Monterey California, USA Travel Guide
A concentrated plan to experience Monterey's essential attractions in a single day.
Start your day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Book tickets online in advance for timed entry. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the exhibits, especially the Open Sea and Kelp Forest. Enjoy fresh seafood at a casual restaurant on Cannery Row for lunch, or grab a quick bite. Afternoon: Walk the length of Cannery Row, exploring its shops and historic plaques. Continue on foot to Old Fisherman's Wharf. Watch the sea lions, browse souvenir shops, and perhaps take a short boat tour if time permits. Evening: Dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants on Fisherman's Wharf or in downtown Monterey. Enjoy the sunset over the bay.
A structured plan for a comprehensive weekend visit, blending attractions with scenic drives.
Arrive, check into accommodation. Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, then explore Cannery Row shops and historical points. Dinner on Cannery Row or Fisherman's Wharf.
Take a whale watching tour from Fisherman's Wharf. Explore Fisherman's Wharf more thoroughly. Visit Historic Downtown Monterey and Custom House Plaza. Dinner in downtown Monterey.
Drive the scenic 17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach), stopping at viewpoints like the Lone Cypress. Explore Pacific Grove: Lovers Point Park, Asilomar State Beach, Victorian architecture. Lunch in Pacific Grove or Carmel. Depart from Monterey.
Expand on the weekend plan with exploration and more diverse activities.
For extended stays, dive into local living and wider Californian exploration.
Combine the one-week itinerary with multi-day extensions for a relaxed pace and cultural immersion.
For a truly immersive experience, live like a local and explore at your leisure.
Customize your Monterey visit around specific passions, from history to culinary delights.
Start with a self-guided walking tour of Old Monterey (Colton Hall, Custom House Plaza, historic adobes). Visit the Royal Presidio Chapel (San Carlos Cathedral). Explore Cannery Row's history through its plaques.
Indulge in fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row. Spend a day wine tasting in Carmel Valley or Salinas Valley. Visit the Old Monterey Farmer's Market on Thursday for local produce and prepared foods.
Go kayaking or paddleboarding in Monterey Bay, focusing on wildlife viewing. Take an extended whale watching tour. Hike the scenic trails in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Garrapata State Park.
Smart planning allows Monterey to suit various budgets and offers unique charms year-round.
Stay at HI Monterey Hostel for affordable accommodation. Cook your own meals using groceries from supermarkets. Utilize MST buses and the free Wave shuttle. Focus on free attractions like walking the Coastal Trail, exploring Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row (outside the Aquarium), and visiting public beaches. Pack a Reusable water bottle to save on drinks.
Stay at a mid-range hotel or a charming B&B in Pacific Grove. Enjoy a mix of casual and sit-down dining. Rent a car for a day or two for excursions (17-Mile Drive, Big Sur). Include major paid attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and a whale watching tour. Look for happy hour deals at restaurants for discounted food and drinks.
Stay at a luxury resort (e.g., Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, The Lodge at Pebble Beach). Dine at fine dining establishments. Arrange private tours or chauffeured drives for seamless travel. Indulge in spa treatments, golf rounds at championship courses, and exclusive experiences.
Gray whale migration begins (December-May). Monarch butterfly migration (November-February in Pacific Grove).
Lower prices and fewer crowds (excluding holidays). This provides a quieter experience.
Storm watching along the rugged coast. Landscapes are lush green after winter rains, creating beautiful scenery.
Discover the fresh vibrancy of spring and the unique charm of off-season travel in Monterey.
Spring brings a renewal of nature and continued wildlife spectacles to Monterey.
Embrace the quieter, more local feel of Monterey during the off-season.
Plan your trip around specific events like the Monterey Jazz Festival or Car Week if those are your main interests.
Find tranquility and rejuvenation in Monterey's serene natural settings and wellness offerings.
Plan a fun and engaging trip for all ages, focusing on attractions and activities children enjoy.
Expect morning fog, especially in early summer. Dress in layers, as coastal weather changes throughout the day.
Winter can bring rainfall. Be prepared with waterproof outer layers if visiting between November and March.
