40 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea: Where to Stay and Where to Eat!
Planning a Monterey and Carmel trip with kids? Spend a morning at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, head out whale watching from Fisherman's Wharf, bike the coastal trail to Pacific Grove's tide pools and monarch butterflies, then play on the white sand at Carmel Beach. Save time for Point Lobos and Bixby Bridge. Stay on Cannery Row for the easiest days.
We rounded up 40 things to do in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea with kids, 9 family-friendly hotels, and 10 places to eat that kids actually love, with prices, hours and a parent tip for every pick. You'll also find the 2026 holiday dates and a sample weekend itinerary.
Key Takeaways
Best home base: Cannery Row for walking to the aquarium; downtown Monterey and Fisherman's Wharf for value; Pacific Grove for a quieter stay; Carmel for a storybook village getaway.
Best free fun: Cannery Row, the Coastal Recreation Trail, Dennis the Menace Park, Lovers Point, the monarch sanctuary, Asilomar State Beach, Carmel Beach and the Carmel village cottages.
Book ahead: Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets, whale watching tours, Elkhorn Slough boat trips and holiday-weekend hotels.
2026 holiday dates: The Cannery Row Tree Lighting is Nov. 27, the Carmel Holiday Tree Lighting is Dec. 4, and Christmas in the Adobes is Dec. 11 and 12.
Heads up: Parking near Bixby Bridge is no longer allowed, so enjoy the view from a legal turnout. Point Lobos does not allow dogs.
Getting there: Monterey is about 320 miles from LA, so plan on a full day of driving or break it up with a stop in San Luis Obispo.
Planning a Trip to Monterey and Carmel With Kids From LA
Getting to Monterey and Carmel From LA
The fastest drive from LA takes about five to six hours on the 101, with easy stops in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. The Highway 1 route along Big Sur is breathtaking, but it's much slower and has lots of curves, so check road conditions before you go.
You can also fly into Monterey Regional Airport, which has flights from LA, or into San Jose, about 90 minutes away.
Getting Around Monterey and Carmel With Kids
Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf and downtown Monterey are easy to explore on foot or by bike along the Coastal Recreation Trail. You'll want a car for Carmel, Point Lobos, 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur.
When to Visit and How Long to Stay
Monterey is cool and often foggy all year, so pack layers even in summer. Fall usually brings the sunniest days, winter brings monarch butterflies and gray whales, and spring and summer bring humpback whales.
A three-day weekend covers the aquarium, Cannery Row, Pacific Grove and Carmel. Add a day for Big Sur or Elkhorn Slough.
Things to Do in Monterey With Kids
Monterey's waterfront is packed with family fun, from one of the world's best aquariums to sea otters floating right off the wharf.
1. Cannery Row
Where: Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: Free to walk
Ages: All ages
Once lined with sardine canneries, Cannery Row is now a lively waterfront street with shops, candy stores, restaurants and views of the bay.
Parent Tip: Look over the railings for sea otters and harbor seals, especially in the morning.
Where: 1 Old Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: Free to walk; parking is about $2 an hour, up to $14 a day (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This colorful wooden wharf has candy shops, seafood stands and free chowder samples, plus sea lions barking under the pier.
Parent Tip: Walk to the end of the wharf to watch the sea lions on the rocks, and grab a cup of clam chowder in a sourdough bowl.
Departs: Princess Monterey Whale Watching, 96 Fisherman's Wharf #1
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: About $79.50 adults and $53 kids 3 to 11 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Ages 3 and up
Monterey Bay is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with gray whales in winter and humpbacks and dolphins much of the year. Monterey Bay Whale Watch at 84 Fisherman's Wharf is another great option.
Parent Tip: Bring motion sickness medicine, snacks and warm layers, since it's cold and windy on the water.
Address: 685 Cannery Row, Suite 210
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: Bikes from about $28, surrey bikes from about $77, and kayaks from about $43 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
Rent bikes, four-wheel surreys or kayaks to explore the coast. The surreys are a family favorite, since everyone can ride together.
Parent Tip: Pedal the Coastal Recreation Trail to Lovers Point, then stop for ice cream on the way back.
Where: Cannery Row at Reeside Avenue
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This small grassy park and beach at the start of Cannery Row is where scuba divers head into the bay. Kids love watching them gear up and spotting seals near the breakwater.
Parent Tip: It's a great picnic spot before or after the aquarium, and the restrooms are handy.
Address: 886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (check the website for seasonal hours)
Cost: About $65 adults and $50 kids 5 to 17 (check the website for current prices); free for kids under 5
Ages: All ages
This world-famous aquarium has a giant kelp forest, playful sea otters, jellyfish galleries and touch pools. Kids love the Splash Zone, built just for little explorers.
Parent Tip: Buy tickets online, arrive at opening and head straight to the sea otter feeding. Check the feeding schedule when you arrive.
Address: 20 Custom House Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: Free to walk the grounds
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
This historic park downtown has adobe buildings, gardens and the Custom House, the oldest government building in California.
Parent Tip: It's a great stop for fourth graders studying California history.
8. MY Museum
Address: 425 Washington Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: About $10 per person (check the website)
Ages: Best for ages 1 to 8
This children's museum has hands-on exhibits about Monterey County, from a pretend farm to a creative art studio.
Parent Tip: It's a great rainy-day spot for little kids who need to burn off energy.
Address: 693 Del Monte Avenue
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: Rentals from about $40 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Ages 5 and up for rentals, 3 and up for guided tours
Paddle out into the bay and you might spot sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions up close.
Parent Tip: Book a guided tour if you have younger kids, and go in the morning, when the water is calmest.
Where: From Pacific Grove to Seaside along the bay
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This flat, paved trail runs along the water from Pacific Grove to Seaside, passing Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf. It's perfect for strollers, bikes and scooters.
Parent Tip: Walk or bike from Cannery Row to Lovers Point for an easy, scenic outing.
Address: 25020 Jacks Peak Park Road
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: Small day-use fee per vehicle (check the website)
Ages: All ages
The highest point on the Monterey Peninsula has shady pine forest trails and peekaboo views of Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley.
Parent Tip: The short Skyline Nature Trail is perfect for little hikers, and you'll find picnic tables near the parking areas.
Address: 777 Pearl Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: Closed on non-holiday Tuesdays in the off-season (check the website)
Cost: Free
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 12
Designed by the creator of the Dennis the Menace comic strip, this creative playground has a suspension bridge, a maze and big slides. It sits next to El Estero Lake.
Parent Tip: The old steam engine is fenced off for now, but there's still plenty to climb. Rent a paddle boat on El Estero Lake nearby.
Things to Do in Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach With Kids
Just next to Monterey, Pacific Grove is a quiet seaside town with tide pools, butterflies and a historic lighthouse, while Pebble Beach is home to famous 17-Mile Drive.
Address: Ocean View Boulevard at 17th Street
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This small, sheltered beach is one of the best spots in the area for kids to splash, with grassy lawns and rocks to explore.
Parent Tip: Bring a picnic and stay for sunset, and grab a snack at the beach cafe.
Address: 165 Forest Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: About $12 adults and $8 kids 4 to 18 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
This museum is all about the natural history of the Monterey Peninsula, with a life-size gray whale sculpture out front and exhibits about monarch butterflies.
Parent Tip: Kids love the whale sculpture, so grab a photo before you head inside.
Address: 250 Ridge Road
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Season: Mid-October through February
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Every winter, monarch butterflies gather in the trees of this sanctuary. Volunteer docents are usually on hand to help you spot them.
Parent Tip: Go between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on a sunny day, when the butterflies are most active and docents are often there. Bring binoculars.
Where: Sunset Drive
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This beautiful beach has white sand dunes, tide pools and a boardwalk trail. It's one of the best spots on the peninsula for a beach walk.
Parent Tip: The surf is strong here, so keep little kids back from the water, and go at low tide for tide pooling.
Address: 80 Asilomar Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Hours: Thursday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: About $7 adults and $3 kids 7 to 17 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
This is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Kids can climb up and see how the lighthouse keepers lived.
Parent Tip: Hours are short, so plan your visit around them.
18. 17-Mile Drive
Where: Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
Cost: About $12.50 per car (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This famous scenic drive winds past beaches, golf courses and the Lone Cypress, with lots of places to stop for photos.
Parent Tip: Stop at the Bird Rock turnout, where you can often see sea lions and seabirds on the rocks.
Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea With Kids
Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like a storybook village, with fairytale cottages, a white-sand beach and one of California's prettiest missions.
Where: Ocean Avenue and the surrounding streets
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Carmel's village is full of shops, galleries and storybook-style cottages, many with curvy roofs and tiny doors.
Parent Tip: Make it a scavenger hunt to find the fairytale cottages, but remember they're private homes, so enjoy them from the street.
20. Carmel Beach
Where: The end of Ocean Avenue
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This long white-sand beach is one of the prettiest in California, with cypress trees above the sand and sunsets over the water.
Parent Tip: Wood fires aren't allowed on the beach, so plan accordingly, and keep kids back from the strong surf.
Where: Carmelo Street and Scenic Road
Carmel, CA 93923
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This beach has a lagoon where the Carmel River meets the ocean, and it's a great spot to see herons, pelicans and other birds.
Parent Tip: The surf here is strong, so let kids explore the calm lagoon side instead of the ocean.
22. Carmel Mission
Address: 3080 Rio Road
Carmel, CA 93923
Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday (check the website)
Cost: About $15 adults and $8 kids 7 to 17 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
This beautiful mission has gardens, a museum and the restored basilica. It's one of the most famous California missions.
Parent Tip: It's a great stop for fourth graders, and the gardens are perfect for photos.
Where: Highway 1, south of Carmel
Carmel, CA 93923
Cost: About $10 per car (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This stunning reserve has turquoise coves, sea lions, harbor seals and easy trails along the cliffs. It's often called the crown jewel of California's state parks.
Parent Tip: Arrive early, since parking is limited. Dogs are not allowed, and the Bird Island Trail is great for kids.
Where: Highway 1, south of Point Lobos
Carmel, CA 93923
Cost: Free
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
This wild stretch of coast has dramatic cliffs, a beach and short trails with big ocean views.
Parent Tip: The surf is dangerous, so keep kids well back from the water.
Address: 700 West Carmel Valley Road
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Up in sunny Carmel Valley, this park has a river, meadows and easy trails, and it's often warmer than the foggy coast.
Parent Tip: Stay on the flat river trails with little kids, and bring a picnic for the meadow.
Day Trips From Monterey: Santa Cruz, Moss Landing, Salinas and Big Sur
Monterey is a great base for day trips to see sea otters, visit a zoo or drive one of the most famous roads in the world.
Address: 400 Beach Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Cost: Free to enter; pay per ride or buy a wristband (check the website)
Ages: All ages
About 45 minutes north of Monterey, California's oldest seaside amusement park has a historic wooden roller coaster, a classic carousel and lots of rides for little kids, right on the beach.
Parent Tip: Check the website for the ride schedule, since many rides are open only on weekends outside of summer.
Address: 100 McAllister Way
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 4 and up
This UC Santa Cruz center has a giant blue whale skeleton, touch pools and exhibits about the sea creatures of Monterey Bay.
Parent Tip: Pair it with the Boardwalk for an easy Santa Cruz day trip.
28. Mystery Spot
Address: 465 Mystery Spot Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Cost: Check the website for current prices; parking is extra
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
This quirky roadside attraction in the redwoods has tilted rooms where balls seem to roll uphill. Kids love trying the optical illusions.
Parent Tip: Reservations are recommended on weekends and holidays.
Address: 7881 Sandholdt Road
Moss Landing, CA 95039
Cost: About $46 adults and $36 kids 3 to 12 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Ages 3 and up
This pontoon boat tour glides through Elkhorn Slough, where you'll almost always see sea otters, harbor seals and lots of birds.
Parent Tip: Book ahead, and bring binoculars and warm layers.
Where: Jetty Road and Moss Landing State Beach
Moss Landing, CA 95039
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
The harbor at Moss Landing is one of the best places in California to see wild sea otters floating on their backs, often in big groups.
Parent Tip: Bring binoculars, keep a respectful distance and never approach or feed the otters.
31. Monterey Zoo
Address: 400 River Road
Salinas, CA 93908
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: About $37.75 adults and $27.50 kids (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
This small zoo is home to rescued animals like elephants, lions, tigers and bears.
Parent Tip: Check the schedule for keeper talks and feedings.
Address: 1 Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
Cost: About $15 adults and $7 kids (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 8 and up
This museum celebrates author John Steinbeck, with interactive exhibits about his books and life in the Salinas Valley.
Parent Tip: It's best for older kids who've read Steinbeck in school.
33. Bixby Bridge
Where: Highway 1, Big Sur
Big Sur, CA 93920
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This famous arched bridge is one of the most photographed spots on the California coast. The drive along Highway 1 is an adventure in itself.
Parent Tip: Parking near the bridge is no longer allowed, so enjoy the view as you drive or from a legal turnout. Highway 1 is open, but check Caltrans for closures before you go.
Where: Highway 1, Big Sur
Big Sur, CA 93920
Cost: About $10 per car (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This park has redwood forests, a river and easy trails, including a short hike to a waterfall.
Parent Tip: Bring a picnic and plan a full day, since there's lots to explore.
Holiday Fun in Monterey and Carmel (2026)
Monterey and Carmel go all out for the holidays, with tree lightings, festive inns and a lighted boat parade.
Date: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Steinbeck Plaza, Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Cannery Row kicks off the season with a tree lighting, music and a visit from Santa.
Parent Tip: Bring warm layers, since it gets cold by the water after dark.
Dates: Early to mid-December (check the website for 2026 dates)
Where: Old Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Old Fisherman's Wharf gets a festive makeover, with holiday lights and Santa visits.
Parent Tip: Check the website for this year's schedule before you go.
Date: Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Ocean Avenue and Mission Street
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Carmel lights up its village tree with music, treats and a visit from Santa.
Parent Tip: Arrive early, since parking fills up quickly.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Historic inns in Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Cost: About $30 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 8 and up
Pacific Grove's historic Victorian inns open their doors for holiday tours, with decorations, music and treats.
Parent Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, since you'll walk between the inns.
Dates: Dec. 11 and 12, 2026, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Monterey State Historic Park
Monterey, CA 93940
Ages: All ages
Monterey's historic adobes are lit by luminarias and decorated for the holidays, with music and living history in each building.
Parent Tip: Bring a flashlight and warm layers for walking between the adobes.
Date: Early December (check the website for the 2026 date)
Where: Monterey Harbor
Monterey, CA 93940
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Boats decked out in holiday lights cruise through Monterey Harbor in this festive tradition.
Parent Tip: Watch from Fisherman's Wharf, and get there early for a good spot.
Where to Stay in Monterey and Carmel With Kids
Cannery Row is the easiest base for the aquarium, downtown Monterey offers great value, Pacific Grove is quieter, and Carmel Valley has resorts with kids' clubs.
Every hotel name below links to live rates so you can compare prices for your dates.
Neighborhood: Cannery Row
Address: 400 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Ocean views and walking to the aquarium
This waterfront hotel sits right over the bay, with sea otters and seals often floating just below the rooms.
Parent Tip: Ask for a room with an ocean view and keep binoculars handy.
Neighborhood: Cannery Row
Address: 750 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Steps from the Monterey Bay Aquarium
This hotel sits right next to the aquarium, with a heated pool and big family rooms.
Parent Tip: Walk to the aquarium at opening for the smallest crowds.
Neighborhood: Downtown Monterey
Address: Two Portola Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Walking to Fisherman's Wharf
This hotel sits in the heart of downtown, near Fisherman's Wharf and the Coastal Recreation Trail.
Parent Tip: Rent bikes and ride the coastal trail right from the hotel.
Neighborhood: Del Monte
Address: One Old Golf Course Road
Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Families who want room to roam
This resort has pools, fire pits and lots of open space, plus easy access to Monterey and Carmel.
Parent Tip: Ask about family packages when you book.
Neighborhood: Downtown Monterey
Address: 350 Calle Principal
Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Walking to the wharf on a budget
This downtown hotel is close to Fisherman's Wharf, with a pool and great views of the bay.
Parent Tip: Ask about holiday deals, since kids sometimes eat free in December.
Neighborhood: Pacific Grove
Address: 800 Asilomar Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Best for: A rustic stay near the beach
This historic lodge sits among the dunes and pines next to Asilomar State Beach, with a heated pool and fire pits.
Parent Tip: Walk the boardwalk to the beach for sunset.
Neighborhood: Carmel Valley
Address: One Old Ranch Road
Carmel, CA 93923
Best for: A ranch resort with a kids' club
This resort has pools, a kids' club for ages 2 to 12, beehives and lots of outdoor activities.
Parent Tip: Sign up for the family activities, like s'mores and nature walks.
Neighborhood: Monterey
Address: 1000 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
Best for: Families on a budget
This hotel has a pool and is a short drive to Cannery Row and Carmel.
Parent Tip: It's a good value pick for families who want to save money.
Neighborhood: Carmel Highlands
Address: 120 Highlands Drive
Carmel, CA 93923
Best for: A cliffside splurge near Point Lobos
This hotel sits on the cliffs above the ocean, close to Point Lobos and Big Sur.
Parent Tip: Ask for a room with an ocean view for whale watching from your window.
Where to Eat in Monterey and Carmel With Kids
Monterey and Carmel's food scene is all about fresh seafood, cozy breakfasts and sweet treats.
Address: 39 Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey, CA 93940
What to order for kids: Clam chowder or fish and chips
This classic wharf restaurant is famous for its clam chowder and bay views.
Parent Tip: The restaurant doesn't have high chairs or room for strollers, so plan accordingly.
Address: 720 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
What to order for kids: Kids' meals (check the menu for current prices)
This fun restaurant is based on Forrest Gump, with a kids' menu and views of the bay.
Parent Tip: Ask for a window table for bay views.
Address: 125 Ocean View Boulevard
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
What to order for kids: Pancakes or French toast
This breakfast spot is a local favorite for big, hearty breakfasts.
Parent Tip: Go early on weekends, since it fills up quickly.
Address: 433 Alvarado Street
Monterey, CA 93940
What to order for kids: A glazed donut
This old-school donut shop has been serving fresh donuts for decades.
Parent Tip: Go early, since donuts sell out.
Address: 660 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
What to order for kids: A hot fudge sundae
This chocolate shop is a sweet stop for sundaes and free chocolate samples.
Parent Tip: Grab a treat after the aquarium.
Where: Mission Street between 5th and 6th avenues
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
What to order for kids: Pancakes or waffles
This cozy breakfast spot has big portions and a toy box for kids.
Parent Tip: Go early on weekends, since there's often a wait.
Where: 6th Avenue and Junipero Street
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
What to order for kids: A deli sandwich
This local market has great sandwiches and picnic supplies.
Parent Tip: Pack a picnic for Carmel Beach or Point Lobos.
Address: 702 Lighthouse Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
What to order for kids: Pancakes or eggs
This friendly cafe serves classic breakfasts and lunches.
Parent Tip: It's a great stop before visiting the butterfly sanctuary.
Address: 10700 Merritt Street
Castroville, CA 95012
What to order for kids: Fish and chips
This famous seafood spot is known for its cioppino and fresh fish.
Parent Tip: It recently moved to Castroville, so double-check the address before you go.
Where: Ocean Avenue
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
What to order for kids: Pasta from the kids' menu
This cozy Mediterranean restaurant has a kids' menu and a fun, lively atmosphere.
Parent Tip: Book ahead for dinner, since it's popular.
A Sample Monterey and Carmel Weekend Itinerary for Families
Here's how we'd spend a first weekend in Monterey and Carmel with kids.
Day 1 (Monterey): The Monterey Bay Aquarium at opening, lunch on Cannery Row, then a surrey bike ride on the Coastal Recreation Trail.
Day 2 (Pacific Grove and Carmel): Breakfast at First Awakenings, the monarch sanctuary and Lovers Point, then an afternoon at Carmel Beach and the village.
Day 3 (Point Lobos and Big Sur): A morning hike at Point Lobos, then a scenic drive to Bixby Bridge.
With more time: Add whale watching, Elkhorn Slough or the Monterey Zoo.
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Takeaway
Monterey and Carmel with kids is a magical coastal getaway. Spend a morning at the aquarium, bike the coast, and save time for Carmel Beach and Point Lobos.
Pack layers for the cool weather, book the aquarium and whale watching ahead, and leave time for sea otter spotting along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monterey good for kids?
Yes. Monterey is great for kids, with the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, whale watching, sea otters, Dennis the Menace Park and the Coastal Recreation Trail. Pacific Grove and Carmel are close by, with tide pools, butterflies and beautiful beaches, so there's plenty for every age.
How many days do you need in Monterey and Carmel with kids?
Three days is perfect for a first family visit. Spend one day at the aquarium and Cannery Row, one day in Pacific Grove and Carmel, and one day at Point Lobos or Big Sur. Add a day for whale watching or Elkhorn Slough if you can.
Where should families stay in Monterey?
Cannery Row is the easiest base for the aquarium and the waterfront. Downtown Monterey and Fisherman's Wharf offer great value, Pacific Grove is quieter and close to the beach, and Carmel Valley has resorts with kids' clubs and pools for a relaxing stay.
What is free to do in Monterey and Carmel with kids?
Free favorites include Cannery Row, the Coastal Recreation Trail, Dennis the Menace Park, Lovers Point, the Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Asilomar State Beach, Carmel Beach, the Carmel fairytale cottages and the view of Bixby Bridge from a legal turnout.
What is the best time of year to visit Monterey with kids?
Fall usually brings the sunniest weather, winter brings monarch butterflies and gray whales, and spring and summer are best for humpback whales. Monterey is cool and foggy much of the year, so pack layers whenever you go, and book summer weekends early.
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