Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Monterey?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Monterey?
With three days you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Monterey has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Monterey as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 3 days 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.
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.
Shopping in Monterey is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Monterey.
Is 4 days enough time in Monterey?
Four days is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Monterey, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, enjoy the evening activities, and browse the shops on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Monterey as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Sea Lions in Monterey Bay
How to spend 4 days in Monterey
With 4 days in Monterey, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
The surrounding waters are great for scuba diving and snorkeing, so spend some time in the water to see nature up close. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Monterey?
Five days is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Monterey. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so more time would allow you to experience the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, the nightlife scene, and shopping at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 5 days in Monterey
If you have more than 5 days in Monterey, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
The beautiful beaches await you in Monterey, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Monterey.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Monterey, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.