Brimming with a pristine shoreline, picturesque Monterey is without doubt one of the beautiful locations in California to discover. What makes it even higher is what number of cool spots and one of the best issues to do in Monterey there are. From foodie haunts, lovely seashores to historic streets – Monterey has all of it!
I visited Monterey on my second journey to California when road-tripping from Lake Tahoe, through San Francisco to Los Angeles. Alongside the best way, I simply knew I needed to cease in Monterey.
I had one of the best time exploring this comparatively small metropolis and kinda wished I’d spent even longer within the surrounding space. It’s pretty.
So, to ensure you don’t have any regrets and take advantage of your time, I wished to share a number of the high locations to see in Monterey that I completely beloved. This fashion, you may make probably the most out of your time within the metropolis.
Have a look, beneath, at one of the best issues to do in Monterey. Have a good time visiting California.
1.) Cannery Row
Cannery Row is the road that runs alongside the gorgeous shoreline of Monterey Metropolis and one spot you’ll be able to’t miss while discover.
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Monterey, Cannery Row provides slightly glimpse of town’s fish-packing historical past with its historic cannery buildings that line the road. Though the final of the canneries closed within the Nineteen Seventies, there’s nonetheless a heap of issues to see at present.
You see, these days, Cannery Row is packed-full with boutique lodgings, Monterey Bay Aquarium and a heap of yummy spots to fill your tummy.
I beloved Ghirardelli for his or her puddings. Similar to the one in San Francisco, it was scrumptious!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in California
2.) Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf
Round a 30-minute stroll from the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one other well-known spot to see, Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf.
As soon as a working wharf solely for the fishing business, Monterey’s Outdated Fisherman Wharf is now stuffed with numerous little outlets, eating places and walkways to walk by.
It’s a shopper’s paradise and possibly one of many spots that the majority guests will go no less than as soon as. Kinda just like the Time Sq. of Monterey! 😉
Fancy getting within the surf? Hop onboard one of many glass-bottom boat excursions or enterprise out on a whale watching tour you could e-book proper on the wharf.
When you don’t wanna journey the waves, take a relaxing stroll across the oceanfront. Right here, you’ll be able to spot the resident sea lions and otters that keep within the interior portion of the harbour.
Although, earlier than arriving, I actually didn’t realise how smelly they’re; they stink!
Afterwards, head on over to Aliotti’s Victorian Corner Restaurant for his or her yummy dishes. Their selfmade pasta and ravioli is all the pieces and extra!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Lake Tahoe
3.) Monterey State Historic Park
Being considered one of California’s oldest cities, Monterey holds a variety of historic constructions which can date again as early because the nineteenth century. Now protected throughout the Monterey State Historic Park, Outdated Monterey was California’s earlier capital!
The properties and buildings of Monterey State Historic Park are completely wonderful to see and also you’ll even get to see the stunning rose gardens, too.
Alongside your stroll, don’t overlook to see the Customized Home Cactus Backyard and the First Brick Home. Plus, you’ll have the ability to stroll the whalebone sidewalk and spot Customized Home Backyard which has some cosy views of Monterey Harbor.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Yosemite
4.) Monterey Bay Coastal Leisure Path
When you fancy stretching your legs, be part of the Monterey Bay Coastal Leisure Path that takes in a number of the greatest spots.
At 18-mile in size, the route begins on the coastal level of Castroville and ends all the best way over on the Pacific Grove.
Alongside the best way, you’ll get to take a nosey round some key gems in Monterey that line town’s shoreline. You’ll see the agency favourites inside Monterey itself nevertheless it’ll additionally soak up spots just like the Lovers Level Park, too.
Oh, and don’t overlook to cease at First Awakenings for slightly afternoon pick-me-up. They make the tastiest Cinnamon Bread French Toast.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in San Francisco
5.) Level Lobos State Pure Reserve
Exploring the shoreline across the metropolis is definitely among the best issues to do in Monterey when driving. For me, one of many space’s greatest stretches of shoreline is at Level Lobos State Pure Reserve.
With its picture-perfect vistas and towering granite cliffs, Level Lobos State Pure Reserve is ideal to probe for a half-day journey.
If it’s a seaside you’re after, try Monastery Seaside which’s simply accessed through the Cabrillo Freeway or the Carmel Meadows path.
If a hike is extra your factor, try the Pine Ridge Path that traverses the park and rugged shoreline.
Oh, and for one of the best sundown, head to Sea Lion Level.
Learn extra: Finest highway journey stops in California
6.) Monterey Museum of Artwork
The Monterey Museum of Artwork proudly acknowledges California artists and their works. They actually make an effort to position them beneath the limelight which is so wonderful to see.
Visiting the Monterey Museum of Art lies alongside Pacific Avenue and is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Monterey if you wish to discover the native and statewide artwork that’s housed inside. It celebrates and emphasizes pictures and modern artwork whereas that includes artists equivalent to Ansel Adams, William Ritschel, and Edward Weston.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in California
7.) Monterey Bay Nationwide Marine Sanctuary
Monterey Bay Nationwide Marine Sanctuary is a protected space perched on the pristine coast between San Francisco and Cambria.
To place it merely, it’s an enormous space of oceanfront that’s protected for wildlife to thrive and It’s thought of considered one of California’s most spectacular locations for wildlife viewings.
You may simply discover Monterey Bay Nationwide Marine Sanctuary by driving down the coast by reserving a whale watching tour (on the Monterey’s Wharf).
Sometimes, {the summertime} is greatest to identify whales in Monterey Bay however annually will be barely totally different.
8.) Lovers Level Park and Seaside
Simply reached by following the Monterey Bay Coastal Path, Lovers Level is beautiful to go to.
Aside from the superior and mesmerizing views over Monterey Bay, the park is a superb little spot for a picnic while mountaineering the shoreline. When you fancy a dip, pop into ‘Journey By The Sea’ outfitters and rent a kayak to move onto the surf.
If that’s not your factor, take a stroll over to Pacific Grove Museum of Pure Historical past. It’s round a 10-minute stroll from the park and completely value it.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Yosemite
9.) Farmers Market at Outdated Monterey Market
When you’re in Monterey on a Tuesday, then ensure that to go to the weekly Farmers Market at Outdated Monterey Market. Going down each Tuesday on Alvarado Avenue, it’s the go-to place for some yummy native treats.
{The marketplace} serves heaps of avenue meals and packaged treats to take dwelling. Although, I all the time eat them earlier than we go away!
From Mexican to BBQ; there’s a shed load of various spots to seize a chew. Oh, and take a look at the little Baker’s Alley for all of the freshly toasted and baked goodies!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in California
10.) 17-Mile Drive
Starting at Pacific Grove Gate and carrying on to the Del Monte Forest, the 17- Mile Drive is an effective way to discover the shoreline and little spots simply across the headland between Monterey and Carmel Bay.
Now, you’ll have to pay an admission cost to drive the 17-miles on the gate. It’s one thing like $10 if I keep in mind accurately however they may reimburse you if you happen to spend $35 within the outlets and foodie spots.
Alongside the best way, you’ll get to absorb the beautiful shoreline and cease off at Pebble Seaside Market, too.
Fancy staying in a single day? Examine into The Lodge at Pebble Seaside.
Alternatively, take a while to relax at Carmel Seaside that’s equally as beautiful.
11.) Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Simply north of town, visiting Fort Ord Dunes State Park is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Monterey if you wish to discover the unspoilt shoreline.
From the parking areas, you’ll get to stroll proper by the dunes which open out onto probably the most wonderful shoreline.
On a relaxed day, you’ll be able to simply spot whales (in the event that they’re round) and it’s completely beautiful to observe the sundown proper from the seaside itself.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in California
12.) Carmel-by-the-Sea
Simply reverse Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea is nicely value a go to when staying in Monterey or driving the 17 Mile Drive to Pebble Seaside.
As soon as right here, you’ll have the ability to go to the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum that’s completely lovely inside and outside. Getting hungry? Cease at Forge in the Forest for lunch; their San Francisco Fashion Fondue is so yummy.
Additionally, remember to go to Cottage of Sweets and The Tuck Field constructing which’s nearly 100 years outdated.
They’re each like one thing out of a fairytale.
You may simply spot these (and extra) by following a self-guided walking tour that’ll take within the cities most historic buildings.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in California
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