24 Fun Things To Do and See In and Around Monterey

• Take a walking tour of Old Monterey and see the Royal Presidio Chapel, a Roman Catholic Cathedral.
• Check out Monterey's history of wine while taking a Wine Trolley Tour. Enjoy the spectacular views while aboard "Hattie, the Magnificent Trolley". Travel over the Salinas Mountains after being picked up at Portola Plaza in Downtown Monterey. Boxed lunches available on the 5 hour tour. Choose from several tour packages available. For tour times and more information, call 831-624-1700.
• Or maybe you'd prefer a Ghost Trolley Tour for a little adventure. For information, call same number as above, 831-624-1700.
• Take the very popular nearby scenic 17 Mile Drive that passes through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach for fantastic views of the ocean and multi-million dollar homes. You'll also pass the Lone Cypress, the official symbol of Pebble Beach.
• The Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row is fascinating for all ages. 831-648-4888.
• Try Fisherman's Wharf for great seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and boutiques.
• For the nature lover, try Point Lobos State Reserve, a little south of Monterey.
• You'll find plenty to see at Monterey's museums and historic buildings.
• Try a little Scuba Diving at San Carlos State Beach, located between Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf. Classes also available.
• Cannery Row - visit the early 20th century preserved fishermen's cabins in the historic waterfront district.
• The Monterey Jazz Festival in September.
• The Weekly Farmers Market in Old Monterey on Tuesday afternoons.
• Monterey's County Fair held at the Fairgrounds, Labor Day Weekend, September 1 - 6, 2010.
• Dennis the Menace Playground, located at Pearl Street in downtown Monterey. Kids will love to play on the full sized train, bridges and tunnels for them to explore, paddle boats, and a pleasant lake with ducks and geese to feed. Let them bring their skateboards. Sand and grassy areas for relaxation. Bring a picnic lunch and just enjoy!
• Enjoy Monterey's great public beaches and spectacular views.
• Walk, hike, or bike Monterey's Bay Coastal Trail.
• Kayaking - tours, classes, and fishing trips.
• Whale watching.
• Jacks Peak County Park - the highest point on the peninsula, picnic facilities and peaceful trails.
• Downtown Monterey has some great night spots, fabulous restaurants, and unique shops.
• Monterey's State Historic Park.
• The Thomas Kinkade National Archive, located in Monterey, with many of his original works.
• Visit the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (about 40 miles from Monterey) for great hiking and spectacular coastal scenery.
• Travel south to the picturesque town of Carmel for a pleasant day trip.