What are the top things to do in Monterey & Carmel?

The top things to do in Monterey & Carmel are: 17-Mile Drive Cannery Row Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf Monterey Bay Aquarium Hearst Castle

What are the top things to do near Monterey & Carmel?

Check out things to do near Monterey & Carmel: California

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TOP 15 Things To Do in Monterey & Carmel - Must See Attractions in Monterey & Carmel

#1

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17-Mile Drive

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

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#2

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Cannery Row

2,143

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.More

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#3

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Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf

2,881

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.More

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#4

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Monterey Bay Aquarium

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One of the top aquariums in the US with a privileged location on California’s Pacific Coast, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to hundreds of marine animals and known for its dedication to ocean conservation. Highlights include some 200 exhibits and galleries featuring more than 600 species of marine mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates.More

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#5

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Hearst Castle

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Hearst Castle, perched along California’s Central Coast, is the ostentatious creation of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. This 90,000-square-foot (8,361-square-meter) estate comprises 165 rooms and 127 acres (51.4 hectares) of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways—all now open to the gawking public.More

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#6

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Big Sur

111

Big Sur, a stunning 71-mile (114-kilometer) stretch of California’s Central Coast, boasts epic views of the mighty Pacific and 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.More

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#7

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Asilomar State Beach

573

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.More

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#8

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Point Pinos Lighthouse

30

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.More

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#9

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Lovers Point Park

104

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.More

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#10

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Carmel Mission

15

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.More

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#11

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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

21

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.More

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#12

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Dennis the Menace Park

3

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.More

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#13

Pebble Beach

0

The community of Pebble Beach, California, is best known for the Pebble Beach Golf Links and other high-end golf courses along the Pacific Coast between the towns of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. It’s certainly a golfer’s heaven, but it also draws visitors for its coastal scenery and fine restaurants and hotels.More

#14

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Sunset Cultural Center

265

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 gallery space, and hosts events throughout the year. From comedy and rock to dance and theater, the diverse programming offers something for everyone.More

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#15

Wrath Wines

0

One of the most critically celebrated wineries in the Santa Lucia Highlands American Viticultural Area, Wrath Wines is a popular stop for oenophiles. The winery, established in 1975, makes the most of its region’s distinct terroir, and produces site-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc, sold in three different series.More

Number of Attractions	16
Number of Tours	63
Number of Reviews	2,332
Currency	USD

Things to do in Monterey & Carmel

Welcome to Monterey & Carmel

star-55-Star activities in Monterey & Carmel

Top 15 attractions in Monterey & Carmel

17-Mile Drive

Cannery Row

Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Hearst Castle

Big Sur

Asilomar State Beach

Point Pinos Lighthouse

Lovers Point Park

Carmel Mission

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Dennis the Menace Park

Pebble Beach

Sunset Cultural Center

Wrath Wines

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