Monterey, a picturesque city in California, is renowned for its wild natural beauty and laid-back West Coast vibe. From beaches to museums, there's a wealth of places to visit here.
Monterey’s rugged coastline is dotted with numerous beaches offering everything from swimming to scuba diving opportunities. At Monterey State Beach, you’ll find surfers, anglers and divers alongside those admiring sunset views from its sandy shores. Del Monte Beach – a hidden gem known mostly to locals – is located just a short drive away and features picnic spots and a boardwalk passing through sand dunes. Other famous beaches to visit in Monterey are San Carlos Beach and McAbee Beach, near Cannery Row.
With the Pacific Ocean lapping at its shores, Monterey is well-positioned to offer a slew of outdoor activities to visitors. Scuba divers can head to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to explore its aquatic world that includes an underwater canyon and a kelp forest. Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay are well-known kayaking destinations, where you can spot harbour seals, sea lions, pelicans and leopard sharks. For some land adventures, try mountain biking at Fort Ord National Monument or hiking, rock climbing and camping at several national and state parks nearby.
During your Monterey holiday, set aside some time to visit the Presidio of Monterey Museum, where you can gain insights into the illustrious past of the city through artefacts and photographs. Art lovers will find plenty of interesting exhibits at Monterey Museum of Art and MHAA: Salvador Dalí.