Monterey, California Travel Guide
City City in California with coastal views
Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium bring diners and families to watch sea otters, kelp forests and kayaking; nearby 17-Mile Drive and Highway 1 offer coastal stops and seafood shacks.
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Why Visit Monterey, California? #
This coastal city draws foodies, marine-life enthusiasts and fans of literary history to a compact waterfront setting. Stroll Cannery Row, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to watch kelp forests and sea otters, and taste cioppino at a seafood restaurant overlooking the bay. Nearby 17-Mile Drive and historic Carmel add dramatic coastal scenery and charming villages to the city’s maritime cultural mix.
Best Things to Do in Monterey, California
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Monterey, California Bucket List
- Monterey Bay Aquarium - World-class aquarium dedicated to local marine ecosystems and its iconic kelp forest exhibit.
- Cannery Row - Historic waterfront street lined with shops, seafood restaurants, and oceanfront promenades.
- 17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach) - Scenic coastal route past famed golf links, cypress trees, and dramatic shoreline viewpoints.
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Coastal reserve with hidden coves, tidepools, and abundant marine wildlife near Carmel.
- Pacific Grove's Lovers Point Park - Small rocky beach ideal for tidepooling, picnics, and quiet seaside walks.
- Colton Hall Museum - Historic hall where California's first constitutional convention met, featuring local exhibits.
- Big Sur - Drive south for towering redwoods, dramatic coastal vistas, and Pfeiffer Beach photography stops.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea - Quaint village with art galleries, white-sand beaches, and boutique dining only minutes away.
Best Time to Visit Monterey, California #
Monterey is best in spring and fall when the coast is clear and temperatures are mild. Summers are cool and foggy but perfect for avoiding heat and finding peaceful seaside spots.
Best Time to Visit Monterey, California #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in September) and cool winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 6°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (739 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Monterey, California
Monterey is served directly by Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) and by regional bus/shuttle links to the Bay Area. The city is compact and most visitors combine shuttles, local buses and walking; a rental car is useful for wider Peninsula or Big Sur trips.
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY): The closest commercial airport to Monterey city - 5-10 minutes by car to central Monterey. Options: rental cars and taxis/rideshares from arrivals (taxi fares to downtown commonly $12-$25, 10-15 minutes). Seasonal flight schedules vary so check connections.
San Francisco International (SFO) / San Jose (SJC): If flying into SFO or SJC, driving to Monterey takes roughly 2-2.5 hours (from SFO) or 1.5-2 hours (from SJC) depending on traffic. There are also coach services (e.g., Monterey Airbus, regional shuttles) from SFO/SJC to Monterey - fares typically $40-$60 and travel time about 2-3 hours.
Train: There is no direct Amtrak service into downtown Monterey. The nearest Amtrak station is in Salinas (Amtrak Thruway and Pacific Surfliner connections vary); from Salinas you can take Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) or a short taxi (~20-30 minutes).
Bus: Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) provides local bus services around Monterey County, including routes from Salinas and the airport area. Regional coach services and airport shuttles connect Monterey with the Bay Area and San Luis Obispo.
How to Get Around Monterey, California #
Monterey’s downtown, Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf are compact and pleasant to walk; many attractions are within easy walking distance. Bike rentals are common and the relatively flat waterfront is bike‑friendly. Monterey‑Salinas Transit (MST) provides regional bus service (including routes to Carmel and Big Sur) at modest fares. Parking can fill up in peak seasons, so consider transit or arrive early.
Where to Stay in Monterey, California #
- HI Monterey Hostel - Hostel near downtown and Cannery Row
- Budget motels & guesthouses - Several affordable options around town
- InterContinental The Clement Monterey - Upscale waterfront mid-range feel
- Monterey Bay Inn - Comfortable rooms with ocean views
- Spindrift Inn - Romantic rooms right on the water
- The Inn at Spanish Bay (Pebble Beach) - Resort luxury a short drive away
Where to Eat in Monterey, California #
- The Sardine Factory - Iconic seafood dining near Cannery Row.
- Old Fisherman's Grotto - Classic clam chowder and seafood plates.
- Passionfish (Pacific Grove) - Sustainable seafood, inventive preparations.
- Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar - Oceanfront dining with panoramic views.
- LouLou's Griddle In The Middle - Classic breakfast, friendly local spot.
- Local bakeries and cafés - Fresh pastries and morning bites.
- Casual cafés on Cannery Row - Sandwiches, coffee and harbor views.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Monterey, California's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Monterey, California #
Monterey’s nightlife is relaxed and centered on waterfront restaurants, brewpubs and a handful of bars with live music. It’s not a high‑energy club scene, but evenings are enjoyable with seafood dining and casual drink spots.
- Alvarado Street Brewery - Local craft brewery with pub food and communal indoor‑outdoor space.
Shopping in Monterey, California #
Shopping in Monterey is focused on Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and downtown Monterey where galleries, souvenir shops, boutique clothing stores and marine‑themed retailers cluster. The aquarium’s shop is a popular stop for gifts and educational items. For larger department stores and chains, nearby Seaside and Salinas offer additional options.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Gift Shop - Educational and marine‑themed gifts tied to the aquarium's exhibits.
- Cannery Row Shops - Cluster of souvenir shops, galleries and seaside boutiques.
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