If you are looking for things to do in Monterey, start with this: the city packs a world-class aquarium, a historic waterfront, great seafood, sea otters, and one of California’s most scenic drives into a compact, walkable peninsula. You can cover the highlights in a day, but two days is better.
This guide covers the best things to do in Monterey — the Aquarium, Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive, the waterfront, and where to stay — so you can plan a trip that actually fits together.
Things to Do in Monterey: Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the anchor of any Monterey trip and the single best answer to what to do in Monterey with kids, with family, or on a first visit.
The Aquarium is located at 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, and can be reached at (831) 648-4800. It is a nonprofit aquarium focused on ocean conservation, and its exhibits cover Monterey Bay’s kelp forests, open ocean, deep sea, and shoreline habitats.
Plan at least half a day here. The Aquarium opens a new exhibition, Ocean in Motion / La Danza del Mar, on November 7, 2026, with an expanded African penguin habitat. If you are visiting after that date, allow extra time for the new exhibit.
Practical tips:
- Book tickets ahead. The Aquarium is popular year-round, and weekends and school holidays sell out. Check current ticket prices and hours on the Aquarium’s official site before you go.
- Go early or late. The first hour after opening and the last hour before closing are the least crowded.
- Do not rush. The kelp forest and open-sea exhibits reward slow looking. Sit on a bench and watch for a while.
Things to Do in Monterey: Cannery Row
Cannery Row is Monterey’s historic waterfront street, once the center of the sardine canning industry and now a walkable strip of shops, restaurants, hotels, and viewpoints. It is touristy — and still worth your time.
The Cannery Row Business Association publishes a walking map, and the Row features 27 displays along the street. Walk the full length of Cannery Row, then keep going to the waterfront path for views back across Monterey Bay.
What to do on Cannery Row:
- Walk the waterfront. The coastal recreation trail runs along the water, with sea otter and harbor seal sightings common from shore.
- Watch for sea otters. Bring binoculars if you have them. Otters raft in the kelp beds just offshore, and harbor seals haul out on rocks nearby.
- Eat seafood with a view. Cannery Row has plenty of seafood restaurants. Menus and prices change often, so check current listings rather than relying on old recommendations.
- Visit in the evening. The Row is quieter after the day-trip crowds leave, and sunset over the bay is the best free show in town.
Things to Do in Monterey: 17-Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive is a private scenic toll road through Pebble Beach, connecting Monterey and Carmel. It is one of the most scenic short drives in California — and one of the best things to do in Monterey if you have a car.
Facts verified on Pebble Beach’s official 17-Mile Drive page:
- Fee: $12.50 per vehicle.
- Reimbursement: The fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, except the Market.
- Tour buses: $6 per passenger.
- Complimentary entry: Guests of The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero enter free.
- Hours: Gates are open from sunrise to sunset.
- Motorcycles: Prohibited on 17-Mile Drive.
- Stops: 17 marked stops along the route.
- Lone Cypress: The famous lone cypress tree is over 250 years old.
The drive takes about 1-2 hours with stops, depending on how long you linger. Go in the late afternoon for the best light, and bring layers — the coast can be windy and cool even on sunny days.
Things to Do in Monterey: Waterfront and Wharf
Beyond the Aquarium and Cannery Row, Monterey’s working waterfront is worth an hour or two:
- Fisherman’s Wharf — A second waterfront strip with seafood stalls, whale-watching departures, and harbor views. It is more casual than Cannery Row.
- Whale watching — Monterey Bay is one of the best whale-watching spots in California, with different species present at different times of year. Book with an established operator and check current schedules and prices before you go.
- Kayaking — Guided kayak tours paddle the bay’s kelp beds, with chances to see otters, seals, and seabirds up close. Book ahead in summer.
- Coastal Recreation Trail — The paved waterfront path runs from Fisherman’s Wharf through Cannery Row and on toward Pacific Grove. Walk or bike it for the best free views in town.
Things to Do in Monterey: History and Culture
Monterey was California’s first capital, and its historic sites are an underrated part of any visit:
- Colton Hall — The building where California’s first constitution was drafted. Check the City of Monterey‘s site for current hours and exhibits.
- Historic adobes — Several preserved adobe buildings survive in downtown Monterey. The city’s official site and the See Monterey visitor site list current options.
- Pacific Grove — The neighboring town of Pacific Grove, a short drive or bike ride away, offers a quieter downtown, a butterfly sanctuary (seasonal), and a gorgeous stretch of coastline. It is an easy half-day addition.
Where to Stay in Monterey
Where you stay in Monterey depends on which things to do in Monterey you want within walking distance:
- Cannery Row — Best if you want to walk to the Aquarium and waterfront. Hotels here tend to be the priciest, and you pay for the location.
- Downtown Monterey — A short walk or drive from the waterfront, usually a bit more affordable than Cannery Row.
- Pacific Grove — Quieter, more residential, and a good pick for families or travelers who want a calmer base. The coastal trail connects it to Monterey.
- Del Monte area / Highway 1 corridor — More budget-friendly options, but you will drive to the waterfront.
Book early for summer, holiday weekends, and major events — Monterey fills up fast. Check current rates directly with hotels rather than relying on prices quoted in older guides.
How to Fit It All Together: A One-Day Plan
If you have one day for the best things to do in Monterey:
- Morning: Monterey Bay Aquarium (arrive at opening).
- Midday: Lunch on Cannery Row, then walk the waterfront trail.
- Afternoon: Drive 17-Mile Drive, ending in Carmel for a walk through town.
- Evening: Sunset on the waterfront, then dinner back in Monterey.
With two days, add a whale-watching trip or kayaking on day two, plus Pacific Grove and the historic adobes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Monterey?
The top picks are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive, the waterfront trail, Fisherman’s Wharf, and whale watching. History fans should add Colton Hall and the historic adobes.
How many days do you need in Monterey?
One full day covers the Aquarium, Cannery Row, and 17-Mile Drive. Two days lets you add whale watching or kayaking, Pacific Grove, and a slower pace.
Is 17-Mile Drive worth it?
Yes, if you have a car and 1-2 hours. The fee is $12.50 per vehicle, with 17 stops including the Lone Cypress, and the coastal scenery is some of the best in California.
Is Monterey good for kids?
Yes. The Aquarium is one of the best family attractions in California, and the waterfront trail, beaches, and sea otter viewing are all kid-friendly.
When is the best time to visit Monterey?
Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is the busiest season. Winter can be rainy but is quieter, and whale watching runs at different times of year depending on the species.
