7 Exciting Things to Do on a Vacation to Monterey, CA - Trip Canvas
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7 Exciting Things to Do on a Vacation to Monterey, CA
Published: April 28, 2023
Written byMichelle Palmer
Monterey is probably best known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which welcomes visitors to learn about and observe the wildlife of Monterey Bay, a national marine sanctuary.
While visiting Monterey, you can also see Cannery Row; the shops on Old Fisherman's Wharf and the harbor seals who frequent the area; take a whale-watching tour; tour Monterey State Historic Park; walk the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail; hike in Point Lobos and Garrapata state parks; and hang out on Monterey State Beach. Keep reading to find out more about things to do in Monterey.
Courtesy of Monterey Bay Aquarium / Randy Wilder
1 Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, CA
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, California
Monterey Bay Aquarium, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is a AAA GEM® (Great Experience for Members) attraction. The aquarium features a live kelp forest, sea otters, African penguins, and more than 75,000 animals in its nearly 200 exhibits. The aquarium opened in 1984 and works to protect the ocean and its marine life.
When you visit the aquarium, you'll see the Kelp Forest, the first live kelp forest in an aquarium. In the Open Sea exhibit, you'll see sea turtles, hammerhead sharks and schools of sardines. You can also enjoy learning about ecosystems and the wildlife that live along the California Coast.
Don't leave without visiting the sea otters. These aquarium residents are either rescued for rehabilitation and returned to the wild or are non-releasable. Not only will you learn about these adorable creatures that are important to the Pacific Coast ecosystem, but you also get to watch them eat, play and swim from above and below the water's surface in the two-story exhibit.
iStockphoto.com / Robert_Ford
2 Stroll Cannery Row in Downtown Monterey
Before or after you visit the aquarium, spend some time on Cannery Row. This strip of land was a hub for the fishing-packing industry, but around World War II, overfishing decimated the industry. In 1945, “Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck was published. The book's popularity led to residents preserving the architecture and look of the area.
Today, you'll find shops and restaurants tucked into the buildings where sardines were once canned. Sure, some of the shops are touristy, which doesn't appeal to everyone, but the area's charming architecture and history make it a must-see. Stop in Taste of Monterey, and grab a table with a view of the bay. You can get a bite to eat and enjoy a wine tasting. Schedule a tour through The Original Monterey Walking Tours to learn more about Cannery Row.
There are also outdoor activities down by the seashore. Schedule a kayak tour with Adventures by the Sea. You'll likely see otters, seals and sea lions while paddling through the bay with a guide that tells you about the wildlife of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Adventures by the Sea also rents bicycles, surreys (four-wheel bikes that fit two to four people) and electric bicycles.
iStockphoto.com / Chris LaBasco
3 Stroll the Boardwalk at Old Fisherman's Wharf
1 Old Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey, California
Old Fisherman's Wharf is a charming spot on most people's list of things to do in Monterey. The wharf, built in 1845, is full of colorful structures — a delightful mix of yellows, blues, pinks and reds. Restaurants serve fresh seafood and clam chowder, a Northern California favorite. Animal sightings are one of the main draws; you might see harbor seals, sea lions, sea otters, dolphins, whales and pelicans. The stores sell clothes, trinkets and souvenirs, while the sweet shops have chocolate- and caramel-covered apples, saltwater taffy, caramel popcorn and more.
History buffs might want to time their trip with a “wharf talk” on the first Saturday of the month. They are a two-hour guided walking tour hosted by Tim Thomas, a Monterey native and local historian. Tours meet at 10 a.m. Reserve your spot by contacting timsardine@yahoo.com or (831) 521-3304.
The wharf is paved and flat, and Old Fisherman's Wharf says that it is wheelchair accessible.
MarkMalleson / iStockphoto.com
4 Go on a Whale Watching Tour in Monterey Bay
Washington St. and Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey, California
Add a whale watch to your Monterey itinerary. Tours depart from Fisherman's Wharf, and companies include Chris' Fishing and Whale Watching, Discovery Whale Watch, Monterey Bay Whale Watch and Princess Monterey Whale Watching. You have the chance to see whales year-round in the bay, but which species you're likely to see varies by season. Blue whales are most common from May through October, and gray whales are usually seen December through May. Humpback whales breach the waters March through November, while orca sightings typically occur mid-April through mid-May and late August through October.
To prepare for your tour, wear warm layers; it can get unseasonably cold out on the bay. In addition to sunscreen, bring your sunglasses and a hat for sun protection. For nausea, check with your doctor and protect yourself from nausea by taking seasickness medication before boarding; follow the directions or manufacturer's instructions for best results. Also, consider securing your camera or phone with a strap; no one wants their electronics sinking to the bottom of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary because they fumbled with their device.
All listed tour operators currently restrict pregnant people from taking the tours. As for accessibility, you must be able to navigate steps in order to board the vessels.
McGhiever / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
5 Monterey State Historic Park
Custom House Plaza, 93940
Monterey, California
Learn about California history at this state historic park and enjoy seeing the historic buildings on a guided or self-guided tour. If you opt to tour the park on your own, start at the Pacific House Museum, where you can acquire a map of the park and start the cellphone tour featuring Monterey history.
Guided tours are offered Thursday through Sunday at 11, 1 and 3. To take the tour, purchase tickets at the Custom House, next to the Old Fisherman's Wharf. No matter which option you choose, you can learn about the history of the area starting with the native people Rumsen (or Ohlone in their native language), who lived in the area prior to European settlers to Mexican independence from Spain, and Monterey coming under the control of the U.S. during the Mexican-American War.
Notable places within the historic district include the Stevenson House, an adobe-style home where Robert Louis Stevenson once lived. This house is open to guided tours at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday. You can also take a guided tour of the Larkin House at 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Per California State Parks, some of the historic buildings are partially accessible. The paths are paved, but some areas are hilly. People who use mobility aids may have difficulty navigating through the area. Visit the park website for more information.
SeeMonterey.com
6 Hikes in Monterey County
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
This 18-mile paved trail starts in Castroville and runs past Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf (Municipal Wharf No. 2) and on to Pacific Grove. The trail also passes the Coast Guard Pier, a popular spot to fish, spot wildlife and launch kayaks. The trail is divided into two lanes and is open to cyclists and walkers. Stay in the right lane, so cyclists and runners can safely pass other pedestrians.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
SR 1
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has several trails ranging from easy to difficult and some are marked accessible by the California State Parks. Lace Lichen Trail, named for the lacey-appearing lichen that grows on the abundant pine trees, is half a mile. Pine Ridge Trail is a 0.7-mile trail where you might see wildlife, including black-tailed deer and chestnut-backed chickadees. Sand Hill Trail is a 0.6-mile loop, that is marked ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. It is popular for its West Coast sunsets over the ocean and for wildlife spottings of sea otters, harbor seals and other marine life. You might also see gray whales migrating. Check the park website for more information on accessible trails and activities.
Garrapata State Park
SR 1
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Garrapata State Park is considered a hidden gem that is easy to drive past if you don't know about it. You'll find strenuous hikes and opportunities to see wildlife among the trees. Among the many species of birds that live in the park are the American kestrel, shouldered kite and spotted owls. The terrain also varies from a mixed evergreen forest that has redwoods, maples and conifers to scrub brush and rocky shorelines of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The park is about 6.7 miles south of Rio Road on SR 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. Use the California State Parks trail map to find trailheads and look for pullouts when driving.
Note that none of the trails or park features are marked wheelchair accessible.
iStockphoto.com / Imagesbybarbara
7 Soak up the sun at Monterey State Beach.
Figueroa St. & Del Monte Ave.
Monterey, California
It's hard to think about things to do in Monterey and not talk about the beaches. Monterey's shoreline offers wildlife viewing, birdwatching, kayaking and more. Monterey State Beach is the only one of Monterey's six state beaches that has safe swimming conditions. It's made up of three areas, Seaside Beach, Houghton M. Roberts Beach and Window on the Bay Beach. These beaches stretch from Municipal Wharf No. 2 to Sand City.
Window on the Bay Beach is the area considered safe for swimming, though the water can be cold. It also is a popular spot for kayakers and scuba divers.
Seaside Beach, the northernmost portion, is a windy spot where paragliders take flight, and folks fly kites. You might also see people searching for sea glass here. Houghton M. Roberts Beach, between the other two, is frequented by walkers and joggers.
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Michelle Palmer is a development editor who has over 10 years of experience in the travel publishing industry. She loves telling the stories, histories and culture of places that inspire others to go and experience new destinations. When not traveling, she participates in circus arts, goes to live shows and is a “Murder, She Wrote” aficionado.
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