure to be ecstatic about your time spent in the city. Whether you choose to take advantage of the bay by going scuba diving, shopping on Cannery Row, or exploring the historical locations in the area, you will make amazing travel memories that you won’t soon forget.
Let’s jet off!
Your Monterey Questions Answered
Does Monterey have nightlife?
Totally! The nightlife in Monterey is buzzing! If you are out on Cannery Row at night, you are likely to hear music streaming out into the streets, see bright lights, and see unique and antique cars cruising down the street. (Even during the week!)
When it comes to clubs and bars, there are plenty!
What are the most popular things to do in Monterey with kids?
There are tons of kid friendly things to do in Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis The Menace Park are two of the most highly favored attractions. We will talk about several of the best things to do in Monterey in this post!
Are there free or cheap things to do in Monterey?
While California isn’t cheap, you can find tons of free things to do in Monterey like beaches, walking trails, museums, and parks. Cheap attractions and activities like nearby museums and ice cream shops are all around as well.
If I only have a few hours in Monterey, what should I do?
This is easy! We’ll answer this question in detail at the end of this post!
How many days do you need in Monterey?
You can see the best that Monterey has to offer in three days. If you stay a little longer, you get to experience more of the Monterey Peninsula and try more of the incredible restaurants that the area has to offer.
When is the best time to visit Monterey?
The best thing about this lovely coastal town is that the weather is relatively pleasant year-round. Average temperature highs are in the 60s and 70s all year long!
However, if you plan on swimming during your visit, you will definitely want to visit during the summer.
What do people wear in Monterey?
Things are fairly casual in Monterey. While people do wear simple and elevated classics, especially in nicer restaurants on the waterfront, you will find sneakers, jeans, and fanny packs as well.
However you choose to dress while you are in Monterey, be sure to dress in layers. While you may be chilly walking down Cannery Row in the wind wearing your jacket, it can get hot and sweaty on the beach in the sun later.
Layers are everything when visiting Monterey, especially if you plan on going out into the bay on a boat during your visit.
30 Amazing Things To Do In Monterey, California
Monterey Bay Aquarium
As one of the best things to do in Central Coast California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is an incredible site that you won’t want to skip over when you are visiting Monterey. Located on the rocky California coast, the aquarium sees around two million visitors each year!
What makes this aquarium different than many marine life attractions is that it exists for the purpose of conservation. The water in the tanks is pulled directly from the bay so that animals are given a life that is as similar to the bay as possible.
As a non-profit, they do perform countless tasks for the betterment of marine life and the ocean’s health every day. In fact, they have worked to restore sea otter populations, pass bills that support ocean health, transform fisheries around the world, and more!
There are so many breathtaking exhibits at the aquarium including an aviary and an area that is designed to look like you are underneath the famous wharf in Monterey.
When searching for the best things to do in Monterey, you will probably always hear someone suggesting the aquarium, and rightfully so! It’s even a favorite of Betty White who was a fan and donor of the aquarium and all the good work they do. So much so that instead of flowers at her funeral, she requested donations to the aquarium.
Consistently ranking among the top aquariums in the U.S., the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must for anyone visiting this lovely coastal town.
Old Fishermans Wharf
Among the best things to do in Monterey California is to visit the Old Fishermans Wharf. The wharf acted as an active fish market until the 1960s and today serves as not only a historical site but also a place to shop, eat, and sightsee.
You can find shops on the wharf that sell souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, and more. There are also restaurants and sweet shops where you eat or browse overlooking the pretty blue water of the Monterey Bay.
Plus, if you are visiting close to a holiday, you can enjoy the decorations on the wharf. Always outfitted with a festive dress, the wharf is a fun place to be around holidays year-round.
Coast Guard Pier
While this is one of the most family friendly things to do in Monterey, it truly is fun for all ages! A walk on the Coast Guard Pier is ideal for those looking to see sea lions up close. Although you can see sea lions and seals in many places in Monterey, the Coast Guard Pier allows you to stand just a few feet from them.
Sea lions hang around Monterey all months of the year but are not always lounging around the Coast Guard Pier. They tend to enjoy laying on the rocks lining the pier during the warmer months or when the sun is shining.
Eat At Paluca Trattoria
Among the best things to do in Monterey for couples is to visit Paluca Trattoria. This mind-blowingly delicious Italian restaurant on the waterfront is home to a delicious and varied menu.
Plus, you may recognize this Italian joint from Big Little Lies as it was used as a filming location.
Here you will find everything from creamy butter clams and lobster ravioli to chicken pesto and puttanesca. Of course, an amazing restaurant like this wouldn’t be complete without an equally stunning wine selection as well. A large variety of sparkling, white, rose and red wines are all available.
Dennis The Menace Playground
Visiting with kids? The Dennis The Menace Playground is one of the best things to do in Monterey with kids. This park is huge and has countless activities for children.
Large slides, bridges, spinning platforms and climbing bars, tunnels, and more are all there at the Dennis The Menace Playground. Kids’ eyes light up when they see this park!
Enjoy The Food & Views at Lalla Grill
Monterey is jammed pack with crazy good restaurants and one you won’t want to miss while you’re there is Lalla Grill. With an incredible menu and expansive views of the bay, Lalla is easily one of the best restaurants in Monterey.
You’ll find loaded lobster nachos, shrimp and lobster enchiladas, linguine and clams, split bone rib-eye, and more! There are two locations in Monterey but for the best experience, the Oceanside location is ideal as its tall windows give you remarkable water views that you won’t soon forget.
Eating lunch while watching sea otters and sea lions play in the water as a group of kayakers go by or diving into a seafood dinner while you watch the sunset and lights line the coast is among the top things to do in Monterey.
Monterey Museum of Art
Of all Monterey Bay activities, this may be the best for art lovers. With beautiful art displays that showcase the past, present, and future of the diversity of California, you will be enchanted by the world displayed in the museum.
You can find free two-hour parking on the street nearby or find a spot in one of the parking facilities in the downtown area.
Making the list of the top things to do in Monterey, this museum has more to offer visitors than carefully cultivated visual arts. Children, students, and military members get in for free, making this a budget-friendly option for many types of travelers.
Lovers Point Park
Home to a top beach in the city and a beautiful rocky coastline, Lovers Point Park is among the best dog-friendly things to do in Monterey. While this location is actually in Pacific Grove, it is only a few minutes’ drive away and well worth the visit.
This beach has soft sand, perfect coastal and bay views, seal and sea lion watching, crystal clear waters near the beach, and deep blue water further out into the bay.
Around the beach, there is a walking and biking trail that is very popular. You can also walk out to the water’s edge on strips of land that reach out into the bay from the trail. You are almost guaranteed to see either seals or sea lions so keep an eye out while you are relaxing on the beach.
Visit The Secret Beach On Cannery Row
Actually called McAbee Beach, a skinny alleyway near Lalla Grill and a staircase that drops off into the sand will make you feel like you are accessing a secret beach that not everyone knows about. As one of the top things to do in Monterey, you should be sure to check out McAbee Beach if you are in the area.
It can be reached on Cannery Row from a couple of places. Other than the alleyway, you can also reach it from the other side of Lalla where you will see an old concrete wall with a painting of two fishermen. Start walking down to the water and you will find yourself on McAbee beach!
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is super popular in the Monterey Bay. Going whale watching is also among the top kid friendly things to do in Monterey as well.
You may be wondering when is the best time to go whale watching in Monterey. Well, you can see whales in the bay most of the year, but you aren’t likely to see them during the winter months. The best time to see whales is March through November.
There are several companies in the area that give whale watching tours. There are different types of tours so you can choose the one that works best for you and whoever you’re traveling with.
Keep in mind, it is a lot colder out in the bay than it is on the coast so be sure to wear something warm and have something to cover your ears with.
Take Scuba Diving Lessons
The waters in the bay are teaming with wildlife. The kelp forest provides a sanctuary for many sea creatures and the excellent visibility makes the bay a top scuba diving destination. Learning how to scuba in such a beautiful setting is one of the best things to do in Monterey.
While you scuba, you can see everything from sea urchins and starfish to sea otters and crabs. Below the blue surface of the water is among the best things to see in Monterey!
Aquarius Dive Shop offers dive classes, guided underwater tours, and gear rentals for visitors. They have been in operation since 1970 in Monterey and they have a huge presence in the dive scene around the bay.
Bamboo Reef also offers scuba lessons in both their pool and in the bay. They have locations in both San Fransisco and Monterey. Lessons come with equipment rental and there are discounts for students.
Kayak In Monterey Bay
Touring the beautiful water in the bay is among the top fun things to do in Monterey. Single kayaks or double kayaks are both available for rent in the area. You can paddle alongside sea lions and sea otters, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and see the coast from a different perspective.
If going out alone seems a bit scary, you can paddle out with a guide as well. A guided tour is nice as well when it comes to learning about what you are seeing on your paddling adventures. You can even find kayak fishing tours!
There are several companies that you can rent from. Adventures By The Sea and Monterey Bay Kayaks are two of the most popular rental companies in the area. Monterey Bay Kayaks has been certified as Wildlife Stewards from Sea Otter Savvy and they have received many awards thanks to their unparalleled wildlife and paddling experiences.
Adventures By The Sea offers a Cannery Row Kayak Group Tours, Private Cannery Row Kayak tours, as well as paddle board rentals. If you are keen to paddle through kelp forests, see marine life sleeping on rocks along the shore, and playing around in the water, then be sure to add kayak rental to the top of your list of things to do in Monterey!
Rent a Swan Paddleboat In El Estero Park
One of the most unique things to do in Monterey is to take a large swan paddle boat out to explore the pond in El Estero Park. The water is a beautiful feature in Monterey that is surrounded by waterfowl, city views, a skate park, a playground, and more.
The large swan paddle boats are more expensive than the basic glittery paddle boats that they offer, so if you do have an option when it comes to budgeting with this activity. Rentals are available for half an hour or one hour.
For travelers looking to take wildlife photos while during your visit, consider paddling out onto Lake El Estero. You will put yourself in a great position to take close-up photos of beautiful birds, turtles, and other wildlife.
Couples and fun-loving travelers will love this Monterey activity! If you are traveling with kids this is an especially exciting thing to do, placing it on the list of the best things to do with kids in Monterey.
San Carlos Cathedral
This stunning cathedral in Monterey is a great place to walk around for free, take pictures, and take a step back in time. San Carlos Cathedral is the oldest operating parish in The Golden State. It is also the oldest stone building in the state.
In 2006, the church began a restoration project which led to an archaeological dig that turned up many artifacts that are now displayed in the heritage center next to the church.
The present sandstone church was built in the early 1790s and as such, history-focused travelers and perhaps photo-focused travelers as well, will not want to miss this gorgeous building in America’s First City.
Asilomar State Beach
When it comes to Monterey Bay things to do, Asilomar State Beach should be on your radar! The beautiful rocky coast and dune habitat along the Monterey Peninsula are parts of the appeal for many travelers visiting the area.
And Asilomar State Beach is a great place to see these natural features up close. There are many different beaches broken up by rocky outcroppings and land offshoots for you to explore.
Even referred to as the Refuge By The Sea, Asilomar is a celebrated area on the Monterey Bay that is known for its dune ecosystem as well as its architectural significance. Asilomar State Park was used as a young woman’s leadership camp in the early 1900s where many of its buildings were built by architect Julia Morgan.
You can find parking all along Sunset Drive which runs alongside the beach. There’s also a lovely walking trail called the Asilomar Coastal Trail that you to follow as you explore the area and take in the sights along the beach.
Keep your eye out for the quaint little gazebo along the pathway. It is a great place to sit and rest while you enjoy the remarkable blue water and marine life playing below. The trail is a mixture of sand, wooden steps, and wooden boardwalks. You will see people of all ages and abilities along the trail.
This is one of the best things to do near Monterey!
Point Pinos Lighthouse
A short two-mile drive from the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the pretty Point Pinos Lighthouse. One of the best Monterey activities is taking the drive to this fun little lighthouse.
First lit in 1855, Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the west coast. Remarkably, even the lens is original!
There is a small entrance fee which is reduced for children between seven and seventeen, while children under seven are free. The area around the lighthouse is beautiful and it serves as a learning opportunity as well.
Monterey Mirror Maze
The Monterey Mirror Maze is fun for all ages! Whether you are 5, 35, or 55, the mirror maze is always a hit! As one of the best things to do in Monterey at night, be sure to add this attraction to your itinerary!
At the mirror maze, there is also a Laser Challenge. You can navigate the laser beams on your own or tackle the challenge with a friend. Either way, playing a spy in the laser challenge is one of the coolest things to do in Monterey.
Pro-tip: put on the special kaleidoscope glasses to make it even more difficult!
Monterey State Historic Park
If you are looking for places to visit in Monterey that offer you a glimpse of what life used to be like on the peninsula, you should check out the Monterey State Historic Park.
When California was under both Mexican and U.S. military rule, Monterey use to serve as the capital of California. It is here at the historic park where the official U.S. flag was first raised in California.
The park is a collection of historic buildings that holds significance for the city. You can take part in the Monterey Walking Path of History where you can see the site where Spanish explorers first landed, the nation’s last remaining whalebone sidewalks, California’s most historic homes, and more.
For history lovers, this is one of the best things to do in Monterey, hands down!
Del Monte Beach
One of the best things to do in Monterey is visiting Del Monte Beach. This picturesque beach is tucked away from all of the hustle and bustle, main streets, and attractions.
As one of the best dog friendly beaches in Monterey, be sure to check it out if you are visiting with your doggos! Also exciting, bonfires are allowed on the beach as long as you burn them in the designated rings.
If you have been looking for a sunset spot in Monterey, Del Monte is one of the popular viewing spots!
Hike To Amazing Bay Views At Jacks Peak
When people talk about Monterey attractions, you rarely hear someone suggesting Jacks’s Peak, which is such a shame! Of all the stuff to do in Monterey, Jacks’s Peak is definitely the most underrated.
This county park is 525 acres of wooded mountain area that offers hiking trails and picnic areas for visitors. Photography, wildlife viewing, catching a glimpse of the bay, and enjoying a picnic are all great ways to enjoy the park.
This is also one of the best free things to do in Monterey as you can spend time exploring the nature of Monterey County, save money by having a picnic instead of eating out, and you will get to see a view of the Monterey Bay that few visitors ever get to see.
A few things to remember before your visit to Jacks Peak. The closing hours change depending on what time of year it is so be sure to check the hours of operation before visiting.
Second, you should keep in mind that this is mountain lion territory. It isn’t uncommon to see wildlife like mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, deer, and more in Monterey County. It’s important that you are aware of your surroundings while hiking and know how to respond if you encounter wildlife on the trails.
This information isn’t to scare you. After many visits to Jacks Peak Park, we have seen wildlife, but have never encountered it up close and personal, so you definitely shouldn’t let this deter you from visiting this beautiful park.
While there are some steep trails in the park, you will encounter people of all ages hiking in the park. Families with small children are frequently seen hiking the trails, so if you are traveling with little ones you can rest assured that the whole family can enjoy time spent at Jacks Peak!
Monterey County Youth Museum
On the subject of things to do in Monterey with kids, let’s take a look at the Monterey County Youth Museum.
Also one of the cheap things to do in Monterey for families, the museum is only ten dollars and children under two are able to enjoy it for free! The museum aspires to provide an environment where children can be curious and creative while growing their thrill for lifelong learning.
Whether you are traveling with a super young one who is still in diapers or an older child who is nearing their tween years, there are exhibits that suit the developmental age of most children.
The museum also holds different events throughout the year so be sure to check their website before you arrive to see if you can add any fun events to your itinerary. One of those events includes a 21+ games night where adults can enjoy drinks, board games, and food from local restaurants.
Drive The Pacific Coast Highway
You won’t find many who will argue with you about how amazing the Pacific Coast Highway is. From the world-famous McWay Falls, one of the only waterfalls in the world that drop into the ocean and beautiful hiking trails to delicious bakeries and iconic views, driving the PCH is something you won’t soon forget.
Monterey is a popular stop along the Pacific Coast Highway; you can easily hop onto the highway if you are staying in the city and start the beautiful drive north or south on the highway.
Taking the highway south will take you toward Big Sur and more of the most prominent and popular parts of this stunning drive. Depending on how much time you want to spend on the road, you can see sites like the Bixby Creek Bridge, visit the Big Sur Bakery, and see the Elephant Seal viewpoint.
The drive on the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best things to do in Monterey no matter what time of year you visit and no matter what type of weather you have while you are there. In the sunshine or in the fog, the PCH does not disappoint.
Driving this idyllic highway with picturesque views is one of the top things to do in central coast California! The winding road and crashing waves draw millions of road trippers every year.
The original goal of the highway was to connect Canada with Mexico. It was the small-scale endeavor at local levels that when combined created the beautiful highway that it is today.
In 1931 the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge was built and it now serves as a major recognizable symbol for the Golden State. As one of the major points on the highway, be sure to check it out if you get the chance!
If you are looking for places to hike along the trail, try out the Soberanes Canyon hike. Just shy of three miles, this hike is rated hard in difficulty and includes primitive wooden bridges, stairs to climb, and incredible views of wildflowers, redwoods, and of course, the bay.
If you make it down to Big Sur, you can stop by the Big Sur Bakery and art gallery. Here you can stretch your legs, grab something to eat, and shop artwork from local artists.
At the bakery, you will find everything from salads, burgers, and pizzas to pastries, coffee, and wine. The delicious food and drinks are the perfect entertainers for a relaxing sit on the patio in the sunshine.
There are bathrooms near the bakery as well as beautiful grounds to explore in the area. Hanging greenery, cacti and succulents, along with other beautiful flora and fauna make this an even more appealing stop along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Rent a Surrey or E-bike
Like to stay active while you travel? One of the best things to do in Monterey for active travelers is to rent a surrey or E-bike to explore the Monterey coast. Surreys make great options for those who want to pedal along with their travel companions, while bikes provide a more rigorous experience.
If you want to bike but aren’t sure if you want to put forth all of the efforts that it takes, consider renting an electric bike to give you a little extra oomph while you pedal.
Adventures By The Sea offers the best rentals in Monterey for anyone looking to rent a bike or surrey to explore the area. Keep an eye out while you are adventuring along the coast as you will likely get the opportunity to see sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, or one of the many bird species that call the bay home.
Melt Into Decadent Desserts at Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
If your sweet tooth is acting up after dinner, head to Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop for something tasty! They have loads of chocolate flavors, coffee, ice cream, and hot chocolate to warm you up on chilly Monterey nights.
They have fun indoor seating complete with trendy and Instagrammable decor. Or you can sit outside on the heated patio adorned with flower-covered vines climbing the walls around the patio. This a great place to watch the world go by while you enjoy your hot chocolate or ice cream.
Sitting outside on this beautiful patio, enjoying your treats, and soaking in the sunshine and salty air is one of the best things to do in Monterey!
Check Out The Views From The Cannery Row Monument In Steinbeck Plaza
While you are exploring Monterey, you will have many opportunities to stop into one of the many shops for drinks, ice cream, sandwiches, or sweet treats to take away. You can stop by the monument in Steinbeck Plaza to grab a seat to enjoy whatever yummy things you have bought throughout the day.
There are benches and seating around the monument where you can get views of the bay, perfect for a midday snack or quick lunch.
The monument involves a water feature and bronze statues of some of the most notable figures in Monterey’s history. Standing at fifteen feet high and seventeen feet wide, the monument is quite large. You will see the depiction of Chinese fishermen, cannery workers, a famous marine biologist, and Flora Woods, a Monterey woman known for her generosity.
Check Out The Seals At Harbor Seal Lookout
Wildlife viewing is among the top things to do in Monterey. A great place to see seals is at the Harbor Seal Lookout. The lookout is just two minutes from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and offers exciting views of harbor seals lounging on the warm white sand.
The blue water, rocky coast, and white sand are stunning on their own, add in the plump harbor seals, and you have yourself a must-see view! Since this lookout point is so close to the aquarium, it’s a nice pre or post-aquarium attraction.
There are picnic tables and benches located at the parking area near the lookout and there are also places where you can walk down towards the rocks that jut out into the crashing blue waves.
Eat at Ambrosia India Bistro
Looking for things to do at night in Monterey? A late dinner at one of the Ambrosia India Bistros is a must. There are two locations in Monterey, one on Cannery Row and one on Abrego Street. Beautifully decorated patios and dining rooms and incredible food draw in hungry travelers every day.
Ambrosia has won the award for being the best Indian restaurant in Monterey County according to the Monterey County Weekly, Carmel Pine Cone, and the Monterey County Herald.
Exquisite Indian food is passionately served at Ambrosia India Bistro, making it one of the best things to do in Monterey. The comfortable lounge and welcoming courtyard make for an incredible dining experience that goes beyond the meal.
You can start your meal at Ambrosia with delectable starters like vegetable pakora, samosas, crab cakes, or a mixed tandoori hor d’oeuvres platter. Then, move on to incredible vegetarian soups, chicken, seafood or lamb delicacies, and tandoori sizzlers, along with naan and rice.
Of course, what would your night be without diving into a dessert of Gajar Ka Halwa, Kesari Kheer, or Gulab Jamun as well? All of these delicious options along with beers, wines, cocktails, and mocktails are enough to keep you happy during your visit to Ambrosia India Bistro.
Make The Short Drive To Carmel Mission Basilica
A surprising amount of people ask about things to do in Monterey in Carmel. Carmel-by-the-sea is just a short drive from the city of Monterey and it is home to the historic and remarkably stunning Carmel Mission Basilica.
The grounds are beautifully cared for and create a gorgeous area for visitors to enjoy while they are there. Cactus, succulents, vining plants, and flowers surround the building making it a lovely place to sit and rest or take travel photos.
You are welcome to take a self-guided tour through the Basilica, museums, and the grounds or you can take a guided tour by appointment only. Keep in mind that this is an active church and as such there are often events being held that visitors have to work around.
Padre Junipero Serra arrived in Monterey by ship in 1770 and founded Mission San Carlos Borromeo the next year. When he decided to leave Monterey, he established another mission in Carmel.
A bit more on the history of the mission and of Junipero Serra. In 1985, Junipero Serra was declared venerable by Pope John Paul II and in 1988, he was recognized for his heroic virtues. Then, in 2015 Saint Junipero Serra was canonized at the National Shrine in D.C.
Today, the Carmel Mission Basilica is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the United States for religious travelers from all over the world.
Monterey History And Art Association
Free for everyone under eighteen, the Monterey History and Art Association is one of the best things to do in Monterey!
Home to the famous Salvador Dali Exhibition along with historic local art, the art association is a treasure in Monterey that should be on everyone’s radar. With many fun and Instagrammable areas of the museum that go beyond the art pieces, this is a super fun place to be in America’s First City.
Rainbow staircases, lip-shaped seating, fun quotes on the walls, and more add to the experience of being at the museum. You will find the museum near the Old Fishermans Wharf where you can see more than 550 Salvador Dali works including lithographs, tapestries, etchings, photos, and more.
The Salvador Dali Exhibition at the museum was named as one of the “must-see exhibits” by USA Today. This lovely Monterey museum sets out to capture and display the rich history of Salvador Dali and provide enrichment for not only the neighborhood but for everyone who comes to visit as well.
Visit Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Looking for free things to do in Monterey? Fort Ord Dunes State Park is a great place to lounge on the beach, go biking or walking, see the natural beauty around Monterey Bay, and to watch the sunset. In fact, it is easily one of the top sunset spots around the bay!
One of the hundreds of California state parks, Fort Ord Dunes State Park is an off-the-beaten-path attraction near Monterey that offers a quiet and relaxing outdoor experience for visitors.
For those looking for ways to stretch their budget while in Monterey, a grocery store bought picnic on the free beach at Fort Ord Dunes State Park is a great idea!
Plus, walking the paved trail is a great way to stay active while traveling. And the spur trail through the sand dunes down to the beach provides a bit of adventure to your day spent in America’s First City.
How to spend a few hours in Monterey: Cannery Row
Now to answer your question…
What if I only have a few hours to spend in Monterey? What should I do?
The answer, hands down, is to spend time on Cannery Row. While we covered a few things to do in this area, there is so much more.
Shopping, activities, restaurants, sweet shops, and souvenir shops are plentiful on Cannery Row, making it one of the best things to do in Monterey. There are also pretty street views and bay views to enjoy in the area.
The unique shops are the coolest things about spending time on Cannery Row!
One of the most popular things to do in Monterey is to check out the shops on the Row, and Monterey’s Tasty Olive Bar is one of the coolest!
It’s here that you can buy flavored olive oils and balsamic vinaigrettes that you can buy. Once you step inside you can ask for bread that you can use to taste test the olive oils and vinaigrettes with.
They have great flavors like chipotle, cilantro and roasted onion, and lime olive oils.
There are also a plethora of sweet shops on Cannery Row where you can buy fudge, caramel apples, ice cream, salt water taffy, and more. The interior of many of these shops can add a lot to this experience on the row.
For example, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory offers a rustic wooden shop to taste test delicious chocolate in while the Dip N Dots shop offers an old-school seating area complete with a jukebox and memorabilia on the walls.
There’s a lot of variety in the shops on Cannery Row, making for an engaging experience as you explore this famous street.
It is hard not to list all of the incredible things to do on Cannery Row, and things to do in Monterey in general, but one thing that can’t be ignored is the incredible candy shops on the Row.
Whether you are looking for rows and rows of every salt water taffy flavor that you could imagine, something elevated like flavored chocolate truffles, something international, or maybe something that reminds you of your childhood like powdered candy, you can find it. on Cannery Row!
Troya Turkish Delight and Baklava has remarkable Turkish treats like fig and walnut Turkish delight (the best!), honey baklava, and much more!
You can grab a quick treat or pack a whole box to take with you to go. If you don’t have a long journey back home, this makes a great gift for your loved ones back home.
There’s also a trendy psychic shop called Mrs. Lauries on Cannery Row. You can get palm readings and card readings done. Visiting Mrs. Lauries is an interesting way visitors add some fun to their time spent in Monterey. Even if you don’t believe in psychics, it provides a fun travel memory and story to tell when you get home.
If you want something quirky and unique to take home with you from your time spent in the city, consider stopping by the Sock Shop on the Row. They have socks with everything you can imagine printed on them.
You will find children’s socks, socks with California sea otters on them, hiking socks, socks with popular show and movie characters on them, and more!
When it comes to dining on Cannery Row, there are lots of options. A couple of the most popular places to eat in Monterey, other than Lalla Grill and Ambrosia Indian Bistro, are the Salty Seal Brewery and Bubba Gump Shrimp.
The Salty Seal Brew Pub is instantly recognizable by its wooden exterior and the different countries flags flying outside. They serve up craft beers and classic English pub bites.
Bubba Gump, on the other hand, offers incredible and expansive bay views in a fun and commemorative dining room. They also offer outdoor seating. If you want a relaxed place to eat with memorable views, head to Bubba Gumps!
If you are traveling with kids, Bubba Gumps will definitely work for you as family travelers. Their kid’s meals are served in fun paper boats and there are many kid-friendly items on the menus.
Plus, you can’t go wrong with these wide bay views that their deck and dining room offer. A meal with amazing views is one of the musts when it comes to things to do in Monterey.
If you would rather grab a bite to eat quickly or grab something to go, Crepes On The Row is highly recommended! They have a variety of sweet and savory crepes for you to choose from.
For those looking for a quick savory bite, ordering the Monterey Special Crepe is one of the best things to do in Monterey.
The crepes come filled with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, and feta cheese. They also have other crepes like the smoked turkey and egg crepe, chocolate and strawberry crepe, and the lemon and sugar crepe. Salads, bagels, and other quick bites are on the menu as well.
If you care to venture a couple of blocks from Cannery Row, you will be greeted by a stunning and enticing used book shop. The used book store has rows and rows of tightly packed books for you to check out.
If you plan on relaxing on the beach, you can grab a book from the shop before lounging on the beach in the sunshine.
The shop has a lot of nooks and turns, as well as a secret room in the back for fantasy books. This is one of the coolest places to visit in Monterey so be sure not to skip over it when you are creating your Monterey itinerary.
As you walk around on Cannery Row, you will find there are many areas that remind you of the past. As an important fishing and canning town on the west coast, there are still momentos, architecture, and stories in Monterey that share this part of history with visitors.
You will see murals, pictures, and statues around Cannery Row that depict the canning past of the city as you explore this part of Monterey.
On Cannery Row and the surrounding streets, you really can’t beat the fun little alleyways, pretty flowers, staircases, pretty architecture, attractions, and shops that they provide.
If you are interested in travel photography or if you simply enjoy documenting your adventures for family and friends back home, you can’t be a stroll down Cannery Row and nearby streets.
This is especially true if you don’t have much time to spend in America’s First City and you are keen to see some of the prettiest locations that it has to offer. For those short on time, visiting the Cannery Row area is without a doubt at the top of the list of things to do in Monterey.
The Cannery Row area of Monterey is one of those places that are best explored on foot. The Monterey Coastal Trail runs from Marina in the north, down through Cannery Row, and to the end of the north side of the Monterey Peninsula.
Along the trail, you will find beautiful water views and you will likely catch a glimpse of some of the marine life that calls the bay home as well. Walking this tail is one of the top things to do in Monterey if you want to see the beauty that the area offers while enjoying the salty bay air.
If you will be on Cannery Row late in the day, check out the bridge that goes over the main strip. You can reach the bridge from the entrance across from Ghirardelli. The entrance takes you to more shops and in that shopping area, you will find stairs that will take you up to the bridge.
Looking down at the street below as the area comes alive at night under the flow of the shop lights is one of the best things to do in Monterey at night.
Things to do in Monterey: where to park on Cannery Row
There are parking garages near Cannery Row where you can pay to park, there is also a parking lot that offers paid parking for the whole day. These options are the most expensive places to park near Cannery Row.
You will find the cheapest parking along the street. You should download the ParkMobile app if you haven’t already so that you can park quickly once you arrive. You input the zone number and parking space number listed on the parking meters into the ParkMobile app to pay for parking.
If you can’t find parking on Cannery Row, no worries, you can park on the nearby streets and still access the area pretty easily on foot.
With such a visually stunning, history-rich, and exciting place to visit like Monterey, it’s easy to see why millions of visitors flock to this glorious coastal haven each year.
With all of the intriguing historical events that have taken place in the city alongside the cultural diversity that is present, Monterey has been given the nicknames The Language Capital of The World and California’s First City.
Foodies, history lovers, nature explorers, and city escapists all fall in love with Monterey. Being in such a great location on the central coast of California, it has so much to offer visitors.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in California’s First City exploring the best things to do in Monterey, you are sure to be talking about it for a long time to come!
Now that you have learned how to spend a day in Monterey, what do you think you will do first? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!