Monterey Bay

The heart of Monterey Bay is the town of Monterey, a historic coastal hamlet that draws travelers from around the world to its popular waterfront district, Cannery Row, immortalized in literature by writer John Steinbeck. Your visit will likely start there, and from Cannery Row you can easily check out the aquarium and board whale-watching cruises from Fisherman’s Wharf. Keep in mind that some whale-watching trips depart from Moss Landing and other coastal outposts.

After visiting Monterey, the bay is your oyster. Carmel-by-the-Sea and the 17-Mile Drive are not to be missed, but you can also head out on the water on kayak excursions, safari boat tours, or scuba diving trips in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. You can easily spend 2–3 days hiking, surfing, and all-around exploring here, but if you’re pressed for time, a guided day trip from San Francisco is a great option.

• Keep an eye out for marine wildlife such as sea otters, seals, dolphins, and migrating whales.

• If you only have time for one thing, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

• Pack your swimsuit for the beaches along the coast—but dress in layers, as the weather can turn chilly any time of year.

• The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a federally protected offshore area, ideal for scuba diving.

Monterey Bay lies off the California Central Coast, roughly from Santa Cruz to Monterey. It’s accessible via Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) or Highway 101, with major airports in nearby cities like Monterey, San Jose, and San Francisco. There are a number of public buses that can reach Moss Landing and Monterey from Santa Cruz, but no direct routes. Driving is more efficient and gives you more options.

The best time to visit Monterey Bay depends on your interests. Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and scenic drives. Summer attracts beachgoers and festival enthusiasts, while the winter showcases dramatic ocean views and Christmas festivities. Whale-watching season runs year-round, with humpbacks and blue whales visiting from April to December, and gray whales from January to March.

There’s hardly a bad time to visit Monterey, but the winter can be a pleasant surprise. In addition to being prime whale-watching season, and bringing national golf sporting events to Pebble Beach, winter brings Christmas cheer to Monterey; during the Christmas in the Adobes holiday event, historic buildings open their doors for music, dancing, and mulled wine, with folks dressed in period costume welcoming guests.