Monterey Bay Aquarium
Sea otters, a kelp forest and open ocean tanks.
Monterey and Carmel
A world-class aquarium, the 17-Mile Drive past Pebble Beach and a fairy-tale village, at the north end of Big Sur.
Monterey's Cannery Row was made famous by John Steinbeck, and the bay is full of sea otters. Carmel-by-the-Sea has white-sand beaches and no street addresses.
- Best Time
- April to October
- Time Needed
- 2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- About 2 hours south of San Francisco.
What to See
1 of 4 are free17-Mile Drive
The Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach.
Carmel Beach
White sand and dog-friendly fun.
Point Lobos
A state reserve of coves and seals.
Know Before You Go
- Book the aquarium online ahead.
- Fog is common in summer.
Where to Stay
Stay in Monterey or Carmel.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the California list.