Carmel and Monterey Ca Family Activities

Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 \ 831-648-4888

Experience the wonders of the ocean at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Rated the nation's No. 1 aquarium in the Zagat Survey U.S. Family Travel Guide, the Aquarium will put you closer to sea life than ever before. Our Ocean's Edge galleries will amaze you with the three-story living kelp forest, above and below the surface views of playful sea otters, and a walk-through wave crash experience. The Outer Bay galleries put your nose-to-nose with giant tunas, sea turtles and sharks and mesmerize you with huge displays of living jellies. New in 2007 is the special exhibition Wild About Otters featuring ten feisty freshwater otters from Asia and Africa and the amazing animals that share their homes. Buy Tickets Now Avoid ticket lines and breeze on in-just buy your tickets online. There is no service charge when tickets are printed at home or picked up at will call. Plan Your Visit Now! Whether you're planning an intimate reception or a black-tie gala, our onsite event coordinators, animals and stunning exhibits are all here to make your evening special.

IMAX Monterey
640 Wave Street, Monterey, CA 93940 \ 831-372-4629

The Historic Edgewater Cannery and Packing Building has been preserved and completely rebuilt by Bella Cinema, LLC and now offers visitors to Monterey County a new expanded experience of Cannery Row and Monterey Bay with an integrated entertainment venue in the heart of Cannery Row. The 17,000 square foot development includes a 290-seat 3D IMAX Theatre, the Edgewater Café, and an exclusive Guy Buffet Art Gallery and is conveniently located at 640 Wave Street across from the main parking facility for Cannery Row, and just a block from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Carmel Mission Basilica
3080 Rio Rd. Carmel CA / 831-624-1271

Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo is a complex of 5 museums and the Basilica Church. Docent-led tours of the property including the courtyards, Basilica, Indian Cemetery and museums are available for adults and school groups. Self-guided tours are possible at any time using the available brochure. Docents are on hand throughout the week.

Forest Theater
Monte Verde & 8th, Carmel CA. 831-622-0100

Forest Theater has a year-round schedule of live theater and film presentations. It is the oldest outdoor community theater west of the Rockies with a convenient location near the heart of downtown Carmel. .

Historic Monterey and Cannery Row

Take a tour of historic Monterey by visiting John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf and California's historic buildings. You can take a self-guided walking tour by following the yellow tiles on the Old Monterey sidewalks past numerous sites for architectural, artistic and historical interest. This tour will take you past numerous restaurants, cafes and shops. The tour can also be enjoyed with a free MP3 download!

Ghost Trolley of Old Monterey
527 Hartnell St., Monterey, CA 93940 \ 831-624-1700

Here's your chance to relive the fantastic tales of Old Monterey.
Once the capitol of Mexican California, Old Monterey was the center of fiestas and balls, the glamour of dashing Spanish horsemen and the throb of guitars played by romantic suitors. It was also a town of intrigue, murder, swindles and shipwrecks. Epic lives full of lost treasures, found romance, and amazing adventures. Visit the sites of the ghost in the garden, ancient burial grounds, hidden treasure, hauntings, hangings and frequent ghostly sightings. This 90 minute trolley tour, led by longtime resident/local historian Gary Munsinger, will bring you into a Monterey that few alive today have seen.

Whale Watching

Whale Watching tours are available all year round on the Monterey Bay. Depending on the time of year, Gray, Humpback, and Blue whales can be seen, plus many species of dolphins. The diversity of marine life in the Monterey Bay is fantastic. Different types of tours are available from the Monterey Bay Wharf. Tours vary in length and price to accommodate your needs.

Explore the Tide Pools of Monterey Bay

The Monterey Peninsula provides a coastline with numerous tide pools that provide fun filled exploration for all ages. Some of the best areas are at Asilomar State Park and the beach in Pacific Grove.

Kayaking on Monterey Bay

Paddling in the ocean around the Monterey Bay is great fun and outdoor exercise for the entire family. You will enjoy the company of seals, sea otters and dolphins! To learn more about kayaking on the Monterey Bay or Elkhorn Slough contact Monterey Bay Kayaks (831-373-5337)