Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Monterey?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Monterey?

Many travelers spend one to three days in Monterey during their visit. After all, the relaxing city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene.

Monterey is a city along the coast of California that has a fun pier, a great coastline, and unique scuba diving. There are plenty of casual seafood restaurants as well as sea lions and other wildlife spotting opportunities. Visitors enjoy the mellow atmosphere and the casual pace of the town.

Do you have one or two days to visit Monterey? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Monterey?

As a popular city, Monterey offers a large number of activities and attractions for visitors. So with one day, you'll probably feel rushed to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, enjoy the evening activities, and browse the shops. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the relaxing city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have one to three days to enjoy the beach and other sights. If you have one day or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're here.

How to spend a day in Monterey

Don't miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium during your trip to Monterey, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

Monterey is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Monterey?

A weekend is the perfect amount of time in Monterey, as many visitors like to spend around one to three days here. You'll be able to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, enjoy the evening activities, and browse the shops. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.

Sea Lions in Monterey Bay

How to spend 2 days in Monterey

With a weekend (two to three days) in Monterey, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Monterey, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Monterey, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.