Location: Monterey
Top Things to do in Monterey
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Monterey, California (CA)
Think picnics on gorgeous, uncrowded beaches, fabulous seafood restaurants, and great hotels overlooking beautiful Monterey Bay… Monterey is a great place for a romantic getaway. Nature buffs can explore the bay by kayak for a close-up look at sea lions, seals and otters.
Restaurants in Monterey
1. 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.
2. Larkin House
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Coast Guard Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By yandinazetland - Stonehaven, United Kingdom
A great spot to see the sealions and if you are really lucky some sea otters. The views back over to Fisherman's Wharf are worth a photograph as the sun sets.
6. San Carlos Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By MychelleF_12 - San Francisco, United States
If you are into California history or just enjoy historic buildings this beautiful Cathedral will not disappoint. It is the oldest continuously running church in California. The building was completed in 1794 under Father Junipero Serra. The amazing mass structure with it's well designed wooden doors are impressive. We were not able to see inside the building due to COVID. Unfortunately, our limited scheduled did not allow us to come back to attend their daily mass at 7:45 a.m.
7. Garrapata Creek Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We took another drive on Highway 1 from Monterey to Big Sur. As part of this drive one drives across the historic Garrapata Creek Bridge. There are impressive views of the Big Sur area and the Pacific Ocean.
8. Shepherd's Knoll
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We drove to the higher area of 17 mile drive. This is where one can see and enjoy a walk at the Shepherd's Knoll area. There is a nice deluxe home area nearby.
9. Cannery Row
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,339 reviews
Cannery Row is the Central Coast’s premier visitor destination. Home to some of the most luxurious hotels, world-class restaurants, boutiques & galleries, spas, premium wine tasting & exciting recreation Monterey has to offer, including the best nightlife. Walk everywhere. The breathtaking coastline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the backdrop for every Cannery Row experience. Parking is never a problem, and everything is within walking distance.
Reviewed By al130
Nice tourist area with a large variety of restaurants and tourist stores. The wine tasting stores are also nice
10. Old Fisherman's Wharf
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,713 reviews
Gift shops and stores fill this part of town.
Reviewed By RestlessNative365 - Tallahassee, United States
I enjoyed poking around Fishermans Wharf! It’s focused on tourist but there’s a lot to see around it. I enjoyed the old customs house. Tip: if you like clam chowder, go at lunch time and try all the free samples! Yum!
