Things to do in Monterey & Carmel

Planning questions about Monterey & Carmel

What are the best things to do in Monterey & Carmel?

Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr is the highest ranked experience in Monterey & Carmel, scoring 96 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking from 951 traveler reviews. Whale Watching Tour From Monterey, 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour, Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour, Whale Watching Tour Monterey California round out the top five. Outty ranks 95 bookable experiences in Monterey & Carmel, United States, and 1 of them score 90 or above.

How much do activities in Monterey & Carmel cost?

The median price across everything we rank in Monterey & Carmel is $75 per person, and the cheapest starting price is $8 on Off the Beaten Path in Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Self-Guided Tour. Guided, small-group and skip-the-line versions sit above the median, and peak weekends price higher than midweek mornings.

Can I book something in Monterey & Carmel for today?

Yes. 95 of the top 95 experiences we rank in Monterey & Carmel currently show same-day availability. Same-day slots are limited, so book early in the day where you can.

Is Monterey & Carmel good for families?

Yes. 14 of the experiences we rank in Monterey & Carmel are family friendly, covering short, low-cost activities as well as full-day outings. Check the minimum age on each experience page before booking.

How many days do you need in Monterey & Carmel?

Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting: one anchor experience each morning, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

When is the best time to visit Monterey & Carmel?

April to November for whales and calm seas. Prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

Can I cancel a booking in Monterey & Carmel?

68 of the 95 experiences we rank in Monterey & Carmel offer free cancellation, usually up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact window is shown on each experience page before you book.

How does the Outty Ranking work?

Every experience in Monterey & Carmel gets a single 0 to 100 score built from traveler sentiment, the depth of review evidence, recent booking momentum, price fairness against comparable options in the same city, operator standing and cancellation flexibility. Scores are benchmarked within Monterey & Carmel so a strong local option is not buried by global volume, and anything at 90 or above joins the Outty 90+ Club.