Monterey & Carmel Travelers Recommend

With 48 hours in Monterey, you can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities dedicated to the area’s natural beauty, learn more about its history, and spot marine life. Here are a few ways to create a 2-day itinerary that highlights the best of California’s Central Coast region.

Day 1: Explore Attractions

**Morning:**Get acquainted with the main sights of Monterey and neighboring Pacific Grove on a tour that suits your schedule, including a self-guided tour via 2-seater convertible. Tous usually focus on top attractions such as Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Lovers Point, Asilomar State Beach, and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.

**Afternoon:**Located at the end of Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the country’s best, home to exhibits about the marine life of Monterey Bay and other bodies of water. If you’re interested in Monterey’s historical side, check out the Spanish-era sites of Monterey State Historic Park.

**Night:**Head out to sea on a sunset cruise to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and watch for local wildlife, including dolphins, sea lions, and sea birds. Some cruises include appetizers and drinks while others may have them available for purchase.

Day 2: Get Active

**Morning:**Monterey Bay a top place in California for a whale-watching cruise as it’s on the migrating path for gray whales and humpback whales. Dolphins, porpoises, and even orcas (aka killer whales) can also be spotted in these nutrient-rich waters too.  

**Afternoon:**Get to know charming Carmel-by-the-Sea on a food and wine walking tour with a guide who introduces you to the food of this enclave located just south of Monterey on the other side of the Monterey Peninsula. Alternatively, stay in Monterey for a food tour among the city’s historical sites.

**Night:**Head to 17-Mile Drive to discover one of the most scenic roadways in California at sunset. You can drive or bike to see the golf courses and high-end resorts of Pebble Beach, the Lone Cypress, and the rocky coastline dotted with beaches and lookout points.

A full Monterey experience can be had in three days—an itinerary packed with the natural beauty, wildlife, history, and laidback luxury of this popular destination on the Central California coast. Here are our top ideas for how to spend a fun-filled 72 hours in the Monterey area.

Day 1: See the Sights

Orient yourself with the main sights of Monterey and neighboring Pacific Grove on a self-guided driving tour that gives you the chance to pass by attractions such as Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Lovers Point, Asilomar State Beach, and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. Then return to Cannery Row to visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best in the United States, to see exhibits about the marine life of Monterey Bay and other bodies of water. If you’re interested in Monterey’s historical side, visit the Spanish-era sites of Monterey State Historic Park. Come evening, head out to sea on a sunset cruise to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and watch for local wildlife like dolphins, sea lions, and sea birds. Some cruises include drinks and snacks while others may have them available for purchase.

Day 2: Explore the Coast

Monterey Bay is on the migrating path for humpback whales and gray whales, making it a top California spot for a whale-watching cruise. Dolphins, porpoises, and even orcas (aka killer whales) can also be spotted in these nutrient-rich waters, so don’t miss the chance to see them in their native environment. Then refuel with a food walking tour in Monterey or in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming village just south of Monterey on the other side of the Monterey Peninsula. You can hear stories about Monterey or Carmel as you enjoy food tastings with a guide. At sunset, check out the 17-Mile Drive, one of California’s most scenic roadways. As you pass by the golf courses and high-end resorts of Pebble Beach, the Lone Cypress, and the rocky coastline dotted with beaches, stop at lookout points to take in the views.

Day 3: Take a Day Trip

Discover one of California’s most dramatic coastal locations on a day trip to Big Sur, about an hour south of Monterey along Highway 1. After crossing the Bixby Bridge—a popular photo op—make your way along the remote stretch of coastline, stopping for clifftop vistas, hiking, and lunch. Points of interest include Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls, and Nepenthe restaurant. Alternatively, head inland from Carmel to the Carmel Valley wine region, which produces varietals such as merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Several wineries and tasting rooms are within walking distance of each other along Carmel Valley Road, making it easy to visit as many as you can handle in a day.

The Monterey Peninsula is an ideal place to spend a day, with attractions that highlight the natural beauty, wildlife, and history of the region—plus its setting on the rugged Pacific coast. Here are the top ways to enjoy 24 hours in this central California hot spot.

Morning: Get Acquainted

If you plan on visiting Monterey and Carmel on a day trip from San Francisco, book a tour with provided transportation. Guided tours allow you to admire the scenery along California’s Highway 1 instead of worrying about directions and parking. Take in the area’s main sights, including Cannery Row, the 17-Mile Drive through the resorts of Pebble Beach, the cliff-lined coast, and charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. If you plan to start your day in Monterey, spend the morning on a guided or self-guided tour to get oriented with the city and waterfront.

Afternoon: Explore Attractions

One of the top aquariums in the United States, Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-do. Located on the waterfront at the end of Cannery Row, it’s easy to visit when in the city’s main tourist district. Prepurchase admission to avoid the line, and enjoy the aquarium’s showcase of Monterey Bay marine life and other sea life from around the world. Animal exhibits include penguins and otters, and daily feedings and programs provide insight into the nonprofit aquarium’s work and conservation goals. Alternatively, those interested in Monterey’s historical side, can check out the Spanish-era sites of Monterey State Historic Park on a walking tour.

Night: Enjoy the Water

Whether by boat or on land, don’t miss the setting sun as it disappears into the Pacific Ocean. A sunset cruise is a great way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing, and it’s a chance to spot local marine life such as dolphins and sea lions. Some cruises include appetizers and drinks while others may have them available for purchase. Alternatively, head to a coastal location on Monterey Peninsula such as Lovers Point or the Point Pinos Lighthouse to enjoy the twilight atmosphere—perfect for photos.

With more than 150 vineyards to its name, Monterey County is one of California’s top wine-producing areas. It includes seven unique appellations that support 32 fine-wine varietals and a rare diversity of wines. Here’s what you need to know about visiting this California wine country.

Must-Try Varietals

Distinct microclimates throughout Monterey County yield a surprising diversity of wines. More than 70 percent of wines produced in the Carmel Valley are cabernet sauvignon and merlot varietals, while the Salinas Valley is best known for its chardonnay and pinot noir. The cool-climate Santa Lucia highlands are also known for these two grapes, along with syrah. The bowl-shaped San Antonio Valley features loam and clay soil perfect for growing full-bodied French varietals like petite syrah and marsanne.

Must-Do Experiences

• Dive into the gourmet culture of Carmel on a food and wine walking tour.

• Visit the numerous tasting rooms of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

• Snag a Monterey tasting pass for discounts on wine tasting at more than 200 California wineries.

• Explore the collection of 90 local wines at the Cannery Row tasting room A Taste of Monterey.

• Enjoy a picnic amid the vineyards.

• Tour an area winery to sample wine right from the source.