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

[@savannahdiamond8317]

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

[@Odog1r]

Going this Memorial Day weekend this a good information.Thank you

[@wildzenventures]

I’m always happy to find your videos for places I’m going to visit!

[@annettebaxter8006]

If you're looking for the best fish n chips it's at The London Pub.. Love Monterey!

[@YvonneReynolds]

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

[@stevebeschakis9775]

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!

[@keesdejong2940]

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

[@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!

[@nevadahiker6661]

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!

[@Nagranddan]

Oh man, that sounds delicious! I've never had deep fried artichokes.

[@nevadahiker6661]

@@Nagranddan So good! And they sell them by the pound! (or they used to. Been 14 years!)

[@user-my5gy1ic5j]

The best!!

[@user-my5gy1ic5j]

The best!!

[@Hummingbirds2023]

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!

[@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 :)

[@pixelpeter3883]

Point Lobos is just beautiful and great to photograph

[@TheMkamix]

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

[@jeepthing98]

As some others have mentioned, I recall being a child in the 80s and visiting Dennis the Menace park. The train was completely open to being climbed on but I'm sure someone eventually sued after falling off and now it's gated off. There also used to be this big swinging apparatus and a small bush maze.

[@kylebayliff1712]

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!

[@ErikKristianGonzales]

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

[@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 😊

[@californiathroughmylens]

Our pleasure!

[@broinsocali]

I went here back in Dec. 2021. I was all over the place. I had a ball.

[@jae1e]

It's been a while since we visited Monterey. Miss it...^^ Camel Beach is where we took the best shot in my life.

[@kellywall3656]

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!

[@n.s.3410]

“ it’s where they keep the nuclear wessles “

[@kellywall3656]

@@n.s.3410 No, that’s across the Bay. In Alameda :-D

[@fabiolamartinez6897]

Omg I want to go whale watching in July. Is it a good time? Also what else is there to do in Monterey

[@raymonddon8875]

nice! :)

[@Keegz831]

Sir, that fountain is a LION.

[@Dan-7550]

Monterey is my home. Hope whoever visits loves this little town. A little advice tho... Please don't drive like a tourist. We can tell who is one and who isn't. 😁 Enjoy the 831. 😁😁

[@tonywilliamsjr.9103]

Just stay away from salinas lol.

[@Dan-7550]

@@tonywilliamsjr.9103 Actually... Its not all bad. Like every city there is bad parts. Just dont go there looking for trouble and you will be ok

[@bonniea8189]

​@@tonywilliamsjr.9103 You mean East of Eden?

[@derekbuxton6626]

I was in Monterey last July. Good place for a vacation.

[@andycallister]

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

[@pjdizzy]

Duuuuude, I love Monterey and I am so glad you created the video!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@raleemay]

I wish I found your channel while I lived in California. My husband and I were able to do some traveling, wish we could’ve done more but we lived pretty far from everything at Fort Irwin and we were locked down on the base for 3 months during Covid. However on our last trip we drove up to Leggett to then drove the PCH from Fort Bragg to Morro Bay. It was beautiful!!

[@kingeleven3820]

Monterey Bay aquarium is a part of my early years and stomping ground

[@juanibaibarriaga8226]

Just arrived and headed straight to Sandbar & Grill. Holy guacamole the clam chowder is beyond outstanding!! Couldn’t be happier!!

[@jorel4477]

Wonderful. Absolutely want to put this on my bucket list.

[@user-my5gy1ic5j]

Speaking of Moss Landing. Phil’s Fish Market has the best strawberry shortcake. I usually have it with a child’s fish and chips.

[@JadeDelphi]

My favorite place in Monterey is onboard the SV Mary Louise, a beautiful 30-foot sailing sloop moored in the municipal marina (right next to Fisherman's Wharf). Stop by and say hi! (And I agree, the Old Fisherman's Grotto has good chowder.)

[@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.

[@californiathroughmylens]

So glad I did your hometown proud! That is awesome that you used to be able to climb on the train! I will have to stop by for some drinkable chocolate next time, thanks for the tip!

[@JadeDelphi]

I also remember being able to climb around on the locomotive at Dennis the Menace playground, and also there was like a long rope bridge that was pretty fun to run around on but in hindsight was probably kind of dangerous for kids.

[@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 ❣

[@Protectereli]

Wishing you the best on your medical problems! :)

[@DaliaTutoring]

Was there a few weeks ago! Point Lobos was so beautiful! We also walked along the coastal trail in Monterey and saw sea otters in the ocean which was a really cool experience. Also hit Revival which was probably the best thing we ate that day. I actually took that suggestion from your blog lol.

[@kayokolindenberger3754]

I learned a new spot to try on our next trip. Revival Ice Cream! Thanks.

[@mruanmarro2237]

whenever I go to travel somewhere that you recommend , you are my best guide... thank you

[@melindagibson8606]

Also try Crepes of Britany...omg we go every time! So yummy! There's also great antique shopping too!

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

Lived here for a year. The Aquarium is the best. We used to do group runs here. The seals stink in the morning. I stopped here on my 8300 mile trek a year or so ago. Thanks for bringing back the memories.

[@drivinghorizons]

I have ticked off Cannery Row, Fishermans Wharf, 17 mile drive and Point Lobos. Still lots to see! Thanks for sharing....

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

Monterey is one of my favorite places to visit but I learned today that there are things I still need to see. By the way I love visiting Monterey Olive Oil Company in Cannery Row. Great video!

[@YouveBeenMegged]

I’m going to Monterey this summer and this was very helpful! Definitely gonna suggest some of these for when we go!

[@john848sbk1]

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!

[@maybedanaa]

what did u think about arabic? im arab lol

[@john848sbk1]

@@maybedanaa incredibly difficult!! I wish I was better at it!

[@maybedanaa]

@@john848sbk1 haha im true tho it's rlly hard im sure ull be able to master it with practice loll

[@4ctina246]

Great video, with accurate information and beautiful visuals.

[@robertnelson7367]

Great video have been will go again the Aquarium is best beaches are wonderful

[@RandallGove]

This was an amazing video. Thank you

[@MonchisG96]

I’m happy to be from Monterey California 😌, Monterrey bay definitely my favorite place to go just to be around the sea 🌊

[@Amy.Scorpio]

Another great video! Your photography and composition skills are evident and a joy to watch

[@bobhopkins433]

Lu Lu's has a great lunch as well, Monterey my second home!!

[@Twobarpsi]

What an amazing list! You nailed it!!

[@Aqualung1956]

Love Point Lobos! And of course, Old Fisherman's Wharf.

[@MUCKLEECH]

Should have included Laguna Seca raceway. It's a small drive, but they host world-class racing events there.

[@christophersmith5849]

Great video, another load of things to add to when I am next doing PCH1 from the UK, Yosemite this year for hiking

[@michaelsattler644]

Thanks for your video. Interesting spots to visit in Monterey. We’ll see how many we will be able to catch in our California vacation.

[@sandyhanson6082]

Well,being born there, as a kid we loved Dennis The Menace Park.

[@kimfulton1655]

Love seeing my home town ❤

[@Roadtosomethingnew1]

Cool video Josh, Monterey is a beautiful coastal hotspot

[@ronniewest838]

I love this place!!!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Great video!

[@lisacalderon3367]

Beautiful

[@musicloverscafe]

Great video 👍🏻👍🏻❤❤

[@rinaarora478]

The last time I was there was in March 2008. TED Conference was held there for a three-day conference. Google was our sponsor and we hosted a great night at the Aquarium, with that said the Aquarium is what I remember as well.

[@alwynvorster3447]

First! Ha ha! Lovely video as always. Keep it up. 😊

[@californiathroughmylens]

Yay! Thank you!

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Monterey bay aquarium and point lobos state park, both the best CA has to offer.

[@zyverx]

wow i’m from the area and did not know about that redwood tree, that’s crazy!!

[@holidaytinn]

Great video. I love Monterey. I adventure there in my campervan.

[@monicalifornia_]

Great list. Gotta hit Lalla for lunch and A Taste of Monterey in the evening for a glass of wine and charcuterie board. (and a beautiful sunrise at Tidal Coffee) ❤️☀️🌊

[@robertschaefer3223]

Love Monterey!

[@juststartingover2735]

Must try breakfast at Rosine’s 434 Alvarado…a few doors down across the street from your Revival Ice Cream 👏👏👏

[@bennysworld16]

thanks for sharing this Great video

[@jeremyking3986]

I’m in Monterey today and had to break my keto diet with ice cream from revival, thank a Josh!

[@guadalupercarrillo9327]

Thanks for sharing

[@GodlessG0D]

High Scores Arcade on Alvarado street is definitely worth a visit!

[@themadwomanskitchen9732]

Ocean View Blvd in Pacific Grove can't be missed! Just go to the southern end of Cannery Row and take the very next right, This will take you right along the most gorgeous ocean views AND it has a walking a bike trail. As you go along Ocean View Blvd, you'll come to Lover's Point which has a small, but really nice sandy beach. This road is so scenic, you could easily spend a few hours here, especially if you're a photographer, and unlike 17 Mile Drive, it's free and so is the parking!

[@thisismissmic]

I also recommend checking out Moss Landing just a bit north of Monterey :) you can kayak or hike around Elkhorn Slough and then warm yourself up on some chowder at Phil's fish market - be warned though it gets windy!

[@kellik8832]

I live here and haven’t been to the Butterfly Sanctuary lol but I agree on Lou Lou’s, one of my top 3 fav breakfast places here. Also, Bee Knees is the bees knees☺️

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha Bee Knees is for sure the Bees Knees!

[@Happy-uy5wc]

Don't forget, Salvadore Dali lived in Monterey for a while... I understand that there is a Salvador Dali museum in Monterey too.

[@258windows]

Excellent Travel Guide. Ron-las Vegas

[@lilitvehuni6402]

No one mentions Huckleberry Hill, but it is stunning, especially in foggy weather,

[@figueroa1972]

Thanks!

[@JimmothySmantanseleton]

You know a town is boring when the attractions are aquarium and a butterfly farm 😂 and don’t forget the town statue! lol

[@michellebalco8912]

I literally live in Morey and I do this every single day

[@johnwhyte1446]

I grew up in Pacific Grove ….Class of 1980 Your spots are right on…great breakfast place…called First watch in the American Steel Cannery…of course the Sardine Factory for dinner and the Whaling Station right next door.

[@dorothygale1104]

Whaling Station is the best!!!!

[@babyj6711]

Make sure to visit café guarani ! The best coffee in the Monterey area

[@rockingeforge]

I haven't been yet, but Revival Ice cream ALWAYS has a line down the sidewalk.

[@wendychen2419]

We have gone to Monterey last year and I am happy to see that we have done most of these on the list. We also LOVE Revival Ice Cream and have ordered their ice cream online and they deliver to Los Angeles (where we live) and to other states (I believe). The Bees Knees is definitely my favorite!

[@maryduhon222]

I love Monterey

[@dorothygale1104]

The two best places for breakfast in the Monterey area are: Toasties in Pacific Grove and Katie’s Place in Carmel. The absolute best value dinner spot is Vivolo’s Chowder House in Monterey.

[@mixeddrinks8100]

sort of a shame they no longer put Monterey Aquarium in the City Pass for SF. That was one of the best deals you can get years ago. But yea definitely a must do but costly. The monarch butterfly are crazy to look at but very one specie cluster. The San Diego Zoo butterfly event is another must see butterfly event thing, a lot more variety but obviously not in the thousands.

[@Maritzaemerald]

Lmao me and and all my friends would go to Colton hall and smoke for hours after school/rehearsal it’s definitely a chill spot.

[@ChooseAdventureCaliforniaStyle]

We were just there! I filmed the Aquarium. Love this place!

[@californiathroughmylens]

It is so amazing, I am glad you got to visit it!

[@markyuen2312]

I hope that you stopped by Carmel-By-The-Sea since you were in Monterey. You may even be able to run into Clint Eastwood, since he resides In Carmel every once in awhile.

[@katymatias3571]

Sweet Elena’s Bakery & Cafe 100%

[@nadams6160]

Fun fact: Point Lobos is where the Monterey scene in Disney’s Soarin’ Over California was filmed.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Really? I had no idea!

[@nadams6160]

@@californiathroughmylens Big Dome Cove. If you’re interested I figured out the long/lats of all the filming locations.

[@Nagranddan]

That was a beautiful ride. I believe they changed it, didn't they?

[@nadams6160]

@@Nagranddan Yeah… Soarin over the world now, but the California version comes back from time-to-time at California Adventure park. It’s actually back now temporarily.

[@Nagranddan]

@@nadams6160 Oh, I didn't know that, that's awesome! I haven't been over the Soarin Over the World one, was wondering if it was as good as the CA one.

[@johnwhyte1446]

Sorry in Monterey and called Fist Awakenings…best breakfast spot

[@thegatesofdawn...1386]

Excuse me, bee's wax in the ice cream? Nice video.

[@anahiman2981]

Hey isrop recommending me this. Monterey bay

[@tonywilliamsjr.9103]

Check out the fish house on casa verde or orient express for some bomb Korean food in seaside😋👍✌

[@thetruthonlydementia7379]

And well you could take a hike in Jacks Peak Park above Monterey with such high up beautiful city/ocean views and ample hiking , except I got bit by a tic and got Lyme disease (so the doctor said, very rare) HAHAHA (no really)

[@fabiolamartinez6897]

Is July a good time to visit?