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Fun Things to Do in Monterey

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- 1
  
  1. Monterey Bay Aquarium
  
  World class aquarium perfect for family outings
  
  Zoos/Aquariums
  
  Nile Expert Tip: Purchase tickets ahead of time and arrive after lunch to avoid long lines. Don't miss the feeding sessions...
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- 2
  
  2. Cannery Row
  
  A waterfront stretch of shops and restaurants
  
  Landmarks
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- 3
  
  3. Fisherman's Wharf
  
  Picturesque wharf full of stores, eateries, and photo ops
  
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- 4
  
  4. Monterey Bay Kayaks
  
  Fun and educational
  
  Canoe/Kayak/Rafting
  
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- 5
  
  5. Monterey Bay Whale Watching Cruises
  
  Whales, whales, whales!
  
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- 6. Coastal Recreational Trail
  
  All told, the Coastal Recreational Trail is 18 miles long, stretching from Pacific Grove to Castroville,...
  
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- 6
  
  7. A Taste of Monterey
  
  Taste local wines while enjoying the view
  
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- 7
  
  8. Laguna Seca Raceway
  
  World Famous Raceway
  
  Sports
  
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- 8
  
  9. Soberanes Canyon - Rocky Ridge Loop
  
  Redwood groves plus big coastal views
  
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- 9
  
  10. Lake San Antonio
  
  Monterey County's premier freshwater recreation area
  
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See all 110 Things to Do in Monterey: 1

The Best of NileGuide
It's hard not to find fun things to do in Monterey. Simply walking down Cannery Row (Number 2) or spending a day watching the excitement at Laguna Seca Raceway (Number 10) will put a smile on your face and plenty to talk about over dinner.

No trip to Monterey is complete without a day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Quite possibly the best aquarium in the world, millions of visitors from every corner of the globe pass through the Aquarium's doors. One of the best features here are the hands on exhibits that brings the mysterious world of the deep right to your fingertips. Another crowd favorite are the feedings and presentations that take place hourly.

17 Mile Drive, Number 7 on this list, is a fun way to frolic in unadulterated beauty while taking in miles of beautiful California coast. After paying a fee to get in, you have access to a two-lane road that winds next to the breaking waves, jagged rocks and steep cliff faces that border the Pacific Ocean. With plenty of places to pull over and go for a stroll, it's one of the best drives in the world.

The major attractions of Monterey are on this list, but if you really want to kick back your heels on your vacation, take a Taste of Monterey wine tour. No trip to the Central Coast is complete without sampling California's award winning wines. The Monterey Area is known especially for its Pinot Noirs, but Taste of Monterey doesn't limit it to just this varietal. About 70 wines are sampled in all. Definitely a fun way to relax.

Not on this list but definitely a fun thing to do if you're experienced is to go SCUBA diving in the Bay. Monterey Bay is home to one of the most ecologically rich ecosystems in the world and divers travel great distances to swim with the fishes, seals and starfish in Monterey Bay.

Best Of Monterey

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