Monterey Bay in a Day: 3 Iconic Attractions You Can't Miss

Monterey | Introduction

Monterey Bay is a beautiful city on California's central coast and a well-known vacation destination, famous for its stunning coastline and rich marine life. Starting from the Bay Area, Monterey Bay is an ideal spot for a day trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most renowned aquariums in the world, home to over 6,500 species of marine life. Monterey was once the center of the sardine canning industry, and its Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf have now become popular tourist attractions. This city is full of history and cultural heritage, making it well worth a visit. Additionally, don't forget to explore the nearby peninsula to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the famous 17-Mile Drive coastline.

Attractions | Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-famous attraction, often regarded as the best aquarium in the world and a must-visit destination in Monterey Bay. Home to over 6,500 species of marine life, the aquarium showcases a diverse range of creatures, from sea otters to jellyfish, sharks to octopuses, and starfish to eels. Visitors can observe an incredible variety of marine species and learn a wealth of knowledge during their visit.

The exhibition areas of the Monterey Bay Aquarium are vast and organized into different themed zones, including the Kelp Forest, Marine Mammals, Sandy Shores & Reefs, Deep Sea, Coastal Animals, the Sea Otter Exhibit, and the Tide Pool area where visitors can touch starfish. Each zone has its own unique features and highlights. Additionally, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers numerous interactive exhibits that allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of marine life. These interactive areas include the Tide Pool Exhibits, Touch Pools, and several educational displays. At the Touch Pools, you can even feel some soft and fascinating marine creatures, such as sea cucumbers and sea snails.

My favorite part is the variety of beautiful jellyfish, with exhibits that include detailed explanations of their life cycle, from hatching to growth. Of course, there are also many stunning tropical fish on display.

In addition to the marine life, the ocean view from the second-floor observation deck is absolutely stunning. The crystal-clear waters of the beach paired with California's cloudless blue skies create an incredibly relaxing atmosphere.

Attractions | Fish Cannery Row

Leaving the aquarium, take a walk along the coast to Cannery Row, where many people enjoy cycling in the sea breeze. Cannery Row is famous for being the former hub of sardine canneries and for its mention in John Steinbeck’s 1945 novel *Cannery Row*. During the 1940s, this street was home to over 20 canneries, producing more than 200,000 tons of sardines annually. After its decline in the 1970s, it transformed into a historic shopping district. Visitors interested in history can grab a guide and explore the area at their own pace.

Attractions | Old Fisherman's Wharf

A bit further north is the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, which was an active fish market until the 1960s. The wharf is lined with numerous restaurants and small shops, making it a perfect spot for those who enjoy browsing and collecting souvenirs. There are also plenty of seafood snacks worth trying. At the end of the wharf, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Monterey Bay.

Opposite to the pier is the Old Town area, also known as Old Monterey, where there are quite a few monuments.

Attractions | Monterey 17 Miles Drive

Driving south from Cannery Row, just a short distance out of the city, you'll reach the entrance to 17-Mile Drive, a coastal road renowned for its stunning scenery. Note that if you're traveling along Highway 1, you'll need to turn off to enter 17-Mile Drive. This road is privately owned, and there's a $10 entrance fee, but the breathtaking views make it well worth the visit. There are numerous scenic spots along the way that are worth stopping at. I've organized these highlights in the article linked above.

A Day Trip to Monterey's 17-Mile Drive: Top 6 Must-Visit Spots

Monterey Gourmet | Old Fisherman's Grotto

• Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Price: $$$

At Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the seafood restaurant Old Fisherman’s Grotto serves incredibly fresh seafood. We ordered clam chowder, a strawberry milkshake, snapper, and the Fisherman’s Platter (which included crab, crab cakes, shrimp, and scallops). The portions were generous, leaving us perfectly satisfied, and the seasoning was refined and flavorful. Despite being fully booked, we didn’t have to wait long. The atmosphere felt ideal for small families dining together.

Further reading

• More Central California posts
• More CA-1 posts