12 Things to do in Monterey: Beaches, Parks, Hikes, Restaurants & an Aquarium

Monterey is an amazing coastal city in Northern California. The city is home to one of the best aquariums in the world, amazing restaurants and tons of history. I included some of my favorite things to do in the city of Monterey in this list video which includes everything from the Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf to Point Lobos and Dennis the Menace Park. Let me know what I left off in the comments!

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California Through My Lens
5198 Arlington Ave # 937
Riverside, CA 92504

[savannahdiamond]

Born and raised Monterey native, so cool to see. Headed to the beach now it's 67 degrees out! 3/22/22

[stevebeschakis]

This takes me back! I studied at DLI, up on the hill above Monterey. The area is gorgeous...wandering Carmel on a warm evening, Cannery Row for dinner, Big Sur...gorgeous!

[Hummingbirds]

I have traveled the 17 mile drive while traveling from Santa Barbara to San Francisco in the late 70’s it’s all so beautiful!

[keesdejong]

When I was in Monterey I did a whale watching trip. Amazing! We saw humpback whales, a blue whale risso dolphins and many sealions and otters. The aquarium was also a fun visit. It is beautiful and I understand that this aquarium is so highly recommended

[YvonneReynolds]

A couple of my favorite spots: Asilomar Beach, Vivolo’s for their clam chowder, and Cafe Gurani for their coffee and pastries 😊

[kellywall]

I love Monterey more than any other place in Northern California. The first time I visited the aquarium I had the strangest case of deja vu and after doing a little research learned that the aquarium was used as the Cetacean Institute in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Just a little bit of useless trivia there ; ). If interested in a whale watching tour I highly recommend Princess Monterey right on the wharf. Great video, thank you for what you do!

[chiroman]

I really love Monterey! It's so beautiful, magical, historical and romantic. I've been over 20 times. I can't wait to go again!

[nevadahiker]

Not really in Monterey, but I always go to the Giant Artichoke in Castroville and get some deep fried artichokes. Then go to the Moss Landing beach and chow down!

[pixelpeter]

Point Lobos is just beautiful and great to photograph

[kylebayliff]

I came across Revival Ice Cream the last time I was in Monterey, and that is exactly the flavor I ordered, too. Absolutely delicious! No regrets, there!

[TheMkamix]

I've been to Monterey area so many times but never new about Revival Ice Cream. Point Lobos is absolutely breathtaking.

[ErikKristianGonzales]

I’ve loved living here in Monterey for the past 4 years. We’re moving closer to the Bay Area this month and I’m gonna keep coming back to visit :)

[ErikKristianGonzales]

Point lobos was the first place I visited when I moved here and it’s GORGEOUSLY BREATHTAKING

[johnsbk]

Like some others that commented here, I also was stationed at the DLI to study arabic. Most beautiful place I've ever lived and I've lived all over the U.S. It's incredible there. Loved the video!

[TeodoraTheFlowerLady]

Lover's Point, Point Pinos Lighthouse ( Oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States). These are actually in Pacific Grove. Point Lobos is considered part of Carmel. And if you are in Carmel, visit Carmel-by-the-sea, Carmel Beach, Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel Valley for wine tasting. The butterflies starts arriving in October and are gone by February/March. Don't stop there, keep going south to Big Sur and drive that breathtaking Hwy. 1 all the way down to San Simeon to see Hearst Castle! See Cambria, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo too! SO much to see! So much beauty!

[WhoaNellieRVAdventures]

Oh, this was fun to see you make a video of my hometown. I used to play at Dennis the Menus park as a kid and my kids and grandson have played at this park. It's currently nothing like it was back in the day. We used to be able to play on the train.
My brother worked at the Fisherman's Grotto. I can attest to the quality of the clam chowder.
You actually showed a place I had never been before. The lower Presidio area. Cool. I'm going to check it out.
For a place to visit the next time you are in the area, Ghirardelli's on Canary Row. They make the best drinkable chocolate.

[kerrazee]

Great video ! Very informative. I've always had a love for Monterrey, and would move there in a heartbeat but I've gotten a bit medically fragile so maybe next lifetime. It's so beautiful and having that access to the ocean is healing ❣

[topquarkbln]

Thanks for sharing the beautiful places in California with your audience. Your explanations and the pictures are superb, always ❤👍
I wish us strength and peace ❤🇺🇸🇪🇺🇺🇦❤👍

[PaulineZuniga]

Monterey is Beautiful. Thanks for the suggestions 😊

[andycallister]

One of my favorite places to visit when I'm in California... Hopefully I'll be back soon. Thanks for the awesome video.