Monterey, California Things to Do
Monterey’s dramatic ocean scenery, pristine pine forests and historic communities beckon adventure seekers, artists, and vacationers to California’s Central Coast. With miles of breathtaking coastline, Monterey is a vacation utopia for recreation, water sports, dining, arts and culture, wine tasting and whale watching – the perfect getaway for romantic retreats or family vacations. From the Monterey Bay Aquarium to Cannery Row, Monterey offers exciting attractions, infinite shopping and wonderful restaurants. Monterey Peninsula is celebrated for its natural beauty, golf courses and rich heritage written in its adobes, missions, gardens and lighthouses.
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Monterey Bay – Monterey Bay is a lively port for fun and exploration of sea and land life. Venture into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the world's largest protected ocean habitat. Dive lush kelp forests, watch sea otters, kayak waterways shared with dolphins, sail indigo waters, and glide with gray whales. Marvel at an 87-foot whale skeleton while exploring underworld mysteries at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center.
Fisherman's Wharf – Fisherman’s Wharf is a colorful waterfront in downtown Monterey with a lighthearted collection of shops, kiosks and restaurants. Stroll down the Wharf with a cup of clam chowder or stop by one of the restaurants for fresh Monterey Bay seafood. Photograph the sea lions and otters frolicking in the calm harbor waters. Take a glass bottom boat tour, deep-sea fishing trip or a whale watch cruise.
17 Mile Drive – This Pebble Beach circuit offers notable sights - the Lone Cypress, Seal and Bird Rocks, Fanshell Beach, Point Joe, and the currents of The Restless Sea. Discover diverse wildlife of the Del Monte Forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter the emerald fairways of famous golf courses as The Links at Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach Golf Links. For a gourmet picnic lunch, visit Pebble Beach Market. Call (831) 624-3811.
Monterey Bay Aquarium – The largest aquarium in the US, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is internationally acclaimed for its interactive marine life exhibits. Probe the deep wonders of Monterey Bay from this Cannery Row attraction as you tour the matchless near-shore and coastal exhibits that explore the habitat of the tide-pools. Venture to the Outer Bay exhibit, showcasing hammerhead sharks, schools of sardines, enormous sunfish and green sea turtles. Check out their newest resident - a Great White shark. Visit www.mbayaq.org. [Top]
Cannery Row – This historic 2-mile waterfront immortalized in John Steinbeck's novel, Cannery Row, is a shopping paradise, with 150 stores, restaurants, bars, cafés, a factory outlet, and interesting art galleries. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium or stroll the Recreation Trail. Check out A Taste of Monterey and sample local wines, and enjoy views of Monterey Bay. Visit www.canneryrow.com.
Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary – The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a protected marine area off California's central coast. Stretching from Marin to Cambria, this national treasure encompasses a shoreline of 276 miles and 5,322 square miles of ocean. Supporting one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems, it is home to numerous mammals, seabirds, fishes, invertebrates and plants. Board a sport fishing boat in search of salmon or tuna. Kayak or canoe tours offer a great look at the otters and seals. Scuba divers and snorklers can explore a diversity of undersea life.
Monterey Path of History – The Monterey Path of History encircles a downtown tree-lined area filled with shops, theaters, cafés, bars, and restaurants. The rich history of Monterey is illustrated in its adobes, mission bells, gardens and lighthouses. Walk to find landmarks like Custom House, Cooper-Molera Adobe, and The House of the Blue Gate. Alvarado Street closes Tuesdays for a framer’s market and crafts fair. [Top]
Point Pinos Lighthouse – Point Pinos Lighthouse (built in 1855) on the northern tip of the Monterey Peninsula is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca – Discover exciting motorsports racing action at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, a world-class raceway and county park. Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca is home to the Honda Grand Prix, motorcycle racing, the Sea Otter Classic, Cherry's Jubilee, NASCAR events, historic auto races, and several festivals and concerts throughout the year. Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca is located between Monterey and Salinas on Highway 68. Visit www.laguna-seca.com.
Monterey Conference Center – The Monterey Conference Center features 58,000 square feet over three levels of outstanding meeting space including an exhibit hall, ballroom, a 490-foot theater, a luxurious boardroom, breakouts, patios, galleries, terraces and banquet facilities. The conference center is steps away from Fisherman’s Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. [Top]
Pacific Grove – Bordering Monterey Bay, the ocean and Del Monte Forest, the Pacific Grove community offers breathtaking views, abundant recreational activities, a world-famous 18-hole golf course, a monarch butterfly sanctuary, beaches, 17 Mile Drive, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and Pt. Pinos Lighthouse. Historic downtown is decked out with Victorian-era houses and wonderful shops. Visit Lighthouse Avenue’s boutiques and stores. Asilomar State Beach on Sunset Drive and Lover’s Point are favorite spots for tide-pooling, kite flying, watching the sunsets, diving, kayaking, picnics and beach volleyball.
Monarch Butterflies of Pacific Grove – Witness the wintering phenomenon of thousands of Monarch butterflies clustering in pines and eucalyptus in Pacific Grove. Beginning in late-October, when the Monarchs spend the winter in " Butterfly Town, U.S.A.,” you can visit Pacific Grove's Butterfly Trees to see the spectacle. The Pacific Grove School District holds the annual " Butterfly Parade " to celebrate the return of the Monarch. [Top]
Monterey Wine Country – The largest California wine region, Monterey County consists of 45,000 acres of seven winegrowing appellations. Visit the tasting rooms of Bernardus, Chateau Julien, Talbott and Galante vineyards in Carmel Valley. Drive south to Riverland Vineyard, Smith & Hook/Hahn Estates or Chalone Vineyards. In November the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association hosts the Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend, which features wine and food tastings, winery tours, and winemaker dinners. Call (831) 375-9400.
National Steinbeck Center – Works of literary art created by Monterey County's favorite native son, Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck, are on permanent display at this Salinas museum. Let the interactive exhibits take you into the heart of Steinbeck’s novels - Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, and Cannery Row. The Steinbeck Center features rotating art exhibits and the Valley of the World agricultural wing, which share stories of the Salinas Valley. [Top]
Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Located on a mile-beach between Monterey and San Francisco, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a hot spot for beach vibes and classic rides. This historic seaside amusement park offers 30 carnival rides, games, arcades, miniature golf, a climbing wall, a motion theater and laser tag. Experience the heart-pounding rush of the Giant Dipper - one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the US, and ocean view thrills on Fireball and Cliff Hanger. Visit www.rwsplash.com.
Hearst Castle – The enchanting hilltop retreat of William Randolf Hearst is one of one of the world’s greatest estates and a California Historical Monument. Located on 127 cares in San Simeon, on top of a hillside of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Hearst Castle offers tours of the magnificent estate’s 165 rooms, unique artifacts, Renaissance art, ornate swimming pools, fanciful gardens and walkways. Walk up to the observation deck to view Hearst Castle on the crown of the mountain. Call (800) 444-4445 or visit www.hearstcastle.org.
Masters of Food and Wine – This internationally-renown event is a premier gathering of chefs and winemakers and features wine and champagne tastings, unique culinary events, extravagant luncheons and dinners and cooking demonstrations. This year's event features chefs including Rick Bayless, Mark Miller, Charlie Palmer, Bradley Ogden and Alice Waters. The festival is held in February at the Highlands Inn, Park Hyatt in Carmel, just 20 minutes away. [Top]
Pinnacles National Monument – Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains, east of Salinas Valley, are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement. Within the monument's boundaries lie 24,000 acres of wildlands for hiking, climbing, bird watching and sightseeing. The rock formations are connected by 30 miles of hiking trails - from easy loops to wilderness trails - that access geological formations, spectacular vistas and wildlife communities. The Pinnacles' rock formations are excellent for technical climbers. Visit www.nsp.gov/pinn.
Point Lobos State Reserve – Two miles south of Carmel, Point Lobos State Reserve is a coastal treasure. The ever-changing skies and shifting seas form a kaleidoscope of Nature's handiwork. The jewel of the California State Parks, the Reserve encompasses 750 acres of underwater wonders and 550 acres of protected trails and views. Whales and dolphins are visible in the distance, and seals bark on offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos. Bold headlands, coves and meadows are popular for picnics, scuba diving, jogging, birding, and photography.
Monterey Recreational Trail – One of the nation’s most scenic byways, the Monterey Recreation Trail is 18 miles of paved cycling and walking path from Castroville to Pacific Grove, with few major roads or railroads to cross. The Trail accommodates skaters, bicyclists and four-wheeled surreys that seat up to four people. The section between Seaside and Pacific Grove is busy with surreys, rollerbladers, and joggers, but elsewhere cyclists rule the road. Bicycle rental companies can set you up with cycles, scooters, and skates. [Top]
Monterey County Parks – Monterey County’s several state and regional parks are open year round for outdoor recreation. Jacks Peak Park in Monterey and Garland Ranch Park in Carmel Valley offer excellent hiking trails and gorgeous mountain and coastal views. Point Lobos State Reserve in Carmel is a perfect destination for an afternoon picnic. Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur offer hiking and horseback riding tours.
Monterey State Historic Park – Monterey State Historic Park includes historic buildings, restored gardens, adobes, and the State Historic Park Visitor's Center located in the Custom House Plaza. Take a 5-hour walking tour that will acquaint you with Old Monterey's historic adobes. One fee of $5 per person gives you entrance to all the MSHP properties for informative and enjoyable activities for individuals the whole family.
Dennis-the-Menace Park – This famous playground is known throughout California for its whimsical equipment, which includes a drinking fountain inside the mouth of a lion, a swinging rope bridge, a roller slide, a life-sized hedge maze, and a real steam train engine. Created in 1956 by cartoonist Hank Ketcham, the park celebrates being a kid. The free park is open daily at 10 a.m.
Monterey County Fairgrounds & Exposition Park – Monterey Fairgrounds is home to the annual Monterey County Fair each August, featuring carnival rides, 4-H livestock competitions and auctions, live music, entertainment and traditional fair exhibits. The Monterey Jazz Festival, Blues Festival, World Music Fest, the Book Fair, and many popular festivals are held throughout the year. Visit www.montereycountyfair.com.
Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary – Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary defends the animal and plant species native to the Central Coast of California. The Sanctuary’s wildlife protection and habitat restoration are leading efforts to preserve endangered species in California. Programs include, the California Condor Recovery Program, a bald eagle monitoring program, and the Creamery Meadow restoration. Go to www.ventanaws.org. [Top]
Monterey State Beach – The new Window on the Bay Park frames Monterey's largest beach, Monterey State Beach, stretches from Wharf #2 to Seaside. The soft sand shelves gently into the bay, making this one of the safest beaches for paddling, beach volleyball, kayaking, canoeing. There’s restrooms, snack bars and restaurants and ample parking. Walk to Seaside on the beach or on the Recreation Trail.
San Carlo Beach – San Carlos Beach marks the end of Cannery Row, adjacent to the Coast Guard Pier. The large parking areas make it a popular jumping-off point for scuba divers, heading for the remains of cannery gear. A shallow grade makes these sands a great choice for families looking for a place to cool their toes. Despite its chilly temperatures, underwater enthusiasts make a pilgrimage to dive these waters to view 70% of the world's invertebrate life. A grassy area, picnic tables, and an outdoor shower make this park a diver’s paradise.
MacAbee Beach – Monterey's tiniest beach, MacAbee Beach is located in the midst of Cannery Row. Kayakers launch from it, scuba divers occasionally wade ashore at it, and children and parents dabble barefoot in the waves. A few blocks inland are food, drink and shops galore. [Top]
Seaside – The dune-backed beach at Seaside is a fantasy of kites, kite-drawn sand buggies, and excited kids playing in the surf. The soft, white sands shelve gently, but do drop off suddenly, so watch small children. It's possible to walk several miles on the beach, southwest towards Monterey or northeast towards Sand City. If you need refreshments or beach gear, there's a shopping plaza across Highway One.
Lover’s Point – Enjoy the tranquility of the ocean, beach and a lovely park with magnificent views of the Monterey Bay. Lovers Point Beach is paradise for diving, kayaking, family beach picnics, and volleyball. Just a short walk from the Inn, Lover’s Point is the perfect place to relax and watch a magical Monterey sunset.
Asilomar State Park and Beach – Asilomar State Park and Beach in Pacific Grove is strung out along Sunset Drive, its tidepools giving way to a sweeping stretch of pale sand at Spanish Bay. Minute coves, linked by paths and boardwalks, offer sheltered spots for tidepooling, wildlife-spotting and watching sunsets. A setting of natural beauty, this beach is an outstanding place for swimming, surfing, and kite flying. A boardwalk links Asilomar and 17-Mile Drive. [Top]
Big Sur – Big Sur enjoys several outstanding wild beaches, but visitors should expect to hike to reach most of them. The 4,800 acres of Andrew Molera State Park are laced with hiking and biking trails, and the Big Sur River Bobcat Trail is an easy 3-mile hike that passes the Cooper Cabin, Big Sur's oldest structure, and ends at a pleasant, sandy beach. State park admission fees include parking.
Pfeiffer Beach – One of Monterey County's most beautiful beaches, Pfeiffer Beach is located within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. After a year of renovations, visitors can enjoy improved beach access, increased parking, and new restrooms.
Garrapata State Park Beach – Seven miles south of Carmel, Garrapata State Park offers 2879 acres of Big Sur beauty, with trails leading through piney forests to awesome beaches. Beach accesses are marked with signs at the turnouts. Soberanes Point is a favorite spot for its panoramic views. Rock climbers enjoy the rocks at the south end of the beach. The surf can be dangerous.
Carmel River State Beach – Carmel is blessed with pleasant Carmel River State Beach at Carmelo Road, known as Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Preserve. This is a wonderful place to watch birds and wildlife while the children play in the shallow lagoon. A small overland trail leads to Monastery Beach. A modern cross marks the spot where Gaspar de Portola erected a cross in 1769. [Top]
Carmel Town Beach – Carmel Town Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea is locally renowned for good surf and excellent dog-walking areas. An annual sandcastle contest is testimony to the quality of the silvery sands, punctuated by outcroppings of rock. The beach is level with the modest parking lot on Ocean Avenue. Restaurants and shops are available up the steep hill in town.
Marina State Beach – Off Highway One, Marina State Beach has 170 acres of protected dunes and sandy beaches. It's very popular with locals for kite flying, hang-gliding, and surf-casting. Although surfing is allowed, the shoreline waters are dangerous for wading or swimming. A boardwalk leads across the dunes to the beach, where dogs are allowed off leashes. Walk to the nice cafe and observation deck.
Moss Landing State Beach – Moss landing offers a range of activities including surfing, wind-surfing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, horseback riding and surf fishing. Birdwatchers will have plenty to see. Boaters may use the pier and jetty, and overnight camping is permitted. [Top]
Monterey Bay Whale Watching – Set out on a whale watching cruise on Monterey Bay, one of the world’s prime whale watching areas, to observe the whales and dolphins inhabiting Monterey Bay as they migrate from the Bering Sea to their winter grounds in the Baja Peninsula. From beach or a boat, Monterey is the best place on the West Coast to view Gray Whales, and offers whale watch trips with commentary from on-board naturalists. Cruise through Monterey Submarine Canyon to see the Gray Whale, Killer Whale, Humpback Whale, and Blue Whale live and breed near the coast. Monterey and Moss Landing harbors offer whale watches during the gray whale migration every winter and spring.
Kayaking – Set within the nation's largest marine sanctuary, Monterey provides an exciting and diverse sea kayaking experience. Paddle through the sheltered waters of the harbor or explore the expansive kelp beds along Cannery Row in the National Marine Sanctuary. Monterey State Beach and Lover’s Point are popular jump-off points for sea kayaking.
Scuba Diving – Monterey has some of the best beach diving in the country. Lovers Point cove, one of the most popular beach dives, is a quick drive from the hotels. Monterey
Walking and Biking – Extraordinary walking and biking paths follow the ocean along Monterey Bay from Fisherman’s Wharf all the way around through Lover’s Point and onto Pebble Beach. Enjoy the scenic hiking at Asilomar State Park and Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur.[Top]
Del Monte Shopping Center – Located between Monterey and Carmel, the Del Monte Center features more than 100 stores, diverse restaurants, a grocery store, a multi-screen movie theater and a classic California garden. Macy’s and Mervins anchor this outdoor shopping center that offers a wide selection and beautiful surroundings.
Old Monterey Market Place – Held every Tuesday, the Old Monterey Market Place features a variety of vendors and local restaurants in an open-air street fair. Farmers throughout California offer fresh fruits and vegetables, while vendors offer jewelry, clothing, handmade soaps, arts and crafts. This fun weekly festival is held from 4-8 pm April to October, and 4-7pm November to March on Alvarado Street. [Top]
Monterey Museum of Art – The Monterey Museum of Art offers permanent and rotating exhibits of early Californian art and contemporary American artists. Reflecting the cultural heritage of the Central Coast, the Museum's permanent collections and exhibitions include California paintings, sculpture, works on paper, photography, Asian art, international folk art, and bodies of work by Ansel Adams. Visit www.montereyart.org.
Monterey Maritime Museum – Monterey's maritime past comes alive at the Maritime Museum situated across the Custom House Plaza from Fisherman's Wharf. This museum showcases Monterey's seafaring heritage, explaining the role this protected harbor played in early California history and as a home to the US Navy. A treasure hunt for youngsters is held daily, and the gift shop features souvenirs for every sailor at heart.
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History – Climb the city's beloved Sandy the Whale, a life-sized bronze gray whale sculpture in front of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Inside, kids learn about the life cycle of one of Pacific Grove's more famous residents - the Monarch Butterfly - and can see the area's native local animals in full life dioramas. A special "kid's corner" allows youngsters to pet a bobcat and quiz themselves on local animals. Admission is free.
Mission San Antonio de Padua – The Mission San Antonio is the third California mission, founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1771. Still a parish church, this historic mission is a wonderful place to picnic, with tables under shaded trees, and enjoy the peace and solitude. Admission is $1.Call (831) 385-4478.
Carmel Mission Basilica – Carmel Mission Basilica features significant religious artifacts. Founded by in 1770, the mission is home to a thriving Catholic community. Get a taste of mission life at the museum housing California's first library, a collection of tools, equipment and appliances used by the Spaniards and Native Americans, and the recreated Spartan cell where Serra lived. Call (831) 624-3600. [Top]
Laguna Seca Golf Club – Play a round of golf on Laguna Seca Golf Club’s signature Robert Trent Jones golf course, a challenging venue that follows the terrain of the coastal hills of Monterey. Tee boxes offer expansive views and a multitude of bunkers await errant approach shots. Laguna Seca welcomes the public to experience a clubhouse, a golf shop and a natural grass practice facility.
Pebble Beach Golf Courses – Ranked the No. 1 golf resort by Golf Digest Magazine in 2002, Pebble Beach’s four courses are lauded for their unmatched golf facilities, breathtaking scenery, and the acclaimed Pebble Beach Golf Academy. Visit www.pebblebeach.com.
The Links at Spanish Bay – Spanish Bay is a rugged coastal, 18-hole Scottish links course that provides a choice of play, firm turf and steady ocean breezes. The Links at Spanish Bay has designated environmental areas to preserve the native plants, birds and animals that make this course special. And there are chipping and putting greens for practice. The Links at Spanish Bay is located off 17-Mile Drive near the Pacific Grove Gate.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course – Ranked five on "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" by Golf Digest for 2003 – 2004, Spyglass Hill Golf Course was designed along Del Monte Forest's shoreline. Opened in 1966, this challenging course features sandy seaside dunes, while and the back 13 cut through majestic pines with elevated greens, bunkers and lakes. “The Glass," referring to its slippery greens, is listed as one of the toughest courses in the world by the PGA Tour, and is annual co-host to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
Del Monte Golf Course – Opened in 1897, Del Monte Golf Course is the oldest course west of the Mississippi. This inland 18-hole, Par 72 course boasts a meandering layout that has challenged golfers for more than a century. Host of the California State Amateur, Del Monte features narrow, tree-lined fairways and small, protected greens, and serves as one of three Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational courses.
Bayonet Golf Course – Built in 1954 at Fort Ord, the two golf courses the Army left behind – Bayonet and Black Horse – have risen to national prominence. Bayonet’s 7,117 yards include long, narrow fairways lined with towering oak and cypress trees, speedy greens, mild hills and picturesque strolls. The 18-hole, Par 72, waterless course features “Combat Corner,” a series of sharp doglegs. Bayonet hosts a PGA Qualifying Tournament every November, along with the Monterey Peninsula Classic in October.
Black Horse Golf Course – Black Horse Golf Course is a Seaside jewel and part of the PGA tour schedule. The 18-hole, public course stretches 7,009 yards and demands accuracy over undulating fairways undulations and fast greens. With expansive bay views, tight fairways, smaller greens and elevation changes, Black Horse offers a unique look while sharing the benefits of Monterey Bay golf. The courses share a pro shop, driving range, and clubhouse. [Top]
Carmel – Cultured, quaint and artistic, Carmel is renowned for art galleries, shops and fine restaurants. Housed in Tudor buildings, often tucked down courtyards. Enjoy pristine white beaches, golf courses and panoramic views. Carmel Plaza offers more than 50 shops and restaurants in an elegant courtyard setting. Carmel Valley Village consists of interesting shops, winery tasting rooms, restaurants and cafés.
Big Sur – From gorgeous beaches to mountains, from sea air to stately redwoods, Big Sur is one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations and one of Geographic Traveler’s 50 Places of a Lifetime. Hike along streams in tree-lined valleys. Climb the high ridges for a view of the coastline and gaze into three million acres of wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest. Several State Parks and beaches offer hiking and horseback riding.
San Francisco – Ethnic neighborhoods combine with a picturesque ocean setting to make San Francisco a hip, unique city. You will be captivated by the extraordinary charm and ambiance of San Francisco and its eclectic neighborhoods – Pacific Heights, Richmond District, South of Market, Nob Hill, North Beach, The Marina, Mission District, Haight-Ashbury - and East Bay communities. San Francisco offers a diversity of arts, attractions, nightclubs, museums, art galleries, restaurants, festivals, and tours. Experience the highlights - the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco Zoo, and Union Square.
Santa Cruz – Enjoy amazing beaches, majestic redwood forests, a vibrant cityscape with shops and galleries, and the beloved Boardwalk. Savor local cuisine and wines, and experience acclaimed arts and events. Santa Cruz’s 29 miles of sun-splashed beaches are perfect for sand castles, surfing, volleyball, hiking coastal bluffs, picnics, and sunset strolls. [Top]
FREE-For-All in Monterey County
- Monterey Path of History: Get a taste of what life was like in the early days of old Monterey on the Monterey Path of History tour, which visits more than 40 historic buildings and sites (Free self-guided and docent-led tours available).
- Monterey Bay Chocolate Factory: Take a tour and sample sweets at Monterey Bay Chocolate Factory in Seaside.
- Treasure Island: Walk into (cars are charged a fee, pedestrians are not) Pt. Lobos State Reserve and hike to the cove said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Visit the Whaling Museum, count the number of wildflowers you see, or picnic nearby wave-crashing rocks.
- Monterey County Movie Map: Pick up a Monterey County Movie Map and visit sites where such films as “Play Misty for Me,” “Basic Instinct,” “Turner & Hooch,” “National Velvet,” “From Here to Eternity” and more were filmed.
- Great Tide Pools: Follow in the footsteps of great John Steinbeck characters by visiting the Great tide pools along the Monterey Bay coastline.
- Monterey Bay Recreation Trail: Bike, rollerblade or jog along the scenic Monterey Bay Recreation Trail, an 18-mile stretch of paved pathway that runs alongside Monterey Bay.
- Dennis the Menace Playground: Climb a real, full size 1956 steam engine at Dennis the Menace Playground, designed by Dennis the Menace creator, Hank Ketcham.
- Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History: Visit several free museums including the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History (where children can climb on "Sandy the Whale,” a life-sized bronze sculpturelocated outside the museum’s front doors), or the Pacific House Museum, featuringMonterey’s rich history as the capital of Spanish and Mexican California.
- Maritime Museum of Monterey: Watch a fascinating free film on California’s historyat the Maritime Museum of Monterey, then visit the historic Custom House to see where California commerce began. (Be sure to check out the California ‘bank notes’that hides of the plentifulcattle roaming the western lands)
- River Road Wine Trail: Uncork the oenophile inside with a tasty trek along the burgeoning River Road Wine Trail, featuring seven award-winning wineries as of April 2005.
- Henry Miller Memorial Library: Visit the bookstore and redwood-shaded lawns at the Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, honoring the writer who spent 18 years in the area.
- Marina State Beach: Grab a kite, pack a picnic, and head to the sand dunes at Marina State Beach for a day of play. Also a great place to catch the sunset.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: Explore Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf and do your own clam chowder sampling provided free by several of the wharf’s restaurant kiosks.
- Sea Lions: See the sea lions on the rocks at the end of the Coast Guard Pier.
- Birding: Do some birding at Point Lobos, Elkhorn Slough, Salinas River State Beach or Lake San Antonio.
- Scenic Mountain Bike Trails: Head out on nearly 90 miles scenic mountain bike trails and roads on the former Fort Ord military base.
- Garland Ranch Regional Park: Enjoy spectacular Carmel Valley views from trails at Garland Ranch Regional Park.
- Gray Whales: Watch gray whales on their annual winter (Dec-Mar) migration between Alaska and Mexico from one of Monterey County’s promontories: Pt. Pinos, Pt. Lobos or the Big Sur coastline.
- “Asilomar Ramble”: Take a free personal “Asilomar Ramble” tour with local California State Parks rangers and cut loose on 80 acres that includes historic architecture, forested hiking trails and ready-to-wear dunes topped with wooden walking trails. Key sites include 16 structures designed by Julia Morgan ( Hearst Castle) between 1913 and 1928.
- The Farm: View jolly giant farmers standing 20 ft. high in the fields off Highway 68 at the entrance to The Farm. Crafted by local artist John Cerney, these larger-than-life statues of packers, trimmers and irrigators are a tribute to the hard-working men and women of Salinas Valley. Follow up with some fresh veggies from the farm stand. [Top]
Monterey Aquarium