Planning a trip to Monterey, California? Start with three things: the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a walk down Cannery Row, and a drive along 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. Add Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch and Point Lobos for a coastal hike, and you have a full trip.
Quick note before you read on. This guide covers Monterey, the coastal city on California’s Central Coast, part of Monterey Bay and Monterey County. If you’re searching for Monterey Park, that’s a different city near Los Angeles. If you meant Monterey, Tennessee, that’s a small town on the other side of the country. Different places, different trips.
The rest of this guide covers what to do in Monterey Bay, California, how long to stay, what things cost in 2026, and answers to the questions people ask most before they visit.
The Anchor: Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium sits at 886 Cannery Row and is the top reason most people come to Monterey. It is home to sea otters, sharks, jellies, and a massive kelp forest tank that stretches up two stories.
Here is the most important thing to know before you go: you cannot buy tickets at the door. The aquarium only sells tickets online, and you need to book them in advance. Showing up without a ticket means you won’t get in.
As of October 2026, here is what tickets cost:
| Ticket type | Age | Price |
| Adult | 18 to 69 | $65 |
| Youth | 5 to 17 | $50 |
| Senior | 70 and up | $50 |
| Child | 4 and under | Free |
You can buy tickets directly through the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s official site.
There’s a strong reason to time your trip around this fall. On November 7, 2026, the aquarium is opening a brand new exhibit called Ocean in Motion, or La Danza del Mar. It includes an expanded home for African penguins, along with big-bellied seahorses and colorful coral reef displays. If you’re planning a trip for late 2026, this is a fresh reason to go, and it won’t be in older guides.
A few tips to make your visit smoother. Plan for at least two to three hours inside, more if you want to catch a feeding time. Weekends and school holidays get busy, so a weekday morning visit is usually calmer. Bring a light jacket even in summer, since the building near the water can feel cool.
Because tickets are sold online only and the aquarium does not say how far in advance you need to book, it’s smart to reserve your spot as soon as your dates are set, especially if you’re visiting around the new exhibit’s opening.
Top 10 Things to Do in Monterey
Monterey packs a lot into a small area. Here are the ten things most worth your time, especially if you’re visiting this weekend or exploring the wider Monterey County area.
1. Monterey Bay Aquarium
The city’s biggest draw, covered in detail above. Book tickets online before you go.
2. Cannery Row
Once a row of sardine canning factories, now a stretch of shops, restaurants, and ocean views. It’s an easy walk right next to the aquarium.
3. Fisherman’s Wharf
A working wharf lined with seafood restaurants and boat tours. It’s a good spot for lunch or to book a whale watching trip.
4. 17-Mile Drive
This scenic drive winds through Pebble Beach past famous coastal views, including the Lone Cypress tree. A few things to know before you go:
- The toll is $12.50 per vehicle.
- If you spend $35 or more at a Pebble Beach Resorts restaurant, the toll gets reimbursed. Keep your receipt.
- Motorcycles are not allowed on the drive.
You can check current details on the official 17-Mile Drive page before you go.
5. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Often called one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in California, with hiking trails along cliffs and coves. Here’s the catch: the reserve only has about 150 parking spaces, and it draws more than 600,000 visitors a year. That math doesn’t work out well on busy days.
There’s been talk for years about a reservation system, called ParkIT!, to manage the crowds. As of late 2026, that system is still going through review and is not confirmed as active. Don’t count on reservations being required or not required. Your safest move is to arrive early, ideally right when the reserve opens, since the lot can fill up fast once the day gets going.
6. Carmel-by-the-Sea
A short drive from Monterey, this small town is known for its beach, art galleries, and restaurants. It pairs well with a Monterey trip if you have more than one day.
7. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
A paved path that runs along the water, good for walking or biking without needing a car. It connects several of the spots on this list.
8. Whale watching
Monterey Bay is known for whale sightings, with boats departing from Fisherman’s Wharf. Tour length and timing depend on the season, so check with the operator directly.
9. Monterey State Historic Park
A cluster of historic buildings and sites that tell the story of Monterey’s early days in California history.
10. Lovers Point Park
Located in nearby Pacific Grove, this park offers ocean views without the heavier crowds you’ll find on Cannery Row or the Wharf. It’s a solid pick if you want a quieter break from sightseeing.
Hidden Gems & Uncrowded Views
Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf get packed, especially on weekends and in summer. If you want a break from the crowds, here are a few spots locals actually use.
Lovers Point Park
Head over to Pacific Grove, just a few minutes from downtown Monterey, and you’ll find Lovers Point Park. It has the same kind of ocean views as the busier spots, but with way more breathing room. It’s also been used as a filming location for TV, which is a fun bonus if you like spotting real-world movie spots.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
This paved path runs right along the water and connects several parts of the city. Walking or biking it lets you skip parking headaches entirely and see the coast at your own pace, away from traffic and tour groups.
Tipsy Putt
If you’re traveling with a group or just want something more laid back than another photo stop, Tipsy Putt is a current local favorite. It’s the kind of low-key activity locals recommend to friends visiting from out of town, rather than something you’ll find on every tourist list.
None of these spots require much planning. They’re easy to fit in between bigger stops like the aquarium or 17-Mile Drive, and they’re a good reminder that Monterey has more going on than just its most photographed corners.
Itineraries: 1 or 2 Days in Monterey & Carmel
If you only have one day, focus on Monterey itself. If you have two, add Carmel and the coast in between.
One day in Monterey
Start with the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Book your tickets online ahead of time, since you can’t buy them at the door. Plan for at least two to three hours inside.
In the afternoon, walk down Cannery Row toward Fisherman’s Wharf. Grab lunch or an early dinner at the Wharf, and if you have time, look into a whale watching boat before the day ends.
Two days in Monterey and Carmel
Day 1: Monterey
Same as above. Aquarium first, then Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf in the afternoon and evening.
Day 2: Point Lobos, 17-Mile Drive, and Carmel
Start this day early, earlier than feels necessary. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has only about 150 parking spots, and it gets over 600,000 visitors a year. If you show up after mid-morning on a weekend, there’s a real chance you won’t get in. Arriving right at opening gives you the best shot at a spot and a quieter trail.
After a few hours hiking at Point Lobos, head to 17-Mile Drive. The toll is $12.50 per vehicle, but you can get it reimbursed if you spend $35 or more at a Pebble Beach Resorts restaurant. Keep that receipt. Note that motorcycles aren’t allowed on this drive, so plan accordingly if that’s your transportation.
Spend the rest of your afternoon in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It’s a small town with galleries, boutiques, and a well-known beach. It has a slower, more upscale feel than Monterey, which makes it a nice contrast after a full morning outdoors. Wander the village streets, stop into a gallery or two, and wind down your trip with dinner there before heading back.
Quick version, side by side
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Day 1 | Monterey Bay Aquarium | Cannery Row walk | Fisherman’s Wharf dinner |
| Day 2 | Point Lobos (arrive early) | 17-Mile Drive to Carmel | Dinner in Carmel |
This order works because it puts the most time-sensitive stop, Point Lobos, first thing on day 2, and ends your trip somewhere relaxed instead of rushing to fit in one more thing.
Things to Do in Monterey with Kids
Monterey is an easy place to visit with kids, as long as you plan around a few basics.
Start with the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Kids 4 and under get in free, which helps if you’re traveling with little ones. Ages 5 to 17 pay the youth rate. The exhibits are hands-on in places, like touch pools, which keeps younger kids interested longer than a typical museum visit.
For something active, whale watching is a solid family activity. Boats leave from Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and Fast Raft Ocean Safaris is one option worth looking into if you want a shorter, faster trip out on the water. It’s worth checking directly with them on trip length and any age requirements before you book, since this can change by season.
If you need a break from lines and crowds, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is a good choice. It’s a flat, paved path along the water, which makes it easy for strollers and for kids who want to bike or walk without worrying about road traffic.
A few practical tips for families:
- Pack layers. Monterey stays cool and foggy even in summer, which surprises a lot of visitors.
- Book aquarium tickets online in advance. You can’t buy them at the door.
- Keep your day loose. Between the aquarium, the Wharf, and the Coastal Trail, you already have a full day without needing to rush between stops.
Things to Do in Monterey for Adults
Monterey leans family-friendly, especially around the aquarium and Cannery Row, where strollers and school groups are part of the daily scene. If you’re traveling without kids and want a slower pace, the move is to split your time between Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Spend your morning in Monterey. Walk along the waterfront, grab coffee near Fisherman’s Wharf, and take in the views without needing to rush. Monterey still has plenty to offer adults, it’s just busier with families than Carmel tends to be.
In the afternoon, head to Carmel-by-the-Sea. It has a noticeably quieter, more upscale feel. The village is built for wandering, with art galleries tucked along tree-lined streets and small boutiques worth browsing without a schedule. It’s a good fit if you’re looking for wine tasting, a longer lunch, or a nice dinner without competing with large family groups.
Here’s a simple way to think about the split:
| Where | Best for |
| Monterey | Waterfront views, casual dining, morning activities |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | Galleries, wine tasting, upscale dining, quiet walks |
If you have a full day, this pairing works well as a loop. Start in Monterey, drive over to Carmel for the afternoon, and end your day there with dinner. It gives you a mix of coastal scenery and a calmer, more adult atmosphere without needing to plan around nap times or crowded exhibits.
A short evening walk through Carmel’s village streets is a simple way to close out the day, especially if you’re looking for something relaxed rather than another packed itinerary stop.
Pop Culture, TV, and Local Lore
Monterey and the surrounding area have shown up on screen more than most visitors realize. HBO’s Big Little Lies filmed heavily around here, with scenes shot at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Lovers Point, and the famous Bixby Creek Bridge further down the coast. If you’ve watched the show, several spots on this list will look familiar.
The area’s film history goes back further than that. Clint Eastwood’s Play Misty for Me was filmed at the Sardine Factory on Cannery Row, long before Big Little Lies brought a new wave of attention to the region.
As for celebrities, most of the real star power is in Carmel-by-the-Sea rather than Monterey itself. Clint Eastwood isn’t just a filming connection here. He actually served as Carmel’s mayor for two years back in the 1980s, and the town still carries some of that legacy. More recently, Brad Pitt bought a home in Carmel-by-the-Sea reported to be worth around $40 million, keeping the town’s reputation as a quiet celebrity retreat very much alive.
If spotting familiar filming locations or soaking in a bit of Hollywood history sounds appealing, pairing a Monterey trip with an afternoon in Carmel covers both angles well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I spend a day in Monterey?
Start with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, since tickets must be booked online in advance. In the afternoon, walk Cannery Row and end at Fisherman’s Wharf for dinner or a whale watching trip.
What’s better, Carmel or Monterey?
It depends on what you want. Monterey is busier and more family-friendly, built around the aquarium and the waterfront. Carmel-by-the-Sea is quieter and more upscale, better suited for galleries, wine tasting, and a slower pace.
What to do in Monterey in 2 days?
Spend day one in Monterey, covering the aquarium, Cannery Row, and the Wharf. On day two, start early at Point Lobos, then drive 17-Mile Drive into Carmel for the afternoon.
What are some hidden gems in Monterey Bay?
Lovers Point Park in Pacific Grove offers ocean views without heavy crowds. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is another quiet option for walking or biking along the water.
What are the top 10 things to do in Monterey?
Top picks include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, 17-Mile Drive, Point Lobos, Carmel-by-the-Sea, whale watching, the Coastal Recreation Trail, Monterey State Historic Park, and Lovers Point Park.
What celebs live in Monterey?
Most celebrity homes in the area are actually in nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, not Monterey itself. Clint Eastwood and Brad Pitt are two well-known names tied to Carmel.
What TV show was filmed in Monterey?
HBO’s Big Little Lies filmed extensively around Monterey, including scenes at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Lovers Point, and Bixby Creek Bridge.
Is Monterey conservative or liberal?
Monterey County’s voter registration leans Democratic, with about 51.2% registered Democratic and roughly 20.9% registered Republican as of 2024 data.
What celebrities have homes in Carmel?
Clint Eastwood, a former Carmel mayor, has long been tied to the town. Brad Pitt more recently purchased a home there reported at around $40 million.
Final Thoughts
Monterey works whether you have one day or a full weekend. Book your aquarium tickets early, get to Point Lobos before the lot fills, and leave room for a slower afternoon in Carmel if you can. Stick to current prices and hours before you go, since things like the 17-Mile Drive toll and aquarium admission can change year to year. With that groundwork, you’re ready to plan a trip that actually matches how you like to travel, whether that’s a fast weekend hitting the highlights or two relaxed days split between Monterey’s waterfront and Carmel’s quieter streets.
