Things to Do in Monterey & Beyond: Whale Watching, Attractions, and More Fun Activities

You will find dozens of fun things to do in Monterey, CA. This cute waterfront town is about two hours south of San Francisco and it's a popular day trip. You can also spend a night or two to explore even more of the area.

Some of my top picks include whale watching, kayaking, and visiting top attractions around town. You will also find some great places to shop, eat, and sample top local wines.

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1. Whale Watching

The #1 attraction on my list of top things to do in Monterey is whale watching. The waters off this particular part of the California coast offer abundant food for whales migrating through the area.

Depending on the time of year, the whales you'll see are spending time in and around the Monterey Bay on their way north or south.

In the winter (December to April), you will typically find gray whales cruising past in groups.

From May to November, you will likely see humpback whales, which are known for their acrobatic behavior, and blue whales, Earth's largest animal (reaching up to 100 feet long!).

In addition to the whales, you will also see a variety of other wildlife on these tours, including dolphins, sea otters, tortoises, and all kinds of birds.

>> Check out deals on the most popular whale watching tours from Monterey

2. Attractions

You will also find plenty of highly rated attractions in Monterey. An absolute must-see is the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

This world-renowned aquarium is home to 550 species of animals and plants from the Monterey Bay. I could spend hours watching the sealife swim around in its 35-foot-tall, 90-foot-wide open sea tank.

Other top attractions include the Monterey Museum of Art, its beaches, and the breathtaking 17-Mile Drive.

3. Shopping

There is no shortage of places to shop in Monterey. You will find that most people flock to Cannery Row for unique items, antiques, and gifts.

Another pick in Monterey is the Del Monte Shopping Center. Here you will find plenty of department stores and name-brand items.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is another fun place to go shopping in the Monterey Bay area. Its cute downtown offers small boutique stores with everything from local galleries to clothing.

Other picks here include The Barnyard Shopping Village, an outdoor shopping center with plenty of boutique shops.

4. Wineries & Breweries

One of my favorite things to do in Monterey is checking out the local wines and beers. You will find dozens of places to sample some of the best right in Monterey.

My favorite place to sample wines is A Taste of Monterey: Wine Market & Bistro. Not only do they have a great selection, but also great views of the water.

If you want to taste even closer to the vine, Carmel Valley with its 30 winery tasting rooms is less than an hour away from downtown Monterey.

Some of my favorite local brewers include Alvarado Street Brewery (426 Alvarado Street), Peter B's Brewpub (inside Portola Hotel), and Fieldwork Brewing (560 Munras Avenue).

Around the bay, you will find some other great breweries, including Post No Bills Craft Beer House (600 Ortiz Avenue in Sand City) and Hidden Hills Brewing and Blending (The Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel-By-The-Sea).

5. Bike the Waterfront Trails

Monterey's flat waterfront trails make it a fun place to go bike riding. The best way is to rent a bike and head out on your own.

All along the waterfront in Monterey, you will find a biking trail that will take you over to Pacific Grove.

Your bike rental company will provide you with a list of routes and a map to help you find your way.

6. Kayaking

The calm waters of the Monterey Bay make it a great place to go kayaking. You can either go on your own or on a guided tour.

If it's your first time, this is the perfect place to learn. You can take a lesson or go on a short family-friendly journey.

You will get some amazing views from the waters looking back at the Monterey shoreline.

>> Check out this popular kayaking tour from Cannery Row

7. Golfing

Monterey and the surrounding communities have several amazing golf courses. Here you can find the world-class courses of Pebble Beach. Five of the eight courses in Pebble Beach are open to the public.

The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am tournament also comes to town every February. If you happen to be here during that time, make sure to get in on the action.

You can also play local courses in Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove.

8. Cruises & Other Tours

Another recommendation for things to do in Monterey is to head out on a tour. You will find dozens of options. Here are three of my favorites.

History Walking Tour: If you love history, you are going to really love this 2-hour tour. You'll walk past legendary places featured in the writings of John Steinbeck and other spots that were important to the early Spanish explorers. Your expert guide will tell you stories about both historic and recent events that have shaped the area. 

Sunset Sail: Taking a sunset sailing cruise on the Monterey Bay is a treat for the senses. For 1.5 hours, you will cruise around the bay and relax with some wine or beer and appetizers. You'll see some wildlife during your journey and, if you get lucky, you might even see a whale. The highlight of the trip is the chance to see the sunset over the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. Check availability for this tour.

Monterey Food Tour: Sample local dishes on this fun 3-hour food tour. You'll try everything Monterey has to offer, including cuisines from Greek to Indian to deep-dish pizza. You will sample local wines as you learn more about popular cheeses. You will also get the chance to enjoy some of our best locally made ice cream. All tastings are included.

9. Historic Sights

Another one of the fun things to do in Monterey is to discover more about its history. Monterey has been an important stop for travelers for as long as it has been here.

Stop by the Custom House near Old Fisherman's Wharf. This is the oldest government building in California. It was the place where they collected taxes (which they used to call customs) for ship coming into the Monterey Bay during the mid-1800s.

California's oldest cathedral is also here in Monterey. It is known as either the Royal Presidio Chapel, or Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo. It was built in 1794 and is still used today for Catholic masses.

10. Hiking

The final recommendation on my list of things to do in Monterey is to head out for a hike. You will find a variety of terrain here which will excite hikers of all levels.

You can do a leisurely stroll along the Monterey Coastal Trail if you are looking for an option that isn't too hilly. Another great easy trail is at Jacks Peak Park. It has 8+ miles of trails, but also has a parking lot fairly close to the summit if you'd rather drive up and then walk the rest of the way.

One of the more challenging hikes nearby is the North Shore Trail in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This trail will get your heart pumping. Don't forget your camera, as that effort leads to some great coastal views.

If you really want to get away from it all, head out to Toro County Park in Salinas. There, you will find wide open spaces with several moderate and more difficult hiking options.

More Great Monterey Experiences

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