Monterey Shore Excursion Reviews

  • Popular Things to Do in Monterey

  • Food and Drink in Monterey

  • Don't Miss in Monterey

Find Things to Do in Monterey on Viator

Popular Things to Do in Monterey

Food and Drink in Monterey

The Cannery Row area offers a wide range of restaurants. For something authentic (real fresh seafood) and close, try Sea Harvest (598 Foam Street, 831-646-0547). The day's catch is iced and displayed for sale, and the menu is what's available. Seafood is simply prepared, and sides are uniformly excellent. Dine with locals on fish caught by their neighbors.



For something more elegant and away from the crowds, stroll downtown to Stokes Restaurant and Bar (500 Hartnell Street, 831-373-1110), which features upscale interpretations of California cuisine in an old house that successfully replicates a rustic Southwestern style. At lunch, fresh seafood is incorporated into sandwiches and salads, and the daily specials always include something from the wood-burning oven.

Don't Miss in Monterey

Monterey Bay Aquarium (886 Cannery Row, 831-648-4888, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. except in summer, when opening is at 9:30 a.m.) is one of the outstanding aquariums in the country. It features a wide array of sea life, much of which is native to the surrounding waters. There are sea otters, penguins, a white shark, special exhibits -- something for everybody. Be warned though: This is the prime destination in town. Cruisers on shore excursions will arrive at the busiest times. Independent travelers should order tickets in advance from the Web site (no need to stand in the ticket line too) and plan on arriving at the entrance shortly before opening to avoid the worst of the congestion. Cruisers who take a shore excursion to the Aquarium will be right in the middle of the crowds.



Cannery Row gets its name from the sardine-packing industry that once thrived here. Now, the preserved warehouses and factories house shops, galleries, wine-tasting establishments, restaurants and the prerequisite souvenir stores. For something unique to the area, try one of the wine-tasting shops that feature wines from nearby wineries, or explore the smaller galleries and shops on the side streets. It's a great walking area, particularly the seaside hotel parks and beaches.



The Maritime Museum of Monterey (5 Custom House Plaza, 831-372-2608, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily except Wednesdays) showcases ship models, photographs and other collections that highlight the area's seafaring past. A special attraction is the 500-glass prism of the historic Fresnel lens from the Point Sur Lightstation that illuminates the Maritime Museum and its seven exhibit areas. Displays range from the Rumsien/Ohlone Indians and Spanish explorers to the USS Macon and war in the Pacific to Monterey's era as the sardine capital of the world. One benefit: This museum is located in the main part of the town, away from well-worn tourist paths.



Near the Maritime Museum are many of the stops on the Path of History (start at the State Park History Theater in Stanton Center for a short film, 831-655-8070), a section of downtown Monterey that preserves and highlights the architecture and lifestyle of the 1800's. This self-guided tour is free, and a tour booklet is available at various locations around the town.

Rent a bicycle at Bay Bikes (585 Cannery Row, 831-655-2453, 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.) and explore the entire area. There is a well-marked and easily navigated bike path that runs through town, connecting with bike-safe roads to more distant points. A great ride is northwest, out of town, to the world famous 17-Mile Drive (free to cyclists). On the way, cyclists pass Lovers Point and the Point Pinos Lighthouse, ride through the astounding shoreside Asilomar State Beach (part of the Pacific Grove Fish Garden Refuge and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary), and pass by Bird Rock and Seal Rock. And a nice thing about the ride is seeing all the sights again on the way back. Bikes in all sizes and shapes are available for about $7 an hour, and the shop provides an excellent biking map; the shop will also put together a custom bike tour for groups (reservations required in advance for tours).


John Steinbeck fans can explore the numerous local real and literary haunts of the famous author by car. Monterey Rent-a-Roadster (229 Cannery Row, 831-647-1929, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily) rents authentic reproductions of classic cars by the hour to make the drive memorable (reserve in advance). A CD entitled "Footsteps of Steinbeck" is a self-guided driving tour that fills a morning or afternoon and is available in numerous shops in town. Steinbeck fans will also want to include the town of Salinas on their itineraries.



Monterey Whale Watching (96 Fisherman's Wharf #1, 800-200-2203) offers three-hour whale-watching tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily (see the Web site for a coupon for discounted tickets). For much of the year, Monterey Bay itself is a feeding ground for many varieties of migrating whales. This is a great outing for the entire family. Advance reservations are required; group rates and special tours can be arranged.


Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.