Things to Do in Monterey and Attractions in CA California

UpTake Monterey things to do, activities, and attractions. Find outdoor activities and adventures, like beaches, golfing, and hiking. Research other things to do like great restaurants and Spas. Use UpTake to find the best things to do in Monterey California.

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Monterey Bay Aquarium

AVERAGE RATING

5.0

106+ reviews

Yahoo! Travel

5

41+ reviews

HIGHLIGHTS: guided tours

1-24-2005 mom / dad / two teens 13 & 16
THE BEST aquarium in the world - Join as a member and get a tax deduction... By jean from Bay area

The Monterey Bay Aquarium was opened in 1984, the result of a 7-year effort inspired by... Penguinlady

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Del Monte Beach

HIGHLIGHTS: concessions-food available, parking

OVERVIEW: Del Monte Beach actually spreads from Fisherman's Wharf (Monterey) all the way to Moss Landing. For our purposes, we'll focus on the area immediately north of Fisherman's... Aquaticdreams

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Robert Louis Stevenson House

HIGHLIGHTS: wheelchair accessible

OVERVIEW: In this house in 1879 lived Robert Louis Stevenson, essayist, storyteller, and... Cagenweb

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Steinbecks Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum

The Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum offers a nice little trip down the history of Monterey.... Coder

I agree with the other reviewer -- while this is attraction is not on par with... A TripAdvisor Member

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Larkin House

HIGHLIGHTS: wheelchair accessible

OVERVIEW: This adobe-brick home was built during Monterey's Mexican Period by Thomas Oliver Larkin, a Yankee merchant who became tremendously influential in early California politics. He was the first and on... historicmonterey

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Old Fishermans Wharf

We loved the wharf because of the teeming wildlife. We heard the sea lions and went along to explore and the children spent... Cassie78

We actually had a nice time strolling the wharf here at Monterey. No, its not as big as the one in SF, but then there isnt all the cheesy shop owners... Teesa

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Monastery Beach

LOCATION: Carmel, California (3.5 miles from Monterey)

This beach has great views and you can build bon-fires on the sand. But beware that there is a very steep slope off into the ocean... A TripAdvisor Member

This is a famous dive site in the Montery-Carmel area. An arm of the submarine canyon... coreypenrose

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Mission San Carlos Borromeo del R o Carmelo

HIGHLIGHTS: wheelchair accessible

LOCATION: Carmel, California (4.2 miles from Monterey)

OVERVIEW: Named for St. Charles Borromeo, a Cardinal of the 16th century. Present church... Mission San Carlos Borromeo d...

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Asilomar State Beach

HIGHLIGHTS: concessions-food available, visitor center... more

LOCATION: Pacific Grove, California (2.9 miles from Monterey)

One of my favorite beaches. I stolled through the other day and forgot how close it is to Spanish... Shiho F.

UNBELIEVABLE. Crisp, clean water; breaking waves; gorgeous beach. Asilomar State Beach... Sparkely D.

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Wine Trolley Tours

The Wine Trolley was the best option for visiting the vineyards of the Monterey Bay/Carmel area.... ddcallahan

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Lodging

• Monterey California Hotels
• Monterey California Family Hotels
• Monterey California Romantic Hotels
• Monterey California Girls' Getaway Hotels

Nearby Things To Do

• Sand City Things To Do (0.3 Miles)
• Carmel-by-the-Sea Things To Do (0.3 Miles)
• Carmel by the Sea Things To Do (0.5 Miles)
• Pebble Beach Things To Do (0.6 Miles)
• Seaside Things To Do (0.7 Miles)
• Pacific Grove Things To Do (1.4 Miles)
• Marina Things To Do (4.6 Miles)
• Carmel Things To Do (6.9 Miles)
• Carmel Valley Things To Do (9.1 Miles)
• Castroville Things To Do (10.6 Miles)
• Salinas Things To Do (11.2 Miles)
• Moss Landing Things To Do (12.2 Miles)
• Watsonville Things To Do (19.6 Miles)
• Freedom Things To Do (21.0 Miles)
• Gonzales Things To Do (22.7 Miles)
• San Juan Bautista Things To Do (22.9 Miles)
• Aptos Things To Do (22.9 Miles)
• Capitola Things To Do (23.0 Miles)
• Santa Cruz Things To Do (23.8 Miles)
• Corralitos Things To Do (24.1 Miles)
• Scotts Valley Things To Do (28.7 Miles)
• Hollister Things To Do (29.3 Miles)
• Felton Things To Do (29.6 Miles)
• Gilroy Things To Do (30.2 Miles)
• Bonny Doon Things To Do (30.5 Miles)
• Soledad Things To Do (30.7 Miles)
• San Martin Things To Do (33.9 Miles)
• Greenfield Things To Do (34.6 Miles)
• Boulder Creek Things To Do (35.3 Miles)
• Morgan Hill Things To Do (35.8 Miles)

Established by Father Junipero Serra in 1770, Monterey has a long and interesting history. It was once the capital of California for a short period, but it is now commonly known as the setting for many creative works such as novels. Because of Monterey's strategic location in California, a lot of couples and families can easily visit the area for a weekend getaway. There are so many attractions that draw travelers into Monterey but the most notable of these is its scenic coastline and peaceful atmosphere.

In addition, the Monterey Peninsula actually has the largest sea otters population in the California coastline. The marine wildlife found here is also one of the most popular attractions for tourists. Where else can you see seals, sea otters, and sea lions all year round and some migrating whales during the spring season?

Of course, you should stay at Monterey Hotels with a relaxed atmosphere to make your trip more enjoyable. Some of the Monterey accommodations we recommend include the Monterey Bay Inn because of its luxuries amenities that include aquarium-scenes and music on its wall monitors. Meanwhile, another recommended Monterey lodging is the Monterey Bay Lodge; its location near Lake El Estero makes it a favorite among travelers who want an easy access to the beach.