Top Things to do in Monterey County
Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Monterey County, Monterey County
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. Point Lobos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,751 reviews
Watch whales in winter and sea lions all year round at this Bay Area nature reserve, which offers hiking, walking, bird watching, scuba diving and magnificent views.
Reviewed By travelerfromsj - San Jose, United States
This park is called the crown jewel of California’s State Park System, and rightly so. It’s one of the most beautiful places in California, equivalent IMHO to the National Parks, Lake Tahoe and Big Sur. Moreover, it’s small enough to see in a half day visit, and very visitor friendly to boot, with easy and well-groomed trails (many accessible) and restrooms scattered throughout the park. We went on a sunny weekday in December, parked at Whalers Cove, and hiked the coast trail counterclockwise around the peninsula to the southern tip of the park at Bird Island, taking every offshoot trail and climbing Whalers Knoll. We then walked straight back to our car. This was about a 5.7 mile loop, with 700 feet of elevation change. In general the trail is easy, packed dirt and sand, plus occasional stairs and some rocks to climb at the overlooks. The only real climb is at Whalers Knoll, which goes up about 180 ft., but you can bypass this via North Shore Trail. Highlights on the walk were the beautiful twisty trees on Cypress Grove Trail and the bird-covered Bird Island. The walk out to Sea Lion Point was closed, possibly because of high surf. No whale sightings, but we did see harbor seals lying out on one of the beaches near Bird Island. Some quick tips if you decide to visit: 1. If you’re a local, check the weather and wait for a sunny weekday to visit, preferably in the off season. If you do, the park will be fairly empty and parking is easy, except possibly near Sea Lion Point. A docent told us that on a sunny day in the summer, parking is full by 9 am, and the park is then closed to cars. 2. Entry is $10, $9 for seniors, plus $2 for the trail map (well worth it). You can get in for free by parking along Highway 1 and walking in. 3. Bring a picnic lunch. There are 3 picnic areas, 5 flush restrooms, and many drinking fountains, but no food for sale. 4. Bring binoculars for a close up look at the birds and marine mammals. 5. Bring a face mask or buff that you can pop on quickly when passing hikers on the trail. Mask usage here was very good. If you’re sick and tired of being stuck at home, visit Point Lobos; it’s the perfect antidote.
2. Bella Monterey Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 340 reviews
Private Wildlife Tours, Sailing on 47'Luxury Italian Racer Cruiser sailing yacht for your personal and intimate pleasure for sailing our beautiful Monterey Bay Sanctuary.
3. Pierce Ranch Vineyards Tasting Room
4. Cane & Spur Wine Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
Join us for an amazing personalized experience in Monterey wine country. Your guide will tailor the tour just for you, and introduce you to some of the best wineries and wine growing families in the region.
5. Carmel Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 610 reviews
ADDITIONAL TOUR OPTIONS AND AVAILABILITY ON OUR WEBSITE - CLICK 'MORE' ABOVE (DESKTOP) TO BOOK DIRECT. Carmel Food Tours® is a walking, tasting and cultural tour of beautiful downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Experience the most famous artist colony in California with a leisurely stroll through the heart of Carmel, taste a specially-selected variety of foods and wines from local restaurants and boutique shops, and become acquainted with the unique history and culture of this magical city.
6. 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.
7. Garrapata State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
This rocky beach is typical of the beautiful scenery along the Big Sur coastline.
Reviewed By meadef - Soquel, United States
Absolutely dramatic coast along with hiking trails through coastal brush and wildflowers. The beach is great for walking or even for sunbathing. Parking is easy on the wide dirt shoulder, room for many cars. It's a great way to sample Big Sur without a long hike.
8. Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Apastoys - Soledad, United States
Soledad Mission has special meaning to me because I grew up in the city of Soledad.CA. One of my earliest memories was visiting this historic site as a grade schooler on a field trip. As I grew up a appreciated the significance that this mission played in early California history. The mission was founded on Oct. 9 1791 and was the 13th mission to be created by the Franciscans. The mission is located at 36641 Fort Romie Rd just south west of the city of Soledad and is opened from 10am to 4pm except for major holidays. The grounds and gift shop are maintained by staff and volunteers. You can stop by the gift shop get self guided tour brochures or to ask questions of the friendly staff. There is an on site museum with many artifacts from early California.and the chapel is still used today for Mass on the first Sunday for every month.
9. Hahn Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By 65_PB - Southport, United States
The wine tasting area, overlooking an expansive vista with the pinnacles in the background is one of the best in the world! Their wines are superb as well, from the Doctor's to the Grenache and the sarah, not to mention the pinot and the zone. We've been drinking wines forever and these stand up to the best.
10. Folktale Winery & Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By SanFranciscoTRVLR - San Francisco, United States
Were in Carmel Valley during COVID. Folktale did offer by reservation tastings in their beautiful outdoor area. What gorgeous grounds they have. But we did takeout of a bottle of wine and dinner. The Pinot was fantastic- normally we like Oregon Pinots but really liked this too. The food was delicious particularly the Pizzas (Margherita was the best), Meatballs and Brussel Sprouts. Definitely will be making this a frequent stop on future visits to Carmel
