Cheap things to do in Monterey
Sea lions, state parks, cheap tacos, and a cold pint at the end of it.
This is Monterey without the tourist markup: free coastal walks, market food, strong local beer, and enough salt air to feel like you've actually been somewhere. It works best for slow movers who'd rather linger on a beach than tick off an itinerary. You'll eat well, spend little, and never feel like you're missing out.
Day 1: Wharf, Seals, and Old Town
The day runs from Cannery Row down to the waterfront and back through Monterey's oldest streets, costing almost nothing and covering the best of the bay.
- 9:30 AM
Cannery Row Delicatessen
Cheap grab-and-go coffee and a bite right on Cannery Row to kick off the day.
Map - 10:15 AM
Old Fisherman's Wharf and Coast Guard Pier
Free wildlife viewing, sea lions under the pilings, fishing boats, and whale-watch boats heading out.
Map - 12:30 PM
Grotto Fish Market
A counter on the wharf for a cup of clam chowder and fried calamari, eaten watching the boats come in.
Map - 2:00 PM
Monterey State Historic Park and Path of History
Free self-guided walk through California's oldest government buildings and the 1849 Constitutional Convention site.
Map - 7:30 PM
La Bahia Mexican Restaurant
Cheap, filling Mexican plates on Lighthouse Avenue in New Monterey, a short walk up from Cannery Row.
Map - 9:00 PM
Alvarado Street Brewery
A downtown brewpub pouring its own hazy IPAs and sours; a tasting flight is the cheap way to try them all.
Map
Day 2: Carmel Village and the Reserve
A short drive south lands you in a walkable village, a quiet river beach, and Point Lobos, which is the most beautiful stretch of coastline on this part of the California coast.
- 9:30 AM
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Grab a cheap coffee from one of the village cafés in this storybook walkable town to start the morning.
Map - 10:30 AM
Carmel River State Beach
Cheap and scenic: grab street food or a packed lunch and eat on the sand at the river beach.
Map - 12:30 PM
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Free to walk: Monterey cypress groves, turquoise coves, sea lions and harbour seals, the area's top outdoor spot.
Map - 7:30 PM
Monterey's Fish House
Locals queue for the grilled fish and calamari here; go early, there are no bookings.
Map
Day 3: Asilomar, Pacific Grove, and a Pub
The day belongs to the quieter, windswept western end of the peninsula: dune walks, cheap tacos, a sunset over the golf links, and a proper pub to close it out.
- 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
Stroll the landmark Arts & Crafts grounds and dunes, free, beautiful, right at your door.
Map - 12:30 PM
Mission 19 Taqueria
Cheap burritos and tacos made to order on Lighthouse Avenue; a quick lunch between the beach and the links.
Map - 7:30 PM
Pacific Grove Golf Links
Walk Sunset Drive beside the back nine's dunes at dusk, with Point Pinos Lighthouse behind you; it costs nothing.
Map - 8:30 PM
Dos Victorias Mexican Food
Late, cheap Mexican near Cannery Row; a plate of tacos or a burrito before the pub.
Map - 10:15 PM
The Crown & Anchor
A cellar British pub off Alvarado Street; a pint of something English on tap to end the trip.
Map
Where to stay
HI Monterey Hostel
The cheapest bed on the peninsula and a short walk to the wharf, Alvarado Street, and the Path of History.
Victorian Inn
A block above Cannery Row in Monterey, walkable to the aquarium and an easy drive to Asilomar and Carmel.
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