The 32 best free attractions in Monterey

It's a nice place to shop and dine. I just wish the weather was a lot warmer. It's very chilly by the ocean, like 64 degrees, but 30 minutes out, it's 80 degrees.

Great place to walk around enjoy shopping, restaurants, and the lovely scenery

Very touristy but some nice shops and good atmosphere. You often see cool and old cars driving around this place.

Meh. If you like shopping for souvenirs and over priced food you would like this place. Pretty much the same as every other souvenir shop area but it does have a great view.

Nice little downtown area Lots of restaurants for seafood lovers

Gorgeous seaside views, fantastic restaurants, quaint shops; Cannery Row is an iconic oceanfront boardwalk attraction that is definitely worth a visit when you're in Monterey. Upon approach, it may seem that there isn't all that much to it, but once you're on the boardwalk, you realize that a lot of the good stuff is tucked away, a little out of sight, so exploration rewards the traveler. Apparently the aquarium here is also quite the draw, although we didn't pop in during our brief stay here. Lastly, the old Fisherman's Wharf, a little ways to the south-southeast, is almost an extension of all the things that make Cannery Row worth checking out: more shops, more restaurants, and more history. All together, one of the best attractions, and most exciting tourist destinations, in all of Monterey!

This review is for the beach at Canary Row. I like this place. Very scenic.

Instantly a favorite. Purchased tickets online which made entry painless and quick. We loved all the unique exhibits. Every area of the aquarium had something different to offer, from art installations, kelp forrest, deep sea creatures, otters, outdoor area with seating, views and so much more. We loved that they sold snacks and beverages (alcoholic & non alcoholic). Passing time watching sea birds, listening to the ocean and searching for sea otters at their outdoor area was just blissful. The entire facility was absolutely beautiful. We paid $180 for our tickets and we definitely plan on returning.

My girls friends and I came into town and bought tickets in advance because we knew this was a must see and it did not disappoint. We started with the feeding of the sea otters which was so cute. Then we stopped for a quick coffee at the cafe. Everything in their cafe looked delicious. We enjoyed the many exhibits and enjoyed the touch tanks. There was do many things you could touch and see up close. I would highly recommend going. Couple tips buy your tickets online in advance and get there early it gets really crowded!

A man called Doug Doug recommended me to this place so I was in the area and decided to go. First of all the surrounding area was very nice there was a car show in the area so some luxury cars blessed my eyes. Now on to the aquarium beautiful place, there was a nice route to follow. The sea otters were definitely a highlight of my trip. In addition there was many interactive areas for children to use. Overall I was my favourite part about my trip to America. I would recommend anyone who is passing though the area to pop in and see this wonderful aquarium. Rest in peace Rosa the sea otter o7

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an absolutely world-class institution that I believe is well worth the visit, offering a truly immersive window into the Pacific Ocean's ecosystems. I found that it excels not just as a display of marine life, but as a dedicated center for conservation and education. The standout exhibits, which I saw are beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed, showcase the region's unique biodiversity. I think the Kelp Forest exhibit is a breathtaking, three-story spectacle, featuring towering fronds that create a dynamic, lush habitat for leopard sharks, wolf-eels, and schools of fish. Equally impressive to me is the massive Open Sea exhibit, where I was able to watch tuna, sea turtles, and dazzling schools of sardines swim past a spectacular 90-foot viewing window, which really emphasized the vastness of the open ocean. A newer, must-see addition is the Into the Deep exhibition, which successfully brings the mysterious creatures of the dark abyss to light. Beyond the major tanks, I noticed the Sea Otter exhibit is consistently a visitor favorite, allowing you to watch the playful, charismatic otters romp and groom. The mesmerizing Jellyfish exhibit was also an ethereal highlight for me, using controlled lighting to showcase the delicate beauty and graceful pulsing of various jelly species. The aquarium is perched right on the edge of the bay, and the Great Tide Pool and ocean-view decks provided a wonderful opportunity for me to spot wild marine life, including sea otters and sometimes even whales. While I know admission is on the higher end, I feel the quality of the exhibits and the aquarium's non-profit conservation mission justify the cost. Be aware that the aquarium can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. To make the most of your trip, I recommend buying tickets online in advance and aiming to visit on a weekday or arrive right at opening time to experience the most popular exhibits, like the Kelp Forest and Sea Otters, before the large crowds arrive. I would plan to spend at least four hours to fully appreciate the two main floors and attend one of the informative animal feedings or programs. I can say this is more than just an aquarium; it's an unforgettable educational experience and a vital force in ocean protection.

It was way better when I was younger, but still a great experience for my son. The sea otters were so fun to watch! There was a tall man who was very friendly and helpful, which made our visit even better. The only downside is that the price is pretty high.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is truly world class. The exhibits are very well cared for, thoughtfully designed, and provide an incredible opportunity to learn about marine life and conservation. I especially appreciate how accessible the aquarium is for all ages and how it inspires children to start learning about the ocean early in life. That said, the aquarium is often very crowded, which can make it difficult to move through and see the exhibits comfortably. Many of the displays are geared toward children, so if you are hoping for a calm and quiet day observing marine life, this may not be the best fit. It has more of a lively, theme-park feel than a peaceful experience. Overall, I think everyone should visit at least once. The aquarium does amazing work, and their efforts to educate the public about ocean health and marine biology are inspiring. Just be prepared for crowds and lots of families.

So many amazing marine animals to see here and it's really beautiful! There were only two sea otters though, and I wish there were more!! The aquarium also has several cafés with food and drinks, plus gift shops that kids will love. Overall, it was a really enjoyable visit, but just keep in mind that it does get pretty crowded on weekends😂

I booked a whale watching excursion with Discovery Whale watching. I was not disappointed. We seen all kinds of whales. I was starving and the crew was kind enough to suggest Cafe Fina in the main row of the Old Wharf. If you mention the excursion they give a free cheesy garlic bread. It did not disappoint. Delicious, fresh Italian food. They are a long time restaurant thats been there over 30 years. A must try if you can.

Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a charming spot filled with great restaurants, shops, and unforgettable views of the sea. A highlight of our visit was seeing a whale and sea lions in their natural habitat, which made the experience truly special. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxing, perfect for strolling, enjoying seafood, and creating lasting memories.

We did whale watching tour here. It was amazing experience. We pre booked our trip and really enjoyed the 3 hour tour. The deck has so many restaurants, shops. You will get most of the stuff here. Overall quite a good experience

Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey is always a fun stop! Great place to hang out and people-watch—especially spotting the tourists braving the weather in shorts. 😄 The restaurants serve up some fantastic food (can’t go wrong with the clam chowder!), and the views are absolutely picture-perfect. You can even spot seals lounging around, which makes the experience even better.

It’s small and charming, like you’re stepping back in time. However, with so many other options with more selection of shops and scenery, this one wasn’t a favorite. I preferred Cannery Row.

I absolutely love this area! I come here whenever I can great restaurants beautiful views. Places to shop and whale watching is offered as well.

It was nice to come back here again. This Wharf offers an assortment of restaurants and shops. A few candy and ice cream shops. Seafood galore! Souvenir shops at every turn, it seems! Individual vendors at the entrance. It provides a stage for talented musicians. It's even a popular hangout for wildlife from seagulls, pigeons, squirrels, otters, and sea lions. Lots to see and do for sure!

I've lived here five years and have passed this playground and park probably hundreds of times. Finally stopped by and wish I had earlier. Easy and close parking. It feels safe, fenced with a good mix of people and ages. Can't get on the train engine, but fun to look at. A fenced maze with shrubbery along the fence was fun. My favorite is the swinging bridge. Pond next to the park often has paddle boats which are fun to watch. Parking does get a little crowded when there is a baseball game. Highly recommend a visit!

First went here as an elementary age kid and got to bring my 8 month old 20 years later. It's an incredible playground park with various climbing structures, swings, a suspension bridge, tunnels, and plenty of open space for running around. This really is one of the best playgrounds I've ever been to, and the design is incredible.

A massive playground for kids. Baseball field and concession stand for fresh hot food and cold drinks. If not McDonald's nearby. This place is awesome. I had a fresh burger at the concessions and it was better than McDonald's. Props to the City of Monterey and those who help build this amazing park.

This park was so cute. Lots of structures for little ones to explore and run around. My 2 yr old did not want to leave

This park is SPECTACULAR! Tons of play structure that are both fun and engaging, including a small maze. The park is huge! It has a beautiful pond that wraps around it, complete with giant petal powered swan boats and docks along the park. It is both family and pet friendly. There are ducks you can feed, an area to picnic. It is very clean and safe. I can't say enough good things about this park! It is definitely worth a visit, if you are in the area.

You can tell this park is dated, but it has held up well. It's timeless. It's got its own magic. My son became possessed by the magic of joy it brings all children who enter its grounds.

Have been down here so many times and never went. Today, we took of our 4 grandchildren and had a blast!

Free parking in front and in the lot in back. The museum is upstairs. Large hall with artifacts and reproductions of the California constitution. Great docent who gave us a tour of the museum. The jail is next door and down stairs, Self guided and fun.

Monterey has a rich history and Colton Hall and the Old Monterey Jail are a "must see." You can see old graffiti scratched into the stones in the back of the jail. If you want, you can go to the museum, or just stroll around the whole area. I love the bear sculptures and the seal of California in front of the buildings. There are different garden areas and a lot of beautiful old stone work.

Amazing history. A must see when in Monterey...

This is a very interesting stop to make while in Monterey. You can view the first Constitution since this is where it all started. We were lucky enough to meet Liz there who explained it all so well. The old Jail is cool too.

Small but historically important free museum. Plan on about 15 minutes. It's mostly about creating the State constitution. Also a nice view out the balcony. Worth a visit. Did I mention it was FREE?

The grounds are beautiful and the history on the placards are a definite must read. The bear statues are cool. The park is very clean and manicured.

Not kid friendly at all, my 6 year old walked up the stairs slowly and stood on the balcony to take a picture then was getting ready to walk back down, and the lady came out and said please don’t let them play on the stairs? I was thinking about taking them inside but she was very rude, we were not even on the stairs or near them.

Unfortunately, we visited prior to the arrival of the butterfly migration. With that said, it was still a very beautiful and peaceful place and we truly enjoyed our walk 🦋🦋

Nice place where monarchs stop naturally on their migration. There were professional photographers, knowledgeable folks with binoculars, and smart, friendly people willing to help us locate the monarchs and tell us all about them, but they were also visitors. I hope they plant more milk thistle to sustain the monarchs. The listing says it closes at five, but they don’t actually close gates or anything like that. The butterflies just slow down for the day when it’s approaching sunset

Tony, behind the hotel. Saw only a few butterflies which was nice during what must've been the non-butterfly season. Not busy. Saw one deer grazing there too. LOTS of deer around the area as well. Weren't too skiddish. I definitely recommend going to this cute FREE sanctuary.

Butterfly peak season is Oct-Dec. The short trail through the sanctuary is very well maintained and has been updated recently due to severe storm damage from years past. Activity end of October 2025 was low. It is probably best to stop by during the early afternoon when the sun is out and the butterflies are awake and active. One public bathroom on site. Street parking is available on both entrances.

This is a very small foot path that runs along side people’s backyards and a hotel. It gets very crowded quickly. The butterflies don’t start flying around until it’s warmer. I went November 1st and they started flying around 10am. I had went earlier in the morning but couldn’t see the butterflies since they were so still and hidden that they looked like leaves. I highly recommend a good camera and binoculars. This was not worth a several hour drive. I only recommend this place if you’re already in the area. It literally is a 2 minute walking path and most the butterflies are in the backyards of homeowners so you have to stare into other peoples property to see the butterflies. There wasn’t very many when I went early November so I recommend waiting u til the end of the month. There isn’t a building or any kind of guides that most other sanctuaries have.

Nice little outdoor park but there were no butterflies. Walked through whole park in 5 minutes

Nice little natural preserve. However, the butterflies are only there certain times of the year (I think December to February). We only saw one. But the short walk was nice and peaceful.

Great place to see sea lions up close. They stink though. Don't come here if you don't like hearing loud noises of "arrrr arrrr arrrr".

Best launch ramp to get your boat into Monterey bay. The surge can be rough some days. Despite the boat works being right next door there are almost no services. No live bait service, no spigot to clean salt water out of your motor, no space to clean or sell fish for commercial fisherman. There is a fuel pump and pump out available. For fishing, be careful there are lots of divers right next to the pier. Bathroom with shower available next to the launch.

Had the Ruben, which was delicious, and enough for two people. We also have the clam chowder which was very nice it cost extra for a baguette but it was worth it

Great walk out on the pier with boats and harbor on one side, and open ocean on the other side where sea lions and sea birds are plentiful.

It's a hidden treasure around the city of Monterey. There's a short trail on the pier lead into the sea, where any can observe sea lions and otters swimming around. We were lucky to see a new born otter laid on it's mother's belly, amazing!

Nice place to watch the seals! They are very cute, enjoying the sun on the rocks and swimming in the water. It’s a fun time listening to them interact while enjoying a gorgeous view.

We went during a weekday and were literally almost the only ones there. Got amazing views of the sea lions pretty up close. Younger children would have a hard time seeing them unless they were held up so they can see over the fence. I added a picture of my husband for reference. Hes 6' 7" though so he had no problem peeking over. Pretty cool little spot if it's not busy.

Loved this trail! Got in my long run here and it was breathtaking the whole time. I would run here everyday if I could.

We walked this trail just to avoid the crowds on the main roads, and were pleased to find a shared use walkway with a few bonus murals and historical sights along the way. A great alternative to streets, a pleasant walking environment, and not crowded. We also spotted a place for lunch along the route as we looked into the backyard patio of a pub.

pretty, scenic trail… with awesome trees, landscaping and of course the wondeful view of the bay. it’s family friendly and it’s pedestrian friendly, my family spent two hours there, 2,3 dozens of bikes went by and none gave us a hard time for walking slowly or our two baby carriages. Most of them were considerate and slowdown when passing by. There were two lanes, one toward pacific grove and the other toward old town, but the lanes were wide enough to not feel dangerous when bicycles went by. I strongly recommend this trail for families and group of friends. 👍☀️

This is a wonderful trail that is worth spending a good day on, if not more. It will get you across town with many stops and shops along the way to enjoy the scenery and get topped off with whatever resources you may need. Great for walking or cycling!

There’s sea lions all over the place; belching, eating, arguing, flirting, they’ve taken over. Can’t reason with them. 🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭🦭

This is a cool trail. I walked on it from the parking lot beneath The Cannery to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. This trial is a paved trail that’s about eight to ten feet wide which allows cyclists and pedestrians. The trail section I walked on is by the water, so you get a nice view of the water, mountains, and sailboats. The trail is well maintained.

Great going here with my family, riding bikes, skateboards, anything with wheels and of course casual runs. Exercise.

We had Graham as a tour guide and he was amazing! It was so much fun learning interesting history about our area. I really wanted to see the California First Theater and I'm so glad the tour included that. Thank you to the State Park for running these great programs 🙌

Excellent source of Monterey early history. I highly recommend taking the 1 hour tour. The historic buildings are spread out, so you'll be getting in a little exercise, as well. Take your time soaking in everything. Fascinating information!

Nice Californian history, volunteers very helpful and knowledgeable, free exhibits, beautiful walk, something for everyone

Should be named Dog Poop park. I was so disappointed to see off leash dogs and large piles of dog poop everywhere. Yellow patches of dead grass from the urine. This park has signs banning dogs but inconsiderate people have ruined it and no one seems to enforce the laws. Absolutely disgusting and filthy place that has so much potential for beauty and historical significance.

This is a fun and educational venue with a terrific museum and gift shop.

Jade festival this weekend, lots to see and purchase.

When the maintenance staff are done with their coffee breaks, maybe they could fix the light and signage at men’s room at Plaza del Oro. Please show some courtesy when parking your trucks on the Plaza walkways.

I had been looking forward to visiting Point Pinos Lighthouse for a while, and it did not disappoint! This historic lighthouse is a hidden gem with a rich history and beautiful coastal views. The entry fee is only $7 per person, which includes a tour of the lighthouse keeper’s quarters and fascinating insights into its past. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about the history. Since the lighthouse has limited visiting days and hours, I recommend planning ahead. After the tour, you can take a short walk around the area and enjoy the stunning scenery. A must-visit for history and nature lovers!

Well worth the price of admission. Great staff, lots of history very well presented in the lighthouse, beautiful gardens & landscaping. My only disappointments were: (1) the public golf course surrounds the lighthouse property, and (2) you can only view the lamp through a Plexiglas barrier at the top of the upper staircase & in a mirror. But overall, Point Pinos Lighthouse is a must-see if you're interested in nautical history.

Absolutely phenomenal visit. The ticket lady left a whole lot to be desired. Definitely need someone that is friendly and welcoming .. didn't get that with her. But the volunteers inside providing the tour details were fantastic. Very informative and very happy to be of service. It was a beautiful lighthouse and I loved learning about the history of the lighthouse and Pacific Grove. The grounds were very well taken care of, tons of flowers, trees, informative plaques, and deer. Loved my visit, will be back again.

I love seeing lighthouses and was excited to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, but unfortunately they close at 3pm and we arrived around 3:12pm on a Sunday. I was hoping since it was after hours, we would be able to walk around the grounds, but unfortunately, the lighthouse is gated, so there was limited viewing of the lighthouse. There is a small parking lot on at the entrance on Alisonar Ave. Surrounding the lighthouse is the Pacific Grove Golf Links golf course. If you want to visit the lighthouse, make sure you come at their open hours (see my picture for hours and admission fees).

Had such a great time here. The lighthouse is available for ahowrt window, but it's worth it. There are restrooms available and a gift shop. The grounds are so beautiful and you can walk around. The lighthouse itself, you are able to go in and take a tour of the place. Lorrie, a volunteer on the 1st floor, gave us so much information and insight it was great to hear it all. Her husband was also volunteering and gave us information on the 2nd, and it was amazing to learn from them both. As we were leaving, there were deer sunbathing in the neighboring houses, great ending to a great experience.

Absolutely amazing and great volunteers to tell you all about the history. It is a must see for sure

Must visit..there is a line..waiting 10 minutes..to see around and explore takes 30 minutes...children will love this place.it has great history.

The view is beautiful. Sometimes you can see dolphins jumping around in the bay and having a good time. Definitely my favorite place to go tide pooling and the sand is really nice. It’s crushed granite instead of being a typical sandy feeling beach which appeals to me more.

My wife and I had a beautiful lunch at the park. But be warned there are lots of squirrels and seagulls hanging out looking for a free lunch. Luckily for us, we had one protecting us while we ate our lunch. And we did reward him for the protection. Other than that, a beautiful place to hang out and enjoy the scenery. Life is beautiful!

Loved the view on a beautiful clear day throughout Monterey/pacific Grove. If you get an opportunity to bring a bike or rent one It would be suggested for some great opportunities to see the area from a different perspective.

Lovers Point is a scenic spot with beautiful ocean views and a great place to take a walk or relax by the water. It does get pretty busy on weekends, but it’s still worth the stop. Keep an eye out for the adorable chipmunks running around - they’re everywhere and are fun to watch. The only downside is the lack of clean seating; there’s a lot of bird poop from the seagulls, so finding a clean bench or spot to sit can be tricky. Still, the views and chipmunks make it worth a visit.

Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Park, also known as Lovers Point, is a truly beautiful spot right by the ocean. The views of the coastline are stunning, and the atmosphere is calm and inviting, perfect for a walk, a picnic, or simply relaxing by the water. One of the most charming details is the presence of squirrels that live in the park — they’re fun to watch and add to the friendly, natural vibe of the place. It’s well maintained, family-friendly, and a wonderful stop if you’re exploring Pacific Grove or nearby Monterey.

I love lovers point one of my favorite spots to visit in Monterey County it's family friendly u can go in the water eat picnic out there rent bikes wet suits and boogie broads play volley ball and the most funniest thing I like doing is feeding the squirrels they are so cute and super friendly

Bring your binoculars! You might just see some cutie little otters trying to eat a snack. The flowers and views are so spectacular here. Definitely worth a visit. Make sure to go when the sun is out though! The flowers close when it's grey and cold.

Went after closing time, and the doors are locked, so all I could see were the doors and what people have taken pictures of on Google Maps 🙃 Small jail but a cool part of history!

Very cool place. You can see inside the jail on your own, it doesn’t require admittance and is always open. There’s a audio tour available on site.

The Old Monterey City Jail is a nice visit for those who are interested in historic jails and those that are just interested in history, particularly California History. They are open from 10am-4pm, Thursday through Sunday, closed Monday through Wednesday. The address is on Pacific St (Google), but the entrance to the jail is located behind Colton Hall on Dutra St. It is self guided and will probably only take you 5 minutes to walk in, read the signs at the different exhibits and snap a few pictures. If you are visiting Colton Hall Museum (where the first signing of the California Constitution took place), then you should check out the old jail.

Right next to Holton Hall, historical significance for California history. Great little museum.

Nice closed down jail type free museum. Has info on history of monterey. Behind it is city hall of monterey. Great place for photos and history knowledge

An interesting place. You just go inside the jail on your own, it is very small and doesn’t require a ticket.

You need to take a look at this old jail. Very interesting

We've been going to this park since my kids were young specifically Dennis deMenace Park. However, we've never ever walked around or fish the lake. We recently got into fishing so chasing fish planting schedule was part of knowing where the fish are. Since El Estero Lake still received a trout plant in May, we decided to fish the lake to see what we can catch. As per this recent visit, I caught a couple of hatchery trout and my wife caught a handful of large bluegills. Parking was plentiful and lake looked clean. Pathways were clear but as any park with bird wildlife, droppings were a problem. Weather was nice and visitors seemed responsible about keeping their surroundings clean. In lieu of lake swimming, paddle boats were available for rental so visitors can enjoy the lake too. There's a skateboard park too. Overall, El Estero is a nice park.

This is wonderful park on all measures of park life! El Estero is in a primo location in the center 💜 of Monterey. Surrounded by native plants that attract wildlife to add to this playground habitat trail! There is a giant playground for kids on the upper level & a super smooth skate park below. The skate park has surfaces for a lot of skating and biking styled activities & sports. The pontoon dragon & swan peddled boats at the lake look so fun to ride. Lots of areas to pull up a folding chair and have a picnic and relax by the ocean! Thank you for providing these creature comforts all in one public park by the bay!

This dog park at El Estero Lake is convenient and pretty well maintained. It’s not very big but they made good use of the space they had. When I lived in Monterey, I went often because it was a place where I could let the dogs off the leash. Now that I live in Salinas, it’s a great pitstop when we’re running errands on the Peninsula. I hardly run into people there anymore so more often than not were the only ones there and it feels safe. Sometimes the parking is being used by the people at Dennis the Menace park but usually you can find a parking place. I’ve never had an issue with another dog there though there was one dog owner that was so mean to his dog and left his dog on the leash while in the dog park. I had to leave because I felt he might be nicer to his dog if he didn’t have an audience. Now that I write this, I should’ve at least said something before I left not that it would’ve done any good, but I should’ve told him he was a really bad dog parent.

Kids had a blast. No pesticide since 2008. Things seemed a little older. But overall it was great further kids of all ages to runaround and have fun.

This place was recommended by a local for us to take my daughte too. There was a lot of people there but the playground was huge so it didnt feel like it was crowded. I would recommended coming early before all the parking spots are taken.

Im confused as to what this is since it has paddle boats, Denis The Menace park, and some other stuff. Peddle boats are fun but I think a lil pricey in my opinion. Denis the Menace park is very fun. 2, 5 and 8 year old kids loved it here. Very fun. Definitely recommend it. Restrooms are okay but working is the most important part.

One of the scenic parks in Monterey. The view of the lake at this park is spectacular. With it being very close to the ocean, it really makes sitting there a very relaxing experience. It always feels like spring at this park. The playground is great for kids while the parents can enjoy the view of the lake and the nearby ocean.

Wonderfull and Beautiful 253 years old Cathedral in downtown Monterey CA

Such a beautiful historic church. The grotto and surrounding prayer gardens were so awesome. We were able to enter for a daily rosary. Highly recommend this outing if you're visiting.

My review is not for the active San Carlos Cathedral church services. Instead it's for the Royal Presidio Chapel historic federal landmark. They are both the same building. Currently the San Carlos Cathedral Catholic Church uses the Presidio Chapel. When services are not occurring, visitors can explore the interior and outside facade. There is no charge to walk about, it's free. The present sandstone chapel construction was completed in 1795. The native Americans labors built the chapel. The Monterey Presidio was founded in 1770 as the second of four Spanish Presidios. At that time, the presidio's chapel served for the Spanish soldiers and dignitaries. It's the oldest stone building in California. When walking about the exterior of the chapel take note of the marked lines to the right of the building. Those lines indicate chapel construction (where, what, and when). Directly in the back there is a plaque memorializing where the Oak tree stood in 1770 where Father Junipero Serra broke ground for the chapel construction. The tree was removed in 1905 when it was damaged. But the tree holds important place in Monterey history. In 1602, it is said that Spanish explorer Vizcaíno followed the creek from the Bay and noticed this majestic oak tree. Under that tree he and with the friars, traveling in his expedition, held Mass under the tree and claimed the area for Spain. Father Serra followed Vizcaino's directions to the site in 1770 to establish a mission and presidio. But a year or two later he decided to build the mission in Carmel instead. But the presidio continued with building the chapel. Pieces of the grand tree have been preserved and are located in various local museums. Now let's talk about out the interior. The church doors are left open during the day welcoming all inside. Inside there are paintings and statues including are originals such as the Stations of the Cross, St John, Sorrowful Mother, and Spanish Madonna. As you enter the church, look up and the exterior and take notice of the Our Lady of Guadalupe statue; it's still the original making it the oldest non-indigenous statue in California. Also throwing it out there that there are cameras all over and everything is monitored. So don't be a doofus. Just enjoy and soak in the history.

This Church is very historic and Mass was incredible and spiritual, thanks for the Priesst and services. God bless you 🙏🙏🙏

Gorgeous, fully renovated chapel with a great priest during Christmas services. Beautiful vintage decorations, really lovely grounds and popular school.

The altar for Dia de Muerta is beautiful and heart warming. Bless all acknowledged here and their families ❤️

Fabulous history preserved of the old Spanish missions. Peaceful and beautiful. Worth a visit.

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.

2 hours of the best time you can spend in Monterey California

A nice place to go to each Tuesdays!! But beware of the weather, there might be less traders if it's raining.

Hands down one of the best and biggest farmer's markets I've ever been to! Tons of delicious local produce, homemade items, and even street musicians. A lovely way to spend the evening!

The market was fantastic. There are several food trucks, lots and lots of samples, and very pleasant vendors. It wasn't terribly large. But it doesn't need to be I don't think. Definitely recommend checking it out if you've got some spare time.

I loved it, bought some amazing coffee from Jacob's Bear Coffee, local roaster. I was also able to buy some green onions that are so firm and crisp. There is 2 agua fresca stands and both have amazing product and service. There is a plant stand right by the firetruck next to the knife stand, this couple are amazing, their plants are just beyond gorgeous and their prices are unbeatable. I love the Monterey Farmers market.

We went too early, right at 4pm. Or still too early in the season. I've been there before and there were craft vendors and a local bakery. I did find plenty of fresh produce. I went there because Roti Roli is there but they did not have pork shanks that night.

We been to Monterey old fisherman wharf many times and this is the first time that we stepped into this small but interesting custom house museum! The museum staff (a lady) was super nice and friendly, her knowledge of this museum was amazing. The short conversation that I had with her was very educational and enjoyable! I highly recommend you to come visit this free admission place!

I just finished touring these Sate Park run historical places; Custom House, Pacific House, the Whaling house, Memory garden and California’s first theatre. I am AMAZED by the rich history. For example, did you know Monterey was the first Capital of California??? Awesome your, gorgeous area! Thank you California State Parks and all the volunteers and organization that give this to us!!!!

The Custom House is exactly what you think it was. It was constructed in 1827 by the Mexican Government to collect custom duties from foreign shipping, a principal revenue source when Monterey was the capital of Alta California. There are nice displays of the type of items that came through here for sale/trade. The are docents here to answer questions and a nice gift show with random nicknacks to purchase. It is located right next to the Fisherman’s Wharf so it’s a nice stop before or after your stroll along the wharf to learn more about California history.

Exploring the ancient historical goods was fascinating, and it offered valuable insights into the past. However, I'm giving it four stars as I wish there was a bit more interactive engagement available for visitors. Overall, a worthwhile experience for history enthusiasts.

The tea brick is one of the coolest things I've ever seen! 🍵

A cool little stop if you're into Californian history. The building itself is free to enter and holds a collection of items that are either historical or give some context to the history. I highly recommend the tour, which happens once every two hours, and not only covers the history of the Custom House but also takes you to other historical buildings in the area. Our tour guide, Stuart, was very knowledgeable and passionate about the area's history and shared a ton of interesting anecdotes about the various people who built and owned the buildings.

Custom House Museum in Monterey, California Historical Landmark #1, displays sone of the most Intriguing history of CA that I've ever seen. Docents are knowledgeable and the displays are full of wonderful reminders of our state's rich history. Highly, highly recommend!

This is a beautiful and quiet park. There’s enough people out that you’re not alone, but also feels like it’s very spread apart. Everyone we came across was friendly. Parking was easy, restrooms are available, there a picnic tables and benches. The trails offer a great variety and as someone else mentioned, not too intense. There were several dogs out and leashed with their owners, as was mine. The views are lovely. I look forward to spending more time here again. My photos don’t do it justice. I was focused on soaking it in.

I went up here to scout out some hiking trails really briefly. I did grab a few photos too. I had read that the poison oak was plentiful here and it was. I’m not sure I want to hike in that stuff. I feel like I need to check it out more closely.

Like to hike here for the trees. Pretty good signage along trails. Parking lot and bathrooms usually maintained. Careful with pets, kids, yourself due to poison oak. The horses allowed trails are wider and easier to avoid brushing against plants lining the trails. It can be confusing with when the open and closed times are - due to issues like fallen trees, repairs, poison oak, etc. Generally speaking it is nice and usually not too crowded at all. Great hike on East side the other day but closed sign West. Make a mental note where you park (which lot) and which trail leads you back to your vehicle.

fun easy hike for kids. beautiful view on sunny days

Saw sign for this on way home from brunch in Monterey. Nice views, Sunday sail boat races were about to start.

Such a beautiful place to go on a long hike if you want or a quick one if you're running short on time. So many amazing trails that are easy to navigate but definitely not for the faint of heart.

One thing, your car might take a slight beating on The drive.... That being said, so worth it, such Beautiful views!! Might I add that it's nice to see a park that has been kept clean, the trails are well kept, yet nothing takes away from nature. The facilities look like they could use a scrubbing, but still kept stocked. And all maps/notices are updated and clearly visible. No signs of vandalism, no trash floating around. Awesome!!

It’s a beach. But not the best. Limited for children. But nice if you want some quiet sounds of the ocean. Reading a book friendly. You may occasionally come across something odd in the sand. I assume the “no swimming” is due to the undertow. The waves look huge. But no one surfing. Again, adds to the thought of unsafe waters.

Nice beach, soft sand. There are a couple fire pits that are first come. Or you can dig a hole and make your own fire pit. Don't forget to clean up after yourself!

oh my gosh, this beach was a slice straight out of heaven. perfect weather, perfect sand, perfect breeze. I do recommend weather a thin sweater, and go for a walk on this beautiful beach 10/10

Any day at the beach is a good day. This particular spot was right off the street. It has paid for parking, its easy to use, just swipe and you're set. The walk to the waters edge is less than minute. Cant complain at all about quick in and out spots especially with kids. Everything is somewhat close by, have fun!

Great spot, the pier has good food, water is freezing cold and parking is rough unless you get there early

Very nice beach close to Fisherman's Wharf. You can watch wildlife, ships, nice water, and super soft sand

It was a nice little beach, accessible from the pier and quick to get to and away from. Didn’t see any waves there at all - which is good if you don’t want em, but I like the soothing nature of waves. So, this is a good beach if you want to avoid waves and the cold mist that they create.

This beach is accessible from the main Cannery Row street thru a sandy park with a subtle but striking large tick painting. We enjoyed the sandy "park" amid the hustle and bustle of Cannery Row and descended the concrete steps to the beach below.

A fresh scent of beauty lingers as the sands wash over by endless waves. Breathe taking place with many restaurants, shops, sweets to fill ones soul. Seeing the full moon in the background is a super plus. 🌕🤙🌴🤗❤️

McAbee Beach is a nice little beach in Cannery Row that's main purpose is for tourists to be able to take a short walk down the beach without all the hassle of a traditional sized beach. I'm sure it has some historic reason for being there and having it stay the way it was since back in the day, but it serves its purpose well. No waves and a safe place to put your feet in the water without getting swept away. Sometimes there are little seashells and sometimes there are other cool things that washup on shore. This is the same beach where John Denver crashed his plane in 1997 just a little south of this beach (if you don't know who John Denver is, your parents are terrible people).

Awesome little beach with crystal clear water right between El Torito and Monterey Bay Aquarium. It reminded me of being in The Caribbean.

Interesting little beach located off the main Cannery Row. Beach is accessible via a disable access walkway from the main road. Interesting historical significance of the beach, I included a couple of the signs in my photos. Worth checking out if your in the area.

McAbee Beach is located near the Monterey Aquarium and Monterey Downtown, which I love to visit on weekends. Visitors can use the free tourist bus to explore the Downtown area. Additionally, there are plenty of shopping and small business stores on Cannery Row street, making it a convenient and walkable area. If you're planning to visit the Monterey Aquarium, I highly recommend checking out this beautiful beach too!

Before I left for Corvallis on September 23, 2023, I was able to stop at this beach. There, it lies an abandoned Minnie Mouse Doll, appearing to be manufactured in 2020. However, I never got a chance to visit that beach frequently; it was the first time I wandered to that beach and found a doll a child forgot.

Nice, easy, peaceful walk and feel part of nature. A few friendly locals walking with their dogs. Parking is limited on the street. Stairs to access the trails and no public bathroom.

The water level will be fairly low if it hasn’t rained recently. We went in early December before the rains had really set in and there was barely any water in the pond. A great little nature trail and well maintained. You have to search for the frogs, but there was a family of ducks.

Water and ducks 🦆 are back 👍 Dropped by again today, no water (and no 🐸 s), pond is dried and being dredged currently. Did see a pretty butterfly 🦋 👍. Added a few videos Nice semi quiet walk for 3/4 of a mile. Lots of Spanish moss.

Pretty loop, easy for my 3 year old, fresh berries along the whole trail. LOTS of areas for pretty pictures. Not too many bugs while we were there. Didn't see any frogs either.

A beautiful wetland with an easy 3/4 mile trail for observing wildlife and flora. Especially beautiful after the rain. Trail is well maintained. Dogs on leash allowed but beware of the poison oak.

3/4 mile trail, easy walk. Limited street parking. Beautiful scenery. Saw a few birds, a duck, and heard the frogs croaking.

Had so much fun walking the trails. Saw Turkey's and lots of ducks. Only about 2 miles total but fun place right in the middle of town.

Absolutely loved this ride! The pirates were great and really stayed in character—it made the whole experience come to life. The staff at the front were super friendly and energetic, and they did an awesome job! Perfect for friends and family-highly recommend if you’re in the area!!!

This ride was SO much fun! Staff was entertaining and accommodating. The ride was fun. We went through twice! Probably would have gone through again, but it was closing time for them. Highly recommend!!

Definitely worth the ride! Because it's a zany concept and absolutely fun I would definitely recommend it to anybody In Monterey Bay because you won't find it anywhere else! I'm definitely gonna have to come back the next time and keep taking a ride!

It’s fun for the kids. Hard to tell what you’re aiming at when flying through the ride. But my son had fun, so that’s what counts. They charge 20 bucks but say you can ride as many times as you want.

We bought the day pass and power up it was so worth it. My daughter kept wanting to ride it and we literally spent all day and only took breaks to eat and go outside to the beach. The staff was very nice and friendly and made sure that we had a good time. The ride itself was pretty fun. It's a dark ride/shooting gallery with a show element to it. We did meet the ride creator/designer and his family. They were so interested in this little girl that rode 18x in one day! We felt like a part of their family for just a bit. Thank you for the wonderful time.

A must-see attraction! Our family loves it, great for all ages!

As a local I can appreciate something new being placed at this very touristy location. It's nice to see the improvements and there is lots of attention to detail in the overall presentation of the ride experience. After purchasing the tickets (we bought the experience with the extra $5 boost) we were told to go downstairs. The whole thing is about 20 minutes long from beginning to end. The rules are explained to you via video screen and also by the staff member guiding you onto the elevator to the "caverns", and to the ride cart. This is where the interactive portion starts. The ride itself lasts maybe 5 minutes which is virtual target practice for points. Everyone in the cart gets to shoot at stuff. Lots of things happening, so it was a tad overwhelming. It was fun for my 9 year old. He had a good time which is what I was hoping for. He doesn't have the patience for long lines in an amusement park setting so this was perfect with no wait when we showed up during lunch time. We really enjoyed the shooting booth after exiting the main ride. I assume it's part of the Treasure Hunt. I would ask the owner of this establishment to establish a price for locals. We'd come more often, but otherwise this is priced too high, IMO. Hence the 4 stars.

The lady who helped me was pleasant and helpful. She was quick to wipe down and sanitize counter tops between guests. I purchased Milk Chocolate Caramel Pecan Buds, a favorite, as well as Polar Bear Claws. I also enjoy their Dark Chocolate Blueberry Cream, which I also purchased. I was treated to some samples along with my purchases, which made my experience that much sweeter! See's is always fresh and delicious!

Nice store with fabulous service! Polite, patient and welcoming! Chocolate as always 🔝 and best !

On a recent Central Coast visit, we couldn't resist stopping into See's for a complimentary chocolate and to purchase some of their great confections. The staff is always so friendly and helpful. I like the layout of See's stores as everything is always easy to find and prices are visible. This particular location is open year-round. We may have bought a few chocolates... :-) Recommended if you have a sweet tooth!

I am a lifelong See's Candy lover. Their employees are friendly, helpful and efficient. This store was on par with every other one I have been to, excellent 👌 See's is consistent with the highest quality of their product and with the way their stores are run. I can't recommend them enough ❤️

Excellent service, smaller selection of sugar free individual chocolates 🍫. Have to say they are very tasty. And seasonal or special holidays have different themes.

On 12OCTOBER2023 I went into the Del Monte Shopping Center Store # 2CA009 and was served by Catherine only to get home and see that items were in my bag that I didn't order but was charge for. They charge by weight so she was padding her sales by adding items I didn't order and that is very dishonest and stole from me. Be cautious of this store and this sales person. I was over charged by $15.00 and that is not cool. I have my receipt, so I know who did it.

Doesn't matter where you go when you come to See's Candy in there pretty much all the same. I go for the scotchmallo.

You must visit this beautiful garden while in Monterey. It is a lovely historic and unique place, located conveniently in the heart of Monterey. Close to everything! It's even more beautiful to get married there or attend a wedding there!! The grounds make it a perfect romantic and magical venue. We loved getting married there on 7/16/21, surrounded by the garden. It is so picturesque, which made for some beautiful photos. The staff there are great too and very knowledgeable on the history.

Get inspired at this relaxing garden with benches to seat on, different kinds of flowers abound. Truly a place for the family, lovebirds, and those seeking for peace and inspiration. Restaurants nearby and a clean public restroom. A hidden gem.

Visited with my friend Elder Vai Vai and Elder Wilkes! He had a great day explore Monterey!

Stunning photographic secret garden area with fountain and old style buildings.

I walked by it a million times. And it is open today!

The Memory Garden was a venue that I had loved for a wedding before I even became engaged. It is such a special, beautiful place. My husband actually proposed to me in the Memory Garden which made it that much more special as a venue for wedding. It was absolutely gorgeous and perfect!

The Memory Garden is a beautiful venue for a wedding, but the Park Service restrictions make it difficult for caterers, florist, musicians, etc. It was embarrassing to have our guests chastised for having a drink when there were no signs posted. There were not too many flowers in bloom, although they had planted some annual cyclamen. The dusty ground is very hard on shoes and had made a mess of my daughter-in-law's hem before she had even made it down the aisle. If you're thinking of getting married here, consider laying down some satin in the aisle.

I came to buy a piece of jewelry for my wife and the manager or owner of the place behaved very racist just because she looked at me as a Latino and started making bad gestures at me. A person like that cannot have a business. We are all human beings and equal. I didn't come to ask for anything for free. I was going to pay her and buy several pieces of jewelry, but because of her racist attitude, I decided to leave the place.

Z Folio has a very interesting collection of flower photographs by Michael Mendizza. The staff does a beautiful job showing an eclectic group of jewelry designers and glass artists.

I like the store, the products. Salesperson needs to learn when to let the customer think about what they are purchasing. Sometimes a little space goes a long way. Just a little feedback. I will be back to buy the item soon.

I was helped by Olga she was the sweetest. I picked out some cute hoop earrings. Never felt pressured to pick anything. Would definitely recommend stopping by everything is so beautiful here.

The gallery is amazing; each piece of jewelry is unique and beautiful. The people who work provide excellent quality customer service. I work with Lynn and she strives to help her customers. She goes out of her way to make them happy. I really appreciate this store and the people working in it.

The gallery is a must stop by for anyone interested in jewelry or art, the imported glass pieces alone set this gallery apart. Even more the staff was friendly, Sarah was informative about the pieces displayed and quickly remedied a pricing mistake post sale that I didn’t recognize.

Love this gallery. Super friendly. Very kind to my 5/4 yr olds even gave them a treat. Olga was patient and knew I was determined to find the right piece. This the second time I’ve purchased a ring here and won’t be the last.

While this is located in a nice area overall, Monterey, Carmel. This trail is nothing to special IMO. The "vista" can be seen in increments while walking down a thin trail surrounded by poison oak. 😂😵. This is a heaven for the stuff. So be careful. Despite being in the pines it gets hot. Some little park benches, a restroom, and parking lot. It took a while just to get here off the freeway and not worth it .

This park offers trails with great views of the surrounding area, including the bay. You can also hear all kinds of birds, to include hawks, humming birds, woodpeckers, and more. We saw banana slugs and a large lizard as well. Beware of ticks! Most recently we hiked on the east side of the park, specifically the Earl Moser trail and found several ticks on one of our dogs and even a couple on our persons. In addition, we picnicked there for Mother’s Day and grilled with a propane grill which is explicitly allowed per the website, but a ranger came by and said that no grilling was allowed at all.

Nice scenic loop allowing views of Monterey, Monterey Bay, Carmel Valley, Carmel Mission Beach, Santa Cruz Coastline in a clear day. The trail has a self-guided tour ,color brochure and is primarily dirt trail. Easy for a child to walk, and starts and ends at the parking lot. There are some slight elevation climbs and stops with the most steep using switch backs and steps. The walk takes about an hour strolling along enjoying the views. There are also benches in areas to rest and enjoy views. A notice at gate indicates rate increase from $5 to $10 for access starting 1/1/2019. You can walk in from a close by lot but they are going to be charging walk-ins $2. This is pushing it on cost. Most will find the views and selfie opportunities worth the $10, but coming for regular walks will be a bit pricey for most.

Small size county park, but there are many nice trails

Skyline Trail very nice late in the day is cool and comfortable

Just close ,too get away from it all ! Awesome park !

Hidden gem.

This coastal recreation trail is actually 18 miles long that runs from Pacifuc Grive to Castroville that was the original route of the Southern Pacifuc Railway. This paved trail is wide enough for bikes, joggers, strollers and pedestrians walking to shops or walking for fitness. We walked from the Monterey Matrine Aquarium thru Cannery Row and about 30 minutes on foot past Fishermans Wharf. And then we walked back. We stopped on the way to shop a little, enjoy some salt water taffy and a great taco lunch. We also ventured off the trail into the beach in done places Public accessible restrooms. Some free street parking and paid garage parking with accessible spaces. Good walking

This little stretch of path and coastline is just gorgeous. There's a lot to take in; we walked the path a dozen times, but usually just found ourselves sitting on one of the many benches drinking a cup of coffee and soaking in the ocean views/air. The Lovers Point Mural (west side of path) is unfortunately a little lost in it's surroundings... although definitely still worth checking out for historical value.

I went on a bike ride with my hubby here after we saw my daughter play volleyball at CSU, Monterey. The views are amazing. If you enjoy riding, I highly recommend it. I'm new to bike trails, but I've never seen anything like this. We're blessed to live in sunny California.

Great way to walk through Montrey Bay. Very much like the trail in the town where i am from. Clean, cool trees and plants, love it all.

Great going here with my family, riding bikes, skateboards, anything with wheels and of course casual runs. Exercise.

Wonderful path that blesses its local citizens with a chance to not just trolley through by foot or bike, but also to take in and enjoy such a majestic view! My only complaint is the sea wall from the road needs to be higher to reach from average car door to window height, so it doesn't let the smog flow (especially after the non-vented Lighthouse Ave Tunnel) seap onto this path. The stench of smog in that sector is pretty bad, especially with this recent increased car traffic.

Nice trail for running especially in downtown Monterey.

Very nice view

Been going there for years

It's a good time with your family.and has a snack shack.best hamburger's

The fish i caught had three eyes. DO NOT EAT

Easy hike and well worth it. This whole coastline is difficult to walk away from. Once you’re out on your feet you never want to leave. Beautiful as can be. I could spend days out along this coastline. The otters are very charming. The views are impressive. I don’t ever leave reviews ranting on about how beautiful a place is… Big Sur is the exception💙

Short hike with a view

(Translated by Google) The view is beautiful. There are many other places to stop and enjoy the coastal views. In many places there are only small parking bays, so there can be a shortage of parking spaces. The trip across the coast is definitely recommended. (Original) Die Aussicht ist wunderschön. Es gibt viele weitere Stellen zum anhalten und genießen der Aussicht auf die Küste. An vielen Stellen sind nur kleine Parkbuchten, deshalb kann es zu Engpässen an Parkplätzen. Die Fahrt über die Küste ist in jedem Fall zu empfehlen.

Beautiful Trail - but no otters (June 7th)

Beautiful

Beautiful