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Things to do in Monterey

Cannery Row, aquarium, and the 17-Mile Drive coast.

Monterey, CA, USA· Airport: MRY
Monterey — Things to do | CheapoTrav travel guide

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Phone-only fares for Monterey, 24/7.

Call 1 (815) 473-8090

Key facts

  • Best time of year to visit varies by activity — see the timing tips below
  • Most attractions in Monterey are walkable from the city center or a short rideshare
  • Free things to do: parks, public squares, viewpoints, and several no-admission museums
  • Family-friendly: most Monterey attractions accept strollers and offer kids' pricing
  • Book attraction tickets in advance during peak season — many sell out

Whether it's your first trip or your fifth, Monterey has more going on than you can fit in a long weekend. Cannery Row, aquarium, and the 17-Mile Drive coast. This guide is a tight shortlist of what's actually worth your time, organized by what you're in the mood for.

We've grouped picks by free activities, family-friendly outings, food experiences, and day trips. After you pick your itinerary, scroll down for our travel-desk number — we can quote the flights, hotels, and rental car as a package and often save 15–25% over booking each piece separately.

In this guide

  • Top sights
  • Free things to do in Monterey
  • Best with kids
  • Day trips from Monterey
  • Food experiences

Frequently asked questions

What is Monterey most known for?
Cannery Row, aquarium, and the 17-Mile Drive coast.
What are the top free things to do in Monterey?
Public parks, neighborhood walks, viewpoints, and select museums in Monterey are no-cost. Our city guide breaks down the best free picks by neighborhood.
Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
Is Monterey family-friendly?
Yes — most major attractions in Monterey cater to families with kids' pricing, stroller access, and child-safe transit. Ask our travel desk for an age-appropriate itinerary.
How many days do you need in Monterey?
2–3 days covers the highlights; 4–5 days lets you add day trips and slower neighborhood exploration.
Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
What are the best day trips from Monterey?
Popular day trips include san francisco, carmel, big sur.
Do I need to book attractions in advance?
For the top attractions in Monterey, yes — especially in peak season. Walk-up tickets often sell out, and prebooking saves 10–20% on many experiences.
Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares

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