The Best of Monterey California – Monterey Bay is truly all about the ocean; the seaside town, which is located on central California’s Pacific coast, is the home of one of America’s premier aquariums. Indeed, many tourists travel to Monterey Bay solely to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where visitors can view an impressive array of sea life, including stingray, jellyfish, sea otter, seals, sea lion, dolphin, and blue fin and yellow fin tuna exhibits. The aquarium overlooks Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which protects dense kelp forests and a sublime variety of marine life, including seals and sea lions, dolphins and whales. The city itself possesses the best-preserved historical evidence of California’s Spanish and Mexican periods, with many restored adobe buildings. An afternoon’s wander through downtown’s historic quarter promises to be more edifying than time spent in the tourist ghettos of Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row.
Monterey’s activities and museums like the Monterey Museum of Art will keep you busy from the moment you get up in the morning until you rest your head at night. Take advantage of Monterey’s beautiful weather and walk the Path of History where you can experience what life was like when Monterey’s served as California’s capital. Or stroll among the city’s wine tasting rooms or along the glorious beaches. Avid shoppers can find antiques in New Monterey, unique boutiques on Cannery Row and among the historic buildings in Old Monterey. It is easy to understand why Monterey California Tourism is not a hard sell! For a list of all the area beaches << Click Here >>. Our Monterey Visitors Guide will help you plan a great vacation here. Keep reading!
Monterey Weather (When To Visit)
The best time to visit Monterey is between April and May. Spring offers warmer temperatures, fewer crowds and food festivals dishing out delectable eats, including Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Artichoke Festival in Castroville. Summer is the most popular time to visit the Monterey Peninsula, but Monterey can still be chilly. Located right on the ocean, the region experiences bitter winds, so bring a sweater regardless of the season. Fall is another good time to visit, but the likelihood of rain increases starting in October. Monterey’s central California location subjects it to mild temperatures during the winter, with the average low reaching 48 degrees. Winter also brings lower hotel prices and the celebrity-heavy AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am event held in February, making Monterey an attractive destination year-round.
Best Monterey Area Beaches
Del Monte Beach
Del Monte BeachDel Monte Beach is a hidden gem known to Monterey Bay locals. There is a boardwalk trail through the dunes with benches and picnic tables to rest on. Del Monte is between two sections of Monterey State Beach, Window on the Bay Beach, walking distance to the south, and Houghton M. Roberts Beach, a short beach walk north.
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McAbee Beach
McAbee BeachAt high tide it’s a small cove with smooth boulders and just enough sand to be called a beach. At lower tides and in the summer months there is more sand to enjoy. The beach is in the shadow of restaurants and hotels, but is still a scenic spot. On sunny days if you are just walking around and shopping on the waterfront, it is worth a stop to sit on the rocks behind the beach.
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Monterey Municipal Beach
Monterey Municipal BeachThis is probably the busiest sandy beach in the city. The beach here is north facing and somewhat protected by the pier so it is safer for swimming. Next door to the north is Monterey Bay Waterfront Park with volleyball courts and grass areas.
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Roberts Beach
Roberts BeachThis beach is an excellent spot to relax or walk at the edge of the water, but swimming here can be dangerous due to rip currents. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail meanders through the dunes in this park.
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San Carlos Beach
San Carlos BeachSan Carlos Beach is known for scuba diving not sunbathing, but it’s a great place to visit on a sunny day. You can choose from grass lawns, sandy beaches, or benches and picnic tables to rest on.
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Window on the Bay Beach
Window on the Bay BeachWindow on the Bay Beach (aka Windows Beach) is the southernmost of three separate sections of Monterey State Beach. This state-owned beach is in front of the nicely landscaped city-owned and operated Monterey Bay Waterfront Park.
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Best Monterey Restaurants
Cafe Lumiere $11 – 30
Adjoining Monterey’s Osio Theater, this hipster-friendly cafe and coffee shop offers affordable made-from-scratch pastries, fresh salads and sandwiches, and truly beautiful weekday breakfast and Sunday brunch, including fluffy omelets, avocado toast, and breakfast sandwiches composed on croissant. Ground-level and balcony seating provide ample space to sip an espresso, nibble on a scone, or down an egg-filled Garden Goat burrito. Telephone: 831 920-2451 Web: Cafe Lumiere
Sandbar & Grill $11 – 30
Watch otters play outside the bay-view windows at this floating seafood kitchen on the wharf. Stick with the classics like creamy clam chowder, grilled sand dabs and jumbo crab-club sandwiches. Reservations strongly recommended. Ring the bell to let them know you’ve arrived. Telephone: 831 373-2818 Web: Sandbar & Grill.
Cultura $11 – 30
This Oaxacan-inspired restaurant includes a dining room, lounge, and outdoor fire pits. Cultura offers a seasonal menu of fresh, artistic dishes that range from $4 street tacos to $95 Wagyu ribeye. The full bar features a hand-picked selection of mezcals, offered on their own or in flights of three, along with traditional chapulines (grasshoppers), local orange slices, and sal de gusano (worm salt). Lunch and late-night menus available. Telephone: 831 250-7005 Web: Cultura.
La Balena $31 – 60
Menu highlights include tender grilled octopus, crispy fried chicken, hand-made gnocchi, and addictive chili-infused fried cauliflower. The extensive wine list features small producers and highlights female winemakers, as well as organic and biodynamic wineries. Though open for lunch, the space comes alive in the evening, when a bubbling fountain and soft twinkle lights set a romantic Old World mood on the front and back patios. Reservations recommended. Telephone: 831 250-6295 Web: La Balena.
Il Tegamino $11 – 30
A romantic, off-the-beaten-path restaurant, with a generous patio. Stop in (no reservations are taken) for dinner with a very European feel, from the space itself to the menu of Italian comfort food. Lasagna Di Carnevale offers layers of fresh pasta with ricotta, tomato sauce, parmesean, sliced hard boiled eggs, mozerella and fried meatballs, perfect for a foggy Carmel evening under the heat lamps. Telephone: 831 250-5790 Web: Il Tegamino.
Best Monterey Bars
Cannery Row Brewing Company
Sports bar meets brewpub in this family-friendly tap house where over 70 draft beers outnumber bottles three-to-one. Vintage beer paraphernalia and nostalgic neon signs hang on exposed brick walls of what was once a bustling cannery and is now a drinking destination that blasts the best of the 90’s. The sizable menu leans heavily toward comfort, and features a short rib grilled cheese, house made pastrami, a trio of sliders, and a parmesean pretzel large enough to serve as an entree. Telephone: 831 643-2722 Web: Cannery Row Brewing Company.
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill is a local craft brewery and restaurant serving 20 draft beers, with tasty bar food in an historic space with an industrial feel. The full menu offers diverse but straight-forward options of the flatbread, pasta, and steak skewer variety, while the latticed outdoor beer garden serves a short menu of finger-foods, including dry-rubbed chicken wings and grilled fish tacos. Fan favorite IPA’s, kettle sours, and lagers are served all day with 3-6 pm happy hour all week long. Telephone: 831 655-2337 Web: Alvarado Street Brewing & Grill.
Britannia Arms
A cornerstone of Alvarado Street nightlife, The Brit – as it is affectionately called by its patrons – is a corner pub and sports bar by day and an entertainment center by night. With friendly wait and bar staff, a menu of classic pub grub, and a kitchen that stays open until 11 pm, you might be surprised to see this place transform into a trivia hall, karaoke bar, or dance floor when the sun goes down. Whether its trivia, sports, dancing, food, or karaoke, Britannia Arms of Monterey has got you covered. Telephone: 831 656-9543 Web: Britannia Arms.
Bull & Bear Whiskey Bar & Taphouse
The Bull and Bear boasts indoor and outdoor bars, a back patio for live music and a fire pit, this is a fun place to grab a drink and unwind, or to come out and dance. Located on Alvarado Street, as many of these bars are, the Bull and Bear is a real gem in the heart of Downtown Monterey. Telephone: 831 655-3031 Web: Bull & Bear Whiskey Bar & Taphouse.
Crown & Anchor Pub
A downtown British pub, Crown & Anchor neighbors the Bull and Bear and Britannia Arms on nearby Franklin Street. With walls covered in nautical themed memorabilia, the Crown offers an underground central bar, surrounded by barstools and booths, with additional outdoor seating. Grab a bite to eat, or a delicious drink. Telephone: 831 649-6496 Web: Crown & Anchor Pub.
Best Monterey Hotels
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This Monterey guide is so helpful! I love how you balanced the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the historic adobe buildings, and all those local beaches like Del Monte Beach and San Carlos Beach. It really makes Monterey feel like more than just a quick stop on a California road trip. If someone is visiting for just a long weekend, which would you prioritize more – exploring the Path of History and museums, or focusing on the beaches and coastal trail? And is it realistic to do the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and a sunset walk on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail all in one day, or would that feel too rushed?
For a long weekend in Monterey, I’d suggest a mix: spend one day centered on the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, and then another day exploring the Path of History, historic adobes, and downtown. That way you get both the coastal scenery and the Spanish/Mexican-era history that makes Monterey California so unique. It is realistic to visit the aquarium, wander Cannery Row, and finish with a sunset walk along the coastal trail in a single day, especially if you start at the aquarium in the morning and keep the rest of the day flexible. Many visitors treat the Aquarium + Cannery Row area as their “home base” for the day, then simply step right onto the trail in the evening for ocean views and a relaxed finish. Your Monterey Visitors Guide makes it easy to see how well those pieces fit together into one smooth itinerary.
Wow, Monterey looks incredible, but I’m headed there in March and I’m wondering what to expect with the water. Is it actually warm enough to swim that early in the year, or is it more of a look-but-don’t-touch situation? I’d love to plan some beach time, but I’m not sure if I should pack a swimsuit or a jacket! Any tips?
Great question — Monterey is stunning in March, but the water stays cold year-round because of the Pacific currents. Even in early spring, ocean temps usually hover around 52–56°F, so most visitors enjoy the beaches for walking, tide-pooling, or watching wildlife rather than swimming. March is still a beautiful time to visit, though, with lighter crowds and those classic Monterey coastal views. If you’re planning any water activities like kayaking or diving, local outfitters provide wetsuits to keep you comfortable. Otherwise, pack layers for breezy beach days and enjoy exploring the shoreline, trails, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium — it’s a perfect match for March weather. If you need ideas on the best beaches or things to do that time of year, I’m happy to help!
This Monterey guide is fantastic! You really captured what makes the area so special — that perfect blend of ocean wildlife, coastal charm, and historic character. I love how you highlight both the major draws like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the quieter, more authentic experiences around town. The beach breakdown is super helpful too, especially since each spot has such a different vibe. And your weather and seasonal tips make planning so much easier. This post definitely makes Monterey feel like a place where you can explore all day, eat well, and still stumble onto something new around every corner!
Thank you so much! Monterey really is one of those places where every corner feels like a little discovery, and I’m glad that came through for you. The mix of marine life, history, and gorgeous coastline makes it such an easy destination to fall in love with. If you ever make the trip, let me know which beach or neighborhood ends up being your favorite — everyone seems to find a different spot that steals their heart!
Monterey looks like such a charming coastal town! I’ve always wanted to visit the aquarium and stroll along Cannery Row, but I had no idea there were so many beautiful beaches nearby. For a first-time visitor, which beach would you say is the best for relaxing and maybe catching a sunset?
You’ll absolutely love Monterey — it’s such a perfect mix of ocean views, coastal history, and relaxed California vibes! For sunsets, Del Monte Beach is a local favorite. It’s peaceful, with soft sand, boardwalk trails, and just enough space to unwind while watching the sun dip over the bay. If you’d like something livelier, Monterey Municipal Beach is great for people-watching and beach walks near Cannery Row. Either way, bring a light sweater — those evening ocean breezes make Monterey sunsets feel extra cozy!
Monterey looks amazing! I’ve always wanted to visit the aquarium, but I didn’t realize there were so many great beaches in the area too. Would you say it’s better to plan a trip in the spring for the festivals, or is fall still a good time to enjoy the coast without too much rain?
The aquarium is definitely a highlight, but yes—the beaches around Monterey are beautiful and each one has its own character! Spring is wonderful because you’ll have the festivals, warmer weather, and lighter crowds. Fall is also a nice option if you don’t mind the chance of a little rain—it’s quieter, and the scenery is just as stunning. I’d say either season gives you a great mix of activities and coastal charm.
There’s so much great information here! Thanks for sharing, my wife and I are thinking about spending some time in the US in the next couple of years so I know where to go for information.
What would the weather be like June-August?
That 17-mile drive looks incredible, is it possible to run along it (not the whole way!!) or cycle along?
I am glad you find my site informative and with what you need to plan your trip to the U.S. June – August in Monterey is going to be pleasant but not hot as it is on the coast. The temperatures are going to be in the mid to upper 60s. Yes, you can bike and run on the 17-mile drive. Vehicles going on the route pay $10.25 per car, and motorcycles are not allowed. But bikes and on foot is free 🙂 Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Hi Leahrae,
Wow, every time I read another post, I add to my bucket list, lol.
This looks like an amazing place. I especially love all the historical areas.
Do you know if there are any RV camping sites in the area? Being from Canada, I’d love for us to pull our trailer down along the cost and make frequent stops.
Cheers,
Suzanne
Oh my goodness Suzanne, there are plenty of camping sites in Monterey. You will not have to worry about that, and how fun to motor down from Canada. I used to live in Alaska, so the scenery is amazing just as in Canada. Both California and Canada are so different, yet what a great way to enjoy! Thanks for stopping by.
California is certainly one of my favorites states to visit. There is always so much to do there. Sea lions are amazing in person, though. They are actually very playful and fun animals to watch.
The aquarium looks like something I would certainly like to do. However, I would like to check out their gift shop if they have one, too. Do you happen to know if they have one, though?
Hi Garen, I would agree that California is probably one of the best states, next to Florida that is 🙂 Yes, you will find a gift shop at the Aquarium with plenty of items to take home 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Monterey California Tourism.
Wow, this looks awesome. Everything is so pretty. I am ready to head to Monterey now, and everything I need to start planning is right here! Have you been? -Kahlua
It is beautiful in Monterey and of course I have been. I love California. Probably one of my favorite states besides Florida and Texas 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Beach Travel Destinations.
This looks like a great place to visit in California. I never heard of this place it before. Simply by reading this article, it looks like there is so much to do and so many places to visit in Monterey. Thank you for all the great information you provided throughout this article. It makes me eager to visit it one day.
I hope you can visit one day soon Sonia. California is wonderful, especially the central coast. Thanks for visiting Monterey California Tourism!
Great article, so much information! I was so surprised by all the options to choose from. My boyfriend and I have been wanting to visit Cali and this might definitely be a place we stop by at. The “fast raft ocean safari” is my kind of scene.
It is really a great coastal vacation destination with everything from beaches, to adventure, to beautiful surroundings. I hope you can make it soon!
Fantastic Article, it was only when I reached the bit about the 17 mile coastal drive and Carmel that I realised had visited the area a few years ago. I can concur that these were beautiful places to visit and next time I plan on visiting California I will be sure to check out your website for more detailed information on the area.
Ok Richard sounds like a good deal! When you are ready to visit, and need any help planning, I am here to help! Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.
Hi Leahrea
I must say, every post you write is brilliant, you share so much information on all the destination your write about and I would advise anyone to visit your website before they book any holiday.
I have visited your website several times and I have added it to my favourites for future holidays, not only are your reviews great, its all the ideas and advice you give regarding the destinations.
I have never been to the States, this is something I would love to do, and Califonia would be top of my wish list.
Chris
If you have not been to the U.S., then California and Florida are both the top places to go, especially if you love being on the coast. I am glad you enjoy visiting beach travel destinations. Thank you for stopping by 🙂
This is nice. I went to California years ago and didn’t really have too much of a desire to go back. Later, I wanted to visit San Francisco and San Diego. I need to be near the beach.
Then you will absolutely love this area. San Francisco gets a bit windy and cold for me…I’m from Florida. And I love San Diego, but the beach is where I belong. You get it all in Monterey!
Boy how I’d love to visit California. It’s been a dream of mine for many years. Thank you for you very informative post. You have covered just about everything from sites to see, restaurants to visit through to accommondation. I’ll just have to go through it carefully and plan my holiday. Jim
Ok Jim, and please let me know if you need any other questions answered to help with your vacation planning. Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.com.
Monterey, California is hands down, one of my favorite places to vacation, I just love it. I really liked the description of Bella On The Bay. I think the next time I stay I would do this. I mean come on a 47’Luxury Italian Racer Cruiser yours for the day, sounds incredible. Can you stay overnight on a boat like this or is it merely for the day?
I do believe that they have overnight trips as well. I would check on their website to make sure, but that would be so much fun! Thanks for stopping by and visiting Monterey California Tourism.
Wow this place look like paradise on earth. I was looking at the best time to visit and it happens to be the time I am taking my vacation. I will bookmark your site as I have not yet decided where to go. This might be the perfect place! Thanks for sharing!
I think that Monterey California Tourism has it all! You will absolutely love the area. Please let me know if you need any additional information to help with your planning 🙂
Hi Leahrae,
Awesome article!
I have visited many places in California, but Monterey, not yet. Just by watching the video, it makes me want to go there. I’ll show this place to my husband and my children so we can decide and plan together our next trip:) Just a question, please. How would be the way to get there from Europe?
Thank you!
Boy, Europe is a lot of country 🙂 What ever part of Europe you are in, you will just want to fly to Los Angeles, California. That will be the most economical airport to fly into. It is going to take give or take 12 hours to get there. If you decide to go and need any help with planning your trip to Monterey, please let me know!
I have always wanted to visit the Monterey Peninsula there in California. There is so much to see and do there. A must do is the 17 mile drive! It sounds like a great excursion and one will want to bring the camera. Another great video which really makes one want to back the bags and go!
I agree, that you must do the 17-mile Drive….absolutely breathtaking…and yes the camera is a must! Glad you enjoyed reading about Monterey California Tourism! Thanks for stopping by Mick!
Hello Leahrae,
Thanks for such a concise article.I have hear of Monterey, California…and reading your article, it makes it feel like I have ‘been there’. Very nice. I think I would go for the loooong beach drive. I love Mother Nature. And the aquarium sounds right up my ‘alley’ too…and that of my daughter’s. We will be doing some travelling in a few months, so here goes another ‘to do’ for my list.
Thanks and keep up the good job.
Michelle
Thank you Michelle for stopping by and taking the time to visit Beach Travel Destinations. I am glad you enjoyed visiting Monterey California Tourism.
This looks like another excellent place to visit in California. I love the fact that these places are on th coast with such beautiful views. I always liked California and would love to see Monterey because it looks awesome and I’ve never been there before.
It’s like one place is more beautiful than the next. Do you think it gets very crowded there and at what time of the year?
Yes, another great California coastal destination 🙂 The best time to visit Monterey is between April and May. Spring offers warmer temperatures, fewer crowds and food festivals dishing out delectable eats, including Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Artichoke Festival in Castroville. Thanks for stopping by Rob!
WOW! What a beautiful place! We have driven down the Oregon Coast – but never far enough to get to California. This is definitely on the road trip list now! Thank you for your information!
The drive along the California coast is so wonderful. I don’t think I could ever get tired of the scenery. And to me Central California has all of California beat, hands down. Thanks for stopping by Monterey California Tourism.
Wow, Monterey looks great. I may have to put this on my list of vacation spots to check out. We love aquariums and beaches.
I have never been to California. But it looks like there may be a first time.
California is awesome! So many wonderful places, such beautiful coastline, and so much to do and see. And yes, their aquariums and beaches are both not to be missed! Thanks for stopping by!