Top Things to do in Monterey County
What to do and see in Monterey County, Monterey County: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. Pierce Ranch Vineyards Tasting Room
2. Holman Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 63 reviews
This stunning 750 acre property includes a fully restored historic stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards and wine caves, olive grove, and horse stables. Holman Ranch is available for private events and weddings, and is accessible BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call to arrange a tour of the property.
Reviewed By sttr0421 - Laguna Hills, United States
One of the only options right now for actual winery tours that meet all required Covid guidelines. We paid for the off-road experience and had the best tour guide, Peter. He took us all over the property, stopping in to see the wine caves (you can peek in), through the vineyard (even ate grapes off the vine) and ended with our own personal tasting outside the Hacienda. It's picturesque and no wonder a hot spot for weddings. The wines are excellent and don't forget to snag a bottle of their olive oil. Tasty!
3. Joullian Vineyards & Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Joullian Vineyards and Winery is committed to growing superb grapes that create memorable wines. We are dedicated to producing the finest wines from the area. Our tasting room in the village offers three different tasting flight menus. It also has a new barrel room which is perfect for rehearsal dinners, private tastings, and charity events. Joullian also offers tours of the Vineyard and Winery.
Reviewed By BnRadventures2015 - Los Angeles, United States
Favorite tasting room in Carmel valley!! Laura our server was a pleasure to chat with and super knowledgeable about wine. Loved the atmosphere, the wines and the service.
4. Moto Talbott
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By DebWong51
We spent more than 2 hours wandering around this museum. There are several sections devoted to motorcycles, scooters and memorabilia. My husband is a rider, has been for most of his life. I don't ride, but I am a Moto-GP racing fan, and am fascinated by the designs, workmanship, and stories behind the bikes on display. You'll see one of Steve McQueen's Harleys, Nicky Hayden and Eric Bostrom bikes, vintage motorcycles, and more. My husband spoke with curator and restorer Bobby Weindorf, and we were shown around by Randy wilder, who told us amazing and entertaining stories about some of the bikes (and their riders). The entry price is very reasonable - as seniors, we got in for $10. each - and you won't regret the time you spend here.
5. Monterey Bay Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,123 reviews
Located at the ocean's edge, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a window to marine life -- for dive masters and non-swimmers alike. It's home to sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellies and thousands of other marine animals and plants. Its mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean.
Reviewed By Healthy94920 - San Francisco, United States
Re-joined this most excellent Aquarium to Capture the evolving array of remarkable sea creatures from the mysterious jellyfish to playful, entertaining sea otters, sharks, crustaceans, scuba diving experience all @ reasonable rates & with well-trainer staff at your service throughout your tour. Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to begin to enjoy this wonderful venue!
6. 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.
7. Pacific House Museum
8. 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.
9. Monterey County Youth Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Now open at 425 Washington Street, located in Downtown Monterey, conveniently by the Monterey Sports Center and Dennis the Menace Park, the Monterey County Youth Museum provides an environment unique to any other in Monterey County. This 8,500 square foot museum is packed with a variety of hands on exhibits, making each visit unique and exciting. It compliments any visit to the Monterey area or makes a good day into a great day for those who are fortunate to visit us on a regular basis.
10. 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.
