Things to do in Monterey County
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Top 10 attractions in Monterey County
CA-1
CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.Monterey County · 61.3 km from downtown
17 Mile Dr
17 Mile Dr is a coastal scenic road that runs through the private coastal community of Pebble Beach, named for its total length of approx. 17 miles. On one side of the road are the rolling pine forests and Monterey cypress of the Del Monte Forest, and on the other is the rocky coastline of the Pacific Ocean, with over 10 viewpoints along the way. The iconic view of this scenic route is The Lone Cypress, a Monterey cypress that has grown alone on a granite rock for approx. two and a half centuries. It has long been considered the symbol of Pebble Beach and is a highly popular photo spot along the entire route. Bird Rock is home to flocks of seabirds, sea lions, and harbor seals all year round. The rocks are stained white by years of bird droppings, making it a lively place. In the Seal Rock area, you can often see seals lazily basking in the sun. Spanish Bay features an open beach, a rarity along the route, where visitors stack smooth pebbles into small towers. At sunset, a bagpiper plays by the sea, a tradition that has continued for decades. China Rock holds the history of Chinese fishermen who sought shelter and settled there, while Ghost Tree has become a unique photography subject with its twisted, bleached trunk. There are many attractions along the way. The scenic route also passes through several championship-level golf courses, including the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Links.Del Monte Forest · 1.9 km from downtown
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium is built on the site of a former sardine cannery on the shores of Monterey Bay and has focused on the marine ecology of this bay since it opened. What makes it special is that the water for the exhibit tanks is pumped directly from the bay, bringing many fish, shellfish, and seaweed into the aquarium along with the seawater. The creatures in the exhibits live in the actual seawater of the bay, so what you see is not just a generic collection of marine animals, but the ecological landscape of the bay itself outside the window. Several permanent exhibits in the aquarium each have their signature highlights: in the three-story Kelp Forest, giant kelp grows at a rate visible to the naked eye, and schools of fish weave through the swaying kelp; the Open Sea exhibit holds over a million gallons of water, where green sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, schools of Pacific sardines, and round, stout ocean sunfish cruise through the large blue tank;Monterey BayHabitats exhibit recreates different environments such as sandy sea floors, shale reefs, and wharf pilings, where sevengill sharks, rays, and giant sea bass appear, while the nearby touch pools, surge channels, and walk-through aviary are especially suitable for family-friendly experiences. The Sea Otter exhibit is home to southern sea otters that were rescued and could not be released back into the wild; they also take on the task of caring for stranded pups, and the feeding and training demonstration sessions are very popular, with viewing windows on the first floor where you can see them rolling flexibly underwater. The deep-sea exhibit relies on the adjacent Monterey Canyon to bring rarely seen deep-sea creatures into the aquarium, with giant isopods, Japanese spider crabs, and iridescent comb jellies as residents; jellyfish husbandry is also a traditional strength of this aquarium. The seaside deck faces the bay, offering opportunities to encounter wild sea otters and seals.Monterey · 812m from downtown
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is a coastal resort area covered in pine and cypress forests, famous for its rocky coastline and golf courses. The coast here consists mostly of granite headlands, with waves crashing against the reefs year-round. The white waves, black reefs, and dark green cypress trees create a highly recognizable coastal scene. The iconic way to explore this area is by self-drive or cycling along 17 Mile Dr, a loop that connects multiple viewpoints: The Lone Cypress stands alone on a rock and is over 200 years old, serving as the symbol of Pebble Beach; the Bird Rock area is home to sea lions, harbor seals, and various seabirds all year round; sea otters can often be seen floating on their backs among the kelp in the nearshore waters; and wild deer herds are occasionally spotted on the lawns in the evening. Golf is another hallmark of this area. Pebble Beach Golf Links is built right against the sea cliffs, with several holes facing the Pacific Ocean directly, and it has hosted the U.S. Open many times.Pebble Beach · 664m from downtown
Big Sur
Big Sur is located on the central coastline of California, about 240 kilometers from San Francisco, about 2 hours' drive, and about 6 hours' drive from Los Angeles. Starting from San Francisco, driving north to south along California Highway 1, there are seaside views all the way, but the attraction is Big Sur. When it comes to Big Sur, I mean the 90-mile winding coast road from Carmel to San Simeon. This section of California Highway 1 is narrow and winding, and at the same time, it is very high from the sea level, and there is a danger of roadside rocks rolling down at any time. It is one of the most dangerous highway sections in California. However, this road is also known as the most beautiful seascape road in the world, and it is known as the most beautiful place in the world where land and sea meet.Big Sur · 7m from downtown
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Old Fisherman's Wharf is a historic tourist destination located in Monterey, California. It has been a center of marine activities since its construction in 1845. Today, the wharf attracts visitors with its rich dining options and marine experiences. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood in many restaurants, especially local specialties such as clam chowder and lobster dishes. In addition to food, Old Fisherman's Wharf offers a variety of marine activities. Whale watching tours are one of the highlights here, and visitors have the opportunity to see marine life such as whales, dolphins and sea lions. For fishing enthusiasts, the wharf offers boat rental services, allowing you to enjoy the fun of sea fishing. There are also many shops on the wharf that sell souvenirs and handicrafts, which is a good place to buy unique gifts. Strolling along the wharf, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Monterey Bay and it is an ideal place to take pictures. Visitors are advised to check the official website for event information and opening hours.Monterey · 1.1 km from downtown
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the world. Traveling north along the West Coast of the United States, you will arrive at the beautiful and charming Monterey Peninsula, where cool sea breezes greet you and you can see cute, playful sea lions and seals lazily lounging among the reefs and waves. Monterey Bay is a very famous seaside resort destination in Northern California, and the city of Monterey is a well-known tourist city in Monterey Bay, popular for its Cannery Row and Old Fisherman's Wharf, featuring a large number of restaurants, clothing stores, gift shops, and amusement areas.Monterey County · 75.8 km from downtown
Discovery Whale Watch
Discovery Whale Watch offers whale watching. Daily tours are led by marine biologists or naturalists who provide educational information about whales, dolphins, and various marine wildlife.Monterey · 1.2 km from downtown
Bixby Bridge
Bixby Bridge is a suspension bridge that is part of a magnificent coastline, known for its beautiful views and unique architectural style. Its design blends architectural elements from Europe and the United States, showcasing the essence of modern American architecture. Visitors can admire its exquisite carvings and decorations, appreciating the architect's artistic creation and design. In addition to admiring the bridge itself, visitors can stroll through the surrounding natural views and enjoy the beautiful coastline and spectacular ocean views.Monterey County · 49.5 km from downtown
McWay Falls
McWay Falls is located within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and is a uniquely scenic waterfall. While most waterfalls are hidden deep in forests, McWay Falls cascades directly into the ocean, creating a magnificent sight. There is a hiking trail next to the waterfall that leads to the coast. Standing here, you can gaze out at the endless Pacific Ocean. If you happen to be there at sunrise or sunset, the changing colors of the sky reflect on the sea, which is truly breathtaking.Monterey County · 33.4 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Monterey County
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CA-1
Monterey County · 61.3 km from downtownPebble Beach
Pebble Beach · 664m from downtownBig Sur
Big Sur · 7m from downtownOld Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey · 1.1 km from downtownMonterey Bay
Monterey County · 75.8 km from downtown
Lone Cypress
Pebble Beach · 1.5 km from downtown
Rocky Creek Bridge
Monterey County · 49.6 km from downtown
Carmel Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea · 834m from downtown
What travelers say about Monterey County
YoYo_1I8Q7O5OMay 1, 2026
5.0
Driving along California's Highway 1, my hands were aching from gripping the wheel for so long. The coastal section was winding and twisting, with waves crashing white against the cliffs below. I stopped by the roadside to watch the seals; those lazy guys just rolled on their backs, not moving an inch. The Big Sur Bridge was quite photogenic, but I was too busy watching the road to cross it. We kept stopping and starting, turning into every viewpoint we saw to enjoy the breeze. Just as the gas tank was almost empty, we arrived in town; a burger and a Coke were the perfect comfort food.
CA-1
AppleJuly 17, 2025
5.0
The 17-mile toll road is highly recommended. It costs about $12 and includes Bird Rock, a stunning private residence, a golf course, and a sapphire blue coastline. Every time you visit a photo spot, you will be amazed.
17 Mile Dr
_TI***vdMarch 9, 2024
5.0
First purchase on here and the ticket sounded almost too good to be true. Took my chance on them, and they worked without issue. Got scanned into the aquarium and had a blast with the kiddo. Took a family of 5 for the price of 2 people. Very good deal. Will buy from again.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
DEAR张小球April 23, 2020
5.0
This is a famous scenic spot located 17 kilometers from Highway 1. There are many places to play around. The beach is very beautiful. Many people play in the water and sunbathe here. Although the sun is a little strong, the scenery is very good.
Pebble Beach
sculptorMay 2, 2022
4.0
大瑟尔是美国西海岸加利福尼亚中央海岸崎岖多山的地区，位于卡梅尔和圣西蒙之间，圣卢西亚山脉从太平洋陡然升起，这里是美国西海岸风景最漂亮的海岸线。
Big Sur
zhulei831230June 29, 2020
3.0
This place makes people feel relaxed and happy, mainly because there are relatively few people, and the entire pier is filled with all kinds of small boats, which makes people feel comfortable and relaxed. If you are interested, you can charter a boat to go out to sea.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Hello! Happy TimeJanuary 2, 2023
5.0
Beautiful beach, peaceful town and cute houses. Suitable for relaxation. Beautiful nature.
Monterey Bay
亮亮February 7, 2020
4.0
There is a huge visual difference between the excitement of chasing whales in the sea and the sea lions living comfortably on the shore. Their laziness makes you feel as if time is about to stop and does not make you feel excited.
Discovery Whale Watch
coo***anDecember 7, 2019
5.0
Beautiful spot to sit and look at the ocean. Maybe we missed another exit, but the stairs had been closed off for renovations to put in the air conditioner. We looked at a few boards to climb over and then access the stairs, but with small children this was not an option. There were people right on the beach, so they got there somehow. Still, worth the stop for the view.
McWay Falls
