Monterey County Things To Do

A premiere outdoor recreation company offering quality rental gear and tours by kayak or bike. Knowledgeable and friendly guides take you along Cannery Row for incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, spectacular scenery, and lots of fun.

These hidden gem golf courses feature impeccably maintained fairways and challenging layouts. Offering amazing views of Monterey Bay, both courses offer championship quality greens and superb service.

If you're visiting in the fall, be sure to check out this family-run pumpkin patch for the perfect pumpkin and family activities like a haunted barn and five acre corn maze. You won't want to miss the annual California Pumpkin Weigh-Off Festival!

You’ll find a collection of independent, family-owned shops as well as familiar name brand stores throughout Cannery Row. Explore local wines, gourmet treats, and shop for treasures.

A beautiful beach with soft, white sand and several volleyball courts, this dog friendly offers a quintessential slice of California life.

What could be more pleasant than shopping at premium stores nestled in an award-winning garden? This elegant outdoor shopping experience has over 40 upscale stores, fine restaurants, and open-air courtyards.

Sail the breathtaking Monterey Bay Sanctuary for a peaceful yet memorable adventure. With 30 years of experience, Captain Gene is knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about sailing, wildlife, and the Monterey Bay area.

Sublime performances by world-renowned artists at a beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea venue. Chamber Music Monterey Bay hosts brilliant classics and brand new compositions for an innovative season that will inspire music lovers.

This historical building was once a school and also contained a jail. Explore the small building to get a peek into California’s history.

This spacious children’s park offers plenty of fun with its many structures and obstacles. Kids and adults alike can explore the hedge maze, suspension bridge, playgrounds and roller slide, as well as clean restrooms and picnic tables.

Take your family or your dog out for a day of exploration at this park that has miles of hiking trails and plenty of elevation climbs. Horses and bicycles are also allowed and there is plenty of free parking.

After stopping at the Haute Enchilada Café, check out the gallery which features original work from local artists. There is a quaint outdoor courtyard and this space is available for private events.

Browse Haitian metal folk art and Latin American folk art that was handmade by village artisans. These authentic pieces can be purchased for the home and garden.

Enjoy a walk along a paved trail around the lake, or take advantage of the public barbecue areas and picnic tables at this regional park. There is also playground equipment for toddlers and kids, and a volleyball court for kids of all ages.

A signature Robert Trent Jones design, the course follows the natural terrain among oak-studded coastal hills and features many bunkers and elevated tees.

Enjoy a pleasant waterside picnic or play beach volleyball. With a variety of activities at this park, you’ll find something for everyone including barbecue pits, bike and kayak rentals and a children’s swimming pool.

Popularly known for its hang-gliding and paragliding, Marina State Beach also offers visitors a hiking trail through the Marina Dunes, big waves for surfing, and gorgeous sunsets.

This sanctuary, maintained by docents and volunteers, allows you to view Monarch butterflies in a natural habitat. Be sure to visit during October through February for the full experience.

Said to be one of the best in the country, this aquarium wows and amazes its visitors with a variety of exhibits including a kelp tank and a deep sea feature that can entertain for hours.

Set out to the bay on a kayak by taking a guided tour or exploring on your own and keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of wildlife including otters, seals, birds and more.

Visit any time of year to receive a guided tour by a marine biologist where you can observe whales, dolphins, and other wildlife. Plus, well-behaved dogs are allowed on the trips!

If you're looking for phenomenal customer service and a day to remember, you will want to book a wine tour with Sammy His industry background, close connections with local vintners, and easy going attitude will give you the "wow" experience you deserve.

This nationally accredited art museum features rotating exhibitions and art collections that will ignite your senses. As you explore, you’ll enjoy the high ceilings, natural light, and beautiful gardens.

This recently improved public 18-hole course is great for beginners and offers great rates and a military discount.

This small zoo provides an educational tour and has a unique bed and breakfast experience. You can also feed the elephants for a nominal cost.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Napa, the Napa Valley Expo is home to the annual Napa Town & Country Fair, and is a community center and gathering place for trade shows, dinners, dances, fundraisers, concerts, weddings, and much more.

Dedicated to the author John Steinbeck, this museum and memorial takes you through the life of Steinbeck and his books and features a bookstore inside the museum.

This beautiful Oceanside course was named the greatest public golf course in America due to its exquisite beauty and unique challenges. Every golf fanatic should make it a goal to play this course at least once.

Visitors will find awe and delight in the beauty and wonders of nature. Bring your camera and explore the incredible views and all kinds of wildlife. Hike through the woods and down to the water’s edge to view the tide pools and sea lions.

Whatever your golf skill set, the Golf Club at Quail Lodge is an eminently playable course. A pet-friendly facility with beautifully manicured greens and pristine conditions, the championship course has benefited from a recent restoration.

Take a stroll along the Salinas River and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Day-use facilities at this park include picnic areas, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts and more.

This art gallery features works from local artists and frequently hosts art shows and events. You’ll find unique art and gifts at this gallery.

Explore a variety of terrains at this 18-hole golf course. You’ll begin with sandy seaside dunes and make your way through the trees. This par 72 course is rated as one of the toughest in the world.

This nostalgic, whimsical wax museum features moving figures that describe the history of Monterey. The short tour allows you to press a button to see the figure come to life and give a historical presentation.