Top 14 Best Things To Do In Monterey

Juliet D'cruz

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Top 14 Best Things To Do In Monterey

Do you want to know about the things to do in Monterey? Then, you are at the right place. In this article, you will get to know more information about the amazing activities to do in Monterey. The city of California Monterey Bay is known for its rich fishing industry and mouthwatering seafood. Apart from this, you can explore the wonderful marine life by doing scuba diving in the deep sea. You can also know about the vast history and abundant culture of this place. There are so many tourist attractions to tour and things to do in Monterey during your visit.

List Of Top 14 Things To Do In Monterey

First, let us have a look at the list of things to do in Monterey that you can enjoy doing. I can assure you that you won’t even how your time would pass with these top-rated things to do in Monterey.

  1. Visit The Monterey Museum Of Art 
  2. Take A Tour To Monterey State Historic Park
  3. Engage At The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 
  4. Take Some Time Out For Monterey County Youth Museum 
  5. Have A Look At The Old Fisherman’s Wharf 
  6. See The Monterey Bay Aquarium
  7. Relax At Monterey Bay Coastal Trail
  8. Witness The Monterey Jazz Festival 
  9. Have A Look At Cannery Row Antique Mall 
  10. Taste The Seafood At Phil’s Fish Market 
  11. Hangout At Cannery Row
  12. View The El Estero Park
  13. Eat At The Ike’s Place 
  14. Shop At The Old Monterey Marketplace 

Best 14 Things To Do In Monterey 

Now, you have got an overview of the things to do in Monterey that are entertaining and fun. Below, I have given more information and facts about all the wonderful things and activities that you can do in Monterey.

  1. Visit The Monterey Museum Of Art 

Visit The Monterey Museum Of Art 

Visting the Monterey museum of art is one of the things to do in Monterey ca. It was established back in 1959 and it displays the unique California Art.

There are approximately a huge collection of 14,000 exhibits ranging from contemporary to modern art. You will be amused to see the intricate and beautiful age-old California paintings.

To learn and know more information on California art you can enroll in the workshop, summer classes, and educational programs.

  • Name: Monterey Museum of Art
  • Address: 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, California
  1. Take A Tour To Monterey State Historic Park

Take A Tour To Monterey State Historic Park

To go back in time and to know the history of Monterey take a tour of the Monterey State historic park. It is also called the Monterey walking path of History visiting it is included in the top things to do in Monterey.

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You will get to see the phenomenal historic buildings there such as the Custom house and the other 12 buildings.

You will get in detailed information about the history and the abundant culture of Califonia. You can visit the other public museums as well which are near to it.

  • Name: Monterey State Historic Park
  • Area: 80.3 acres
  • Address: 20 Custom House Plaza,  Monterey, California
  1. Engage At The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

Engage At The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 

You can have some recreational and refreshing time at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Taking a trip to the Monterey Bay national marine sanctuary to observe the wildlife is among the best things to do in Monterey.

The sanctuary is spread across the wide area and you can watch the dazzling blue beaches and the terrific kelp forests.

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You can enjoy doing many fun activities here such as kayaking, fishing, and have a look in the tidal pools. You can also go to the San Simeon where you can know more facts about the sanctuary with the help of interactive displays and informative programs.

  • Name: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
  • Address: 35 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, California
  1. Take Some Time Out For Monterey County Youth Museum 

Take Some Time Out For Monterey County Youth Museum 

Are your children curious and creative? Then the Monterey County Youth Museum is on the list of things to do in Monterey with kids.

This unique museum came into existence in 1997 and is the perfect place for children to learn and discover.

Your children can get their hands on various exhibits and learn through them. Some of the interactive sections of the museum are MY Hospital, MY creation center, and My Day at the Beach.

Apart from this museum also hosts special programs and events for children throughout the year. You can even rent this place for your children’s birthday party or other functions.

  • Name: Monterey County Youth Museum
  • Address: 425 Washington Street, Monterey, California
  1. Have A Look At The Old Fisherman’s Wharf 

Have A Look At The Old Fisherman’s Wharf 

Touring the Old Fisherman’s Wharf is indexed in the things to do in Monterey California. The Old  Fisherman’s wharf was earlier used as the fish market till the 1960s.

Now, it has turned into a popular tourist attraction with a bunch of vibrant seafood restaurants, fine dining bars, and many eateries. You can go and enjoy the delicious seafood with the scenic and stunning views of the Bay.

There are many other shops such as art galleries, jewelry, gift shops, and many cute souvenir shops.

  • Name: Old Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Address:1 Old Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, California
  1. See The Monterey Bay Aquarium

See The Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the fun things to do in Monterey is seeing the Monterey Bay Aquarium which has a wide variety of marine animals.

You will get to see the diverse marine life of Monterey which includes tuna, large sharks, turtles, and other aquatic animals.

The Aquarium has an elaborative nice architecture and is spread in a vast area. There are other things to do around the Monterey bay aquarium such as fishing and diving etc.

  • Name: Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, California
  1. Relax At Monterey Bay Coastal Trail

Relax At Monterey Bay Coastal Trail

To see the beautiful scenery and eye-pleasing sites you should go to the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. There are many things to do in Monterey bay coastal trail such as you can hike, walk, jog and ride a bike.

The coastal trail is approximate 18 miles stretching from Castroville to the pacific grove. If you feel tired after doing sports activities you can even sit and relax on the benches given on the side.

You will find many snack shops on its side and you can grab a snack from there when you are in hurry.

  • Name: Monterey Bay Coastal Trail
  1. Witness The Monterey Jazz Festival 

Witness The Monterey Jazz Festival 

Monterey is famous for its Jazz festival which is celebrated in September every year. The festival is conducted on the vast ground of 20 acres in the center of the city.

You can enjoy the live jazz music performances of famous artists such as Ambrose Akinmusire, Wynton Marsalis, and Chick Corea.

There are many popular awards presented in this festival like the Monterey Jazz Festival Legends award to the best contributor in the Jazz industry.

For entertainment and fun, you can witness the Monterey Jazz festival that is suggested in the things to do in Monterey at night.

  • Name: Monterey Jazz Festival
  1. Have A Look At Cannery Row Antique Mall 

Have A Look At Cannery Row Antique Mall 

Do you want to have a look at the antique collection of items? Then, you should take some time out to visit the Cannery Row Antique Mall which is included in the things to do in Monterey county.

This mall is created inside a historic building of 1927 and has more than 100 antique dealers.

You can even buy these antique goods to take home and to keep them as decorative items at home. I am sure that you will be amazed to see these fabulous vintage rarities and antique Flotsam.

  • Name: Cannery Row Antique Mall
  • Address: 471 Wave Street, Monterey, California
  1. Taste The Seafood At Phil’s Fish Market 

Taste The Seafood At Phil’s Fish Market 

You should not miss out on eating the seafood at Phil’s Fish Market which is among the things to do in Monterey tn. You can try the various delicious dishes from the large menu of ocean-fresh seafood.

The dishes that you must try include the spicy jumbo prawns, shrimp rolls, and the manhattan style clam chowders. If you do not have much time you can also use their takeaway and delivery services.

  • Name: Phil’s Fish Market
  • Address: Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery, Moss Landing, Monterey, California
  1. Hangout At Cannery Row

Hangout At Cannery Row

To chill and relax you can take a tour to Cannery Row which is a waterfront street. You can have a look at its beautiful picture-perfect scenic sight and click some awesome pictures.

There you will find a wide range of restaurants serving mouthwatering yummy seafood. You will also see that there are many small shops and boutiques from where you can buy some local goods.

Hanging out at the Cannery row is on the list of things to do in Monterey va as it is a popular visitors spot.

  • Name: Cannery Row
  1. View The El Estero Park

View The El Estero Park

Taking a trip to El Estero Park is indexed on the things to do in Monterey during covid. This park is made on the side of Lake El Estero and you can do various outdoor activities such as biking and hiking here.

You can even workout and exercise at the exercise stations that are built across the park. To test your skating skills you can go to the Monterey Skate Park which is open for all.

Your kids will enjoy El Estero Park as there is a separate amazing themed park made just for them.

  • Name: El Estero Park
  • Address: 798 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA
  1. Eat At The Ike’s Place 

Eat At The Ike’s Place 

Food lovers should take some time out to eat at Ike’s Place. Tasting the Sandwich at Ike’s Place is counted as the recommended things to do in the Monterey peninsula.

They also have kept unique and wonderful names of the delicious Sandwiches such as the We’re just friends and Ex Roommate etc.

The Ike’s place eatery is popular due to its differently flavored secret sauces that add a lip-smacking tasty flavor to the sandwiches.

  • Name: Ike’s Place
  • Address: 570 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
  1. Shop At The Old Monterey Marketplace 

Shop At The Old Monterey Marketplace 

Are you a shopping buff? Then going shopping to the Old Monterey Marketplace is among the things to do in Monterey ca in Feb for you.

You can buy anything from here ranging from farm-fresh vegetables to art and craft items. There are several shops and stalls in the market from where you can shop various items like clothing and handmade jewelry.

The Old Monterey Marketplace also holds some special events like live music performances and blood donation campaigns etc.

  • Name: Old Monterey Marketplace
  • Address: Alvarado St, Monterey, CA

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FAQ

What Can You Do For Free In Monterey? 

There are many things to do for free in Monterey which are mentioned below.

  •  Visit the Monterey Museum of Art
  • Take a tour to Monterey State Historic Park
  • Engage at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
  • Take some time out for Monterey County Youth Museum
  • Have a look at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf
  • See the Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Relax at Monterey Bay Coastal Trail
  • Witness the Monterey Jazz Festival
  • Have a look at Cannery Row Antique Mall
  • Hangout at Cannery Row
  • View the El Estero Park

What Is There To Do In Monterey Right Now?

There are many things that you can do in Monterey right now which are mentioned below.

  • Engage at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
  • Take some time out for Monterey County Youth Museum
  • Have a look at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf
  • See the Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Shop at the Old Monterey Marketplace
  • Visit the Monterey Museum of Art
  • Take a tour to Monterey State Historic Park
  • Relax at Monterey Bay Coastal Trail
  • Witness the Monterey Jazz Festival
  • Taste the seafood at Phil’s Fish Market
  • Hangout at Cannery Row
  • View the El Estero Park
  • Eat at the Ike’s Place
  • Have a look at Cannery Row Antique Mall

How Do I Spend A Day In Monterey?

You can spend a day in Monterey by doing various activities liking fishing, hiking, and scuba diving at the Monterey Bay coastal trail. You can also visit popular tourist sites such as the Monterey museum of art, Monterey Bay National Sanctuary, and El Estero Park, etc.

What Is Monterey Famous For?

Monterey is famous for its fishing industry, Monterey bay coastal trail, and the Fisherman’s wharf. Apart from that, you can do many fun activities in Monterey such as fishing, hiking, and scuba diving. The ocean-fresh delicious seafood of Monterey is also very popular all around the world.

Is It Better To Stay In Carmel Or Monterey?

Carmel is more art galleries, wine tasting rooms, ocean, and charming downtown It is closer to Point Lobos. Monterey is where the aquarium, cannery, Monterey Bay, is at There are some wine tasting rooms in the Cannery area. So you might want to choose your place based on what activities you plan to do.

Is Monterey CA Worth Visiting?

You won’t run out of fun activities in this picturesque coastal community. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an absolute must, a place where you can marvel at marine life and learn how to help preserve our oceans. On Cannery Row, you’ll find luxurious waterfront hotels, great shopping, and abundant dining options.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To Monterey?

The best time to visit Monterey is between April and May. Spring offers warmer temperatures, fewer crowds and food festivals dishing out delectable eats, including Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Artichoke Festival in Castroville.

Why Is Monterey Bay So Popular?

It is one of our nation’s largest national marine sanctuaries, and is larger than Yellowstone National Park. The sanctuary contains extensive kelp forests and one of North America’s largest underwater canyons and closest-to-shore deep ocean environments.

Which Is Better To Visit Monterey Or Carmel?

Carmel boasts a huge selection of tasting rooms for local wineries, hip, and modern restaurants and boutique shops that will certainly make it more appealing for couples looking for a romantic weekend away. On the other hand, Monterey is a more suitable destination if travelling as a family.

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Conclusion

I have mentioned the activities and the best things to do in Monterey in the above article. Monterey has a lot to explore and experience. It is famous for its diverse marine life and beautiful dazzling sea sights. If you are an outdoor enthusiast then you can enjoy many activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and scuba diving here. Not only this there are many visitor sites that you can tour and have a good time. Read the above article to get to know about all the amazing and wonderful things to do in Monterey.

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