• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Monterey Bay Aquarium ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
Monterey Bay Aquarium
© Courtesy of belyay - Fotolia.com

2. Monterey Museum of Art (MMA) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Monterey Museum of Art (MMA)
© Monterey Museum of Art

3. Cannery Row, Monterey

Cannery Row, Monterey
© Courtesy of Chris - Fotolia.com

4. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
© Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

5. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail

Category: Activities
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail
© Courtesy of Kristi - Fotolia.com

6. Fisherman's Wharf Monterey

Category: Food & Drink
Fisherman's Wharf Monterey
© tenhi - Fotolia.com

7. Monterey State Historic Park

Category: Activities
Monterey State Historic Park
© Courtesy of pikappa51/Fotolia

8. Monterey County Youth Museum (MY Museum)

Category: Museums & Culture
Monterey County Youth Museum (MY Museum)
© Monterey County Youth Museum

9. El Estero Park

Category: Activities
El Estero Park
© Courtesy of rck - Fotolia.com

10. Monterey Jazz Festival

Category: Entertainment
Monterey Jazz Festival
© Courtesy of Mr Twister - Fotolia.com

11. Golden State Theatre, Monterey

Category: Entertainment
Golden State Theatre, Monterey
© Courtesy of Jaroslav Machacek - Fotolia.com

12. Old Monterey Marketplace & Farmers Market

Category: Shopping
Old Monterey Marketplace & Farmers Market
© Courtesy of Jessica - Fotolia.com

13. Cannery Row Antique Mall

Cannery Row Antique Mall
© Courtesy of Punkbarby - Fotolia.com

14. Cooper-Molera Adobe, Monterey

Cooper-Molera Adobe, Monterey
© Cooper-Molera Adobe

15. McAbee Beach

Category: Beaches
McAbee Beach
© Pellinni/stock.adobe.com

16. Rosine's Restaurant

Category: Food & Drink
Rosine's Restaurant
© Rosine's Restaurant

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Monterey is one of the top weekend destinations on the West Coast, offering a diverse choice of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to scenic parks, RV parks, excellent museums, and wedding venues.
  • Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore the historic Fisherman's Wharf, shop at the Cannery Row Antique Mall, and enjoy the view from the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

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