Things to Do in Monterey (California): Coastal Drives, Cannery Row Stories & Easy Day Trips
Monterey is made for slow coastal cruising, waterfront strolls, and classic California scenery.
Musement’s Monterey destination page currently lists 8 experiences—a mix of self-guided audio tours (drive or walk at your own pace)
and full-day guided trips from San Francisco.
Monterey is described as an “authentic California experience” with seaside cliffs, sparkling beaches and rich cultural history.
The city was founded in 1770 and is noted as a former capital of Alta California under Spain and Mexico. In the late 19th century it became an artistic haven,
and today it’s known for Cannery Row (now full of restaurants and entertainment) and the option to drive the Big Sur coastline.
Type: Self-guided driving audio tour (Action Tour Guide app)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Why it’s popular: 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, and the iconic Lone Cypress—plus coastline wildlife spots like Bird Rock/Seal Rock are described on the page.
Type: Self-guided walking audio tour (VoiceMap app; works offline)
Duration: 1 hour 23 minutes
Highlights named: Fisherman’s Wharf, fishing industry history, 3 museums in Monterey State Historic Park, and “Big Little Lies” filming locations (including Blue Blues Café)
Price shown: from $9.00
Start/end: Starts at MHAA Salvador Dalí Museum (Stanton Center) and ends at the Pacific House Museum (as described on the page)
What you’ll do: Pacific Coast Highway 1 to Monterey Peninsula, Cannery Row, photo stops on 17-Mile Drive (including Pebble Beach), then free time in Carmel-by-the-Sea (as described on the page)
Price shown: from $95.00
Meeting points: Two San Francisco departures are listed (Union Square area and Fisherman’s Wharf area)
Type: Guided coach tour (hotel pickup listed for parts of San Francisco)
Duration: Flexible (as listed)
What you’ll do: Coastal drive plus stops including Santa Cruz (road conditions permitting), Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive, and Carmel-by-the-Sea; the page notes time to buy tickets and visit Monterey Bay Aquarium (aquarium entry not included)
Includes: Entrance fees to 17-Mile Drive + hotel pickup/drop-off (as listed)
Must-sees in Monterey Must-sees in Monterey Discover the best deals for Must-sees in Monterey. Get tickets for Must-sees in Monterey with secure booking, price match guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Available from. For schedules, inclusions, and current pricing, see the official supplier: https://www.musement.com/us/monterey/must-sees-c/. You can also view availability and details on our page: https://unusedrooms.com/product/must-sees-in-monterey-musement/.
Countryside in Monterey Countryside in Monterey Discover the best deals for Countryside in Monterey. Get tickets for Countryside in Monterey with secure booking, price match guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Available from. For schedules, inclusions, and current pricing, see the official supplier: https://www.musement.com/us/monterey/countryside-c/. You can also view availability and details on our page: https://unusedrooms.com/product/countryside-in-monterey-musement/.
Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Tour in Monterey Best deals for Scenic 17-Mile Self-Guided Driving Tour in Monterey. Book this self-guided driving audio tour of 17-Mile Drive in Monterey to see Pebble Beach and iconic landmarks such as the Lone Cypress. Available from Musement.
Monterey historic Cannery Row and John Steinbeck self-guided audio tour Best deals for Monterey historic Cannery Row and John Steinbeck self-guided audio tour. Explore John Steinbeck's Monterey on an audio walking tour, learn about the fishing industry in Monterey and visit a number of hotels and historic sites Available from Musement.
Monterey State Historic Park and Fisherman’s Wharf self-guided audio tour Best deals for Monterey State Historic Park and Fisherman’s Wharf self-guided audio tour. Explore Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, stop by 3 museums in the Monterey State Historic Park and pass by Big Little Lies filming locations. Available from Musement.
Monterey, Carmel and The 17-Mile Drive tour Best deals for Monterey, Carmel and The 17-Mile Drive tour. Travel along California's breathtaking coastline on a relaxing day trip from San Francisco. Available from Musement.
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Monterey and Carmel full-day tour from San Francisco Best deals for Monterey and Carmel full-day tour from San Francisco. Ride along California's Highway 101 and explore the towns of Monterey and Carmel-by-The-Sea while passing the famous 17-mile drive with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. Available from Musement.
Whale Watching Tour From Monterey Best deals for Whale Watching Tour From Monterey. Get this SIM/eSIM for high-speed Internet from Trip.com in Monterey County. Stay connected with family and friends. Available from trip.com.
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
