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
Kelp Forest$$5.0Discover the vibrant three-story underwater kelp forest exhibit in Monterey
Sea Otter ExhibitFree5.0Meet playful rescued sea otters inside the iconic Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Asilomar State BeachFree4.8A scenic coastal stretch featuring sandy beaches, tide pools, and boardwalks.
Carmel BeachFree4.8Iconic white sand beach featuring sweeping Pacific views in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Beach BoardwalkFree4.8Scenic coastal path offering sweeping Pacific Ocean views along Carmel Beach.
Carmel River State BeachFree4.8Scenic coastal park where the Carmel River meets the Pacific Ocean
Carmel Valley Community ParkFree4.8A vibrant community park featuring a pool, playground, and picnics
Lovers Point ParkFree4.8Scenic oceanfront park offering dramatic coastal views, beach access, and picnicking
Dennis the Menace ParkFree4.7A legendary Monterey playground packed with whimsical climbing structures and bridges.
Natural Bridges State Beach$4.7Iconic oceanfront park famous for natural rock arches and monarch butterflies
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History$4.7Explore Central Coast biodiversity and regional natural history in Pacific Grove
Carmel Valley Ranch Spa$$$4.6A serene treetop wellness sanctuary offering herbal treatments in Carmel Valley
Jacks Peak ParkFree4.6Scenic hilltop preserve offering hiking trails and panoramic coastal views
Monterey Bay Aquarium$$4.6A world class ocean aquarium located along historic Cannery Row.
Monterey State BeachFree4.6Scenic stretch of sandy oceanfront ideal for beachcombing, fishing, and sunsets.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk$$4.6Classic oceanfront amusement park offering rides, games, and classic seaside treats
Monterey County Parks DepartmentFree4.3Overseeing scenic county parks, lakes, and recreational outdoor spaces
Big SurFreeA dramatic stretch of California coastline where rugged mountains meet ocean.
Lovers PointFreeA scenic coastal park in Pacific Grove offering breathtaking ocean views.
Planning a trip? See Monterey & Carmel, places to eat, or build a Monterey & Carmel itinerary.