One Day in Monterey: Detailed Itinerary with Top Things to Do

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Visiting Monterey for one day and wondering what to see and do? This guide covers the top sights and activities with a detailed step-by-step itinerary, dining recommendations, and practical tips.

Monterey is one of California’s most charming coastal towns and a popular stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip. It may look small at first, but there’s a lot to experience. From the scenic 17-Mile Drive and historic Cannery Row to whale watching and restaurants, this itinerary shows you exactly how to plan your time so you won’t miss any of the highlights.

Good to know: We’ve visited Monterey several times, most recently on our Northern California road trip, so this itinerary is based on firsthand experience. It’s a full day, but absolutely doable and designed to help you make the most of your time in Monterey.

TIP: Want to make the most of your visit? Stay in the center! We stayed at Monterey Bay Lodge, which offered great value. Portola Hotel & Spa and Hotel Pacific have the most central location, right in the heart of town.

Here’s how to spend one perfect day in Monterey:

17-Mile Drive

Start your day with one of California’s most scenic drives. The 17-Mile Drive winds along the rugged coastline of Pebble Beach, between Monterey and Carmel.

This scenic route passes famous golf courses and offers stunning seaside views, which you can enjoy from various viewpoints along the way. Don’t miss the iconic Lone Cypress, one of the most photographed trees in the world.

Good to know: You can explore by car (small entry fee), rent an e-bike, or join a guided e-bike tour. Depending on how you visit, count 2-4 hours to enjoy this drive, including photo stops.

TIP: Arrive early to make the most of your day. If you are short on time or don’t feel comfortable on an e-bike, driving is easiest. But if you’re up for a more active and scenic option, consider this highly-rated e-bike tour. It normally starts at 10 AM, lasts about 2.5 hours, and fits perfectly into this one-day Monterey itinerary, location, and time-wise.

Lunch at Cannery Row

After the drive, head to Cannery Row, one of the must-see places in Monterey. Once lined with sardine canneries, today it’s filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions. For lunch, keep it simple and quick so you’ll have plenty of time for the afternoon.

A convenient choice is Tidal Café, serving sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more – right next to the bike shop where the e-bike tour starts and ends.

Other nice options near Cannery Row include Sea Harvest (for fish sandwiches, shrimp, etc.), Wave Street Cafe (American breakfast and lunch), and El Cantaro (Vegan Mexican food).

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop for a sundae or milkshake (fair warning: the portions are big and everything is super sweet!).

Monterey Bay Aquarium (Optional)

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in town, showcasing an impressive range of marine life, from penguins and puffins to sharks, jellyfish, and playful sea otters. Highlights include the giant kelp forest exhibit, the bat ray touch pool, and the daily animal feedings.

If you’re traveling with kids or have a strong interest in marine life, the aquarium can be a worthwhile stop. That said, tickets are very expensive and the aquarium itself isn’t huge, so it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the time and budget.

If you’d rather spend more time outdoors – exploring Monterey’s waterfront, strolling Cannery Row, or heading out earlier for a whale-watching cruise – you can easily skip it without feeling like you’ve missed out.

Good to know: It gets busy, especially in the mornings and on weekends. Afternoons are usually a bit quieter. Plan at least 2 hours for a visit.

TIP: In summer and peak weekends, book your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Walk or Trolley to Fisherman’s Wharf

From Cannery Row or the Aquarium, take a leisurely 20–30 minute walk along the scenic waterfront to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. In the summer season, you can also hop on the free Monterey Trolley (more info).

The Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-see in Monterey. It’s touristy but fun, with seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and great ocean views. We also saw some seals and sea lions here.

Whale Watching Tour

A whale-watching cruise is one of the absolute must-do experiences in Monterey. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the best places in the world to see whales in their natural environment, and you can spot them year-round.

Depending on the season, you might encounter humpback whales (spring–fall), gray whales (winter migration), blue whales (summer, but less common), or even orcas (rare, but occasionally spotted), along with dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and many other marine animals and birds.

Whale-watching tours in Monterey take about 3-4 hours (including the check-in time) and run throughout the day, so it’s easy to find one that fits your schedule. That said, I recommend booking an afternoon or early evening cruise. Morning trips often face more fog, especially in the summer, while afternoons usually offer a better chance for clearer skies and better visibility.

TIP: A sunset cruise is also a great option, combining wildlife viewing with beautiful evening colors along the coast.

Good to know: It can get quite chilly and windy out on the water, even in summer, so be sure to bring a warm jacket or layers. Don’t forget motion sickness medication or ginger chews.

Dinner in Monterey

For dinner, you’ll find plenty of great options near Fisherman’s Wharf and downtown Monterey. We ate at Sandbar & Grill, tucked away in a quieter part of the docks. It’s a local favorite with excellent seafood, but be prepared to wait if you don’t have a reservation.

If you prefer to plan ahead, try booking a table at Old Fisherman’s Grotto or Crab House. Both are highly rated and very popular choices right on Fisherman’s Wharf.

TIP: If you have extra time before dinner or end up waiting for a table, take a short stroll along Del Monte Beach, just a few minutes away. It’s a nice spot to relax and enjoy the ocean views.

So, these are our top recommendations for making the most of one day in Monterey. The itinerary is busy, but definitely doable. If you’d prefer a more relaxed pace, consider skipping the Aquarium – it’s about the same price as a whale watching tour, and in our opinion, the latter is a far more memorable experience.

Enjoy your trip and have an amazing day in Monterey!

TIP: If you’re exploring more of the area, don’t miss our Northern California road trip itinerary or this detailed 2-day San Francisco itinerary to help you plan the perfect trip.

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