The 15 best things to do in Monterey & Carmel (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr

   Outty Ranking96

   Keep an eye out for sea lions, deer, harbor seals, and tide pools along this immersive coastal adventure. Explore the world-famous 17-Mile Drive on an electric bike — the best way to experience Pebble Beach’s stunning co. Peak Performance at 96/100, 5.0/5 from 943 traveler reviews, 3h from $59, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. Whale Watching Tour From Monterey

   Outty Ranking88

   Embark on a 4-hour whale watching tour. All trips are narrated by a naturalist or marine biologist guide, who will also spend one on one time with guests while on deck. Professional photographers are often sent to captur. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.8/5 from 1,130 traveler reviews, 3.5h from $75, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour

   Outty Ranking87

   17-Mile Drive offers the ultimate experience to explore the peninsula. You will ride from our bike shop in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Your guide will take you to all of the best spots in Pebble Beach. You'll pass iconic. Exceptional at 87/100, 4.9/5 from 463 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $75, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

   Outty Ranking85

   The El Cat, built right here in Moss Landing, is a fully electric, 32 passenger, Coast Guard-certified vessel. This is a custom 37’ catamaran built and designed especially for the waters of our very own Elkhorn Slough. Exceptional at 85/100, 4.9/5 from 488 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $45, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Carmel-by-the-Sea and 17-Mile Dr 3-3.5 Hour Electric Bike Tour

   Outty Ranking83

   Experience world-famous 17-Mile Drive and charming Carmel-by-the-Sea in one spectacular eBike adventure! Starting just outside the Pacific Grove Gate, ride into Pebble Beach and along its legendary coastline, passing dr. Exceptional at 83/100, 5.0/5 from 133 traveler reviews, 3h from $79, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Whale Watching Tour Monterey California

   Outty Ranking83

   The longest running whale watching company on Monterey Bay. We have 3 boats ranging in size from 53’ to 70’. All boats are USCG inspected and approved with indoor accommodations, bathrooms and seating. Our captains are a. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.7/5 from 597 traveler reviews, 3h from $62, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Monterey Whale Watching Tour

   Outty Ranking83

   We are honored to be the #1 Whale Watching Company in Monterey Bay with a 99% success rate and offer: Two of the largest and most comfortable boats operating in Monterey – the 110 foot Princess Monterey and the 100 foot. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.7/5 from 893 traveler reviews, 2h from $70, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour in Carmel by the Sea

   Outty Ranking82

   Your walk opens up a whole new vista of Carmel for you while our guides, who are skilled storytellers, weave together the tales of the arts and artists, architecture and history and the unbelievable stories of the people. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 142 traveler reviews, 2h from $49, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour from Monterey

   Outty Ranking80

   Monterey Bay is the premier destination for whale watching all year. Your daily 3-hour, whale watch trip is narrated by a marine biologist or naturalist who provides educational and interesting information about whales,. Exceptional at 80/100, 4.8/5 from 243 traveler reviews, 3h from $75, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Carmel Walk Guided Tour Carmel by the Sea

    Outty Ranking79

    As featured in the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle, CARMEL WALKS is the premier walking tour voted "best of" by Trip Advisor in 2024. You'll embark on a delightful 2-hour adventure with a lively, well-infor. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 4.9/5 from 97 traveler reviews, 2h from $48, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Guided 2-Hour Point Lobos Nature Walk

    Outty Ranking79

    This nature walk takes you through serene woodlands, along craggy cliffs and beautiful coves. You may spot otters, seals and sealions, deer and birds. This is a mecca for taking memorable photos. Hearing the amazing huma. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 5.0/5 from 87 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $59, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Afternoon Whale Watch

    Outty Ranking78

    Our team prides themselves on their personality, passion for the industry, and overall drive to bring you the best experience possible. We take out smaller loads of people to ensure a more personal touch between our crew. Strongly Recommended at 78/100, 4.8/5 from 193 traveler reviews, 3h from $75, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Cannery Row: Sardines, Steinbeck and Sea Otters

    Outty Ranking77

    Cannery Row is more than just the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Explore the Cannery Row that most visitors never see, with the Original Monterey Walking Tours and local guides who make the tales of Monterey come alive! Journey. Strongly Recommended at 77/100, 4.9/5 from 49 traveler reviews, 2h from $35, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Monterey Bay Whale Watching

    Outty Ranking76

    Sea Goddess Whale Watching promises a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching experience. Our whale watching tours depart from Moss Landing, right at the mouth of the Monterey Bay Canyon, one of the largest underwater canyons. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 4.6/5 from 384 traveler reviews, 2h from $70, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Wine Tasting and Walking Tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea

    Outty Ranking76

    During your tour you'll enjoy visits to three hand-selected wine tasting rooms with carefully curated tastings at each one. You'll also learn from local sommeliers about the region’s unique climates that produce a variet. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 5.0/5 from 87 traveler reviews, 3h from $159, free cancellation.

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