Monterey Holidays 2025 & 2026

You can stroll from historic Cannery Row to Fisherman's Wharf, a legendary destination. Or take a Segway instead, wheeling along the beautiful Recreation Trail. It's an amazing trip, rich in sightings of harbour seals, sea otters and pelicans. 

The city is proud of its numerous museums, art galleries and performing arts spaces. And, after an afternoon lounging on the beach, there's plenty of exciting nightlife to tap into.  

Paint the town red Monterey-style and head for Alvarado Street and Cannery Row, where thirteen blocks of pedestrian-friendly entertainment await: live music bars, DJs, salsa clubs, comedy, karaoke and more. 

Fancy a road trip? Try the 99-mile-long Monterey County coastline on for size, equally breath-taking in both directions. Moss Landing is great too, a fishing wharf dating back to the 1800s and now a feast of antique shops, art studios and fresh seafood.  

The West End lies a short way from the dunes at Monterey Bay, and exciting things are happening there. A community of artists is slowly regenerating the old industrial neighbourhood, setting up studios as well as cool restaurants and coffee houses. It's perfect for unusual artistic souvenirs.  

Pacific Grove moves at an even slower pace, home to one of the USA's oldest continually operated lighthouses and a particularly fine classic 1932 golf course.  

Then there's the legendary Big Sur with its massive cliffs, towering rocks, huge redwood trees and endless frothy surf, a truly epic backdrop for holiday adventures.  

Top it off with a trip to Soledad with its wine tasting rooms, nearby Pinnacles National Park and Los Padres National Forest, both jam-packed with thrilling opportunities for outdoor recreation.  

The Salinas Valley lies just inland from the city, the agricultural heart of the USA as far as lettuce, cauliflower and broccoli are concerned. And its wine country too, which makes this a splendid destination for lovers of great wines. It's full of respected vineyards and numerous wine tasting rooms, many with breath-taking views of the valley, one of the most lush and verdant you can imagine.  

There's romance in the air at Monterey, a prime destination for honeymooners as well as family holidays. A choice of sunset cruises, beach bonfires, long moonlight strolls and varied spa treatments delivers an unforgettable experience.  

Monterey Must-do's: 

• Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary comes with some of the planet's best wildlife viewing opportunities 

• Explore history - there are lovely old adobe homes on many streets, some open to visitors 

• Golf lover? Enjoy 20 world class golf courses 

• The locals adore trivia, and you can join in with quiz nights across the city 7 days a week 

• Grab a pint and a bite at the city's best British pub, the Britannia Arms, run by ex-pat Brits 

• Visit nearby Carmel, Big Sur, Pebble Beach and Steinbeck's famously lush Salinas Valley