Monterey County

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Top 10 attractions in Monterey County

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CA-1
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

CA-1

6.7
4.8/5
499 reviews
CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.Monterey County · 61.3 km from downtown
Carmel-By-The-Sea

Carmel-By-The-Sea

5.7
4.4/5
373 reviews
Carmel-By-The-Sea is a coastal, artistic town on the Monterey Peninsula and a popular stopover on the Highway 1 self-drive route. Many travelers connect it with the17 Mile Dras they head south. The town's character dates back to the early 20th century. After the San Francisco earthquake, a group of poets, painters, and writers moved here, gradually developing it into an art-centric seaside community. To this day, the town is still dotted with independently owned galleries, craft shops, and bookstores. Architecture is another hallmark of the town: the fairy-tale cottage style, pioneered by architect Hugh Comstock in the 1920s, endures to this day. Pointed roofs, shingled walls, and whimsical chimneys can be found throughout the streets, with the Hansel and Gretel cottages, named after the Brothers Grimm fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel," being particularly famous. The town has no street numbers, no neon signs, and chain brands are hard to find, making a stroll through it feel like being in the European countryside. Visits usually center around Ocean Avenue, where galleries and boutiques are tucked away in the alleys on both sides of the main street. At the end of the street lies Carmel Beach, where fine, soft white sand and the silhouettes of coastal pine trees make it a great place to watch the sunset. Self-drive travelers can also take a scenic drive along Scenic Road, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and unique coastal cottages on the other.Carmel-by-the-Sea · 107m from downtown
Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach

5.3
4.7/5
13 reviews
Pebble Beach is a coastal resort area covered in pine and cypress forests, famous for its rocky coastline and golf courses. The coast here consists mostly of granite headlands, with waves crashing against the reefs year-round. The white waves, black reefs, and dark green cypress trees create a highly recognizable coastal scene. The iconic way to explore this area is by self-drive or cycling along 17 Mile Dr, a loop that connects multiple viewpoints: The Lone Cypress stands alone on a rock and is over 200 years old, serving as the symbol of Pebble Beach; the Bird Rock area is home to sea lions, harbor seals, and various seabirds all year round; sea otters can often be seen floating on their backs among the kelp in the nearshore waters; and wild deer herds are occasionally spotted on the lawns in the evening. Golf is another hallmark of this area. Pebble Beach Golf Links is built right against the sea cliffs, with several holes facing the Pacific Ocean directly, and it has hosted the U.S. Open many times.Pebble Beach · 664m from downtown
Big Sur

Big Sur

4.9
4.5/5
110 reviews
Big Sur is located on the central coastline of California, about 240 kilometers from San Francisco, about 2 hours' drive, and about 6 hours' drive from Los Angeles. Starting from San Francisco, driving north to south along California Highway 1, there are seaside views all the way, but the attraction is Big Sur. When it comes to Big Sur, I mean the 90-mile winding coast road from Carmel to San Simeon. This section of California Highway 1 is narrow and winding, and at the same time, it is very high from the sea level, and there is a danger of roadside rocks rolling down at any time. It is one of the most dangerous highway sections in California. However, this road is also known as the most beautiful seascape road in the world, and it is known as the most beautiful place in the world where land and sea meet.Big Sur · 7m from downtown
Old Fisherman's Wharf

Old Fisherman's Wharf

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

Monterey Bay

4.7
4.5/5
95 reviews
Monterey Bay is one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. Going north along the Gold Coast of the western United States, you can reach the beautiful and charming Monterey Peninsula. The cool sea breeze blows head-on, cute and funny sea lions and fur seals. Lazy on the rocks and waves. Monterey Bay is a very famous seaside resort in Northern California, and the city of Monterey is a famous tourist destination in Monterey Bay. The fish canning factory area and Fisherman's Wharf are desirable, with a large number of restaurants, clothing stores, Gift shop and playground.Monterey County · 75.8 km from downtown
Lone Cypress
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Pebble Beach

Lone Cypress

4.2
5.0/5
12 reviews
Lone Cypress is an iconic landmark on the Monterey Peninsula in California, located at attraction 12 on the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. This Monterey cypress is rooted on a granite cliff along the Pacific coast. It is approx. 250 years old and has withstood storms, salt spray, and sea erosion, becoming a symbol of the resilient spirit of the West Coast of the United States. It grows in one of only 2 remaining natural Monterey cypress forests in the world. Its location offers an expansive view of the blue waves and reefs of Carmel Bay(Carmel Bay). To protect this ancient tree, the rock base has been reinforced with masonry since the 1940s, the trunk has been secured with steel cables, and railings have been installed around it to restrict visitor access. Its unique growing environment and human protection measures demonstrate the symbiosis between natural wonders and human civilization.Pebble Beach · 1.5 km from downtown
Rocky Creek Bridge

Rocky Creek Bridge

3.7
3.5/5
54 reviews
The bridge with a total length of 218 meters spans a huge deep stream. From a distance, it is very spectacular and steep. The arched bridge hole is beautifully set off by the blue sea. It is known as one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. It seems to be the landmark of Big Sur, and almost everyone will get off the car and appreciate its artificial shape and natural sea and sky background. In addition, many TV commercials for cars in the United States are shot here.Monterey County · 49.6 km from downtown
Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach

3.3
4.3/5
85 reviews
The beach is located in the small town of Carmel. The sand here is relatively white and the sand is very fine, so it is more suitable for beach activities. Many fans who like surfing will come here, and if they are lucky, they will even encounter whales. Visitors can sunbathe on the beach and listen to the waves. When it comes to the small town of Carmel, it is a highlight of the Seventeen Mile Coastal Highway in California. There are many artists and writers living in the town, so the whole place reveals a refined artistic atmosphere.Carmel-by-the-Sea · 834m from downtown
Fisherman's Wharf
2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do

Fisherman's Wharf

7.5
4.4/5
1.6k reviews
A landmark of San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf is a strip extending from Ghirardelli Square all the way to Pier 35 and close to popular destinations such as Chinatown and the Lombard Street. This is home to a wealth of shops and restaurants and lively street shows can be seen everywhere. Famous sites such as Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge can also be sighted in the distance. The Fisherman's Wharf is close to the bay, so do not miss out on the fresh and delicious seafood. At Pier 39, sea lions can also be seen lying idly on rafts for a bit of sunbathing, making a most adorable scene.United States · San Francisco

Experiences you can't miss in Monterey County

Featured Day tours in Monterey County

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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
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4.9/5
· 276 reviews
Duration: 3–4 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
81 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 5,887.88RUB 6,197.77
Monterey: Whale Watching Tour with A Marine Guide
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4.7/5
· 67 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
92.5% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 5,515.98RUB 5,806.3
BEST of Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-by-the-Sea Small Group Tour
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FromRUB 9,822.44
Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
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4.8/5
· 724 reviews· 25 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
96.4% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 4,867.15RUB 5,123.32

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What travelers say about Monterey County

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5OMay 1, 2026
5.0
Driving along California's Highway 1, my hands were aching from gripping the wheel for so long. The coastal section was winding and twisting, with waves crashing white against the cliffs below. I stopped by the roadside to watch the seals; those lazy guys just rolled on their backs, not moving an inch. The Big Sur Bridge was quite photogenic, but I was too busy watching the road to cross it. We kept stopping and starting, turning into every viewpoint we saw to enjoy the breeze. Just as the gas tank was almost empty, we arrived in town; a burger and a Coke were the perfect comfort food.

CA-1

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sculptorJuly 10, 2022
4.0
卡梅尔是美国加利福尼亚州蒙特雷县的一个海边小镇。卡梅尔的历史才一百多年,但以它的自然风光和丰富的艺术史而出名。 早期的市议会以艺术家为主,该市的几位市长都是诗人或演员。

Carmel-By-The-Sea

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DEAR张小球April 23, 2020
5.0
This is a famous scenic spot located 17 kilometers from Highway 1. There are many places to play around. The beach is very beautiful. Many people play in the water and sunbathe here. Although the sun is a little strong, the scenery is very good.

Pebble Beach

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西溪老翁January 27, 2021
5.0
Big Sur Big Sur, California, is located between Monterey and San Simeon on the northern section of Highway 1, the most beautiful highway in the United States. It is a famous coastal scenic area in central California and a 90-mile section of California Highway 1. This coastline is winding and beautiful. Crossing Big Sur, you can enjoy the breathtaking cliffs and the vast Pacific Ocean, as well as mountains, waterfalls, and strange rocks. The scenery is ever-changing. It is also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The symbol of Big Sur, the Bixby Bridge, was built in 1932. Many people will stop their cars and stop here for a while. This bridge is the most photographed bridge on the West Coast, and it is therefore well known by many people. The Big Sur area of ​​Highway 1 is one of the most dangerous highway sections in California. When driving on this road, you have to be extremely careful. The highway is not wide, and it is easy to get into a car accident if you only focus on enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery as you travel along the dangerous mountain road with many turns.

Big Sur

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zhulei831230June 29, 2020
3.0
This place makes people feel relaxed and happy, mainly because there are relatively few people, and the entire pier is filled with all kinds of small boats, which makes people feel comfortable and relaxed. If you are interested, you can charter a boat to go out to sea.

Old Fisherman's Wharf

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Hello! Happy TimeJanuary 2, 2023
5.0
Beautiful beach, peaceful town and cute houses. Suitable for relaxation. Beautiful nature.

Monterey Bay

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XuefeiFebruary 17, 2020
5.0
Recommended index: Just go to see a lonely cypress tree, which is said to be more than 200 years old, and is considered the symbol of 17 Mile Bay. The lonely cypress tree quietly watches the tides, the clouds, and the people coming and going... Stay here for 30 minutes to take pictures and feel that life is enough.

Lone Cypress

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chenweiwenApril 22, 2021
5.0
The Bixby Bridge is an open single arch bridge with a span of about 100 meters, making it the longest concrete arch bridge in the California highway system. It is located in Big Sur, California, about 190 kilometers south of San Francisco. The budget for the construction of the bridge was nearly $200,000. Before the bridge opened in 1932, residents of the Big Sur area were almost cut off from the outside world during the winter. The Bixby River under the bridge was named after Charles Henry Bixby, who came from Livingston County, New York, and came to the Monterey Peninsula in 1868. He bought a large piece of land in the Big Sur area and worked in the production of railroad sleepers.

Rocky Creek Bridge

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红艳_29March 10, 2020
5.0
Carmel Beach is very beautiful. If you go to Carmel Town, you must visit here. It was Chinese New Year when we went there. The weather was a bit cold, so we didn't go in the water. If you want to go there, it's best to choose summer!

Carmel Beach

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ryne.srjMay 12, 2025
4.0
a lot of sea lions! a must see place in san francisco! should get a sea lion plushie as well as a gift!

Fisherman's Wharf

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Monterey County?

Don't miss these attractions in Monterey County: CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, and Pebble Beach. If you like Food & drink, try Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea. If you enjoy Outdoor experiences, try San Francisco, Monterey, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea Day Trip | Small Group Tour (No More Than 12 People).

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

As of October 15, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Monterey County is around RUB 4,867.15 – RUB 13,167.71. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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