Attractions in Monterey, CA

Cannery Row Dinning  Maritime Museum State Reserve Big Sur

Located on coastal Highway 1 in Central California, Monterey is a fabulous vacation destination that offers pristine natural beauty, sandy beaches and a wide variety of fun things to do for visitors of all ages at local attractions, like aquariums, galleries, whale watching, museums, festivals, wineries, restaurants, and outdoor events. When you visit the Monterey Bay area and stay at the Spindrift Inn, youll find a wide variety of fun and interesting attractions, all just a few steps away from upscale, ocean front hotel. Enjoy relaxing ocean view rooms with wood burning fireplaces, luxury hotel amenities, and complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, and take advantage of the fun indoor and outdoor activities, tourist attractions, shopping, outdoor adventures, and restaurants youll find in Monterey.

Cannery Row in Monterey, California. Located in the heart of Monterey, California, Cannery Row is a popular waterfront street that was once the center of Montereys bustling sardine canning industry, but today the area is home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a variety of restaurants, hotels, gift shops, attractions, and several historical monuments.

Monterey Bay Aquarium. Located at the north end of Montereys famous Cannery Row, the popular Monterey Bay Aquarium is dedicated to marine education, research and preservation, and inspires visitors with fabulous marine exhibits that include sharks, an awe-inspiring kelp forest, live otters, mysterious jellyfish, and childrens activities. Open daily, except Dec. 25 from 10am-6pm. www.mbayaq.org

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail. Running from Castroville to Pacific Grove, this 18-mile long waterfront recreation trail is a well-maintained paved pathway that follows the coast along the old Southern Pacific Railway route. Perfect for a family bike ride, skate or walk along the coast, visitors can peruse shops along the trail that rent bicycles, 4-person surreys, in-line skates, and kayaks for exploring the Monterey area.  [Top]

Maritime Museum of Monterey & The Path of History. The Maritime Museum of Monterey allows visitors to experience an up-close view of Montereys rich maritime history through more than 5,000 interesting artifacts, 50,000 photographs, 6,000 books, and the impressive glass prisms of the Fresnel lens from the original Point Sur Lighthouse lamp.  [Top]

Point Lobos State Reserve. Considered to be the “jewel” of the California state park system, Point Lobos State Reserve offers visitors a chance to see the Pacific Ocean up close and enjoy interesting tidal effects, loud sea lion colonies, rare Monterey Cyprus tree groves, Oceanside hiking trials, spectacular beaches, and views of the Pacific Ocean.
San Carlos Borromeo de Carmel Mission Basilica. The Carmel Mission was originally founded in 1770 by Spanish missionary, Father Junipero Serra, and offers a look at traditional mission life through exhibits of significant religious artifacts, antique Spanish and Native American implements, a library, gardens, and a quiet church sanctuary. Open Mon. - Sat., 9:30am - 4:15pm, Sun. 8:30am - 4:15pm.   [Top]

Big Sur. Big Sur’s stunning ocean views and spectacular Santa Lucia Mountains make it a favorite of locals and tourists. Explore the area’s quaint villages, intimate museums, hiking trails, beaches, and picnic locations all located along the stunning coastal Highway 1 route.

National Steinbeck Center. The National Steinbeck Center in Salinas offers visitors a glimpse at Monterey County and the famous author through intriguing, interactive exhibits highlighting the fertile Salinas Valley, Steinbeck’s life and the his famous books and artifacts. Open 10am - 5pm daily, except holidays.  [Top]