Top Monterey & Carmel Attractions & Museums

With a 99% success rate, this is how you up your odds of seeing whales on your visit to Monterey. On board one of the industry’s most comfortable boats, you’ll float out to a protected sanctuary to view humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and other wild creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more.

Take an unforgettable boat ride in Monterey Bay to spot local marine wildlife, from humpback whales to Great white sharks to dolphins. This whale-watching adventure takes you to one of the best spots in the state to spot some of these majestic creatures. Sail over Monterey Bay Canyon, which is a nutrient-rich area known for attracting all kinds of underwater wildlife.

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise.

Discover the scenic beauty of 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach on this family-friendly guided electric bike tour with a small group of just ten people. Starting in Monterey, follow your guide along the winding road, with stops at iconic landmarks and viewpoints. Along the way, learn interesting facts and history about the area from your guide.

Prepare to explore another side to Monterey’s Cannery Row as you embark upon a pirate-themed adventure on Treasure Hunt, the part ride, part game which pays homage to Cannery Row’s maritime history. Climb aboard your mining cart and look out for the skeleton pirates and sea creatures as you make your way through the caverns, collecting lost treasure and evading the mighty Kraken.

Comfortably cover a lot of ground with this e-bike tour through charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ride from the bike shop in downton to the town’s fairy-tale cottages and down the Carmel coastline along Scenic Drive. See landmarks such as the Tor House, Carmel River State Beach, Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch, and the Carmel Mission in under three hours.

Explore the beauty of Big Sur and sail around California's Central Coast with ease thanks to your own electric bike and a guide to show you around. Save time and energy on the back of the e-bike, squeezing way more into this tour than you would on foot. Let your guide lead you to some of the most stunning spots in the area.

Uncover the scenic beauty of Monterey Bay and Carmel-By-The-Sea, spotting local landmarks and playing in the sea with your best bud on this dog-friendly cycling experience. You’ll drive the e-bike while your little pal sits in a custom-made sidecar, watching the world go by. Let your e-bike do the hard parts for you, and save your energy for having fun with your dog.

This Carmel Valley wine trolley tour stands out by offering tastings at three wineries, lunch, and beautiful views. Take a scenic ride from Monterey to Carmel Valley Village aboard a vintage trolley or high-top van. Visit well-known producers and get an introduction to lesser-known gems in the area with an insider's perspective from your guide. Have lunch at one of two spots nearby before returning to Monterey.

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, Calif., with this self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour. Stop at three museums (with free admission) in the Monterey State Historic Park along the way, and learn about the area’s fishing industry history. Plus, visit filming locations for popular TV shows. The tour plays automatically at the correct location using your mobile phone’s GPS.

Explore the culinary delights of Carmel, just down the coast from Monterey, on this food and drink walking tour. With a knowledgeable foodie guide, you’ll learn about the history and gourmet culture of Carmel, an upscale enclave known for its charming architecture and cozy, small-town vibe, as you visit local eateries to sample locavore and ethnic dishes, chocolate, and cocktails or spirits. Limited to 16 people, this tour provides a small-group experience with personalized attention.

A history-saturated neighborhood and a literary landmark, Monterey’s Cannery Row is a must-see for fans of John Steinbeck and American literature—and this self-led walking tour offers a seamless, flexible way to discover. Upon purchasing, download the audio tour and use when and as often as you’d like. You’ll learn about the rise and fall of the local fishing industry, Steinbeck’s work, the neighborhood’s revival, and more.

Enjoy an immersive nature experience—and give yourself the best chance of spotting whales and other marine wildlife—on this half-day boat tour of Monterey Bay. Monterey is the premier destination in Northern California for winter whale-watching, and your naturalist guides know the best places to spot them. Along the way, learn about the majestic animals, and look out for whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and more.

Enjoy a quirky, family-friendly, and one-of-a-kind way to explore Carmel with this interactive scavenger hunt game. Upon booking, submit your smartphone details; your game will be hosted by a remote live guide. Set off by car or by foot and head to a variety of locations across town, where you can interact with locals and take part in special challenges, all in an attempt to win points and climb up the leaderboard.

Have a blast exploring Monterey with this app-led scavenger hunt and enjoy the magic. You’ll get to see the most entertaining sights in town, while learning about its history and culture, but you’ll have to answer trivia questions and solve challenges to unlock each new prompt. Enjoy this with a group of 10 or fewer people.

Spend a magical afternoon cycling through the lush vineyards of a 25-acre winery on the back of an electric bike with a guide to show you around. Then, enjoy a picnic of tasty snacks of artisanal cheese and charcuterie paired with delicious wines as you learn all about the estate and the drinks you’re sampling.