things to do
Monterey has a rich history. It was the capital of Alta California from 1777 to 1846 under both Spain and Mexico. In 1846, Commodore John D. Sloat raised the U.S. flag over the Custom House (near the Memory Garden), claiming California for the United States. The city had California's first theatre, public library, publicly funded school, printing press, and newspaper. The Cannery Row fish-canning district is the setting of two John Steinbeck novels, and now the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium occupies a former sardine factory.
First City Festival
2004 Fairground Road; firstcityfestival.com
Named after Monterey's claim as the first capital of California, this year's festival occurs August 24 and 25 and features Modest Mouse, MGMT, Passion Pit, Beach House, Neko Case, and more.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row; montereybayaquarium.org
Each year, 1.8 million visitors enjoy the wonderfully diverse exhibits of sea life, including sardines, rays, sea otters, tuna, and sharks. Allow a half day to explore animals residing in both kelp forests and the open sea. Recently-updated exhibits showcase sea otters, jellyfish, sea horses, and sea dragons.
Monterey State Historic Park
20 Custom House Plaza; parks.ca.gov/mshp
Monterey State Historic Park is a collection of significant historic houses and buildings interspersed throughout Old Monterey (downtown). Tour information and tickets may be obtained at the Pacific House Museum adjacent to the Memory Garden!
The Cooper Molera Adobe (525 Polk Street) is a notable landmark displaying the elegance and wealth of the John Rogers Cooper family. Cooper traveled extensively as a ship captain, trading in hides, tallow, general merchandise and sea otter pelts. Almost two acres are available for exploration inside the adobe walls, including barns, vegetable and fruit gardens, and a visitor center.
Other attractions
Monterey offers a wealth of other things to do and see, including the Monterey Maritime & History Museum, the Monterey Museum of Art, several beaches and golf courses, and numerous shops and restaurants on Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf. For more information, visit seemonterey.com.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
seemonterey.com/things-to-do/parks/coastal-trail/
This paved trail runs 18 miles along the coast from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south, passing near the Memory Garden, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey. Riding a bike along the trail is a great way to see the beautiful landscape and wildlife of the bay.
Scuba diving
Monterey Bay Dive Charters: mbdcscuba.com
Rent equipment or book a beginners' dive experience (no certification required).
Whale watching - reservations essential
Monterey Bay Whale Watch: 84 Fisherman's Wharf; montereybaywhalewatch.com
Sanctuary Cruises: 7881 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA; sanctuarycruises.com
Bicycle and surrey rentals
Adventures by the Sea: 210 Alvarado Street; adventuresbythesea.com
Bay Bikes: 486 Washington Street; baybikes.com
Kayak and paddleboard rentals
Adventures by the Sea: 210 Alvarado Street; adventuresbythesea.com
Monterey Bay Kayaks: 693 Del Monte Avenue; montereybaykayaks.com
Whether you're exploring the aquarium, biking along the coastal trail, or touring the area, you're sure to get hungry! Here are a few restaurants we recommend you try during your visit.
Alvarado Fish and Steak House
481 Alvarado Street; 831-717-4468; alvaradofishandsteakhouse.com
Crêpes of Brittany
6 Fisherman's Wharf Suite C; 831-649-1825; crepesofbrittany.com
Monterey's Fish House
2114 Del Monte Avenue; 831-373-4647
Paprika Cafe
309 Lighthouse Avenue; 831-375-7452
Paris Bakery Cafe
271 Bonifacio Place; 831-646-1620; parisbakery.us
The Sardine Factory
701 Wave Street; 831-373-3775; sardinefactory.com
"Dennis the Menace" Playground
777 Pearl Street in El Estero Park; monterey.org
Hank Ketcham, creator of the cartoon "Dennis the Menace", aided in the park's development.
MY Museum
425 Washington Street; mymuseum.org
Offers a variety of hands-on exhibits for children.
American Tin Cannery Premium Outlets
125 Ocean View Boulevard, Pacific Grove, CA; americantincannery.com
Includes factory-direct and specialty stores.
The Barnyard Shopping Village
Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel, CA; thebarnyard.com
Contains 50 galleries and specialty shops in a garden setting.
The Crossroads
243 Crossroads Boulevard, Carmel, CA; thecrossroadscarmel.com
Features nearly 100 boutiques and specialty shops.
Del Monte Center
1410 Del Monte Center; delmontecenter.com
Open-air mall, anchored by Macy's.
17-Mile Drive
This much-hyped scenic toll road connects Pacific Grove to Carmel-by-the-Sea via Pebble Beach. There are several stopping points offering grand views of the Pacific coastline and six golf courses.
Carmel Mission
3080 Rio Road, Carmel, CA; carmelmission.org
Formally named Mission San Carlos Borroméo del Río Carmelo, this mission was established in 1770 by Father Junípero Serra. A museum showcases exhibits about the mission, and the courtyard gardens and Moorish bell tower are icons of the mission.
National Steinbeck Center
One Main Street, Salinas, CA; steinbeck.org
This center contains the John Steinbeck Exhibition Hall, the Rabobank Agricultural Museum, and the Gabilan Gallery. The exhibition hall contains interactive exhibits about Steinbeck's life and literature, while the agricultural museum displays the agricultural history of the fertile Salinas Valley.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
3 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1; parks.ca.gov
This state park features jutting headlands, irregular coves, and rolling meadows. Native wildlife include deer, squirrels, rabbits, harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans, and cormorants. South Shore Trail is an easy, scenic walk if you are pressed for time. Cypress Grove Trail is another notable trail that winds through a spectacular grove of Monterey cypresses.
