11 Best Things to Do in Monterey, California

[Music] monterey is a small city in california that was once the capital of spanish california from 1770 to 1882. it now has many historical sites and modern attractions it was once an important city in the fish canning industry monterey and the surrounding area have attracted artists since the late 19th century and many celebrated painters and writers have lived in the area now monterey is a hot spot for tourists and locals alike who enjoy the beautiful ocean views good food art and history but for those who don't know the area what is there specifically to do well join us as we go through the 11 best things to do in monterey california whether you're a local a returning visitor or are planning to go there for the first time check out our list and see if there's anything that tickles your fancy monterey bay aquarium at number one on our list is monterey bay aquarium monterey bay aquarium has proven to be one of the most popular things for visitors to do in monterey with the well laid out and engaging exhibits it's made even more spectacular by its setting on the water's edge at certain times of day visitors can see some of the daily shows and watch sea otters or penguins being fed remember to check out the incredible open sea exhibit where you can see tuna sharks turtles and other stunning marine life feeding through the huge window it's like nothing you've ever seen while the aquarium focuses on the rich marine life that monterey bay has to offer there are special exhibits that give insight into other areas the architecture of this elaborate aquarium complex was adapted from the former hovden cannery which stood there from 1916 to 1980 and was one of the largest of the 18 in cannery row 17 mile drive at number two on our list is the 17 mile drive it's a must for the beautiful scenery and absolutely stunning views just a few miles from monterey lies the wonderful seaside town of carmel on the south side of the monterey peninsula while there's a direct route between the two taking the 17-mile drive offers the epic views and wonderful charms of the countryside the route begins at pacific grove gate and runs through the del monte forest you'll experience endless cypress trees and monterey pines the picturesque beaches and isolated cliffs are truly something to behold this is a drive you don't want to miss and remember to take some time to explore the town of carmel cannery row number three on our list are the restaurants and ocean front of cannery row this waterfront street originally served as a fish packing area but don't let that worry you those times are long gone now it's one of monterey's main tourist hot spots with restaurants shops and the stunning waterfront with its old buildings and modern stores cannery row is a place for busy tourists and history buffs alike monterey state historic park another one for the history buffs is at number four monterey state historic park located in old monterey once the capital of california monterey state historic park consists of historic homes and buildings with many that date to the early 19th century the park was declared a national historic landmark in 1970. the area is relatively compact with yellow tiles in the sidewalks to link the attractions making it a very easy place to explore as well as the historic buildings the gardens are wonderful to admire they range from stunning rose gardens to cypress hedges and even have an educational herb garden monterey museum of art at number five we have one for the art connoisseurs with the splendid monterey museum of art the museum has a large focus on california art and artists it's split into two separate locations each with their own focus the pacific street location which is called the monterey museum is focused on photography and contemporary art the second location named the monterey museum of art la mirada is housed in a beautiful old mansion surrounded by lush grounds and a lovely rose garden this location displays changing exhibits hey if you're enjoying this video so far make sure you give it a like and subscribe to our channel if you haven't already old fisherman's wharf at number 6 are the best things to do in monterey california is the old fisherman's wharf it's another popular seaside area oriented towards tourists it's not far from cannery row and has its own shops and restaurants it's a superb location to enjoy good food and stroll along the oceanfront while taking in the views over the bay seeing sea lions sunning themselves is another spectacular thing to behold and don't forget to check out the whale watching excursions and glass bottom boat tours that leave conveniently from the wharf point lobos state natural reserve number seven is point lobos state natural reserve it's difficult to find a place more stunning than this south of carmel just 15 minutes from monterey is this beautiful stretch of coastline encompassed by point lobos state natural reserve if you're looking to take some epic photographs enjoy a walk or simply appreciate what nature has to offer look no further this reserve has it all dramatic granite cliffs and unusual rock formations have created an outstanding visual spectacle headlands caves and rock enclosed ponds all come together in a truly remarkable place to visit and admire remember to check out the waves as they crash on the rocks while the tidal pools reveal small marine life there's also a variety of hiking trails in the area that offer fabulous views across the entire area to help you fully appreciate this majestic place you may even spot sea otters seals sea lions and during the winter months whales dennis the menace playground at eight on our list is dennis the menace playground when it comes to kids parks this playground is a favorite with the locals and visitors alike it features a variety of structures for kids to play and enjoy themselves on slides a maze even a lion-shaped drinking fountain this park has it all what's great about the park are the twisted trees that look more like unusual works of art than they do actual trees based upon the comic book character dennis the menace the playground included the creative input of mr hank ketchum the creator of dennis the menace who was a monterey resident wildlife viewing at coast guard pier the wildlife viewing at coast guard pier is number nine on our list for those who have an interest in wildlife or love photography this place is made for you it's located between old fisherman's wharf and cannery row the wildlife that frequently visits coast guard pier consists of large numbers of sea lions harbor seals and sea otters sea birds are also a regular in large number what's more exciting is the anticipation as you approach you can hear the barking of the seals the pier is actually a 1700 foot breakwater that was built in the 30s it was later covered over with the wharf you see today it's now the home port of the u.s coast guard cutter long island monterey bay coastal trail at number 10 the monterey bay coastal trail this 18-mile paved path follows the coastline from castroville to pacific grove it's the perfect place to walk jog ride a bike push a stroller walk a dog or even zip along on a skateboard there are benches that have been placed along the way to provide rest spots for those who need them with snack bars that are ideal for grabbing a quick bite it's a truly welcoming place to enjoy you can also settle in at one of the restaurants for a leisurely lunch before setting back off onto the trail the trail offers a pleasant and visually stunning way to casually travel around monterey along the way you can come across the monterey bay aquarium cannery row old fisherman's wharf and the american tin cannery outlet mall lovers point park and beach at number 11 and the last on our list of the best things to do in monterey california is the wonderful lovers point park and beach if you happen to be an early riser then all the better for you as lovers point park is one of the best places in the world to watch the sunrise over the pacific it's a 4.4 acre park it's an undeniably beautiful spot and an ideal place to stroll relax enjoy a picnic or simply take a few photographs the wonderful views out over the ocean and across monterey bay have made it a popular park with locals and visitors alike you can even use the park as a convenient place to access the water with your kayak or canoe scuba gear or stand-up paddleboard what more could you ask for what's your favorite thing to do in monterey is there something we missed let us know in the comments section below and before you go make sure you give this video a like and subscribe to our channel if you haven't already click the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest content you

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Id: DtjVrE874Ck

Length: 9min 13sec (553 seconds)

Published: Sun May 16 2021