Things To Do
Catch the Sunset at Carmel Beach
Catch the sunset at Carmel Beach! Carmel Beach provides a free modest parking lot on Ocean Avenue as well as free, on-street parking on Camino Real and along Scenic Road which parallels Carmel Beach. There are time limits to street parking, so be sure to check the time before leaving the car. Restrooms are located in the parking at the foot of Ocean Avenue and on Scenic Road at Santa Lucia Avenue.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Located at the ocean's edge on historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is your window to marine life.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
This state park has eight different beaches in small coves around Point Lobos. Some are good for tide pool exploration, others are better for watching seals, sea lions, and birds, but all of them have something to see and photograph. Trails run throughout the park for hiking between the different coves. We recommend seeing China Cove and Bird Island Lookout!
Sea Car Tours
Fantastic ocean vistas at every turn. This is one of the best coast drives anywhere! Highlights include Monterey historical buildings, Fishermans Wharf harbor views, Cannery Row, Lovers point and many amazing view stops. Get up close with deer (providing they are out), sand dunes and cypress trees.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
A visit to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula just isn't complete without a rendezvous with Old Fisherman's Wharf. Experience a myriad of great restaurants, shops, seafood & chowder, fishing, sailing, whale watching, and bay cruises.
Domenico's on the Wharf
Make a reservation at Domenico's on the Wharf for dinner with a lovely water view! Make sure to request a table along the window.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Unfortunately, Pebble Beach requires a 3-night minimum stay at the resort in order to golf there. However, you're free to visit! Click "View" to see a recommended itinerary.
The Links at Spanish Bay
Though the main course at Pebble Beach may not be an option for golfing, there are plenty of other courses that do not require a minimum resort stay. One of these magnificent courses is The Links at Spanish Bay. A couple more to check out are Spyglass Hill and Del Monte. Rates are on their site.
Cannery Row
With all the touristy souvenir shops, quick stop eateries and ultra-fine dining combined on one street, historical Cannery Row is also loaded with historical, original architecture and sardine canning factories reminiscent in John Steinbeck’s novel. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and many other entertaining options are in walking distance.
Drive the Scenic Highway 1
We recommend doing this drive on your way to Pfieffer beach! The two-lane State Route 1 traverses this bit of coastline, which is notable for its dreamy state parks, misty horizons and winding turns. There is nothing but steep cliffs, hidden beach coves, and ocean as far as the eye can see. Click "View" for some top spots to check out.
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach in the Big Sur area is definitely off the beaten path, but well worth the drive. The focal point of the beach is Keyhole Rock which has an amazing natural arch at the base where salt water, and even the last rays of daylight, can pass through. Pro tip: Those looking for a golden, romantic moment—and beautiful photos—should head here before sunset, to catch Keyhole Rock as the last rays of daylight pass through. Click "View" for some helpful driving instructions!
Monterey Bay Kayaks - Monterey Location
Kayaking is a very popular tourist activity- you can even fish from kayaks! We recommend paddling in the morning to avoid possible afternoon winds.
17-Mile Drive
Follow 17-Mile Drive’s red-dotted line to arrive at an enchanting world full of dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches, mystical forests and iconic golf courses. Discover one of the most scenic drives in the world. Admission to 17-Mile Drive is $10.50 per vehicle.
Big Sur Helicopter Tour
Specialized Helicopters offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience soaring high above the breathtaking California coastline.
Monterey Half Day Electric Scooter Rental
Electric Scooter Rentals (seated position, easy to drive) which feature App driven GPS self-guided tours of the Monterey Peninsula. We provide everything that is needed to go out and have fun. You can use our tour routes, freestyle your own route or a combination of both, we have a great outdoors experience to make new memories! Enjoy the wind on your face with an easy on, easy off vehicle. Let the Adventure Begin!
Carmel Valley Wine Trolley / Tours Monterey
Let our Historic Trolleys take you on an unforgettable journey wine tasting through Carmel Valley, California. Come spend the day enjoying great food, great wine and great times.
Macaron Making
You will be baking macarons with a macaron master who has been featured on the Cooking Channel. You will receive hands-on training and all the techniques, tips and tricks to create these gourmet treats at home!
Stand-Up Paddle Tours & Surf Lessons
Stand Up Paddling, or SUP for short, is the newest and most popular ocean activity. We also provide individual and private group surf instruction at the world renowned Carmel Beach, California on the scenic Monterey Peninsula.
Paragliding at Raven Wolf Sky Sports
Come experience paragliding with us from the safety of a tandem flight. Soar the sand dunes in Monterey and see the coast like you never have before. Let our instructors take you flying and show you our world.
Refuge Spa and Thermal Pools
Heat up in the Co-ed Sauna and Steam bath, cool down in the cold pools, and relax in indoor relaxation rooms or outdoor areas with fireplaces. Massages are available as well!
Whale Watching Monterey
There are plenty of whale watching tours. Here is just one of them: Princess Monterey Whale Watching has the two largest and finest whale watching vessels on Monterey Bay: the 100ft. Princess Monterey and the 100 ft. Atlantis Monterey. Both vessels are made for your comfort and have indoor heated cabins with large windows for viewing.
Horseback Beach Rides with Monterey Bay Equestrian Center
In a short time you find yourself on a beautiful beach along the shoreline located at the heart of the Monterey Bay. Most days offer stunning views from Santa Cruz to Monterey.
Cafe Kevah
Café Kevah is located on an outdoor terrace below Nepenthe, and on the roof of the Phoenix Shop. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Café Kevah does not accept reservations.
Lucia Lodge Restaraunt
Lucia Lodge is located adjacent to highway one in the village of Lucia, 50 miles south of Carmel, California, and 40 miles north of San Simeon / Cambria, California (home to Hearst Castle). You can make a reservation to stay in one the cliff-side cabins or ocean view rooms… stop in just for lunch or dinner, or visit the store/gift shop.
Glamping at Ventana Big Sur
Our 20-acre redwood canyon campground offers plenty of privacy and seclusion- outdoor splendor with a luxury twist.
Learn to Fly Big Sur
Discover the unparalleled joy and exhilaration of flight as you take the controls and learn to fly! Learn from FAA certified flight instructors from Northern California's leading flight school with over 50 years experience of training. Hop aboard and fly a Cessna 172 - one of the world's finest training air-crafts. Fly above California's legendary Big Sur coastline, arguably the most beautiful line of coastal beaches and cliffs in the U.S. Get a bird's eye view of sites such as the Monterey Peninsula, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and more!
Stay in a Yurt at Treebones Resort
Treebones is a premier Glamping resort. Glamping is defined as a luxury form of camping, blending natural experience of outdoor camping with more glamorous amenities.
Laguna Seca Raceway
The legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is most known for its world-class events and races spanning from a large bicycling expo (Sea Otter Classic), open-wheel races (IndyCar Championship) to historic car racing (Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion). While these supercharged events takeover many weekends throughout the year, did you know that you can actually visit this adrenaline-filled mecca every day of the week? From souvenir shopping, scenic camping to photo ops, there’s an array of activities waiting for you on your next trip to Monterey County.
Chris' Sport Fishing
Located on Monterey, California’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf, Chris' Fishing and Whale Watching is a full service boat chartering company that offers deep sea fishing and whale watching cruises in the Pacific Ocean waters beyond Monterey Bay.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise San Francisco
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Bay Area from a romantic San Francisco Sunset Cruise by catamaran!
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy food, shopping, and an oceanfront amusement park in Santa Cruz, California. The Boardwalk spans a wide sandy beach along Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary where it's not unusual to see otters, dolphins, sea lions, and even whales swimming just offshore.
Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon
Experience world-famous wine country from the air on an early morning hot-air balloon ride. Climb into a comfortable basket to take to the skies as the valley below you awakens. Enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective of rolling hills, expansive vineyards, and elegant estates during your flight.
Napa ATV Tour | Wine and Cheese Pairing
There are plenty of wine tastings and tours in Napa Valley. If you have a taste for the adventurous, perhaps try this ATV tour.
Golden Gate Bridge
Visiting the world famous Golden Gate Bridge is a unique experience for everyone. Whether you hike, walk, bike, shop, take a guided tour, or just sit back and take it all in, there is something for everyone. Make sure to check out this awesome lookout point: Battery Spencer!
Alcatraz Island
Get tickets to Alcatraz Island and cruise on the San Francisco Bay. Tour Alcatraz, the infamous and notorious former federal prison, which was home to the likes of Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelley, and Robert "The Birdman" Stroud.
San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf
As San Francisco’s #1 destination, we have numerous offers for our visiting guests and local Bay Area residents alike. Famous for fresh seafood, exciting tours, attractions, and shopping.
Chinatown
San Francisco Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America. It is one of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco. You can use this site to learn more about the attractions, culture, history, and events in Chinatown.
Electric Bikes San Francisco
If you're planning to cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, we recommend our custom E-Blazer electric bikes. These have a light aluminum frame and a strong pedal assist, as well as ample range for the ride to Sausalito and even Tiburon! All rentals include a helmet, a lock, and a custom map.
Take the Ferry to Sausalito
Step aboard the Sausalito Ferry for a smooth, comfortable ride to this delightful community just across the Bay. The city of Sausalito offers the charm of a quaint Mediterranean seaside village tucked amongst the hills of Marin County. Meander the narrow streets, browse through art galleries and shops, and dine at some of the best restaurants in the Bay Area, all the while enjoying stunning views of San Francisco.
Redwood Forest- Muir Woods
Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908, this primeval forest is both refuge and laboratory, revealing our relationship with the living landscape.
San Francisco Zoo
Open 365 days a year, San Francisco Zoo is home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals in 100 acres of majestic and peaceful gardens located directly on the Pacific Coast.
'Full House' House
If you love the opening scenes of the late 1980s television show "Full House" or the 2016 sequel "Fuller House" and want to see their locations in San Francisco, you aren't alone. Those places are popular destinations for thirty-somethings who grew up watching the original, and a new generation who love the reboot.
San Francisco Giants Game at Oracle Park
Oracle Park, with its breathtaking views and classic design, was chosen as the 2008 Sports Facility of the Year by Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily. According to the Giant's schedule for 2021, they will be playing the LA Dodgers Friday, Sept. 3 and Saturday, Sept. 4 (and the Brewers just before that).
Yosemite National Park
This one is a little bit of a drive (a little over 3 hours from San Fran) so you'll want to plan ahead if you want to go to Yosemite. Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.