Things to do in Monterey & Carmel
Popular picks: Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium · Explore Cannery Row · Take a whale watching tour · Hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve · Stroll along Carmel Beach · Tour the historic Carmel Mission · Drive the 17-Mile Drive · Visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History · Enjoy wine tasting in Carmel Valley · Explore the Dennis the Menace Park · Play golf at Pebble Beach · Visit the Monterey Museum of Art · Attend the Monterey Jazz Festival · Go biking along the coastline · Take a scenic drive along Highway 1
Carmel Valley Ranch Winery$$5.0Scenic resort vineyard offering estate wine tastings and relaxed valley views
Carmel Valley River Ranch$$5.0A vibrant outdoor activity hub featuring pools, fitness, tennis, and games.
Cypress Point LookoutFree5.0Breathtaking ocean vistas and rugged coastal scenery along Seventeen Mile Drive
Monterey Bay Ecotours$$5.0Explore Elkhorn Slough wildlife on smooth electric catamaran eco tours
Carmel Valley Village Wine Tasting$$4.9Discover local boutique wineries and tasting rooms in Carmel Valley Village.
Asilomar State BeachFree4.8A scenic coastal stretch featuring sandy beaches, tide pools, and boardwalks.
Carmel Valley RiverFree4.8A scenic waterway winding through lush Carmel Valley to Carmel Bay
Garrapata State ParkFree4.8Dramatic coastal cliffs, redwood trails, and ocean views in Big Sur
Monterey Bay Whale Watch$$4.8Marine biologist led ocean excursions spotting marine wildlife in Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay Kayaks$$4.7Paddle Monterey Bay to spot sea otters, seals, and marine wildlife.
Natural Bridges State Beach$4.7Iconic oceanfront park famous for natural rock arches and monarch butterflies
Pinnacles National ParkFree4.7Explore dramatic rock spires, talus caves, and rare California condors.
Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course$$4.6Scenic 18-hole resort golf course set in sunny Carmel Valley
Fort Ord Dunes State ParkFree4.6Sweeping coastal sand dunes and paved trails along scenic Monterey Bay
Jacks Peak ParkFree4.6Scenic hilltop preserve offering hiking trails and panoramic coastal views
Pfeiffer BeachFree4.6Discover purple sand and iconic rock formations along Big Sur's coastline
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk$$4.6Classic oceanfront amusement park offering rides, games, and classic seaside treats
Monterey Pines Golf Course$$4.4An affordable public golf course offering high quality play in Monterey
Monterey County Parks DepartmentFree4.3Overseeing scenic county parks, lakes, and recreational outdoor spaces
17-Mile Drive$A breathtaking coastal road connecting Monterey and Carmel through Pebble Beach.
Big SurFreeA dramatic stretch of California coastline where rugged mountains meet ocean.
Carmel HighlandsFreeDramatic coastal cliffs and luxury oceanfront homes south of Carmel
Cypress Grove TrailFreeWalk among rare Monterey cypress trees with dramatic Pacific ocean views
Lovers PointFreeA scenic coastal park in Pacific Grove offering breathtaking ocean views.
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