Top Things to do in Monterey County
10 Sights & Landmarks in Monterey County That You Shouldn't Miss
Monterey offers a host of historic attractions from Cannery Row to the famed Monterey Aquarium. This incredible sliver of oceanfront offers an amazing bounty of things to do, with marine, floral and vine-fresh delights to savor. Monterey-Salinas Transit and Amtrak let you take your eyes off the road. Charming towns, world-class golf courses and idyllic inns lie at the hem of the glittering Pacific. Whether you're looking for calm or noisy beachside fun, the Monterey Peninsula has it in buckets.
Restaurants in Monterey County
1. Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 741 reviews
Reviewed By SFantle101 - Bellevue, United States
This is a beautiful alternative (or complement) to 17 Mile Drive; much less traffic and still great views any time of day. Take the time for a relaxing walk and you'll be rewarded with serenity.
2. Perry House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Built in 1860 by Whaling Captain Manuel Perry, and lovingly restored in 2011 as a private special events venue for weddings and corporate events.
3. Lovers Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
Reviewed By krysheila99
This is a definite must place to visit with or without children. A nice place to enjoy one on one time with your soulmate or awful nice place to enjoy with family my grandkids totally enjoyed the beach and also the park they have you can rent bikes you can rent Kayaks. The view is beautiful
4. San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 508 reviews
Established in 1771, this Spanish mission is one of the most beautiful in the state and worth a visit for its serene aura. The mission includes a working church, gardens and interior exhibits.
Reviewed By tinahN3641RS
I thought the grounds were gorgeous and the history very interesting, especially if you aren't stopping at other missions along the coast. The self-guided tour doesn't take long and is worth the stop.
5. Tor House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
The historic home of the poet Robinson Jeffers is open to the public for group tours Fridays and Saturdays. First Tour at 10AM, last tour at 3PM. Tours last about 1 hr 20 minutes. Docents describe the life and times of Robinson and Una Jeffers, his poetry, philosophy, and accomplishments of building his home of sea-tossed granite. Wear walking shoes to cope with uneven ground and steep stairs. No photography during tours. Special events annually are the Spring Garden Party held the first Sunday in May when photography is permitted in Tor House and Hawk Tower. Jeffers Fall Festival is held the first weekend of October and includes discussions and presentations on Jeffers' poetry and his life in Carmel. Both are paid events. Check the Tor House web site for details near the time of event.
Reviewed By Z8070LNjeanf
A most enjoyable tour of the Poet's home Robinson Jeffers. Our tour guide was very engaging and interesting, and read a poem to enhance the experience.
6. Larkin House
7. Point Pinos Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
The oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast.
Reviewed By RRP807
Worth the small entrance fee. Very informative / Two very knowledgeable volunteers inside lighthouse to answer any questions you might have. This lighthouse is in great condition. Me and my wife spent about 45 minutes in the lighthouse and walking around the grounds.Bathrooms are available.
8. Doc Rickett's Pacific Biological Laboratories
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
A landmark on Cannery Row, this is the spot where John Steinbeck's good buddy and biologist Ed "Doc" Ricketts prepped the marine life he collected before shipping it to schools and medical facilities.
Reviewed By sfcawannabe
Growing up reading Steinbeck, I thought that Doc (Ed) Ricketts was a fictional character... I learned otherwise. Ed Ricketts was the grandfather of modern Marine Biology, and he was a real character. They only open up his lab once or twice a year for visits, but I can't remember when. If you're interested in Steinbeck and/or Marine Biology, this is a MUST SEE! Fun fact: Ed Ricketts was the man responsible for frog disection in high school biology classes.
9. 17-Mile Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,463 reviews
Seals bask on the beach and pelicans perch on rocky cliffs along this famous drive that passes through many popular spots.
Reviewed By sjwillkommen - Munich, Germany
We consider it a „must see“ when in town or nearby. From beautiful mansion and tree-lined streets with abundant flowers to the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Course to a wild and rugged coast and many wildlife - it‘s an amazing peninsula! We did it 3 times by now - and in very different weather. It‘s worth on sunny as well as clouded, foggy, rainy days.
10. Ocean Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By mnmcsls - Sydney, Australia
My wife and I are the big fans of succulent plant, and we found Carmel-by-the-sea has one of the most beautiful displays of succulent plant in the US (probably the world?). We have travelled the world and to our surprise this little town is probably one of the most charming we have visited. The charming area stretches from 5th Ave to 7th Ave from north to south, and Monte Verde St to Junipero St from west to east. If you happen to have limited time and have to choose between Carmel, Monterey or Santa Cruz, I reckon Carmel is your best choice (definitely lose Santa Cruz due to lack of character in comparison). We glad we have made the right choice!
