Things to do in Monterey

Activities, attractions and tours
Monterey
Monterey
Monterey showing heritage architecture and general coastal views
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and landscape views
Monterey which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a bridge

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Top places to visit

1. Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases more than 35,000 animals and plants across 550 species. You’ll discover all kinds of local wildlife here, including fish of all sizes, invertebrates, mammals and plants.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium showing interior views and marine life

2. Cannery Row

Discover the leisure attractions along the historic street of Cannery Row. Once a thriving and rather smelly sardine-canning district, today this strip of coast offers fun for the whole family. Peruse the specialty shops and art galleries, dine in seafood restaurants, take the kids to Monterey Bay Aquarium and enjoy watersports in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
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Cannery Row which includes a beach as well as a small group of people

3. Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular waterfront area that played a major role in the development of Monterey. After serving as a busy port toward the end of the 19th century, it is today a diverse district that draws crowds with its seafood restaurants, lively bars and souvenir shops. Admire the excellent views of the ocean in this old-world harbor.
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Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes boating and general coastal views as well as a large group of people

4. Del Monte Beach

Del Monte Beach is a pristine stretch of sand that is a popular spot for surfing and beachcombing. It is an extension of the larger Monterey State Beach and shares many of the same amenities. Appreciate the serene ambiance and silence that take you away from the crowds and noise of the city.
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Del Monte Beach featuring mist or fog and a sandy beach

5. Golden State Theatre

Settle into your plush velvet seat at the Golden State Theatre and wait for the red curtains to open. You will quickly realize that the show you are seeing almost takes a backseat to the opulent setting. This movie palace in Monterey, California is a relic of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
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Golden State Theatre which includes theater scenes and a city

What to do in Monterey


Popular places to visit

Areas of Monterey

Carmel featuring signage, a city and street scenes

Downtown Monterey

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue might round out your trip.

Downtown Monterey
Monterey Bay Aquarium which includes marine life and interior views

New Monterey

If you're spending some time in New Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are top sights worth seeing.

New Monterey
Golden State Theatre showing theater scenes and a city

Old Monterey

Old Monterey is a destination visitors seek out for is pristine beaches, ample dining options, and popular aquarium. You might also want to check out attractions like Waterfront or Colton Hall Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Old Monterey
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Monterey Vista

If you're spending some time in Monterey Vista, Munras Avenue and Don Dahvee Park are top sights worth seeing.

Monterey Vista
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Lighthouse District

Lighthouse District is well-regarded for its pristine beaches, ample dining options, and popular aquarium, and you might also want to make a stop by Cannery Row, a top sight in the neighborhood.

Lighthouse District
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Alta Mesa

If you're spending some time in Alta Mesa, Munras Avenue and Del Monte Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

Alta Mesa