Things to do in Monterey
History, coastline, and the local spots worth your time and money.
This is Monterey for someone who wants to eat well without performing luxury, walk somewhere genuinely interesting before noon, and end the night at a bar that doesn't card your wallet. The plan moves between the old town, Carmel, and Pacific Grove, so a car helps, but none of the days ask much of you.
Day 1: Old Town, Cannery Row, Local Classics
Walk California history for free in the morning, sit down to a proper Mediterranean lunch at Paprika, and save the big seafood dinner at the Sardine Factory for when you've earned it.
- 9:30 AM
Wave Street Cafe
Cozy cafe a short walk from Paprika, good spot to ease into the morning with coffee before hitting the waterfront.
Map - 10:30 AM
Monterey State Historic Park and Path of History
Self-guided walk past California's oldest government buildings, including Colton Hall where the state constitution was signed in 1849, free and genuinely fascinating.
Map - 12:30 PM
Paprika Cafe
Mediterranean plates a block up from Cannery Row; a proper sit-down lunch without Cannery Row prices.
Map - 4:30 PM
Enterprise Cannery
Browse the shops and tasting rooms in the old cannery buildings on Cannery Row before dinner.
Map - 7:30 PM
The Sardine Factory
Acclaimed seafood institution steps from Cannery Row, the one splurge-worthy dinner in the neighbourhood that locals and guides all agree.
Map - 9:30 PM
Alvarado Street Brewery
A downtown brewpub pouring its own hazy IPAs and sours; get a tasting flight and walk back along the water.
Map
Day 2: Carmel Village and the Reserve
Stroll Carmel's compact streets early, take in the mission, then spend the bulk of the afternoon at Point Lobos, which earns every word of praise it gets.
- 9:30 AM
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Start the morning strolling Carmel-by-the-Sea's storybook village streets, grab coffee from one of the local cafés tucked into its galleries and wine tasting rooms.
Map - 10:30 AM
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Museum
California's second mission, founded 1771; see Junipero Serra's grave, the stone basilica and the museum rooms.
Map - 12:30 PM
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos is the crown jewel locals swear by, Monterey cypress groves, turquoise coves, sea lions and harbour seals all in one reserve.
Map - 7:30 PM
Passionfish
Sustainable seafood in Pacific Grove with a fair wine list; the fish of the day is the order.
Map
Day 3: Asilomar, Pacific Grove, and the Links
A slow coastal morning through pine-shaded Arts and Crafts grounds, nine holes on a genuine ocean links at Point Pinos, and a low-key dinner to close out the trip.
- 9:30 AM
Asilomar State Beach
Walk the boardwalk over the restored dunes to tide pools and white sand, and watch for harbor seals offshore.
Map - 11:00 AM
Asilomar Conference Grounds
Start the morning wandering the landmark Arts & Crafts buildings and pine-shaded grounds, coffee in hand from the lodge.
Map - 12:30 PM
Compagno's Market & Deli
An old family grocery that builds huge sandwiches to order; one easily feeds two for a picnic.
Map - 2:30 PM
Pacific Grove Golf Links
Play the back nine through the dunes beside Point Pinos Lighthouse, one of the cheapest ocean rounds in California.
Map - 7:30 PM
El Cantaro
Vegan Mexican on Lighthouse Avenue; the jackfruit tacos and the tamales are the ones to order.
Map - 9:30 PM
The Crown & Anchor
A cellar British pub off Alvarado Street; a pint of something English on tap and fish and chips if you are hungry.
Map
Where to stay
Portola Hotel & Spa
Central to Day 1's entire route and a solid mid-range base without the tourist premium of the waterfront-facing hotels.
Hotel Abrego
Quiet and well priced on the edge of downtown, a short walk to the Path of History and Alvarado Street.
Make Monterey your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: a few days ahead
- Pebble Beach Golf Links: months ahead
- Pacific Grove Golf Links: a few days ahead
- Whale watching, Monterey Bay: a few days ahead
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: a few days ahead
- The Lodge at Pebble Beach: months ahead
Skip these
- Wharf 1 sit down seafood as a category, view pricing for adequate food. Eat at Sandbar, Fish House, Passionfish or Montrio instead.
- Cannery Row souvenir retail, walk the Row for history, the Aquarium and a tasting, shop in Pacific Grove and Carmel.
- Paying for 17-Mile Drive twice, dine at a Pebble restaurant over 35 dollars and keep the receipt for gate reimbursement.
- Monterey as a beach swimming trip, the bay is cold and the pretty coves are for looking and diving, not lounging.
The full Monterey travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around