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Guide to Visit Monterey Bay
California, USA
Currency: US$
Language: ENG
Last Update: 12/31/2025
The state of California is well known for its beauty. It features a wide array of gorgeous landscapes that millions visit each year. But between the valley of Yosemite, the gigantic sequoias or the water of the Channel Islands, the bay of Monterey is a gem that remains relatively unknown by many. Located along the popular CA 1 highway, Monterey is surely among the best places to see in California and our goal is to introduce you to this beautiful place in California. Here is all you need to know about Monterey Bay.
Where is Monterey Bay?
Monterey Bay is located along the coast of California. It is about 75 miles (120km) south of San Francisco, and is accessible via the CA 1 and US101. Generally, driving there to Monterey Bay takes around 2H from San Francisco and 5H from Los Angeles. The bay features several small cities among which the northernmost is Santa Cruz, and one of the southernmost includes Monterey.
When is the best time to visit Monterey Bay?
Being located in northern California, Monterey Bay has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. This type of climate is characterized by warm (but not hot) summers and cool but not cold winters. Temperatures during summers remain around 60-70F and winters around 40-50F. Most rain occurs between October and April, and summer is often foggy. Therefore, the best time to visit Monterey Bay is usually in Spring between April and June or fall between September and October.
Summers in Monterey are often foggy.
Things to Do
​What are the best things to do in Monterey Bay? The answer to that question will depend on your interests. Generally, Monterey Bay is an amazing place to see wildlife and take pictures of beautiful landscapes. It's generally more outdoor oriented, but not only. So let’s take a look at some of the best activities in Monterey Bay.
1. Monterey Bay Aquarium
​The aquarium is one of the most popular things to do in Monterey. Having appeared multiple times on television, it is a well known aquarium which brings millions of visitors each year. It is also known for its progress and efforts being the first aquarium to exhibit a living kelp forest, as well as being the first to successfully care for and display a great white shark. As of 2025, the aquarium has more than 500 different species including penguins, sharks and sea otters. Additionally, the aquarium offers shows and tours for an additional fee.
Admission (General): $50 to $65
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Other resources are available for special needs.
Pet Policy: Service dogs only (not allowed in all the areas of the aquarium).
Address: 886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
2. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos has often been called “The crown jewel of the California State Park System”. This simple statement says a lot about the beauty of the area. And definitely, the place is gorgeous. The area was once the site of industrial activities like whaling, gravel quarries or cannery. The area was then protected, and is today very popular for sightseeing, photography, nature study, picnicking, and many more activities. The offshore area, part of the Monterey National Marine Sanctuary, forms underwater habitats very popular with divers.
Admission (Vehicle): $10*
Accessibility: Some areas and trail are ADA compliant.
Pet Policy: No dog. No information for service animals.
Address: Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
*Fares may vary depening on several factors like season, number of people or others.
3. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small beach city south of Monterey. This charming place possesses a rich artistic history and is very popular for its architecture. In Carmel, you can find a nice beach, as well as shopping and multiple places to eat. You may not spend days there, but it is still an enjoyable little stop when around Monterey Bay.
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Santa Cruz
Along the Monterey Bay, you will find several small cities or villages. The most well known of those tend to be Carmel (mentioned earlier), Monterey, or Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is located on the northern edge of Monterey Bay. It was founded at the end of the 18th century, and throughout the years became a well known seaside resort community. It welcomes several nice activities that you may enjoy. Here are some of those:
4. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk & Wharf
Like most seaside towns, Santa Cruz has a wharf. It features boat tours, dining, gift shops, and it can also be a sea lion viewing area. And just a few minutes from there, you can find the Boardwalk, a small amusement park founded in 1907. Both are free of access, but the attractions are charged.
Address: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Photo by Ian Mackey | Unsplash
5. Santa Cruz Beach Train
The Santa Cruz Beach Train offers to travelers of all ages a journey through the Santa Cruz mountain onboard an old steam train. The train departs from Roaring Camp at 10:00am and 2:00pm, and from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk at 12:00pm and 4:00pm. From there, it offers a journey through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, the San Lorenzo River Gorge, an old 1909 steel truss bridge and more! The trip ends at Felton and takes 1H each way (more than 2H for the whole trip).
Admission (General): $30 to $45
Accessibility: Yes, but guests are encouraged to contact the park for more information.
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed.
Address: Depart from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
6. Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is another place where you can enjoy Monterey Bay’s beauty. As the name suggests, it features natural bridges, but it also offers nice views of the bay fauna and flora.
Photo by Laura Ockel | Unsplash
Admission (Vehicle): $10*
Accessibility: Some areas are accessible for wheelchairs. Beach wheelchairs are also available for use, but reservation are recommended.
Pet Policy: No dog. No information for service animals.
Address: 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
*Fares may vary depening on several factors like season, number of people or others.
7. Monterey Old Fisherman's Wharf
​When looking for the best thing to do in Monterey Bay, the Old Fisherman’s Wharf may often show up. The reason behind that is that the Wharf is one of the most popular tourist attractions there. The Wharf was previously a wholesale fish market into the 1960s, and progressively became what we know today. Nowadays, the wharf contains multiple souvenir shops as well as a bunch of seafood related restaurants. It may also be a nice spot to observe some of the local marine wildlife, but not the best.
Admission: Free
Accessibility: Accessible to wheelchairs.
Pet Policy: Dogs allowed in leash.
Address: 1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940
Photo by Northern Latitudes
8. The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
Do you like Monarch butterflies? If you do, know that these big orange insects come in the area each year starting around the month of October. Pacific Grove is for the Monarch a stop on their longer migration toward Mexico. If you go in the area of Monterey Bay around the month of October, you can visit the Monarch Grove Sanctuary. There are multiple points across the area where Monarch may go, but the sanctuary is a monitored environment and it is free!
Want to know something amazing? What makes the migration of the monarchs truly special is the fact that the migrating monarchs have never been to their destination before. They naturally know where to go!
Admission: Free
Accessibility: ADA Accessible
Pet Policy: No dogs allowed.
Address: 250 Ridge RoadOpens in new window, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Final Words
The bay of Monterey is truly beautiful. It is one of the rare places where humans can still closely observe animals. For those who love outdoor activities, animals, beautiful sceneries or even history, the Monterey Bay is a mix of all these things. If you plan on going there, enjoy the trip! And never forget to respect nature there.
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