If you follow me over on Instagram, you already know how much we love Monterey, California! Monterey is a quick 45-minute drive from our place so we end up there often. Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend away there are so many fun things to do in Monterey with kids or without them. Here you’ll find free things to do in Monterey and activities that cost money, separated by category, along with where to eat and where to stay.
Free Things To Do in Monterey, CA with Kids
Explore the historic gardens of Monterey– There are quaint gardens sprinkled around the city of Monterey. Take a walk and check out the Memory Garden, Old Whaling Station, Casa Del Oro, and California’s First Theatre. In the spring the flowers are in full bloom and beautiful!
Visit a free museum and learn more about the history of Monterey. The Pacific House Museum is located at Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail, Monterey, CA 93940, right next to Old Fishermans Warf. The staff is extremely friendly and knows so much about Monterey’s history. I took the girls here in June 2022 and they loved seeing all the American Indian artifacts. We spent about 30 minutes exploring the museum.
The Best Activities at Fishermans Wharf
Fishermans Wharf is the perfect spot for lunch, to shop for souvenirs, or simply walk around and explore.
Bocce Ball at the park – Bring your balls and play Bocce in Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
Say hi to the sea lions – The beach right next to Fisher Man’s Wharf to the left is a sea lion breeding ground. If you visit early in the morning you can see tons of them laying on the sand. They are there all day you just get the best turnout early in the morning when they haven’t left for a swim.
Watch taffy being made – While at Fisherman’s Wharf Watch taffy being made from the window at Carousel Candies. They may even give you a sample of what they’re currently making. Location: 31 Old Fisherman’s Wharf # 39, Monterey, CA 93940
The Best Activities at Cannery Row
The walk to Cannery Row is just over a mile from Fishermans Wharf. The view along the path is beautiful and it is an easy flat trail the whole family will enjoy.
Watch the Scuba Divers at San Carlos Beach – Or join them! There is a ton of Scuba Diving in Monterey. I’m terrified of Scuba Diving (totally claustrophobic) but it sounds like an amazing adventure! The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary attracts thousands of divers from all over the world each year.
Stop by the dock to see the starfish – More my speed. Right next to San Carlos Beach there is a small pier you can walk out to and see starfish right from the doc. Stop here while on a walk to or from Cannery Row or Fisherman’s Wharf.
Play at the beach – there are several spots to access the beach in Monterey. On a warm day dip your toes in the water and bring some sand toys for the kids. Or bundle up and bring a picnic to the beach.
Dennis the Menace Playground – You’ll want to get in the car and drive to Dennis the Menace Park but if you have small children who love playgrounds it is definitely worth it. This park is magical! You can even rent paddle boats in the surrounding lake. Location: 777 Pearl St Monterey, California, 93940
The Best Paid Activities in Monterey, CA with Kids
Rent a Surrey, a bike with four wheels that multiple people can fit into. Monterey’s Recreation Trail is the perfect place to ride bikes or a surrey, the views along the path are stunning and you can stop to eat or visit some small shops along the ride. Adventures By The Sea has all kinds of rentals and are located right by the Portola Hotel & Spa. We had so much fun with this!
Ice Skating in the Plaza – Mid-November through the beginning of January ( Jan.2, 2022, this year), Monterey puts up an ice skating rink in the Custom House Plaza right behind the Portola Hotel & Spa. It’s a fun place to skate outdoors with the kids or a great date night! For pricing and dates head here.
Monterey Bay Aquarium – The Aquarium is such a fun place to visit. The jellyfish are my favorite. I could watch them for hours. You can also see sea otters, penguins, sharks, and more fish than I could ever name. If you time it right and you can watch the animals being fed, feeding time is amazing and worth the wait!
Whale Watching in Monterey, CA
Whale watching is a magical experience. It takes time but once your captain finds the whales it’s breathtaking!
Paddleboard in the Bay – I haven’t done this one yet but am excited to go paddleboarding in the bay with the otters someday soon. My oldest is 9 years old and she absolutely loves paddle boarding. I hear it’s a great place to paddleboard with very few waves and a high possibility of some seeing otters.
The Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum – Have you ever been to a wax museum? They are kind of trippy. This one is filled with the history of Cannery Row which is cool to learn about. We went a few years ago and had some giggles while walking around the museum filled with wax figures. Location: 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, California 93940 inside the Cannery Row Building.
Monterey Mirror Maze – This looks like a fun place to take the kids! It’s one of the few things we haven’t done yet but we’re looking forward to it! Location: 751 Cannery Row, Monterey, California 93940
Where to Eat in Monterey, CA
There have been a lot of changes to Monterey in the last few years and a few of our favorite restaurants went out of business. But there are still plenty of places to eat a delicious meal.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf is lined with restaurants where you can grab a quick bread bowl filled with clam chowder or have a sit-down meal with a gorgeous view of Monterey Bay, sea otters, and all. I haven’t had a meal I didn’t like anywhere on Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
For a treat: Candy Shops! Don’t forget the candy shops. Monterey is known for its fresh saltwater taffy. You can watch them make it at Carasaul Candies also on Old Fishermans Wharf.
Benihana is a fun place to eat! They do a Hibachi show right in front of you. Make sure to make a reservation at least a week in advance. The food is amazing and the show is so much fun! 136 Olivier St, Monterey, CA 93940
Where to Stay in Monterey, CA
Stay at The Portola Hotel and Spa. It’s in a central location, has the friendliest staff, and they are family and pet-friendly. We love this hotel and have been staying here for years! You can read a full review of The Portola Hotel & Spa here.
Monterey is such a fun place to explore! Enjoy your trip!!
