- TripBuzz found 138 things to do with kids in or near Monterey, California, including 105 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like Salinas, Pacific Grove, Seaside and Carmel.
- From Bella Monterey Bay to Monterey Bay Whale Watch, the Monterey area offers 76 different types of family activities, including: Whale Watching Tours, Piers & Boardwalks, Walking Trails and Theaters.
- A thriving affluent residential and tourist community along California's central coast is the city of Monterey. Known for it charming homes and peaceful beach town atmosphere, the city draws thousands of visitors each year. It's pleasant temperatures make outdoor recreation a primary draw allowing patrons to enjoy the local marine life, boating and strolling along the historic Cannery Row.
Showing 141-150 of
319
25.4 Miles
86%
307 votes
West Cliff Drive at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz, CA
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The water is warm at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Surfers and beach babies enjoy the many exhibits dedicated to board design, safety practices and the physics behind successful surfing.
25.4 Miles
74%
35 votes
Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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In 1986, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum opened inside the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. It is one of the oldest museums in the world dedicated to surfing, and visitors can see how surfboards progressed from huge paddleboards to modern surfboards, along with surf club patches, surf movie posters, and wetsuits,
25.4 Miles
93%
1060 votes
143
Pfeiffer Beach
Sycamore Canyon Road, Right off Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
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A popular day-use park in the Big Sur area is Pfeiffer Beach which has pockets of purple sand. Unique rock formations are situated in the water just off the beach, including a prominent arch.
25.4 Miles
All kinds of wildlife are found at Lighthouse Field State Beach including the black swift, monarch butterflies and sea lions. The beach is popular with dog owners and surfers and is even home to a surfing museum.
25.5 Miles
Visitors can enjoy a wide stretch of beach with fire pits at Rio Del Mar Beach. The beach is close to a variety of shopping venues and restaurants and leashed dogs are allowed.
25.5 Miles
Hidden Beach is a small 1.5 acre beach-side neighborhood park. The park maintains a play structure for children, as well as picnic tables, a large open field, and public restrooms.
25.6 Miles
A scenic seaside park overlooking Monterey Bay, SeaCliff Mini Park offers wildlife viewing, birding, and beach activities. Visitors can also see the SS Palo Alto tanker, or fish or crab from the pier.
25.7 Miles
Ultimate Fish Charters takes its passengers out on a charter boat and teaches them how to fish. Guests can keep some of the fish they catch.
25.7 Miles
87%
2454 votes
2531 West Cliff Drive near Swanton Blvd., Santa Cruz, CA
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True to its name, Natural Bridges State Park contains natural rock bridges created by eons of water and wind erosion. The modern park is managed by the state and is a wonderful destination for adults and families.
25.7 Miles
Santa Cruz Harbor Beach is situated adjacent to the harbor operations and provides an ideal setting for visitors to spread out a towel, and enjoy the fresh ocean breezes. The beach is conveniently located near many shops and eateries.