Things to Do in Monterey…
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row , Monterey, CA 93940
Phone(831) 648-4800
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Since its opening in 1984 on historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s mission has been to inspire conservation of the oceans. Recently named the #1 Aquarium in the World by the 2014 TripAdvisors Travelers Choice Award, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is known for its innovative exhibits and unsurpassed visitor experience.With more than 35,000 creatures representing over 550 species in nearly 200 exhibits filling 34 major galleries it is a showcase for the habitats and sea life of one of the world’s richest marine regions. Also named the #1 family-friendly aquarium by Parents Magazine, the aquarium has grown to become one of the leading ocean conservation organizations in the world. Travelers can find more information about the aquarium’s exhibits and the local marine environment, plus live web cams, a special events calendar, special discounts, behind-the-scenes tours and more at
A Taste of Monterey- Wine Market & Bistro
700 Cannery Row Ste K -- 2nd Floor , next door to the InterContinental The Clement
Phone (831) 646-5446
Thursday-Saturday 11am to 8pm (Food Service Daily, Noon to close)
Open Sunday-Wednesday 11am to 7pm
This regional wine market and bistro is Cannery Row's 2nd largest attraction and is a must see when in Monterey. Come in and discover the culinary delights of Monterey Wine Country. Take in the magnificent ocean's edge location while sampling locally-sourced wine and food. An entire wall of windows overlooks the majestic Monterey Bay, providing a stunning backdrop for a wine tasting and/or dinning adventure. Housed in a renovated circa 1918 sardine cannery, it showcases over 95 Monterey County wineries.
Cannery Row, Monterey
In January 1958, the City of Monterey officially re-named Ocean View Avenue "Cannery Row" in honor of John Steinbeck and his novel that described a colorful past set amid the cannery culture of the time. Now, Cannery Row's buildings are updated, shinier versions of turn-of-the-century canneries. They house an eclectic blend of specialty shops, local artists' galleries, and more than 25 restaurants and world-class attractions that make Cannery Row a top tourist destination.
Monterey Waterfront & Cannery Row Walking Tours
Daily Tours with Reservations at (831) 521-3304 starting at the InterContinental Clement Hotel
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This tour is now rated #1 Monterey Sightseeing tour on TripAdvisor! For thousands of years, people have made their living fishing the Monterey Bay, beginning with the RumsienOhlone, the Native People of the Monterey area. From abalone to rockfish, everything was fished and utilized and the Monterey Bay was a multi-cultural stew, made up of whalers from the Azores, squid fishermen from China, salmon fishermen and abalone divers from Japan, and Sicilians fishing sardines in the “dark of the moon.” This entertaining tour of Cannery Row and the Monterey Waterfront will take you back in time to explore the history of the fisheries of Monterey Bay and what made it one of the biggest and best fishing ports in the world. Discover some of the people and cultures of Monterey’s colorful past and hear fascinating stories about Old Fisherman’s Wharf and those who worked and walked there.Tour guide, Tim Thomas is a fourth-generation native of the Monterey area. For 16 years, he was historian/ curator for the Monterey Maritime & History Museum and has worked with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He is author of “The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula” and co-author of “Monterey’s Waterfront.”The tour is for ages 10-adult only and the cost is $20 for adults and kids are $15 (10-15 years). Group Rates are also available. RSVPs mandatory by calling (831) 521-3304. Tours start in the Lobby of the InterContinental Clement.
Monterey Movie Tours
Daily Tours with Reservations at 1 p.m. daily – 3 hours long – at the Portola Hotel
They can do a InterContinental The Clement pick up with minimum number of 4 advance reservations at 12:20 p.m. – Special rate of $45 per person. Use Promo Code HOTEL when booking to get special rate.
Monterey Sightseeing Movie Bus Tour – Scenic Tour of the Monterey Peninsula via luxury motor coach CallCall (831) 372-6278- See more at:
Whether you're looking for an introductory scenic tour of the area, an alternative to attractions you've already seen or an exciting rainy day option, Monterey Movie Tours® is your ticket to a star-studded getaway! This fascinating two-tours-in-one outing features both magnificent landscapes and blockbuster scenes from some 200 movies filmed across the Monterey Peninsula.Winding through Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel, this scenic tour also stops along the stunning 17-MILE DRIVE® in Pebble Beach. The three-hour adventure takes place aboard our multimedia Theater-On-Wheels® – a customized luxury motor coach with high-back seats, overhead video screens and personal headsets. As you glide past sites made famous on the big screen, you'll hear behind-the-scenes stories of Hollywood glamour.This is a movie tour, and yet so much more – in fact, it's the ONLY daily guided tour of the Monterey Peninsula! And, Monterey Movie Tours® enhances the standard sightseeing experience with film clips showcasing this celebrated region in times past. Peek into The Lodge at Pebble Beach circa 1956, when Doris Day runs through the entry in the suspense drama, "Julie." Marvel at the fullness of the Lone Cypress Tree as Lana Turner passes by the landmark in "Mr. Imperium." Experience the sights and sounds that inspired John Steinbeck himself while watching Marilyn Monroe journey along Cannery Row in "Clash by Night." - See more at:
Carmel-by-the-Sea
No exploration of California’s central coast is complete without a sojourn to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a town as well known for its shopping as it is for its most famous former civil servant, the Honorable Mayor Clint Eastwood. This quaint amalgamation of art galleries, boutiques, hotels, shops, fine restaurants and whimsically styled homes evokes a storybook ambiance that can be appreciated by romantics of all ages and it is no wonder why Travel + Leisure has named it as one of the "World's Best Cities for Romance." The area around Carmel-by-the-Sea, known simply as Carmel, has breathtaking scenery, wonderful parks and the historic Carmel Mission.
Carmel Wine Walk-by-the-Sea
(831) 624-2522
The Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea™ is pleased to offer the Wine Tasting Passport for $65 which provides tasters with a Wine Walk flight at their choice of any 9 of the 14 tasting rooms listed below. The Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea™ Wine Tasting Passport does not expire. The Wine Tasting Passport is available for purchase at the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center on San Carlos between 5th & 6th in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Wine Walk by-the-Sea™ is a self-paced, self-guided stroll to the tasting rooms which are all within a few blocks of each other on the both sides of Ocean Avenue.
Adventures by The Sea
(831) 372-1807
289 Cannery Row and 685 Cannery Row
Adventures by the Sea is the premiere recreational company on the Monterey Peninsula. For over 25 years, Adventures by the Sea has been providing visitors and locals the opportunity to discover Monterey by land and by sea! We have five locations throughout the Monterey Peninsula and our shops offer the best locations to start your kayaking or biking adventures from because we are in the heart of the action! Whether you are seeking to spot otters or looking for the recreational trail, our shops are truly in the best locations. Don’t waste time getting there, when you can start there!
They offer kayak and bike rentals and tours, family bike (or surrey) rentals and standup paddle board rentals and lessons! Whatever your activity, they have the equipment for you! Their guides help you explore -- Kayak Tours -- everyday at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.Explore the wonders of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary by sea! Docents share with you information about the ecology of the Bay, the history of the area, and the biology and habits of our varied marine life from sea otters to harbor seals to whales.
Kayak Tour Rates:
$60 per person. Two and a half hours
$85 per person for Stillwater Cove tours.
Bicycle Tours
Daily tours available; however, advanced reservations are required.
kayaker next to whale in MontereyCalifornia rental by adventures by the sea
Monterey Peninsula Bicycle Tour
Your guide will take you on the recreational trail along Cannery Row, past the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and along the beautiful Peninsula coastline.Riders will experience first hand the historical Point Pinos Lighthouse, Asilomar State Beach, 17 Mile Drive through Del Monte Forest, and scenic Bird and Seal Rock. All levels of experience can be accommodated from beginners to long distance riders.
Bike Tour Rates:$60 Two and a half hours
Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Dining, Shopping, Whale Watching – see special VIP card on the website
(There are four whale watching companies with two tours daily and 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. depending on the weather. See the VIP Card offer, too!)
Visitors to Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf will want to plan their visit to include lunch or dinner at one of the many Wharf restaurants. Many restaurants will be featuring special Columbus Day Weekend small bites. By going to visitors to Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf can access the “Enjoy the Wonders of the Wharf” free VIP Card promotion with 25 special offers.
A visit to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula just isn’t complete without a rendezvous with Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey that was built in 1845 for regular passenger and freight service. Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World™” and a top destination of visitors from around the world, Monterey’s Old Fisherman's Wharf provides a wide array of award-winning dining, shopping, live theater, special events, whale watching, bay cruises, a glass bottom boat, marine life, fishing and sailing, and strolling leisurely in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Monterey Bay. Savor delicious cuisine at a myriad of fabulous restaurants featuring stunning views and award-winning Italian food, sustainable seafood, grass-fed steaks, including the region’s famous clam chowder and calamari. Enjoy salt water taffy, homemade chocolates, caramel apples, cotton candy and many other yummy treats. View sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, whales, sea birds and other wildlife up close and personal that also share the Wharf. Watch people who have gone out and caught their own fish on the local and chartered fishing boats return with their own “catch of the day”.
Situated near downtown Monterey, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is conveniently located along the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail and has plenty of nearby parking
Monterey Adobes and the Path of History
The combination of Monterey State Historic Park and the antique adobes restored by the Monterey History and Art Association make Monterey the most historic city in California. 55 historic sites lay along Monterey's two-mile "Path of History," providing residents and visitors with a daily, living tie to California's heritage. The Path of History is one of the great bargains on the Peninsula. This self-guided tour of Old Monterey-marked by yellow tiles set in the sidewalk-explores adobes, gardens and sites of interest. Maps are available for individuals and groups.
Self-Guided Tour of the Path of History! There is an informative map and cellphone tour. The map and tour point out important adobes and structures such as Colton Hall, Custom House Plaza, Pacific House and the Golden State Theatre.
Shopping
Shopping experiences are abundant throughout Monterey County. Visit more than one to capture the flavor of the area and to take in their unique personalities. Situated on more than six acres, The Barnyard in Carmel is an upscale open-air shopping village nestled in a colorful tiered garden. There you'll find specialty shops and some of the area's stand-out restaurants. Neighboring Crossroads Shopping Village is a flower-filled boulevard of boutique fashion, jewelry, gift shops, and restaurants. Venture in to Carmel-by-the-Sea to the Carmel Plaza. Just eight blocks from the beautiful Carmel coastline, this luxury shopping enclave is home to designer brands and restaurants. Let their seasoned Concierges assist you with your shopping plans. Monterey's Del Monte Shopping Center features department stores, numerous brand stores and casual restaurants. Centrally located with easy freeway access and plenty of free parking, the center also features a 13-screen, state-of-the-art movie theater complex. Northridge Mall in Salinas is Monterey County's largest mall, with over 130 shops. The Barnyard Shopping Center features over 50 unique shops, galleries and restaurants, surrounded by lush gardens.
Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove, California has a classic Main Street, USA feel. With one of the oldest continually operating lighthouses in the country and a classic 1932 golf course partially designed by Jack Neville, Pacific Grove holds many old-fashioned charms. Pacific Grove also has a thoroughly modern focus on green elements like nature and sustainability. Its beaches, located right on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, are perfect spots for kayaking or surfing — and some of the fish you see on the Bay may turn up in your sustainable seafood dinner that night. Enjoy an array of shopping and dining along and near its Lighthouse Avenue. Pacific Grove's status as one of the top Monarch butterfly wintering-over spots has procured it the nickname of "Butterfly Town, USA."
For other ideas and more information about the sights of Monterey County: