Start with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf and Monterey State Historic Park. The table lists verified facts and conditions for each.
Things to do in Monterey
What to do in Monterey, with verified facts, conditions and limits.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details.
Top things to do — verified facts
| Attraction | Key facts | Conditions and limits | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Adult $65 (18–69), senior $50 (70+), free ages 4 and under; tickets on sale through Dec 31, 2026 | Hours vary; check the day you visit | Monterey Bay Aquarium |
| Fisherman's Wharf | Whale watching, sailing, fishing and glass-bottom boat rides; Christmas on the Wharf Dec 4–20 | Event times vary | Fisherman's Wharf Monterey |
| Monterey State Historic Park | Custom House, Pacific House and First Brick House, Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Closed Mondays | California State Parks |
| Cannery Row Tree Lighting | Friday, November 27, 2026, 5–7 p.m., Steinbeck Plaza | Free; confirm with the organizer | What's Up Monterey |
How to plan it
- Two days: follow the weekend itinerary.
- Weather: see the climate table.
- Tours and tickets: the Booking.com link below is an affiliate link; we have not tested those tours.
Explore by interest
Something for every kind of day.
Go further
Beyond the center.
Book tours and tickets
Search tours and attractions in Monterey. The Booking.com link is an affiliate link; we have not tested those tours.
See attractions on Google Maps → Browse tours on Booking.com →
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-do things in Monterey?
The Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf and Monterey State Historic Park.
How much is the Aquarium?
Adults $65, seniors $50; ages 4 and under are free.
When is the State Historic Park open?
Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Are tours worth booking in advance?
For busy dates, booking ahead reduces sell-out risk; we have not tested particular tours.
Sources
Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 16, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.
- Tickets — Monterey Bay Aquarium
- 10th Annual Christmas on the Wharf — Fisherman's Wharf Monterey
- Monterey State Historic Park — California State Parks
- Holiday Events — What's Up Monterey (visitor events site)
Get the free Monterey planning guide
A neighborhood comparison, a season-by-season planner and a two-day itinerary — as a free PDF.
By submitting you agree to the privacy policy.