Monterey Attractions

There are so many places and fun activities around the bay that you'd be hard-pressed to find a second of boredom on a trip to Monterey. Most famous, of course, is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Located on the southern end of the bay between Pacific Grove and Monterey, this is one of the best-known aquariums and marine research stations in the world. Great for visitors of all ages, the Aquarium is least busy in the off-season. The city of Monterey also has trolley rides, which are a nod to the trolleys that were used as a main mode of transport for the bay's citizens. Some trolley rides have themes, such as a ghost ride, and there are also winery tours done by trolley. In Santa Cruz, on the northern end of the bay, the most popular activity is to take to the boardwalk. It's just what you'd expect from a full amusement park on the shore of the California coast, complete with rides, arcades, and some darn good seafood. There's usually live music going on in the summer, and you can grab a beer and find some classic boardwalk souvenirs as well. Some beautiful natural areas are along the shores of the bay, such as the Natural Ridges State Park, which is the wintering place for the annual monarch butterly migration. Many of these areas have miles of good hiking trails, and the beaches can be much less crowded although equally beautiful. And as you can do in nearly any bay in California, a lovely day can be spent out on the water. Sailboats, kayaks, and windsurfing boards are all available for rent or hire, and lessons can easily be arranged. In late winter and early spring, you might just catch a glimpse of a whale. Whalewatching cruises are another good way to get out on the waves, too.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

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47225 Highway One

Beautiful beachfront park...
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Pat Hathaway Historical Photos

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469 Pacific Street
(near Franklin Street)

Extensive and comprehensive...
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Monterey Bay Aquarium

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886 Cannery Row
(at the corner of David Avenue)

World class aquarium perfect for family outings...
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Pinnacles National Monument

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5000 Highway 146

Striking volcanic rock faces...
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Monterey County Youth Museum

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425 Washington Street

Hands-on stuff for kids...
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Cannery Row

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Cannery Row

A waterfront stretch of shops and restaurants...
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Monterey Peninsula Art Foundation

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425 Cannery Row

A local art gallery run by local artists...
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Skydive Monterey Bay

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721 Neeson Road # 1

Sour above the Monterey Bay while taking the world's highest tandem jump from 18,000 feet!...
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Adventures by the Sea

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299 Cannery Row

Get active while you explore Monterey...
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Hahn Estates/Smith & Hook Winery

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37700 Foothill Road

Picturesque winery with friendly staff...
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A Taste of Monterey

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700 Cannery Row
Suite KK, upstairs

Taste local wines while enjoying the view...
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Steinbeck Wax Museum

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700 Cannery Row
(Suite 2, at the corner of Prescott Street)

Over 100 figures...
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Fisherman's Wharf

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Fisherman's Wharf
(at the end of Alvarado Street)

Picturesque wharf full of stores, eateries, and photo ops...
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Candles and Clay

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700 Cannery Row
(at the corner of Prescott St)

Candles and candleholders...
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Spa on the Plaza

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201 Alvarado Street

Large modern facilities in downtown Monterey...
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Monterey Bay Kayaks

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693 Del Monte Ave
(At Fisherman's Wharf)

Fun and educational...
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Soberanes Canyon - Rocky Ridge Loop

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Garrapata State Park
2211 Garden Road

Redwood groves plus big coastal views...
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Andrew Molera State Park

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Great hiking, fishing, and beachcombing...
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Baywood Cellars Tasting Room

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381 Cannery Row
(Suite 3, at Drake Street)

Seveny-five years running...
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Ventana Wines

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2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy
(near Olmsted Road)

Award-winning winery...
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