Top Things to do in Monterey County
Things to do in Monterey County, Monterey County: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
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. El Carmelo Cemetery
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 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.
5. Lone Cypress
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By Discover796899 - Starkville, United States
Drove to this area to enjoy the quintessential Monterey Peninsula stop. An icon and must-see of this area. COVID has reduced the crowds, so a stop was timely and enjoyable.
6. Fairy Tale Cottages of Hugh Comstock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By roberteC4757UG
We took a self guided walking tour of 7 Fairy Tale cottages and this was one of the best. It's a bit of a climb up the hilly streets but well worth it. The great thing about this house is that it can be seen very well. A few of the others were obscured by vegetation and in one case construction fencing. Still a great way to spend an hour on a beautiful day in a magical place.
7. Bird Rock Vista Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
Birds love this area. One of the best places to see them is at Bird Rock Vista Point on 17 mile drive in Carmel. Although the parking area was closed (due to covid), we still liked seeing them as we drove to lunch at Roy's.
8. St. Mary's by the Sea Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We visited to take a photo of St. Mary's by the Sea Episcopal Church in Pacific Grove. I like the historic architecture of the church. The church was founded in 1886 by some Episcopal Women. It is the first church building constructed in Pacific Grove. It was modeled after St Mary's, a church in Bath, England.
9. Point Joe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By SpyHillBill - Pebble Beach, United States
Point Joe overlooks the 14th hole of the MPCC Dunes course, an iconic par 3 with crashing waves and pelicans overhead, doesn’t get any better...
10. Restless Sea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By patc218 - Napa, United States
I challenge anyone to sit for a while looking at this view and not feel their blood pressure lower and tranquility sneak in. Watching and listening to the ocean is one of life’s pleasures.
