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
Cypress Point LookoutFree5.0Breathtaking ocean vistas and rugged coastal scenery along Seventeen Mile Drive
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
Dennis the Menace ParkFree4.7A legendary Monterey playground packed with whimsical climbing structures and bridges.
Lone CypressFree4.7Iconic Monterey cypress standing resiliently on a rocky granite cliffside
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
Pinnacles National ParkFree4.7Explore dramatic rock spires, talus caves, and rare California condors.
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
Monterey State BeachFree4.6Scenic stretch of sandy oceanfront ideal for beachcombing, fishing, and sunsets.
Pfeiffer BeachFree4.6Discover purple sand and iconic rock formations along Big Sur's coastline
Monterey Pines Golf Course$$4.4An affordable public golf course offering high quality play in Monterey
Big Sur River Inn$$4.3Historic rustic lodging and dining nestled along the Big Sur River
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
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