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2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

CA-1

6.7

4.8/5

499 reviews

CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.

Monterey County · 20.1km from Monterey

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No. 11 of Fall Viewing Attractions in California

17 Mile Dr

5.8

4.4/5

291 reviews

17 Mile Dr is a coastal scenic road that runs through the private coastal community of Pebble Beach, named for its total length of approx. 17 miles. On one side of the road are the rolling pine forests and Monterey cypress of the Del Monte Forest, and on the other is the rocky coastline of the Pacific Ocean, with over 10 viewpoints along the way. The iconic view of this scenic route is The Lone Cypress, a Monterey cypress that has grown alone on a granite rock for approx. two and a half centuries. It has long been considered the symbol of Pebble Beach and is a highly popular photo spot along the entire route. Bird Rock is home to flocks of seabirds, sea lions, and harbor seals all year round. The rocks are stained white by years of bird droppings, making it a lively place. In the Seal Rock area, you can often see seals lazily basking in the sun. Spanish Bay features an open beach, a rarity along the route, where visitors stack smooth pebbles into small towers. At sunset, a bagpiper plays by the sea, a tradition that has continued for decades. China Rock holds the history of Chinese fishermen who sought shelter and settled there, while Ghost Tree has become a unique photography subject with its twisted, bleached trunk. There are many attractions along the way. The scenic route also passes through several championship-level golf courses, including the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Del Monte Forest · 3.9km from Monterey

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No. 15 of Family-friendly Attractions in California

Monterey Bay Aquarium

5.5

4.5/5

203 reviews

Monterey Bay Aquarium is built on the site of a former sardine cannery on the shores of Monterey Bay and has focused on the marine ecology of this bay since it opened. What makes it special is that the water for the exhibit tanks is pumped directly from the bay, bringing many fish, shellfish, and seaweed into the aquarium along with the seawater. The creatures in the exhibits live in the actual seawater of the bay, so what you see is not just a generic collection of marine animals, but the ecological landscape of the bay itself outside the window. Several permanent exhibits in the aquarium each have their signature highlights: in the three-story Kelp Forest, giant kelp grows at a rate visible to the naked eye, and schools of fish weave through the swaying kelp; the Open Sea exhibit holds over a million gallons of water, where green sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, schools of Pacific sardines, and round, stout ocean sunfish cruise through the large blue tank;Monterey BayHabitats exhibit recreates different environments such as sandy sea floors, shale reefs, and wharf pilings, where sevengill sharks, rays, and giant sea bass appear, while the nearby touch pools, surge channels, and walk-through aviary are especially suitable for family-friendly experiences. The Sea Otter exhibit is home to southern sea otters that were rescued and could not be released back into the wild; they also take on the task of caring for stranded pups, and the feeding and training demonstration sessions are very popular, with viewing windows on the first floor where you can see them rolling flexibly underwater. The deep-sea exhibit relies on the adjacent Monterey Canyon to bring rarely seen deep-sea creatures into the aquarium, with giant isopods, Japanese spider crabs, and iridescent comb jellies as residents; jellyfish husbandry is also a traditional strength of this aquarium. The seaside deck faces the bay, offering opportunities to encounter wild sea otters and seals.

Monterey · 812m from downtown

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Pebble Beach

5.3

4.7/5

13 reviews

Pebble Beach is a coastal resort area covered in pine and cypress forests, famous for its rocky coastline and golf courses. The coast here consists mostly of granite headlands, with waves crashing against the reefs year-round. The white waves, black reefs, and dark green cypress trees create a highly recognizable coastal scene. The iconic way to explore this area is by self-drive or cycling along 17 Mile Dr, a loop that connects multiple viewpoints: The Lone Cypress stands alone on a rock and is over 200 years old, serving as the symbol of Pebble Beach; the Bird Rock area is home to sea lions, harbor seals, and various seabirds all year round; sea otters can often be seen floating on their backs among the kelp in the nearshore waters; and wild deer herds are occasionally spotted on the lawns in the evening. Golf is another hallmark of this area. Pebble Beach Golf Links is built right against the sea cliffs, with several holes facing the Pacific Ocean directly, and it has hosted the U.S. Open many times.

Pebble Beach · 6.4km from Monterey

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Old Fisherman's Wharf

4.8

3.6/5

10 reviews

Old Fisherman's Wharf is a historic tourist destination located in Monterey, California. It has been a center of marine activities since its construction in 1845. Today, the wharf attracts visitors with its rich dining options and marine experiences. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood in many restaurants, especially local specialties such as clam chowder and lobster dishes. In addition to food, Old Fisherman's Wharf offers a variety of marine activities. Whale watching tours are one of the highlights here, and visitors have the opportunity to see marine life such as whales, dolphins and sea lions. For fishing enthusiasts, the wharf offers boat rental services, allowing you to enjoy the fun of sea fishing. There are also many shops on the wharf that sell souvenirs and handicrafts, which is a good place to buy unique gifts. Strolling along the wharf, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Monterey Bay and it is an ideal place to take pictures. Visitors are advised to check the official website for event information and opening hours.

Monterey · 1.1km from downtown

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No. 16 of Family-friendly Attractions in California

Monterey Bay

4.7

4.5/5

95 reviews

Monterey Bay is one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the world. Traveling north along the West Coast of the United States, you will arrive at the beautiful and charming Monterey Peninsula, where cool sea breezes greet you and you can see cute, playful sea lions and seals lazily lounging among the reefs and waves. Monterey Bay is a very famous seaside resort destination in Northern California, and the city of Monterey is a well-known tourist city in Monterey Bay, popular for its Cannery Row and Old Fisherman's Wharf, featuring a large number of restaurants, clothing stores, gift shops, and amusement areas.

Monterey County · 21.5km from Monterey

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Discovery Whale Watch

4.6

4.0/5

2 reviews

Discovery Whale Watch offers whale watching. Daily tours are led by marine biologists or naturalists who provide educational information about whales, dolphins, and various marine wildlife.

Monterey · 1.2km from downtown

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No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Pebble Beach

Lone Cypress

4.2

5.0/5

12 reviews

Lone Cypress is an iconic landmark on the Monterey Peninsula in California, located at attraction 12 on the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. This Monterey cypress is rooted on a granite cliff along the Pacific coast. It is approx. 250 years old and has withstood storms, salt spray, and sea erosion, becoming a symbol of the resilient spirit of the West Coast of the United States. It grows in one of only 2 remaining natural Monterey cypress forests in the world. Its location offers an expansive view of the blue waves and reefs of Carmel Bay(Carmel Bay). To protect this ancient tree, the rock base has been reinforced with masonry since the 1940s, the trunk has been secured with steel cables, and railings have been installed around it to restrict visitor access. Its unique growing environment and human protection measures demonstrate the symbiosis between natural wonders and human civilization.

Pebble Beach · 7.2km from Monterey

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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

4.1

3.8/5

15 reviews

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located south of the coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and is a headland extending into the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to Highway 1. This expansive coastal area offers stunning scenery where the water meets the sky, with both pebble-strewn beaches and small coves of soft white sand, making it a perfect spot for a stroll or a picnic.

Monterey County · 11km from Monterey

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Pebble Beach Golf Links

3.7

4.7/5

13 reviews

Pebble Beach Golf Course is one of the most famous golf courses in the world. Opened in 1919, this Jack Neville and Douglas Grant-designed course is known for its rugged coastline, sweeping views, cliffside fairways and sloping greens. The Pebble Beach Golf Course is also the venue for many well-known tournaments. Famous golfer Jack Nicklaus once said that if he were asked to choose a course as his farewell venue, he would choose this place.

Pebble Beach · 6.2km from Monterey

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Traveller favourites curated for you

2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions

Yosemite National Park

7.9

4.4/5

288 reviews

United States · Mariposa County

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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

4.9/5

291 reviews

Departs from Monterey

Free cancellationBook now for todayDuration: 3–4 hrs

From€67.01

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10D9N • United States: Los Angeles, West Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Monterey

5/5

1 review

Depart from Los Angeles and travel through Salt Lake City to explore the wonders of the Greater Teton and Yellowstone, then cruise along the California coast and take in the epic scenery. | Choose from a selection of hotels featuring top-notch amenities, comfortable surroundings, and prime locations, ensuring a home-away-from-home experience. | Travel in comfort with a private car, no shopping stops along the way, an online travel concierge at your service, and multiple layers of safety assurance.

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

From EUR 4,456

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16D15N • California Coast, Chicago, and NY, Ending in Washington

English/SpanishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

From EUR 4,299

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Experiences you can't miss in Monterey

Featured Day tours in Monterey

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BEST of Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-by-the-Sea Small Group Tour

Duration: 8.3 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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From€105.12

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Monterey Peninsula 17-Mile Drive Day Tour | 12-Person Small Group & Carmel

Duration: 8 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€157.49

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1-day tour to 17 Mile Dr, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Beach and Old Fisherman's Wharf in the US

Duration: 8 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€133.46

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1-day tour of the 17-Mile Drive scenic route on the Monterey Peninsula from San Francisco [Lone Cypress/Pebble Beach]

Duration: 5.3 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€107.84

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CA-1 | 17-mile drive coastal highlights check in 1-day tour

Duration: 12 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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From€156.82

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1-day tour to Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea & 17-mile drive (departing from San Francisco, admission ticket not included)

Duration: 8 hrs

English

From€131.68

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San Francisco coastline 1-day tour: Monterey + Carmel-by-the-Sea + 17 Mile Dr (join-in tour)

Duration: 8 hrs

English

From€121.30

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Featured Culture & history in Monterey

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Mist, Mayhem & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours

4.2/5

· 5 reviews

Duration: 1 hr

Free cancellation

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From€21.37

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San Jose Audio Tour: Innovation, Icons & Legends of Downtown

Duration: 1.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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20% off

Limited-time sale

From€5.19€6.49

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Stanford university + Cantor arts center at Stanford university + Googleplex + Intel museum (World cup city tour)

Duration: 10 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€133.46

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Highway 1, Bixby Bridge, Stanford & Apple Park Day Tour from San Francisco

Duration: 9.4 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

From€136.80

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1-day tour to San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose Museum of Art, The Tech Interactive and Plaza de César Chávez

Duration: 9 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€133.46

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Silicon Valley tech park 1-day tour (departing from San Francisco): visit the Computer History Museum

Duration: 16 hrs

English

From€192.78

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[San Francisco] Stanford 2-hour detailed guide | includes Hoover Tower admission ticket

Duration: 1.9 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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From€88.83

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Featured Outdoor & sports in Monterey

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Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise

5.0/5

· 2 reviews

Duration: 75 mins

Free cancellation

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From€57.89

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Monterey: 17-Mile Drive Guided E-Bike Tour

5.0/5

· 9 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

Free cancellation

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From€70.35

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From San Francisco: Classic Highway 1 Tour | Stanford, Carmel & Big Sur

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 11.1 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€133.46

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San Francisco Day Tour | Redwood Forest Steam Train, Santa Cruz Wharf & Rainbow Houses

Duration: 6.7 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€90.76

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Redwood Forest Steam Train and Santa Cruz Coast Day Tour

Duration: 6 hrs

English

Free cancellation

From€203.61

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1-day tour of CA-1, 17 Mile Dr and Carmel Beach in San Francisco

Duration: 10 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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From€133.46

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Monterey Today's weatherCloudy 11-19℃

Monterey weather for the next 2 days11/6: 11-20℃, 11/7: 12-20℃

Free things to do in Monterey

CA-1

6.7

4.8/5

499 reviews

Monterey County · 20.1km from Monterey

Pebble Beach

5.3

4.7/5

13 reviews

Pebble Beach · 6.4km from Monterey

Old Fisherman's Wharf

4.8

3.6/5

10 reviews

Monterey · 1.1km from downtown

Monterey Bay

4.7

4.5/5

95 reviews

Monterey County · 21.5km from Monterey

Lone Cypress

4.2

5.0/5

12 reviews

Pebble Beach · 7.2km from Monterey

Carmel Beach

3.4

4.3/5

85 reviews

Carmel-by-the-Sea · 7.2km from Monterey

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What travellers say about Monterey

YoYo_1I8Q7O5O1 May 2026

5.0

Driving along California's Highway 1, my hands were aching from gripping the wheel for so long. The coastal section was winding and twisting, with waves crashing white against the cliffs below. I stopped by the roadside to watch the seals; those lazy guys just rolled on their backs, not moving an inch. The Big Sur Bridge was quite photogenic, but I was too busy watching the road to cross it. We kept stopping and starting, turning into every viewpoint we saw to enjoy the breeze. Just as the gas tank was almost empty, we arrived in town; a burger and a Coke were the perfect comfort food.

CA-1

Apple17 July 2025

5.0

The 17-mile toll road is highly recommended. It costs about $12 and includes Bird Rock, a stunning private residence, a golf course, and a sapphire blue coastline. Every time you visit a photo spot, you will be amazed.

17 Mile Dr

_TI***vd9 March 2024

5.0

First purchase on here and the ticket sounded almost too good to be true. Took my chance on them, and they worked without issue. Got scanned into the aquarium and had a blast with the kiddo. Took a family of 5 for the price of 2 people. Very good deal. Will buy from again.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

DEAR张小球23 April 2020

5.0

This is a famous scenic spot located 17 kilometers from Highway 1. There are many places to play around. The beach is very beautiful. Many people play in the water and sunbathe here. Although the sun is a little strong, the scenery is very good.

Pebble Beach

zhulei83123029 June 2020

3.0

This place makes people feel relaxed and happy, mainly because there are relatively few people, and the entire pier is filled with all kinds of small boats, which makes people feel comfortable and relaxed. If you are interested, you can charter a boat to go out to sea.

Old Fisherman's Wharf

sculptor31 October 2021

4.0

Monterey Bay is located on the Pacific coast of California, USA, between the two major cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Monterey Canyon is one of the largest underwater canyons in the world, and Asilomar State Marine Sanctuary is a marine sanctuary in Monterey Bay. Like underwater parks, these marine sanctuaries help protect marine wildlife and marine ecosystems.

Monterey Bay

亮亮7 February 2020

4.0

There is a huge visual difference between the excitement of chasing whales in the sea and the sea lions living comfortably on the shore. Their laziness makes you feel as if time is about to stop and does not make you feel excited.

Discovery Whale Watch

雪3飞who17 February 2020

5.0

Recommended index: Just go to see a lonely cypress tree, which is said to be more than 200 years old, and is considered the symbol of 17 Mile Bay. The lonely cypress tree quietly watches the tides, the clouds, and the people coming and going... Stay here for 30 minutes to take pictures and feel that life is enough.

Lone Cypress

quqky29 June 2020

3.0

It's a very comfortable place. You can walk along the simple path built on the edge of the cliff. You can take a walk and feel the sea breeze. You can see some marine animals. They jump on the rocks to bask in the sun. It feels very natural here.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

魔女锦鲤9 September 2019

4.0

Pebble Beach Golf Links, first built in 1919, was rated as the best golf course in the United States by the American magazine Golf Digest and is also known as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. The course has hosted many of the world's most famous golf events, including the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and five U.S. Open Championships. In addition to enjoying golf games, the scenery here is also very beautiful, with blue sky, blue sea, and green grass. It is a great place for leisure and vacation.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

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Trip Moments in Monterey

“Christmas on the Wharf will take place at Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey Bay on select dates in December 2026, including December 4-6, 11-13, and 18-20.”

@skies.paint · 17 hours ago

Monterey's Lover's Point, the 5:45 Otter Float and the Canning Sign That Still Hangs

“Lover's Point is the quiet end of the Monterey Peninsula — not the aquarium crowds, not Cannery Row's gift shops, just a breakwall, a kelp bed, and an otter that treats the dawn like a personal appointment.”

@aaw3 · travellikealocal · 1 day ago

Come to Yantai with eight stomachs

“If you're visiting Yantai, you better bring eight stomachs!”

@71Foster~Ella · 2 days ago

Solo on the Headland: Big Sur's McWay Falls Viewpoint, the One-Minute Stop That Wasn't

“#grouptourvssolotrip McWay Falls Was a One-Minute Stop That Turned Into an Hour I pulled over at the viewpoint and didn't get back in the car for an hour.”

@ookk88 · grouptourvssolotrip · 6 days ago

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Popular cities near Monterey

Monterey County

Los Angeles

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Grand Canyon National Park

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San Francisco

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Monterey?

Don't miss these attractions in Monterey: CA-1, 17 Mile Dr, and Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you like Day tours, try BEST of Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-by-the-Sea Small Group Tour. If you enjoy Culture & history, try Mist, Mayhem & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours.

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Monterey?

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include BEST of Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-by-the-Sea Small Group Tour, Monterey Peninsula 17-Mile Drive Day Tour | 12-Person Small Group & Carmel, and 1-day tour to 17 Mile Dr, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Beach and Old Fisherman's Wharf in the US. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Monterey?

As of 5 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Monterey is around EUR 105.12 – EUR 157.49. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

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Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

How can I get discounted prices?

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.

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Popular Airport Transfers

Things to do in Monterey

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Monterey

CA-1

17 Mile Dr

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Pebble Beach

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Monterey Bay

Discovery Whale Watch

Lone Cypress

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Traveller favourites curated for you

Yosemite National Park

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

10D9N • United States: Los Angeles, West Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Monterey

16D15N • California Coast, Chicago, and NY, Ending in Washington

Experiences you can't miss in Monterey

Featured Day tours in Monterey

Featured Culture & history in Monterey

Featured Outdoor & sports in Monterey

More things to do

Group Tours in Monterey

12D11N • Dreams of the West

4D3N • 11 Pax San Francisco In, Los Angeles Out 4-Day Classic Trip

2D1N • 11 Pax San Francisco-In Los-Angeles-Out 2-Day Classic Trip

6D5N • From San Francisco: 6-Day California Highlights Tour

11D10N • Great Cities of the West

4D3N • From Los Angeles: 4-Day Western US Highlights Tour | 11 Pax

6D5N • From S. Francisco to Los Angeles

4D3N • 10-14 Pax | San Francisco: 4-Day Western US Highlights Tour

Free things to do in Monterey

CA-1

Pebble Beach

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Monterey Bay

Lone Cypress

Carmel Beach

What travellers say about Monterey

CA-1

17 Mile Dr

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Pebble Beach

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Monterey Bay

Discovery Whale Watch

Lone Cypress

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Trip Moments in Monterey

Monterey's Lover's Point, the 5:45 Otter Float and the Canning Sign That Still Hangs

Come to Yantai with eight stomachs

Solo on the Headland: Big Sur's McWay Falls Viewpoint, the One-Minute Stop That Wasn't

Popular cities near Monterey

Monterey County

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Grand Canyon National Park

Page

Sedona

San Francisco

San Jose

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Monterey?

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Monterey?

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Monterey?

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Can I change or cancel my booking?

How can I get discounted prices?

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