Monterrey is a city that surprises you. Tucked against the dramatic peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental, it blends industrial might with natural beauty in a way few destinations can match. Whether you are standing on a mountain summit at sunrise or tasting cabrito in a century-old restaurant, the city offers a rhythm that feels both modern and deeply rooted in northern Mexican tradition.
For travelers, the appeal lies in the contrast. One moment you can be walking through a world-class contemporary art museum, and the next you are hiking a trail that overlooks the entire metropolitan valley. The energy is confident, the food is hearty, and the people are famously proud of their regiomontano heritage.
Because Monterrey is a major business hub, it is often overlooked as a leisure destination. That is a mistake. The city rewards curious visitors with outdoor adventures, architectural landmarks, and a culinary scene that goes far beyond the expected. You do not need a long itinerary to feel its pullβjust a willingness to explore beyond the obvious.
Many of the best experiences here are either free or surprisingly affordable. Public parks, riverside paths, and historic plazas give you a genuine feel for daily life. Meanwhile, the surrounding mountains offer a quick escape into nature without leaving the city limits.
If you are planning a trip, it helps to think of Monterrey in layers. There is the historic center, the modern business districts, the mountain parks, and the food culture that ties it all together. Moving between these layers is easy, especially if you have a clear sense of what matters most to you.
Below is a curated list of the most rewarding things to do in Monterrey. Each one reflects a different side of the city, from high-energy outdoor excursions to quiet moments of cultural discovery.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
| Address | 1 Old Fishermanβs Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00β―AMβββ10:00β―PM Tuesday: 9:00β―AMβββ10:00β―PM Wednesday: 9:00β―AMβββ10:00β―PM Thursday: 9:00β―AMβββ10:00β―PM Friday: 9:00β―AMβββ10:00β―PM Saturday: 9:00β―AMβββ10:00β―PM Sunday: 9:00β―AMβββ10:00β―PM |
| Phone | (831) 238-0777 |
This is a really cool, beautiful and relaxing place to go visit on a bike ride from my hotel only a few miles down from the embassy suites. The hotel gives you the ability to rent bikes and explore the area.
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A wonderful place to visit while exploring Monterey! The waterfront views are beautiful, and the whole area has a relaxed, charming atmosphere. There are plenty of seafood restaurants, unique local shops, and spots to sit and enjoy the scenery. Itβs also a great place to watch boats, sea lions, and take in the ocean breeze. Whether youβre walking around, grabbing a meal, or simply enjoying the views, itβs a memorable experience. Definitely a must-visit if youβre in the Monterey area.
This historic pier is a must visit location for the first time visitors to the area, however, even after multiple visits it still holds its charm. Whether you are there to gift shop, dine and taste some local seafood, catch a peek at the local sea lions, do some whale watching, or just sit with a coffee and people watch, there is something for everyone. Great place to catch the sunset too!!!
We run past this many times a week along the rec trail. This particular day the boats for the World's Toughest Row were all lined up in the parking lot. Fun place to be!!!
Loved it, loved it, loved it!
What an incredible experience!
The food is surreal! The staff very helpful and polite. Our waiter was Giovanny, and we could not have asked for more. He was incredible with us.
It was my husband's birthday and they offered us a cake with candle. Very kind.
I recommended this restaurant one thousand times!
Don't miss it!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
| Address | 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00β―AMβββ5:00β―PM Tuesday: 10:00β―AMβββ5:00β―PM Wednesday: 10:00β―AMβββ5:00β―PM Thursday: 10:00β―AMβββ5:00β―PM Friday: 10:00β―AMβββ5:00β―PM Saturday: 10:00β―AMβββ5:00β―PM Sunday: 10:00β―AMβββ5:00β―PM |
| Phone | (831) 648-4800 |
Excellent visit. Very expensive. Pack your own lunch, chicken tenders and fries were $26. Juices were $12. Outlandish.
All that being said. Would highly recommend the visit. Otters were awesome and the presentation on the rescue otter was very cool. Small sharks in main tank were cool. Lots of very cool jellies. Great views from the observation deck. Very friendly staff.
We really enjoyed our visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium. The exhibits are beautiful, well maintained, and there is plenty to see for both kids and adults. We especially enjoyed watching the sea otters and exploring the large ocean exhibits. The aquarium does a great job of showcasing marine life and making the experience educational and engaging.
The only downside is the price. Admission for a family adds up quickly, which kept it from being a five-star experience for us. That said, we still had a great time and are glad we visited. If youβre prepared for the cost, itβs a fun and memorable stop in Monterey. π¦¦ππ π
Amazing! I took my family here on a Thursday afternoon and we had a great time. The facility is large and clean. There are so many attractions. This is definitely the best aquarium I've ever been to. I loved the jellyfish, they all appear to glow with the way they set up the tanks and it's absolutely mesmerizing. I have a two month old and he loved staring at all the fish. There's also a nursing lounge with a bottle warmer, sink, rocking chairs and dividers for nursing and bottle feeding infants. Extremely family friendly. We will definitely be going back! π π¦π¦¦
I have not been here in over 22 years or so and it has a few good changes but otherwise it's the same. There's a little more to look at, the "Into the Deep" joystick game is new to me that was cool. There were extra jellyfish and more interactive tide pools as well. There's a lot of learn and I was so impressed by all of the associates friendliness. They were all willing to educate everyone and answer any questions we had. The restrooms were nice and clean. I will say the cafe area is welcoming with awesome views of the ocean but there are better places to eat. I definitely recommend bringing your children if you can. This place is very much catered to families and children on school field trips.
Phenomenal experience. The ticket is a bit pricey, but it's worth what you'll see and do at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This place truly is magical, and you can see their amazing work in animal care and preservation, while trying to teach the next generation and be environmentally friendly.
Very kid-friendly- accessible door for strollers are easy to maneuver and park, and they have a nursing room, very good rest room which is a nice touch! Lots of accessible ramps doors and elevators- easy to maneuver wheelchairs if needed. It is Very crowded even on weekdays many weekends getting more busy but definitely still enjoyable! They have lots of room to be able to see the feedings they offer.
I highly recommend! We Spent 2 hours to complete the tours. It Great family place to have time and create memories, friendly activity, and their animals are amazing. We enjoy our time and visiting Monterey Bay aquarium.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
| Address | Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:30β―PM Tuesday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:30β―PM Wednesday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:30β―PM Thursday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:30β―PM Friday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:30β―PM Saturday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:30β―PM Sunday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:30β―PM |
| Phone | (831) 624-4909 |
Absolutely gorgeous scenery! Great hiking, easy to moderate. For divers, Whalers Cove is one of the best sites in Monterey. Get there earlyβParking fills up fast so you might have to park on the road and hike in.
My family (myself, wife and two girls) went to Point Lobos for the first time and we had a great time. On the day we went it was foggy and overcast but that did not detract from the beauty of this state park. The views of the ocean, trees, coastline and flowers are spectacular. The trail is relatively flat but there are a few sections where there are some stairs. Our girls had a great time exploring. The cost to park inside the park was $10. We did see some people park on the road by the entrance and walk in. But it's a very long walk from the entrance to the seashore. This park is a reminder of why it's so great to live here. If you have not been here you must go.
Perfect walking spot with families and friends, such a magnificent park where you get to meet the clear ocean and animals like sea otters and sea lions. Also very friendly volunteers to offer suggestions. Finding parking could be challenging(we arrived at 9am but already needed to park 15 mins walk away).
I love this park. The scenery is absolutely breathtakingβ cliffs, turquoise water and Monterey Cypress trees clinging to the rocks.
There is a small museum at Whalerβs Cove with exhibitions of local history.
Most paths are flat and well-maintained, making them accessible for all fitness levels.
The parking lots inside fill up almost immediately after opening so arrive early.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve completely lived up to the hype and honestly ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. The views are absolutely unreal β turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and incredible scenery everywhere you look. It felt peaceful, refreshing, and almost unreal at times. We saw sea lions, birds, and so many amazing photo spots along the trails.
The trails were easy to explore and every turn felt like another postcard view. Whether youβre into hiking, photography, nature, or just relaxing and taking in the coastline, this place is 100% worth visiting. Easily one of the most beautiful spots on the California coast.
Pro tip: go earlier in the day if you can; parking fills up fast and the morning views are incredible.
Monterey Zoo
| Address | 400 River Rd, Salinas, CA 93908 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00β―AMβββ3:00β―PM Tuesday: 10:00β―AMβββ3:00β―PM Wednesday: 10:00β―AMβββ3:00β―PM Thursday: 10:00β―AMβββ3:00β―PM Friday: 10:00β―AMβββ3:00β―PM Saturday: 10:00β―AMβββ3:00β―PM Sunday: 10:00β―AMβββ3:00β―PM |
| Phone | (831) 455-1901 |
Monterey Zoo and Vision Quest Ranch with its Safari B & B is a hidden treasure! Never have I been to a zoo/sanctuary so well maintained, pleasant and educational. As someone who cares deeply about animal welfare, what Charlie Sammut and Vision Quest Ranch have created definitely get a 5-star rating all around.
Our group had a terrific day of guided tours led by Sanka and Danielle. We learned so much from them about the animals and animal welfare. We also had a number of awesome one-on-one encounters with a variety of animals. And the Safari B&B portion of our trip really added the joy of our experience.
We were lucky enough to be joined by Charlie on some of our tours and his passion for conservation and education is truly inspiring. I'll never forget, when he recognized my fear of snakes, his kind, "A snake is just an animal in a different body" ...wow, true and reassuring!
The animals at Monterey Zoo are very well cared for in clean, spacious, stimulating environments. It's clear they are well loved and respected. We had an amazing experience we just won't forget. Thank you, Charlie, Sanka, Danielle and to all the other wonderful staff we met!
The wife and I stayed in one of the bungalows for a couple of nights for my birthday and I will say this place is a 10/10. From the moment we checked in we were greeted with smiles and friendly faces. They took the time to explain to us where we would be staying, and even gave a list of other places to check out in the area. All of the animals were well taken care of. The zoo keepers really respect the animals they work with, and will only allow animals comfortable with humans to interact with them. We got to meet a verity of animals. And my personal favorite was Elsie, the Zedonk! This a great for just a couples retreat or to bring the family. Weβll definitely be returning!
Excellent zoo! Great for all ages. Animals are all easy to view and in a great environment. My husband and I and a group of friends spent the day at the zoo and then the evening at Vision Quest Ranch. We all had a fantastic time. We keep talking about how much fun it was. We are telling all of our friends as many people don't know this zoo exists. Spread the word. I can't say enough good things.
The Monterey Zoo is a hidden gem in the very best way. The animal enclosures are wonderfully large and the animals are well cared for. The love and attention to detail is evident in all the aspects of this zoo. Many of the animals were rescues which I am so happy to support. You can tell that the staff and the manager are very knowledgeable and care deeply about conservation. I will recommend the zoo to all of my friends.
Please donβt let those negative reviews fool you like it almost did to me. At first I wasnβt sure if I wanted to take the kids and drive an hour, then I decided to go and let me tell you what. We had so much fun, the team members were really nice and welcoming. It was really cool seeing the big cats close enough, the only one we miss seeing was the elephant. We were having fun watching the lions and the bears so we didnβt bother to see if the elephants were really there. I would really recommend visiting and supporting the zoo, we will be back soon
Hearst Castle
| Address | 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Tuesday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Wednesday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Thursday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Friday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Saturday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Sunday: 8:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM |
| Phone | (800) 444-4445 |
Love the place! It's astonishing! I've been there 3 times already! Every single time I enjoyed the tour guides, the people working there are kind and helpful! Learned a lot from them! Went to watch the movie after the tour and there was a gentleman working there that while we were waiting he talked about the rugs and pictures which was awesome information. Buy ticket in advance, if this is your first time, go for the big rooms tour, then change to other ones. The building itself and the land is incredible! If you're lucky you'll see some cool animals while they drive you up to the castle by bus. Would recommend it for sure.
A Museum of opulence. 9 different types of tours.
Atmosphere is hard to describe. Loved the outdoor sections, gardens, welcoming rooms, and my favorite is the outdoor pool patio with stunning Roman vibe.
The Pantheon ποΈ of gods is on full display here as Rupert probably didnβt want to offend any.
Beautiful that has to be seen to appreciate.
Absolutely beautiful and unique place to visit in California. The experience starts with a shuttle ride up the hill, which already gives you amazing views of the surrounding landscape and ocean. The estate itself is massive, rich in history, and filled with impressive architecture, artwork, gardens, and beautifully designed rooms.
The guided tours are very informative, and the staff share interesting stories about Hearst Castle and its history. Since each tour focuses on certain sections of the property, you may need to come back again if you want to see everything. There is so much to explore that one visit honestly does not feel enough.
The famous pools are stunning in person, and the entire property feels grand yet peaceful at the same time. Comfortable shoes are a good idea because there is quite a bit of walking. Definitely one of those places that leaves a lasting impression and is worth experiencing at least once.
$35 for this? Seriously?
Hearst Castle itself is spectacular. The tour experience, however, is an absolute disappointment and, in my opinion, nowhere close to being worth $35.
You come all the way to San Simeon expecting to experience this extraordinary estate, only to discover that youβre allowed to see a tiny fraction of it, in a tightly controlled group, while being shuffled from room to room. You donβt get to explore the castle on your own, you donβt get to wander around and appreciate the architecture at your own pace, and you certainly donβt get anything resembling a comprehensive experience of the estate.
And then thereβs the tour commentary.
An astonishing amount of time is spent talking about William Randolph Hearstβs personal life, his relationships, wives, girlfriends, and how he lived. Maybe thatβs interesting to some people, but honestly, who came to Hearst Castle because they desperately wanted to hear about Hearstβs romantic life?
I came to see the CASTLE.
The architecture. The interiors. The art. The pools. The grounds. The unbelievable scale and design of the estate.
Those things should be the star of the tour. Instead, the person who built the place somehow becomes more important than the place itself.
The most frustrating part is that the estate is enormous, yet visitors are given such a restricted experience of it. For $35, I shouldnβt feel like Iβve been given a carefully curated peek through a keyhole. If preservation and visitor safety are the concerns, fineβthen design a better system. Have designated self-guided areas, timed access, audio guides, or one comprehensive tour that actually lets people experience the estate.
But the current model feels antiquated: pay $35, follow the group, see a handful of rooms, listen to a biography, and then leave.
Whoever designed this visitor experience needs to seriously rethink what people are actually paying to see.
The irony is that Hearst Castle is impressive enough that it doesnβt need all the fluff. Just let people experience the damn castle.
The property itself deserves 5 stars.
The tour program gets 1.
In its current format, I absolutely do NOT recommend paying $35 for this experience. It felt like an expensive, heavily restricted preview of something that should be an incredible visit.
This was a really cool place to visit. I took my wife and 2 kids. Everyone really enjoyed it. The ride up in the bus was fun and you learned a lot of history along the way. The tour was fantastic and you learned everything you need to know about the castle and the Hearst family. The pools were absolutely stunning and the castle was amazing. It was our first time and we toured the grand rooms. We will certainly be going back and doing another tour.
Dennis The Menace Playground
| Address | 777 Pearl St, Monterey, CA 93940 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (831) 646-3866 |
We visited on June 2026. It was our first time visiting. Great park!! Definite must for a family to stop at. It's free, tons of things to climb and so much to explore for kids. There's a climbing wall, regular swings, swings for babies, a swing for handicap, a rope bridge, a bush maze with tower in middle, a toddler boat climbing area, a few playground for different ages, concrete tunnels to explore, benches, a merry go round, different types of slides, and more. Our 12 and 11 year old loved it! I even saw older teenagers having fun.
Dennis the Menace Playground, Monterey
August 2026
Iβve been here a few times with my family. This is an awesome park and itβs pretty big! This park is great for all ages even for adults too!
I highly recommend going on the weekends, although there are a lot of people, I think they close during the weekday since thereβs a preschool nearby.
Right next to this playground entrance, thereβs a baseball field and thereβs a small snack bar, itβs called El Estero Snack Bar, they sell hamburgers, fries and drinks. We ordered the nacho cheese fries with jalapeno peppers on the side. It came out piping hot! Although it seems so basic, it was really good on a cold day!
Highly recommend this playground and would come back if Iβm in the area. This place is awesome! π
Such a fun playground!! Even though it isnβt a new park anymore the kids are still having fun. It would be nice to see the city maintain it a bit- the rubber asphalt has settled and warped at edges and the park equipment is getting rusty. With some paint and resurfacing it could make the park last a lot longer for generations to come and keep it safer for kids.
This is a huge playground! My kids absolutely loved it. Thereβs only one main entrance and exit, which made it easy to let them run around without constantly worrying. The whole area is fenced in near the lake, so thereβs no chance of the kids wandering off too far or getting into unsafe areas.
There are so many different play structures and sections that the kids never got boredβeach area felt like a new adventure for them. We went on a nice, cool day, which made it even more enjoyable since the weather wasnβt too hot. Overall, itβs a fantastic spot for families, and weβll definitely be coming back!
After many years of passing this park when going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium we finally stopped and let the girls go play. This park has the largest variety of play structures and play areas I have seen at any park. There are multiple structures, bridges, tunnels, climbing walls, slides and a maze. This park has it all. There is also a bathroom near the entrance. Our girls ran around and played for over an hour and had a great time.
Cannery Row
| Address | 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (831) 649-6690 |
Great place to visit! We always have a great time when we're there. Love to see the growth in that area. Lots of different things to do and shops to check out. And come hungry, there's something to eat for every palate! π
Cool spot. Lots of shopping and restaurants if you enjoy that. Generally very expensive but if you spend the time you can find some good deals.
This fairly low-key offers a myriad of eateries, shops, hotels, and entertainment with ocean views and dome beach access on the West side. The area is dotted with sitting areas, mostly sandy with some tribute statues like The Cannery Riw group
And a tribute bust to John Steinbeck. The shops include local vendors and services, international products, and some brand name providers like Ghirardelli chocolate and Hawaii's main pearl distributor. Several eateries like Tidal Coffee offer ocean view seating.
We parked in the paid van accessible parking garage to spend the day moving thru the area. We found deals at Pebble beach Outlet, souvenir sweatshirts at local venues
Accessible public restrooms. And some venues have private accessible restrooms. Well kept sidewalk for walking with steps or sandy trails to access beach
Paid garage van accessible parking is the best bet and limited accessible street parking
Wonderful place to visit and dog friendly. Parking on the street is $5 for 4 hours. Parking meter accepts credit cards. We had our doggies with us. It's a very nice walk with a plaza to rest and to enjoy the bay views and sea life. We had a very nice time strolling with the doggies and visiting shops. There is also the Monterrey Aquarium to visit. Lots of restaurants and shops. We will definitely return.
Preferred Cannery Row over Fishermanβs Wharf! Both are similar with the typical tourist style food/beverage options but Cannery area was cleaner and offered more in the experience of historical references and better shopping. The biggest negative is the limited parking access sharing with the aquariumβ¦ do both while youβre in the area.
Treasure Hunt: The Ride
| Address | 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00β―AMβββ7:00β―PM Tuesday: 11:00β―AMβββ7:00β―PM Wednesday: 11:00β―AMβββ7:00β―PM Thursday: 11:00β―AMβββ7:00β―PM Friday: 11:00β―AMβββ8:00β―PM Saturday: 11:00β―AMβββ8:00β―PM Sunday: 11:00β―AMβββ7:00β―PM |
| Phone | (831) 747-1426 |
I donβt know why more people donβt know about this place! It was such a fun and delightful ride and Iβm so glad I stumbled across it. The man who made the ride was there as a ticket seller and was super nice and thorough in his explanation. The ride had staff that were acting, detailed and realistic moving models, an engaging shooting mechanism/game, and an overall interesting concept tying fun shooting games to montereyβs history of being ransacked by a pirate. I can tell there was a lot of craftsmanship and work put into building something so elaborate, do check it out!!!
This ride was so fun me and my friend went on it 5 times! The crew was amazing especially Jasmin and Sophia! Their energy was great and they made the ride more enjoyable. This place was great for all ages and had great props!
A very fun ride! I highly recommend if youβre in the area. The staff are extremely kind and helpful. Especially these 2 amazing staff! Jasmine was wonderful in the elevator even with little ones scared, she was very patient and make the whole way down fun for all! Sophia was also very kind and helpful explaining the ride to us, and greeting us back when we finished. They both absolutely made the experience fun!
Really cool interactive ride.
Thereβs a funny βsketchβ at the beginning which may be too stimulating for autistic people, our son was scared the first time, the second time he knew what was coming so held on to me. You can bypass this but by telling the people when you buy your tickets.
We loved getting to shoot the targets and the interactive screens were brilliant. The guy welcoming you into the ride was fun and engaging. We appreciated that the tickets were all-you-can-ride.
Highly recommend. The people upstairs were happy to talk to me son and put his mind at ease. They were engaging and supportive whilst staying in character!
My familyβs first time in Monterey and this ride met our expectations! The young ladies at the front named Sophia and Jasmine did a great job answering my kidsβ questions and I feel their kindness added to our experience! The ride was really fun and detailed β my kids wanted to go two more times! Would recommend to any family with kids visiting Monterey
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Seafood Watch Program
| Address | 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Tuesday: 9:30β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Wednesday: 9:30β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Thursday: 9:30β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Friday: 9:30β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Saturday: 9:30β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Sunday: 9:30β―AMβββ6:00β―PM |
| Phone | (831) 648-4800 |
It was actually smaller than I thought it would be. It's very pricey and we finished it in 90 min. I think it would have been a lot more enjoyable if we hadn't gone on the weekend. It was so crowded you had to wait in line to be able to see each tank/area. So after 90 minutes we didn't linger because there were so many people. It is a beautiful aquarium but we would not spend the money again to visit.
We have been coming here for years. The area is fun to visit. Lots to do beautiful area, great food, ans amazing views. Plus you get to one of the best aquariums in the world. I absolutely love thos area and the aquarium.
It was SUPER crowded, but probably the coolest aquarium I've been to. I loved the outdoor spaces overlooking the water! We also ate at the cafe (I had the falafel salad and my husband had a burger.) We were expecting mediocre cafeteria food, but it was PHENOMENAL!
This place was awesome. My wife needed a wheelchair and the staff and employees were so helpful and friendly had a great time. Would definitely recommend everyone going there.
Always a treat to visit. I have been here 6 times in the past 40 years. They are always improving the Aquarium.
Monterey Mirror Maze and Laser Challenge
| Address | 751 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00β―AMβββ7:00β―PM Tuesday: 11:00β―AMβββ7:00β―PM Wednesday: 11:00β―AMβββ7:00β―PM Thursday: 11:00β―AMβββ7:00β―PM Friday: 11:00β―AMβββ8:00β―PM Saturday: 10:00β―AMβββ9:00β―PM Sunday: 10:00β―AMβββ8:00β―PM |
| Phone | (831) 649-6293 |
Worst laser maze I have ever done. The attendants were inattentive and did not explain anything. We paid for all three laser maze challenges and it was terrible. One of them literally lasted 10 seconds. The room is just too small for a proper laser maze. Save your money; don't go here.
This was super! Our whole family had a blast. Thanks to Brianna for all her help in making this a fun and memorable adventure. We did the maze first. So fun. Then all of is tried the laser maze...just like "mission impossible". Last for a truly psychodelic time do the 3d mini golf. It is unlike any putt putt we have tried. Thanks again!
The mirror maze is a fun little gimmick to spend some time in the area . I think it's pretty cool . We did also go to one in San Francisco and the had you wear food service gloves which I thought was a little weird however the mirrors in the San Francisco One were cleaner and then being cleaner added to the experience of really not know where to go. This one did give you prisim glasses after a couple rounds which made it so hard and so fun!
Pretty fun, but yes, it is short. If you combine it with the mini golf package, it makes it a better value, and occupies ample time. It's pretty darn hard with the 3D glasses though!
The worker was really nice and we loved using the glasses more we got lost many of times using them I would come back
Monterey Sea Lions
| Address | 1 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Watching the sea lions in Monterey is so much fun! π¦ Theyβre active, playful, and super entertaining. The spot right by the water is beautiful, and itβs perfect for a relaxing stroll while enjoying nature. It can get a bit crowded sometimes, but itβs definitely worth stopping by to see these amazing creatures up close! π
Relaxing time with Seals. Kids enjoyed the walk around pier as well. PARKING was an issue at first.
The sea lions are so close. It's a nice way to experience wildlife. They are smelly, but having the opportunity to watch them on their natural environment make it worthy.
This place is free. You see the seals and sea lions from the pier, the beach and boardwalk. Smelly, loud, obnoxious animals that are constantly fighting with each other... Would have been cool if a shark or orca had popped in for a snack while I was there. π
It was a good trip stayed 2 days had a good time
Old Monterey
| Address | Old Monterey, Monterey, CA 93940 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Monterey Moon Tree
| Address | 536-570 Pacific St, Monterey, CA 93940 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
super cool nugget of history here - in 1971, a bunch of seeds were taken to the moon and then were brought back to earth to be studied to see if and how space affected the seeds at all. I definitely recommend looking up and reading the full story of the seedsβ trip to the moon! unfortunately, like we humans often do, the trees were put on the back burner and not given the attention they deserved, and not many of the 400 seedlings were tracked and so we only know where a handful of them are now. but Iβm happy one of them made it to Monterey and has been cared for well! lots of other nice plants in this area as well, along with the interesting and disturbing history behind the jail and Colton Hallβ¦
Historical tree looked healthy Memorial Day 2026. Well pruned and showing active growth.
Didn't know tree existed! Neat story, but tree is nondescript. Because you're in the area might as well drop by for a pic. Not many people have seen a Moon Tree. See other peoples' posts for pics. Next to tree is historic building in which the California constitutional convention was held as well as a historic jail.
Fun piece of history and a beautiful park. Nice small museum with california history.
Beautiful redwood tree and unique looking with dropping branches like a weeping willow. The most amazing part is knowing the seed for this tree actually went into space in an Apollo shuttle. Itβs on the ground of city Hall of Monterey which has a small free museum nearby too. That was an extra bonus.
Old Monterey Marketplace & Farmers Market
| Address | 98 Del Monte Ave #201, Monterey, CA 93940 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00βββ8:00β―PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: Closed Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (831) 655-2607 |
Great location. Prices are averaging the high side due to location great customer service-unlimited coffee refills! 8 on quality of the dishes. Apple selection!
Cute and quaint farmers market in the middle of downtown Monterey. There are so many different vendors with fresh produce, ready to eat food, and so much more. You canβt come here without getting an elote in cup and baked potato, two essentials. The fresh flowers are also a must buy whenever Iβm there. It is the perfect way to spend a Tuesday evening in Monterey.
Hector Marlow is always professional and a kind manager β¦ he always exceeds customer service in its finest !! A OUTSTANDING ASSET TO PODS CORPORATION . your fortunate to have him on board !!! Thank you Hector
Fabulous Farmers market. More like a fun foodie afternoon. Lots of fresh veggies and fruit along with amazing meals and desserts. Sprinkle in a few craft vendors and it's a recipe for a nice stroll.
Excellent fruit and fresh vegetables. Very inviting atmosphere
Sea Otters
| Address | 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (831) 648-4800 |
If you ask anyone who knows me where my happy place is, you might hear a few different answersβbut thereβs one spot that never fails to put a smile on my face: the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It holds a special place in my heart, and no matter how many times I visit, it always feels like magic. The sea otter exhibit, in particular, is my absolute favorite. I could spend hours watching those adorable, playful creatures swim, dive, and float effortlessly in their habitat. Thereβs something deeply calming and joyful about observing them, as if time slows down and everything else fades away. I canβt quite explain why my fascination with sea otters runs so deep, but itβs a feeling thatβs been with me for as long as I can remember. Itβs like tapping into a core memoryβone that instantly makes me feel like a wide-eyed kid again. Sitting there, lost in the rhythm of their movements, Iβm reminded of the pure, simple wonder that nature can bring. For me, the Monterey Bay Aquarium isnβt just a placeβitβs an experience, a memory, and a little pocket of happiness I can always return to.
Definitely the highlight of the aquarium. The otter program is world famous and is basically singlehandedly responsible for saving the entire species, and the exhibit and employees here do a great job teaching you about the animals and explaining why the aquarium'a work is so important. If you come during a feeding, window space will be limited, but you will get to see the otters in action eating food and playing with toys and handlers. Even if you want make it on person, the online otter cam is definitely worth it as well!
My Daughter enjoyed the Sea Otters. They were so active during the feeding.
RIP Rosa, the best sea otter to ever live. Love from the DougDoug community.
WE LOVE YOU ROSA I HOPE YOUR BEING TRATED LIKE THE QUEEN YOU ARE IN SPACE HAVEN
Lovers Point Park
| Address | 631 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:30βββ10:00β―PM Tuesday: 4:30βββ10:00β―PM Wednesday: 4:30βββ10:00β―PM Thursday: 4:30βββ10:00β―PM Friday: 4:30βββ10:00β―PM Saturday: 4:30βββ10:00β―PM Sunday: 4:30βββ10:00β―PM |
| Phone | — |
Great public park. As the name suggests, there are lots of couples here throughout the day. Families too, but mostly couples. The park itself is small. There is a rocky outcropping to the east of the park which you can climb at your own risk. Calm spot where you can watch the birds and marine life and listen to the waves splashing against the rocks.
Parking can get full quickly especially during the evenings on weekends. There is a public restroom available nearby.
Whale watching tours usually return along this route and you can see the park from the boat too.
Great ocean and unique colors of blue to green. Kid-friendly and safe area to play, kayak and other sports activities. Can rent a kayak at the beach , have a BBQ in the park, and dare to do some rock climbing among squirrels. Beach is not big to accommodate a large crowd, so it is advisable to come early and park easily in the morning. Cafe at the beach has nice breakfast/lunch and reasonable price.
Did I say LOTS of squirrels. Baby ones too
This has been rated one of the nice place to view sunrise. But we couldn't see as it was foggy around entire time when we came in July. I was told that September/October is the best time to view per a local family whom I had interaction with. Planning to come another time definitely for the view.
Nice park. However, at least five trash containers are open. Therefore the trash gets blown out and onto the beach by the wind. Worse is, that many sea gulls and squirrels take and eat the trash, which is harmful to the animals and is also littering the area.
It would be great, if the city could provide closed trash bins (like all national parks have them) and enforce that wildlife is not fed (which also happens).
Beautiful place to visit. Saw otters playing out in the distance. It is breathtaking with views no matter where you look. If you think you know California think again! Ive lived in S Cal. Fir 20 years and had no idea this could out do what I've seen along the coast! Forget The Warf..go to Pacific Grove! Just FYI there are squirrels everywhere and they are not afraid of people.
Cannery Row Antiques Mall
| Address | 471 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Tuesday: 11:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Wednesday: 11:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Thursday: 11:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Friday: 11:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Saturday: 11:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM Sunday: 11:00β―AMβββ6:00β―PM |
| Phone | (831) 655-0264 |
THIS PLACE IS INCREDIBLE!
So many vendors, SO much variety. I came here for toys and collectibles and I found so much stuff I didnβt know existed.
Iβm too happy to even talk right lol
A lot of 50βs-2000βs toys, anime figures and quite a lot of other modern toys aswell. Please check this place out the staff is so extremely kind and helpful on top of everything else.
Thereβs more vendors with figures and toys than what I show in the photos!
An enjoyable stop while in Monterey. Two floors packed with antiques and collectibles. One can definitely lose track of time looking around here. The staff was pleasant and helpful. Parking meters surround the antiques mall and are easy to use with the ParkMobile app. I recommend having the app downloaded and set up prior to arriving. Four hours is the max time available.
Absolutely HUGE space with what must be a hundred vendors through two different floors, meaning there is a lot of variety, and you will definitely find something here! The prices here vary from stall to stall but are somewhat reasonable. Highly recommend stopping by, you will need at least an hour to see everything
Very friendly and have lots n lots of things.. Need to spend a whole day there . Took some pics should've took more..
Other then the beautiful jewelry I found the service was bad, the workersβ attitudes *(specifically the 2 men working at the registers TODAY)* made it even worse. Being disrespectful to customers isnβt βgood customer service.β I left feeling annoyed rather than satisfied. The experience could have been much better if the staff had shown even a basic level of professionalism and respect. If you donβt like dealing with customers, donβt work in customer service.
Shout out to the one worker with glasses tho, you were very kind & helpful.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
The key to enjoying Monterrey is planning around the climate and the cityβs geography. These practical tips will help you avoid common frustrations, save money, and experience the city the way locals do.
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Beat the heat with early starts. From May through September, temperatures often exceed 95Β°F. Begin outdoor activities like hiking or walking tours before 9 a.m., and save museums or shopping for the afternoon heat.
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Use ride-sharing apps instead of renting a car. Traffic in central Monterrey can be intense, and parking near major attractions is limited. Ride-sharing is affordable, safe, and removes the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.
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Carry cash for street food and local markets. While most restaurants and museums accept cards, smaller vendors, taco stands, and market stalls often operate cash-only. Small bills are especially useful.
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Wear sturdy shoes even in the city. Many of Monterreyβs best experiences involve walking on uneven surfaces, from cobblestone plazas to rocky mountain trails. Comfortable footwear makes a noticeable difference.
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Check air quality before outdoor plans. The cityβs mountain bowl can trap pollution on certain days. If the air quality index is high, choose indoor cultural activities instead of strenuous hikes.
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Learn a few Spanish phrases. English is spoken in tourist areas and upscale hotels, but a basic greeting or thank-you in Spanish goes a long way in local restaurants, taxis, and smaller museums.
Monterrey has a way of staying with you. It is not a city that performs for tourists; it simply lives its life, and visitors are welcome to join in. The mountains are always on the horizon, the food is always within reach, and the pace is yours to set.
Whether you come for a weekend or a full week, the city offers enough depth to fill your days without feeling rushed. Take the time to sit in a plaza, try a machacado breakfast, and look up at the peaks that define this remarkable corner of Mexico.
