Monterey
United States of America · California · 0 m
Description
Monterey and Big Sur form one of California’s most spectacular coastal regions, combining dramatic natural scenery with maritime heritage and charming seaside towns. The legendary Highway 1 winds past the Santa Lucia Mountains plunging toward the Pacific, the iconic Bixby Bridge, waterfalls, and towering coast redwoods. The wildlife-rich Monterey Bay is known for its sea otters and diverse marine life, while the Monterey Bay Aquarium and picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea rank among the region’s best-known attractions. The coast between Monterey and Big Sur is considered one of California’s scenic highlights and one of the most impressive coastal drives along the American West Coast.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – May or September – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- 17-Mile Drive & Pebble Beach
- Big Sur Coast(Day trip)
- Bixby Creek Bridge(Day trip)
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Cannery Row
- McWay Falls(Day trip)
- Monterey Bay Whale Watching
- Old Fisherman's Wharf
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park(Day trip)
- Pacific Grove & Lovers Point
- Sea Otters & Sea Lions
- Lone Cypress
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park(Day trip)
- Pfeiffer Beach & Keyhole Arch(Day trip)
- Carmel Beach
- Asilomar State Beach
- Monterey State Historic Park
- Path of History
- Dennis the Menace Park
- Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
- Pacific Grove Ocean View Boulevard
- Point Pinos Lighthouse
- Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Garrapata State Park(Day trip)
- Garrapata Beach(Day trip)
- Spanish Bay
- Bird Rock
- China Rock
- Cypress Point Lookout
- Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point
- Carmel Mission Basilica
- Carmel Art Galleries
- Carmel Scenic Road
- Carmel River State Beach
- Mission Ranch
- Pinnacles National Park(Day trip)
- Point Lobos Cypress Grove Trail
- Point Lobos Sea Lion Point Trail
- China Cove & Bird Island Trail
- Whalers Cabin & Whaling Station Museum
- Point Sur Lighthouse(Day trip)
- Soberanes Point(Day trip)
- Andrew Molera State Park(Day trip)
- Old Coast Road(Day trip)
- Big Sur River Gorge(Day trip)
- Partington Cove(Day trip)
Getting there
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry