Things to do in  Monterey & Carmel

Traveling the length of California's 17-Mile Drive, said to be one of the world's most scenic routes, is an essential Central Coast experience. Looping around the Monterey Peninsula, the private toll road offers stellar views of Monterey Bay and passes popular attractions such as the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, the Del Monte Forest, and the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Set on California’s central coast, Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf is famous for its ocean views, resident sea lions and sea otters, and sourdough bowls of clam chowder. Souvenir shops, candy stores, street performers, and seafood restaurants line the seafront and, nearby, you can watch as trawlers unload the day’s catch at Fisherman’s Wharf II.

Cannery Row is a proudly tourist-friendly strip running along the atmospheric Monterey waterfront. Once home to a series of bustling commercial sardine canneries, the famous waterfront street changed its name of Ocean View Avenue to its longtime nickname, Cannery Row, in 1958 to honor the 1945 John Steinbeck novel of the same name.

Big Sur, a fabulous 71-mile (114-kilometer) stretch of California's Central Coast, boasts epic Pacific Ocean views and a jagged, dramatic coastline. Running from the Carmel Highlands to San Simeon, the unincorporated area is very lightly populated—in fact, it's the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the lower United States. Even though it lacks people and infrastructure, it still attracts millions of annual visitors, most of whom come for the area’s raw natural beauty.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is known for its dedication to ocean conservation. It's among the top aquariums in the US, and has a privileged location on California's Pacific Coast. Highlights include exhibit areas such as the Kelp Forest, Life on the Bay, and the Open Sea. Collectively, the aquarium is home to more than 700 species of marine mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates—the sea otters and giant Pacific octopuses are particularly popular.

Perched along California’s Central Coast, Hearst Castle is the ostentatious creation of William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. This 90,000-square-foot (8,361-square-meter) hilltop estate was built between 1919 and 1947, and comprises a whopping 165 rooms and 127 acres (51.4 hectares) of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways. Today, the landmark is open to the public and offers a glimpse back at the golden age of Hollywood.

Located on Monterey Peninsula, Asilomar State Beach is scenic stretch of sandy coastline offering unparalleled Pacific views. Visitors enjoy the pedestrian Coast Trail, a dog-friendly beach, and self-guided walking tours. This mile-long beach is a local favorite for surfing, and it's a top spot for tide pooling.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, on California’s Central Coast, comprises dramatic headlands, hidden coves, and scenic lookouts, plus 5 miles (8 kilometers) of trails and a rocky coastline full of tide pools. Explore the cultural history museum and spot wildlife, including sea lions, harbor seals, herons, and, in winter, migrating whales.

Part church, part museum, the Carmel Mission is a US National Historic Landmark in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It draws visitors who are interested in Spanish colonial history and architecture, religious pilgrims who come to worship, and those those who simply stop by while passing through Carmel.

Lighting the way for sailors for more than 150 years, Point Pinos Lighthouse is tucked into the picturesque shoreline of the Monterey Peninsula. The lighthouse still operates today, and its beacon reaches 17 miles out to sea. Visit to take in the scenic location, ocean views, and beautiful lantern room, complete with original lens.

For live performances, arts events, and cultural happenings on the Central Coast, Carmel's Sunset Cultural Center is a premier destination. The building features two stages and a gallery space, and hosts events throughout the year. From comedy and rock to dance and theater, the diverse programming offers something for everyone.

Located in Pacific Grove, Lovers Point Park is a beautifully landscaped community park offering ocean views and extensive amenities. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the park and adjacent beach are ideal for a variety of activities, including sunbathing, picnicking, swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, beach volleyball and more.

Slides, a climbing wall, a maze, and other features invite active play at this Monterey landmark. The park was designed by Hank Ketcham, the creator of the mischievous character the playground is named for. While the 1924 steam train that kids once scrambled over is now fenced off, there’s still plenty of fun to be had here.

Drive down the California Central Coast from Santa Cruz to Monterey, and the grandeur of Monterey Bay is undeniable. This region of coveted coastal land and protected waters is known for whale-watching, iconic cypress-framed views, the famed Monterey Aquarium, and Monterey itself, among the most ravishing of California’s numberless lovely towns on the coast.

Constructed in 1932, Bixby Bridge is among Big Sur's most recognizable sights. This massive concrete bridge is one of the tallest such bridges on the planet, towering at 260 feet (79 meters) over a massive canyon that slices across mainland California and into the Pacific Ocean.