Monterey, CA, is one of the top vacation destinations on the California coast, and we can assure you that Monterey is worth visiting. From incredible wildlife to intriguing history to rugged coastline views, Monterey really has it all — and all within a 2-3 hour drive from San Francisco!
But if it’s your first time in the Bay Area, or you’re trying to decide on a day trip from San Francisco, you may not be sure if it’s right for you. Is Monterey worth visiting compared to everything else you could be doing in the Bay Area?
Whether you’re planning a short road trip on the 17-Mile Drive, or a weeklong stay, here are our picks of the 10 best things to do in Monterey, CA:
- 1. Find Wildlife in Monterey Bay
- 2. View Animals up Close at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
- 3. Stroll Monterey’s Historic Waterfront
- 4. Discover the Culture of Monterey
- 5. Hike Up and Down the Monterey Coast
- 6. Drive the Scenic 17-Mile Drive
- 7. Take a Day Trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea
- 8. Visit a Winery or Tasting Room
- 9. Find the Monarch Butterflies in Pacific Grove
- 10. Relax on the Beach
- FAQ
1. Find Wildlife in Monterey Bay
There are plenty of reasons to come to Monterey, but one of the key reasons why Monterey is worth visiting is because it’s home to abundant wildlife. The area is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which provides a home rich in food and shelter for animals such as whales, sea otters, seals and sea lions, seabirds, and more.
It’s hard to visit Monterey and not see wildlife. While you stroll the shops along the waterfront, you’ll spot seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the piers and rocky beaches. You may be lucky enough to spot the resident sea otters drifting in the kelp beds cracking lunch open on their chests. You may even have to protect your ice cream or fish and chips from passing seabirds!
Marine animals aren’t hard to spot in Monterey, but there are ways you can get even closer to them. To do that, you’ll need to get out on the water. The best ways to do that are on a whale-watching tour and kayaking.
Whale-Watching Tours
Whales are present in Monterey Bay year-round, and so are the tours. Visitors have the opportunity to see and photograph the giant marine mammals in any season. Common species include the orca, humpback, grey, and blue whales, as well as the occasional minke and fin whale.
But don’t forget about all of the other marine wildlife you could see! Seals and sea lions are almost guaranteed. Sea otters, porpoises, dolphins, and jellyfish are possibilities too.
Whale-watching tours are usually offered in the mornings and evenings. While mornings tend to have calmer waters, the sunset tours are lovely. Whichever you choose, it will soon be clear why whale watching tours are one of the absolute best things to do in Monterey.
Kayaking Tours and Rentals
Another fantastic way to see wildlife in Monterey is to kayak on the Bay or on nearby Elkhorn Slough. Kayaking tours are available, but you can also rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and go on your own adventure.
Both Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough are pretty calm, making them ideal places to kayak or SUP. And we doubt you will have to go far to see some wildlife. Just make sure you give the animals their space!
2. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
You’ve probably heard of the Monterey Bay Aquarium: it’s arguably the top tourist attraction in Monterey and one of the big reasons Monterey is worth visiting. Animal lovers and future marine biologists from all over the world come to the Aquarium to learn about the local ecosystem and see their favorite animals!
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to over 80,000 plants and animals. They are housed in all kinds of enclosures, from the massive open sea aquarium, to the popular sea otter habitat, to the walk-through shore bird aviary.
A fan favorite exhibit is the Kelp Forest tank. This aquarium features a 28-foot- tall viewing window to see the local animals in a near-natural environment. A powerful pump pushes 2,000 gallons of seawater per minute into the exhibit, and a surge machine produces the wave-like action the kelp needs to survive. It truly feels like you are getting a glimpse out under the surface of Monterey Bay, and you don’t even need a scuba suit!
You can easily spend hours in this aquarium, so don’t pack your schedule so tightly that you’ll feel rushed during your visit. You’ll want the time to gaze at the pulsating jellies, or to wait your turn to take a picture as a wave crashes over you in the wave tunnel.
The aquarium gift shop is also noteworthy: the proceeds go to the important ocean-saving programs that the aquarium funds.
Morning Guided San Francisco Sightseeing Tour
Most complete and entertaining San Francisco city tour available. Stops to explore Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Land’s End, and Twin Peaks.
Monterey and Carmel One Day Tour from San Francisco
This day tour hugs the scenic Pacific Coast, then offers free time to explore the Monterey’s Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Relax along the 17-mile Drive to Pebble Beach and charming Carmel.
3. Stroll Monterey’s Historic Waterfront
The historic waterfront area of Old and New Monterey is conveniently located on a walkable path near the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It includes Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf — both of which are free to visit and are must-see attractions during your trip to Monterey.
Cannery Row
Made famous by John Steinbeck’s gritty book Cannery Row, this area looks a lot different today than it did then! The sardine factories have been replaced by hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, but the ambience remains.
Stroll the street, read the historical placards, gaze at the ocean between the buildings, and breathe in the salty air. Cannery Row has plenty to keep anyone entertained for an afternoon, not to mention full! The restaurants here are top-notch, and many have spectacular views of the Bay.
A fun way to learn some secrets of Cannery Row is to go on a self-guided Cannery Row audio tour. Take the tour at your own pace, notice things you would have missed, and become an expert on this historic locale.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Another great place to take in Monterey’s fishing history and fantastic food is Fisherman’s Wharf. From Cannery Row, walk an easy 15-20 minutes south past San Carlos Beach along the Coastal Trail.
Fisherman’s Wharf is no longer the international fish market it was until the 1960’s. Now, it is a fun and colorful ¼-mile of history, food, and photo ops. Fisherman’s Wharf is also where you will find many of the boat tours and rentals to explore the Bay.
4. Discover the Culture of Monterey
Monterey is one of California’s oldest cities: Spanish explorers landed on its shores in 1602, and it later served as the capital of California under Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. military rule. Much of that history has been preserved in buildings that remain standing today.
To delve deeper into the culture of Monterey, spend some time learning more of its history at the Monterey State Historic Park and museums. Also check out the oldest church in California, San Carlos Royal Chapel.
Monterey State Historic Park
Monterey State Historic Park is essentially an outdoor museum consisting of historically-significant buildings and sites dispersed throughout old Monterey. This is a relaxed park that you can explore any way you want.
Start your exploration at the Pacific House Museum or the Custom House next to Fisherman’s Wharf. There you can find information about the park and its buildings, as well as their free walking tours. Sign up for a tour, or walk part or all of the “Monterey Walking Path of History” on your own.
Monterey Museums
Monterey has several other museums that are well worth visiting. Head to the Monterey Museum of Art for an exploration of the past, present, and future of art in California. They house almost 10,000 pieces of art in their permanent collection, as well as rotating exhibits.
If you’re bringing kids on this trip, don’t miss out on the interactive Monterey County Youth Museum. They moved from Cannery Row to downtown to allow for a much-needed expansion. They now offer nine galleries that teach kids about the main industries in Monterey, with 50 interactive exhibits.
Did you know that Salvador Dali once lived and painted in Monterey? In fact, it is the only place besides Spain where he did so! The Monterey History and Art Association displays a small permanent collection of his work alongside other influential Monterey artists in the Stanton Center.
San Carlos Cathedral
For a glimpse of the oldest building still standing in Monterey, visit the Royal Presidio Chapel of San Carlos Borromeo. Also known as San Carlos Cathedral, this beautiful church is the longest continuously-running parish in California. The first mass there was held on June 3, 1770.
5. Hike Up and Down the Monterey Coast
The stunning coastline offers plenty of opportunities for hiking up and down the coast. In fact, we think that exploring the local parks and trails is one of the best activities in Monterey.
Hikes don’t have to be all-day, calorie-burning expeditions. There are trails in this area for all skill levels and time constraints. Here are just a few of our favorite hikes and walks in the Monterey, CA area:
Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail
Our first pick is all about convenience, but it delivers on views too. The 18-mile Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail follows the coast from Castroville to Pacific Grove, winding right past Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s paved and flat, making it ideal for all fitness levels.
The Monterey Coastal Trail is also perfect for biking! You can rent bikes in Cannery Row and enjoy a smooth ride along the water, looking for wildlife. Just watch out for pedestrians on the shared path!
Our favorite stops along this trail include Lovers Point Park and Beach in Pacific Grove and, of course, all of the mouthwatering food along Cannery Row. Stop and fuel up for the rest of the trail.
Cypress Grove Trail in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Monterey. As of 2025, there’s an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle, but hikers, photographers, and nature lovers will find it well worth the price.
Point Lobos State Reserve offers miles of trails to explore. If you want a great return on a short trail, head to the Cypress Grove Trail. In less than a mile, you can discover stunning ocean views with crashing waves and one of the last remaining Monterey Cypress tree groves.
Pro Tip: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is popular — especially during the summer months and on weekends. If you plan to drive to the park during this time, try to arrive early to avoid stress over limited parking spaces.
Asilomar Coast Trail
The lovely Asilomar Coast Trail in Pacific Grove connects Point Pinos to the popular and sandy Asilomar Beach. This short and easy trail overlooks rocky beach terrain and is a great place for birding.
6. Drive the Scenic 17-Mile Drive
The 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove to Carmel is one of the top attractions in Monterey. This route is consistently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the country and best things to do in California!
As of 2025, it costs $10.50 to drive the 17-mile route through Pebble Beach and the Del Monte Forest, but the beautiful homes, jaw-dropping vistas, and world-class golfing and dining along the way make it worth it. Some of the restaurants along the route even reimburse the fee if you dine with them.
Once you pay the entrance fee, take your time on the drive! Each viewpoint along the route has something interesting and beautiful to see.
Stop off at Spanish Bay to dip your toes in the sand or to have a picnic. Look for wildlife at both Seal Rock and Bird Rock. Capture a photo of the famous Lone Cypress tree where it clings to its rock over the Pacific. And of course, don’t miss the Pebble Golf Links if you are a golfer!
For even more info, here is a deep dive into the stops along the 17-mile Drive to help you plan your visit.
7. Take a Day Trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea
After driving the incredibly scenic 17-mile drive to Carmel, stay for a while and enjoy it! Carmel-by-the-Sea is an adorable seaside town full of white-washed cottages, art galleries, and history to explore.
Carmel is the perfect place to walk around and pretend you’re in a storybook. Dip your feet in the perfectly white sand of Carmel Beach, stroll along Ocean Avenue, and wander through hidden passageways that connect picturesque courtyards.
Take photos of the adorable cottages, peruse art at countless galleries, learn about the history of the area at the Carmel Mission, and enjoy a wine tasting before dinner at a delicious restaurant.
8. Visit a Winery or Tasting Room
Did you know that Monterey County makes delicious cool-climate wines? You can experience the wines of the area at tasting rooms conveniently located right in Cannery Row in Monterey, and in downtown Carmel.
For the wine buffs out there, you can also go straight to the source and tour the River Road Wine Trail. This inland route passes by a dozen wineries and offers sweeping views of the Santa Lucia Highlands and Salinas Valley. This is a particularly beautiful drive in spring when the vines are bright green.
9. Find the Monarch Butterflies in Pacific Grove
Monterey Bay is an important winter stopover for the Monarch butterfly — part of their staggering migration of up to 2,000 miles from as far north as Canada. Monterey’s mild winters make for the ideal stop on the Monarch’s journey, and they gather right in Pacific Grove in the thousands. You can see them for free at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary.
From October to March, these delicate insects hang huddled together from the branches of pine, cypress, and eucalyptus trees. It’s a wonderful sight, but be sure not to disturb them. Their wings are easily damaged, and they need those wings in perfect condition to continue on their epic flight.
Fun Fact: During spring and summer, Monarchs live for about six weeks in their adult stage. This means that each generation only sees a small portion of their migration journey. But the monarchs that overwinter in Monterey are special: they can live for up to 8 months! This allows this generation to make their way to Monterey Bay, and then rest, reserving their energy until warm weather and longer days signal them to breed and head north again.
10. Relax on the Beach
A trip to Monterey wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of its gorgeous beaches. The beaches here are diverse, with classic stretches of soft white sand and rugged, rocky terrain full of tide pools. Here are our picks for the best beaches in Monterey:
Del Monte Beach – Monterey
A local favorite, conveniently located along the Recreational Trail close to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Monterey State Beach – Monterey
The best beach for kids and swimming, with wide open sand. Most of the area’s beaches are not suitable for swimming, so this one stands out.
Lovers Point Beach – Pacific Grove
Located at the northern end of the Recreational Trail in Pacific Grove, Lovers Point is a favorite for artists, photographers, and other sunset chasers.
Asilomar State Beach – Pacific Grove
A lovely stretch of sand, dunes, rocky coves, and tide pools in the marine protected area. Its short trail is great for birding.
Carmel River State Beach – Carmel-by-the-Sea
Connected to the Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Reserve. Good for picnicking and birding, but dangerous for swimming due to a strong riptide.
Carmel Beach – Carmel-by-the-Sea
A beautiful sandy beach right in Carmel that allows off-leash dogs.
So Is Monterey Worth Visiting?
We hope this list of the best things to do in Monterey, CA has convinced you that Monterey is worth visiting. If you want a local guide to show you the area on a Monterey and Carmel One Day Tour from San Francisco, look no further than Extranomical Tours.
And if you aren’t sold on Monterey, check out some of our other popular day trips from San Francisco.
Monterey, CA FAQ
How do you get to Monterey from San Francisco?
You can get to Monterey from San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), which takes anywhere from 2-3 hours. A faster option is to take Highway 101 or 280 for the first portion, before connecting to Highway 1. These options will get you there, but are definitely less scenic.
For the most scenic option, connect to the coastal Highway 1 sooner and follow the coast all the way around the Bay to Monterey. If you have time, there will be countless places to stop and take in the epic ocean views.
How do I spend a day in Monterey?
Start by visiting the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and then stroll along the coastal trail to Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf. If you have time, take the 17-Mile Drive to Carmel, stopping along the way for photos and a picnic.
While there are enough things to do in and around Monterey to fill a week or more, you can see and do a lot in just a day! Here is an itinerary inspired by this fantastic one day tour to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco:
- Scenic coastal drive along California Highway 1
- Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey
- Photograph stunning beaches on the 17-Mile Drive
- Visit Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Explore enchanting Carmel-by-the-Sea
Why is Monterey Bay so popular?
Monterey Bay’s unique underwater topography makes it a sanctuary for native wildlife, including whales, seals, and sea lions. As one of the first cities on the West Coast settled by the Spanish, it has a fascinating history. It also offers a diverse range of food and drink options, including wine and seafood.
Is Monterey or Carmel better?
Both Monterey and Carmel are well worth visiting and full of wonderful things to do. In general, Monterey is more family-friendly and Carmel is perfect for a quieter, romantic getaway. The best part is they are within a 15-minute drive, so staying in one and visiting the other is very easy!
