Monterey

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CA-1
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

CA-1

6.7
4.8/5
499 reviews
CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.Monterey County · 20.1 km from Monterey
17 Mile Dr
Selected for Fall Viewing Attractions in United States

17 Mile Dr

5.8
4.5/5
291 reviews
17 Mile Dr is a coastal scenic road that runs through the private coastal community of Pebble Beach, named for its total length of approx. 17 miles. On one side of the road are the rolling pine forests and Monterey cypress of the Del Monte Forest, and on the other is the rocky coastline of the Pacific Ocean, with over 10 viewpoints along the way. The iconic view of this scenic route is The Lone Cypress, a Monterey cypress that has grown alone on a granite rock for approx. two and a half centuries. It has long been considered the symbol of Pebble Beach and is a highly popular photo spot along the entire route. Bird Rock is home to flocks of seabirds, sea lions, and harbor seals all year round. The rocks are stained white by years of bird droppings, making it a lively place. In the Seal Rock area, you can often see seals lazily basking in the sun. Spanish Bay features an open beach, a rarity along the route, where visitors stack smooth pebbles into small towers. At sunset, a bagpiper plays by the sea, a tradition that has continued for decades. China Rock holds the history of Chinese fishermen who sought shelter and settled there, while Ghost Tree has become a unique photography subject with its twisted, bleached trunk. There are many attractions along the way. The scenic route also passes through several championship-level golf courses, including the prestigious Pebble Beach Golf Links.Del Monte Forest · 3.9 km from Monterey
Carmel-By-The-Sea

Carmel-By-The-Sea

5.7
4.4/5
373 reviews
Carmel-By-The-Sea is a coastal, artistic town on the Monterey Peninsula and a popular stopover on the Highway 1 self-drive route. Many travelers connect it with the17 Mile Dras they head south. The town's character dates back to the early 20th century. After the San Francisco earthquake, a group of poets, painters, and writers moved here, gradually developing it into an art-centric seaside community. To this day, the town is still dotted with independently owned galleries, craft shops, and bookstores. Architecture is another hallmark of the town: the fairy-tale cottage style, pioneered by architect Hugh Comstock in the 1920s, endures to this day. Pointed roofs, shingled walls, and whimsical chimneys can be found throughout the streets, with the Hansel and Gretel cottages, named after the Brothers Grimm fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel," being particularly famous. The town has no street numbers, no neon signs, and chain brands are hard to find, making a stroll through it feel like being in the European countryside. Visits usually center around Ocean Avenue, where galleries and boutiques are tucked away in the alleys on both sides of the main street. At the end of the street lies Carmel Beach, where fine, soft white sand and the silhouettes of coastal pine trees make it a great place to watch the sunset. Self-drive travelers can also take a scenic drive along Scenic Road, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and unique coastal cottages on the other.Carmel-by-the-Sea · 6.5 km from Monterey
Old Fisherman's Wharf

Old Fisherman's Wharf

4.8
3.6/5
10 reviews
Old Fisherman's Wharf is a historic tourist destination located in Monterey, California. It has been a center of marine activities since its construction in 1845. Today, the wharf attracts visitors with its rich dining options and marine experiences. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood in many restaurants, especially local specialties such as clam chowder and lobster dishes. In addition to food, Old Fisherman's Wharf offers a variety of marine activities. Whale watching tours are one of the highlights here, and visitors have the opportunity to see marine life such as whales, dolphins and sea lions. For fishing enthusiasts, the wharf offers boat rental services, allowing you to enjoy the fun of sea fishing. There are also many shops on the wharf that sell souvenirs and handicrafts, which is a good place to buy unique gifts. Strolling along the wharf, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Monterey Bay and it is an ideal place to take pictures. Visitors are advised to check the official website for event information and opening hours.Monterey · 1.1 km from downtown
Monterey Bay
No. 16 of Family-friendly Attractions in California

Monterey Bay

4.7
4.5/5
95 reviews
Monterey Bay is one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. Going north along the Gold Coast of the western United States, you can reach the beautiful and charming Monterey Peninsula. The cool sea breeze blows head-on, cute and funny sea lions and fur seals. Lazy on the rocks and waves. Monterey Bay is a very famous seaside resort in Northern California, and the city of Monterey is a famous tourist destination in Monterey Bay. The fish canning factory area and Fisherman's Wharf are desirable, with a large number of restaurants, clothing stores, Gift shop and playground.Monterey County · 21.5 km from Monterey
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

4
3.8/5
15 reviews
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located south of the coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and is a headland extending into the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to Highway 1. This expansive coastal area offers stunning scenery where the water meets the sky, with both pebble-strewn beaches and small coves of soft white sand, making it a perfect spot for a stroll or a picnic.Monterey County · 11 km from Monterey
Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach

3.3
4.3/5
85 reviews
The beach is located in the small town of Carmel. The sand here is relatively white and the sand is very fine, so it is more suitable for beach activities. Many fans who like surfing will come here, and if they are lucky, they will even encounter whales. Visitors can sunbathe on the beach and listen to the waves. When it comes to the small town of Carmel, it is a highlight of the Seventeen Mile Coastal Highway in California. There are many artists and writers living in the town, so the whole place reveals a refined artistic atmosphere.Carmel-by-the-Sea · 7.2 km from Monterey
Bird Rock Vista Point

Bird Rock Vista Point

3.3
Del Monte Forest · 5.9 km from Monterey
Carmel Mission Basilica

Carmel Mission Basilica

3.3
5.0/5
4 reviews
Carmel-by-the-Sea · 7.7 km from Monterey
Asilomar State Beach

Asilomar State Beach

3.3
5.0/5
1 reviews
Pacific Grove · 3.6 km from Monterey

Experiences you can't miss in Monterey

Featured Cultural experiences in Monterey

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San Jose Audio Tour: Innovation, Icons & Legends of Downtown
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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[San Francisco] Stanford 2-hour detailed guide | includes Hoover Tower admission ticket
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Duration: 1.9 hrs
English
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FromTRY 4,908.23

Featured Day tours in Monterey

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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
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4.9/5
· 278 reviews
Duration: 3–4 hrs
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FromTRY 3,495.38TRY 3,679.35
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
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4.7/5
· 67 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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92.5% of travelers recommend
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BEST of Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-by-the-Sea Small Group Tour
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FromTRY 5,831.17
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
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4.8/5
· 724 reviews· 25 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
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FromTRY 2,889.42TRY 3,041.5
CA-1 | 17-mile drive coastal highlights check in 1-day tour
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Duration: 12 hrs
English
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FromTRY 8,665.20

Featured Outdoor experiences in Monterey

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Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF
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4.3/5
· 2.1k reviews
Duration: 11 hrs
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FromTRY 6,374.75
Monterey: Catamaran Sailing Cruise
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 75 mins
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From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour
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4.4/5
· 82 reviews
Duration: 11.5 hrs
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FromTRY 5,531.44TRY 5,822.57

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What travelers say about Monterey

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5O1 May 2026
5.0
Driving along California's Highway 1, my hands were aching from gripping the wheel for so long. The coastal section was winding and twisting, with waves crashing white against the cliffs below. I stopped by the roadside to watch the seals; those lazy guys just rolled on their backs, not moving an inch. The Big Sur Bridge was quite photogenic, but I was too busy watching the road to cross it. We kept stopping and starting, turning into every viewpoint we saw to enjoy the breeze. Just as the gas tank was almost empty, we arrived in town; a burger and a Coke were the perfect comfort food.

CA-1

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Apple17 July 2025
5.0
The 17-mile toll road is highly recommended. It costs about $12 and includes Bird Rock, a stunning private residence, a golf course, and a sapphire blue coastline. Every time you visit a photo spot, you will be amazed.

17 Mile Dr

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sculptor10 July 2022
4.0
卡梅尔是美国加利福尼亚州蒙特雷县的一个海边小镇。卡梅尔的历史才一百多年,但以它的自然风光和丰富的艺术史而出名。 早期的市议会以艺术家为主,该市的几位市长都是诗人或演员。

Carmel-By-The-Sea

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DEAR张小球23 April 2020
5.0
The old Fisherman's Wharf is like two different worlds from the Fisherman's Wharf in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is very comfortable here. There are many private yachts moored at the pier, and there are also many seagulls flying, which makes people feel particularly comfortable.

Old Fisherman's Wharf

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Hello! Happy Time2 January 2023
5.0
Beautiful beach, peaceful town and cute houses. Suitable for relaxation. Beautiful nature.

Monterey Bay

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137***667 December 2019
5.0
[Scenery] Located south of the seaside town of Carmel, California, it is a corner of California's land that extends into the Pacific Ocean, close to Highway 1. This is an open beach with very beautiful scenery, where the water and the sky meet. There are beaches covered with pebbles and small beaches covered with soft white sand. It is a good place for strolling and picnicking. [Fun] What you can see here is the wonder of the intersection of the northernmost marine ecosystem and the southernmost spectacular coast. There are also some interesting animals, seagulls soaring on the sea, and seals napping on the beach, which are very cute.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

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红艳_2910 March 2020
5.0
Carmel Beach is very beautiful. If you go to Carmel Town, you must visit here. It was Chinese New Year when we went there. The weather was a bit cold, so we didn't go in the water. If you want to go there, it's best to choose summer!

Carmel Beach

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Lavender and Sun26 April 2020
5.0
Carmel Cathedral is a historic mission cathedral, formerly known as the Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo. It was built on June 3, 1770, originally located in Monterey, to highlight the work of Charles, the Archbishop of Milan, Italy at the time.

Carmel Mission Basilica

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CK31624 May 2023
5.0
Captivating place to spend the day relaxing. plenty of wild Marin life and child coastal vegetation, a great place to walk. Often it gets cold, so dress well.

Asilomar State Beach

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Monterey?

Don't miss these attractions in Monterey: CA-1, 17 Mile Dr, and Carmel-By-The-Sea. If you like Cultural experiences, try 1-day tour to San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose Museum of Art, The Tech Interactive and Plaza de César Chávez. If you enjoy Day tours, try Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour, Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide, and BEST of Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-by-the-Sea Small Group Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 15 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Monterey is around TRY 2,889.42 – TRY 8,665.2. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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