Things to do on the Monterey Peninsula
Monterey Things to Do
- McAbee Beach
- Del Monte Beach – Nice Little White Sand Beach, Sand Castles, Walking, Watching the Sunset – Free!
- San Carlos Beach – Where the divers go - Free!
- Path of History
- Alvarado Street at Night
- Jack’s Peak County Park
- San Carlos Cathedral – Newly Restored 500 Church St
- Huckleberry Hill Nature Preserve
- Rent a Paddle Boat on Lake El Estero
- Rent a Surrey and Pedal Along the Recreation Trail
- Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey - for kids big & small! Free!
Incredible playground on a little island/peninsula. Features full size train engine, swinging bridge, climbing wall and playground equipment for all ages and sizes of kids! Best loved park or playground on the Monterey Peninsula!
- Monterey Recreation Trail – Free!
This trail is great for walking, jogging, biking and roller blading. You can go for miles from Pacific Grove, thru Monterey and Seaside areas and all the way to Marina!
- Cannery Row – John Steinbeck territory. A visit to the Monterey Peninsula would not be complete without stopping here. Free!
- View the Sealions & Birds at end of the Monterey Coast Guard Pier – Free!
- Fisherman’s Wharf Monterey – stroll along the wharf, watch the people, the birds, boats and sample clam chowder. Free!
- Cypress Street Park – Just a little neighborhood park. But with a cool geodesic rope dome for climbing & tennis court. Free!
Pacific Grove Things to Do
- Window Shop – Downtown Pacific Grove – Free!
- Drive Along the Ocean on Ocean Ave Free!
- Asilomar State Beach – Watch the sunset, walk or play in the sand. Free!
- Pacific Grove Natural History Museum, Good for History buffs, museum lovers… - Free!
- Butterfly Sanctuary – Pacific Grove - Free!
This spot is pure magic. Stroll thru the trees and look carefully, binoculars are good. Look carefully at the chains of “leaves or flowers” hanging from the trees – they are monarch butterflies. - Point Pinos Lighthouse – Lighthouse in gorgeous setting overlooking golf course, small pond and of course the ocean! Cheap!
- Lover’s Point Park – Beautiful 4 + acre park with small beach, picnic area and incredible views. Free!
- El Carmelo Cemetery – Where the Deer Hang Out – Late evening is best for deer watching – Free!
Carmel Things to Do
- River Beach – Walking, sand castles, picnic, birding.
- Carmel Mission
- Mission Trail Park
- Window Shop Downtown Carmel – Free!
- Walk along the Beach in Carmel – Watch the Sunset - Free!
- Visit Point Lobos – walk, watch the sunset Park outside for Free! Or $10 per car
Point Lobos State Reserve a few miles south of Carmel on Highway One - Forest Theater – Films in the Forest Sit outside under the stars and watch movies! Cheap!
Carmel Valley
- Visit the Wineries
- Garland Park
Pebble Beach Things to Do
- Spanish Bay Beach
- Stillwater Cove
- Seventeen Mile Dr. – World famous drive thru the elite area of Pebble Beach - Cheap!
Big Sur Things to Do
- Limekiln State Park – 56 Miles South of Carmel
- Julia Pfeiffer Beach Big Sur State Park
- Jade Cove
- Sand Dollar Beach
- Garrapata State Park Beach
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Andrew Molera State Park Beach
- Drive Highway One Big Sur Coast
- Bixby Bridge
- Pt. Sur Lighthouse - for Lighthouse lovers, history buffs, photographers… Cheap!
Marina, CA Things to Do
- Marina State Beach – Go fly a kite, watch the Hang gliders or go for a long walk. Free!
- Locke Paddon Park – Good for birdwatching, nature trail, small pond/lake. Free!
- Marina Skate Park – Bring your skates, helmet & gear! Free!
Monterey Peninsula Things to Do:
- Toro Park
- Watch the Monterey Area Webcams! Free!
- Fort Ord Dunes State Park – New State Park & Beach near Marina! Free!
- Fort Ord Trails – Off Road Biking and Hiking
- Farmer’s Markets – Great produce! Free!
- Bird Watching Monterey Peninsula – The Bird Watching on the Monterey Peninsula is great!
Seaside, CA Things to Do:
- Drive to top of Seaside Heights – Incredible Views & Sunset!
- Roberts Lake – Across from Home Depot
- Laguna Grande Park - Park surrounding small lake & wetland area. Walk, jog, bike, birdwatch. – Free!
Seasonal:
Much more to come…
Sunday Afternoon, Summer Time Music in Seaside at Laguna Grande Park
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Free!








