Attractions Nearby Monterey, Day Trips and Excursions

(Monterey, California - CA, USA)

Those vacationing in the Monterey area of sunny California will likely be somewhat bewildered by the huge choice of possible day trips and surrounding attractions. The stunning beaches and coastal attractions of both Big Sur and Carmel by the Sea are particularly close to Monterey and very much a must.

Also just a short drive away from Monterey is the famed 17 Mile Drive, where the panoramas of the coastline are quite breathtaking, if not a little distracting when you are driving! If you are happy to travel a little further, then you can enjoy an excursion to leading Californian attractions such as Morro Bay, Oakland, the Napa Valley, Santa Cruz, San Jose and of course, the legendary city that is San Francisco.

Big Sur

There are few coastal destinations that compare with Big Sur - the cliff-top views along Highway US-1 are simply awesome and well worth savoring. However, it is the parks in this area that prove to be the largest attractions. The best and biggest of these include the Andrew Molera State Park, the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Big Sur is a mere 29 miles / 47 km south of Monterey, and so day trips to this region are understandably popular.

Carmel by the Sea (Carmel)

Something of a Bohemian retreat for San Franciscans, Carmel by the Sea is virtually a suburb of Monterey, being only 4 miles / 6 km away and to the south. The Carmel Beach City Park is amongst the main attractions here and is fronted by a number of hotels. Nearby, the Carmel River State Beach is a particularly tranquil spot, as is the Point Lobos State Reserve.

Morro Bay

As you travel along the Highway US-1 from San Luis Obispo, you will soon reach the town of Morro Bay, where some interesting attractions await. Morro Bay is located approximately 130 miles / 209 km to the southeast of Monterey and is home to a sizable commercial fishing fleet, as well as its epic namesake Morro Rock, which is volcanic in origin and towers almost 180 meters / 600 feet in a dramatic fashion. Families may like to consider checking out both the Morro Bay Aquarium and also the Morro Bay State Park, while further south is the Montana de Oro State Park.

Napa Valley

The wine country of California is famous the world over, and Napa Valley really is the epitome of this image. This area alone is overflowing with vineyards and wineries, which now number in excess of 300 - and growing. Apart from the sumptuous wine, Napa Valley does boast some other very special attractions for day trippers, including hot-air balloon flights, river cruises and innumerable museums. The Napa Valley is to be found around 150 miles / 241 km to the north of Monterey and is conveniently close to the Sonoma Coast State Beaches and the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom amusement park.

Santa Cruz

Sited at the very spot where northern and southern California come together, Santa Cruz is roughly 42 miles / 68 km to the north of Monterey. This small city is home to the renowned University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) and many further quality attractions, such as the historical Beach Boardwalk amusement park, the Natural Bridges State Park and the Surf Museum, and well as the neighboring Big Basin Redwoods State Park and the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

San Francisco

An epic peninsula city with unique attributes and attractions, San Francisco really is one of California's true gems and is nothing short of a dream for sightseers. Of course, number one on any sensible itinerary would be the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which regularly appears on postcards and promotional brochures about the city. The steep hills of San Francisco are legendary and almost every year seem to make an appearance in Hollywood movies. Look out too for the Fisherman's Wharf area and Pier 39, where an unexpected group of sea lions have now taken up residence. At less than 112 miles / 180 km north of Monterey, a day trip to San Francisco really is not to be missed, and if possible, try to stay for a few days at the least.

Salinas

The county seat of Monterey County, Salinas is located around 20 miles / 32 km to the northeast of Monterey and is a highly walkable city, with its main sights being based within the Old Town area and best explored on foot. Salinas is also a serious destination for rodeo lovers and cowboys, particularly during the Big Week celebrations each July.

San Jose

Regarded by Californian's to be the capital of the Silicon valley, San Jose is a little overshadowed by its more touristy neighbors, although does have a number of attractions to tempt day trippers away from Monterey. San Jose is located some 70 miles / 113 km to the north and is best known for it quality museums, such as the Children's Discovery Museum, the Tech Museum of Innovation, History San Jose and also the surprisingly impressive San Jose Museum of Art.