California

Monterey & Carmel

Two small towns on one bay. Monterey has the aquarium and Cannery Row. Carmel is cottages, cypress trees and a famous dog beach.

Plan a custom trip here See everything in Explore

Best timeSep–Oct for clear skies. Dec–Apr for whales.

Getting thereAbout 5.5 hours from LA

Known forThe aquarium, dog-friendly beaches, a storybook village

Heads upBook the aquarium ahead on weekends.

Neighborhoods and areas

Carmel-by-the-Sea Monterey Pacific Grove Pebble Beach

Trips in Monterey & Carmel

Dog weekendMonterey & Carmel

Dogs Welcome Weekend2 nights · $$$ · California

Family dayMonterey & Carmel

Monterey With Kids1 day · $$$ · Monterey & Carmel

Season chaseMonterey & Carmel

Whale Season Weekend2 days · $$$ · Monterey Bay

Where to stay

StayCarmel-by-the-Sea

Cypress InnMonterey & Carmel · $$$A classic pet-friendly inn in the middle of the village.

Things to do and see

SightCarmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel BeachMonterey & Carmel · $White sand where dogs can run off-leash under voice control.

Thing to doMonterey

Monterey Bay AquariumMonterey & Carmel · $$$One of the best aquariums anywhere. The kelp forest alone is worth it.

Thing to doPebble Beach

17-Mile DriveMonterey & Carmel · $$A toll road past cypress trees and crashing surf.

SightCarmel Highlands

Point Lobos State Natural ReserveMonterey & Carmel · $Coves, sea otters and cypress groves. Some of the clearest water on the coast.

Thing to doMonterey

Dennis the Menace ParkMonterey & Carmel · $A big, inventive playground by a lake. Kids love it.

Events

EventMonterey Bay

Gray whale migrationDec–Apr, busiest Jan–MarWatch from Point Lobos or take a boat out of Monterey.