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
Kelp Forest$$5.0Discover the vibrant three-story underwater kelp forest exhibit in Monterey
Monterey Bay Ecotours$$5.0Explore Elkhorn Slough wildlife on smooth electric catamaran eco tours
Sea Otter ExhibitFree5.0Meet playful rescued sea otters inside the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Carmel Valley Village Wine Tasting$$4.9Discover local boutique wineries and tasting rooms in Carmel Valley Village.
Asilomar State BeachFree4.8A scenic coastal stretch featuring sandy beaches, tide pools, and boardwalks.
Carmel BeachFree4.8Iconic white sand beach featuring sweeping Pacific views in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Beach BoardwalkFree4.8Scenic coastal path offering sweeping Pacific Ocean views along Carmel Beach.
Carmel River State BeachFree4.8Scenic coastal park where the Carmel River meets the Pacific Ocean
Carmel Valley Community ParkFree4.8A vibrant community park featuring a pool, playground, and picnics
Carmel Valley RiverFree4.8A scenic waterway winding through lush Carmel Valley to Carmel Bay
Garrapata State ParkFree4.8Dramatic coastal cliffs, redwood trails, and ocean views in Big Sur
Lovers Point ParkFree4.8Scenic oceanfront park offering dramatic coastal views, beach access, and picnicking
Monterey Bay Whale Watch$$4.8Marine biologist led ocean excursions spotting marine wildlife in Monterey Bay
Dennis the Menace ParkFree4.7A legendary Monterey playground packed with whimsical climbing structures and bridges.
Monterey Bay Kayaks$$4.7Paddle Monterey Bay to spot sea otters, seals, and marine wildlife.
Monterey State Historic ParkFree4.7Explore early California history across preserved adobe buildings and scenic gardens.
Natural Bridges State Beach$4.7Iconic oceanfront park famous for natural rock arches and monarch butterflies
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History$4.7Explore Central Coast biodiversity and regional natural history in Pacific Grove
Pinnacles National ParkFree4.7Explore dramatic rock spires, talus caves, and rare California condors.
Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course$$4.6Scenic 18-hole resort golf course set in sunny Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley Ranch Spa$$$4.6A serene treetop wellness sanctuary offering herbal treatments in Carmel Valley
Planning a trip? See Monterey & Carmel, places to eat, or build a Monterey & Carmel itinerary.