What to see and do in Monterey and Carmel

What to visit in Monterey and Carmel · aquarium, Lovers Point and Point Lobos

• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Lovers Point · Pacific Grove coastal walk
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Carmel

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Monterey and Carmel · aquarium, Lovers Point and Point Lobos

nature

Monterey Bay Aquarium

On the former industrial front of Cannery Row, the aquarium features marine ecosystems from the Pacific coast. Kelp forests, jellyfish and other environments show the diversity of the ocean.

Activities for your visit

• Tour the included marine exhibits.
• Check available talks and presentations.

Tips for this place

• Buy tickets on the aquarium's official website.
• Additional experiences may require your own reservation.

Book tickets ↗

Purchase admission directly to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for your date. The aquarium indicates that it does not distribute tickets through third parties.

Reference sources and location

• Monterey Bay Aquarium · official tickets

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify an entrance, meeting point or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 36.6182, -121.9019.

Monterey Bay Aquarium · official tickets

beach

Lovers Point · Pacific Grove coastal walk

Lovers Point Park combines grass, small beaches and rocky outcrops along the Pacific Grove boardwalk. It is a stop to contemplate the bay and walk along the enabled shore.

Activities for your visit

• Walk along the authorized coastal stretch.
• Observe the bay from the park's public spaces.

Tips for this place

• Observe local advisories regarding water access.
• Do not feed wildlife or go out on rocks exposed to the waves.

Check access ↗

The walk through the public park does not require purchasing an excursion. Rentals, water activities and surrounding establishments have their own conditions.

Reference sources and location

• See Monterey · Lovers Point Beach and Park

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify an entrance, meeting point or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 36.6253, -121.9168.

See Monterey · Lovers Point Beach and Park

nature

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Carmel

South of Carmel, the reserve protects coves, headlands and plant communities along the Pacific. The enabled trails allow you to contemplate the coastline and observe fauna from a distance.

Activities for your visit

• Choose an authorized trail in the reserve.
• Contemplate the coves and observe fauna without getting close.

Tips for this place

• Parking is limited and access depends on capacity.
• Stay on the trails and check shoreline restrictions.

Check access ↗

See access and day-use fee for vehicles. You do not need to book a tour to explore the trails; Diving and special activities have their own permits.

Reference sources and location

• California State Parks Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify an entrance, meeting point or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 36.5162, -121.942.

California State Parks Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in Monterey and Carmel · aquarium, Lovers Point and Point Lobos

1. Day 1

   Aquarium and Pacific Grove

   Visit the aquarium with your admission and move to the Lovers Point public promenade to look out over the bay.

2. Day 2

   Point Lobos

   Access the reserve according to capacity and choose an open path to discover its coves and headlands.

Tips for visiting Monterey and Carmel aquarium, Lovers Point and Point Lobos

• Buy the aquarium only in its official store.
• Confirm access to Point Lobos and avoid stopping in the lanes of Highway 1.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Monterey and Carmel · aquarium, Lovers Point and Point Lobos

From the taquerias of the south to the seafood tradition of San Francisco and the barbecue of the Central Coast. These six dishes bring together flavors associated with different areas of California, with real photographs and their places of origin or preparation indicated.

San Diego · Influence of Baja California

Fish tacos

Fried or grilled fish in a tortilla, with cabbage, sauce, cream and a touch of lime. They come from the tradition of Baja California, in Mexico, and are an essential part of the coastal cuisine of San Diego.

Reference: San Diego Tourism Authority · Fish tacos

San Francisco Mission District

Mission style burrito

Large flour tortilla that wraps meat, beans, rice and other fillings such as salsa, cream and guacamole. The taquerias of the Mission District popularized this style; each house retains its combination.

Reference: San Francisco Travel · Flavors by neighborhood

San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf

Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl

Clam chowder served inside a round sourdough bread. The contrast between the hot soup and the crust of the bread is one of the classics of the San Francisco waterfront.

Reference: San Francisco Travel · Fisherman’s Wharf Gastronomy

Santa Maria Valley · Barbecue tradition

Central Coast tri-tip

Triangular cut of beef that is the protagonist of the Santa Maria Valley barbecue, north of Santa Barbara. The regional style uses salt, pepper and garlic and red oak coals; It is usually accompanied with pinquito beans, sauce and bread.

Reference: Santa Maria Valley · Regional BBQ

Los Angeles Brown Derby Legacy

Cobb salad

Hearty salad with green leaves, chicken, egg, avocado, tomato, bacon and blue cheese. It is associated with the historic Brown Derby in Hollywood; Currently there are many versions, like the one in Fresno shown in the photo.

Reference: Disney Parks · Hollywood Brown Derby Recipe

San Francisco · Fish and seafood soup

Cioppino

Seafood stew with a tomato base and a combination of fish and seafood that changes depending on the recipe. It is one of the classics of San Francisco, linked to its Italian heritage and the cuisine of the port.

Reference: San Francisco Travel · Local gastronomy