Monterey, California is a beautiful coastal city located in the Central Coast region of the state. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and its rich history, making it a great destination for families with young children who are interested in exploring the outdoors and learning about the area’s past. Some pros of visiting Monterey with young children include the numerous family-friendly attractions and the abundance of outdoor activities, while some cons include the high cost of living and the often cool and foggy weather. Below, we have compiled a list of the top 15 child-friendly activities, 5 unique child-friendly restaurants, 3 family-friendly accommodation options, an outdoor activity and an indoor activity for rainy days, as well as general information about the city to help you plan your trip to Monterey with young children.
Top 15 Child-Friendly Activities:
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: This world-famous aquarium is a must-visit for families with young children, offering a variety of interactive exhibits and activities that allow kids to learn about the ocean and its inhabitants.
- Cannery Row: This historic street in Monterey is home to a number of child-friendly attractions, including a number of museums, shops, and restaurants.
- Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary: This sanctuary in Pacific Grove is home to a large population of monarch butterflies, and is a great place for families to see these beautiful insects up close.
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: This beautiful state park in Carmel is a great destination for families with young children, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and tidepooling.
- The Monterey Bay Kayaks: This kayak rental company in Monterey offers guided tours of the bay, perfect for families with young children who are interested in exploring the outdoors.
- The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History: This small museum in Pacific Grove is a great destination for families with young children, offering a variety of interactive exhibits and activities focused on the local natural history.
- The Pacific Grove Golf Links: This golf course in Pacific Grove is a great place for families with young children to spend a leisurely afternoon, offering stunning views of the ocean and a number of kid-friendly holes.
- Dennis the Menace Playground: This playground in Monterey is a hit with kids, offering a variety of play structures, swings, and other amenities in a beautiful park setting.
- Monterey State Beach: This beach in Monterey is a great destination for families with young children, offering a wide range of activities, including swimming, sandcastle building, and tidepooling.
- The Monterey Bay Coast Trail: This scenic trail runs along the coast of Monterey Bay, offering stunning views of the ocean and a variety of outdoor activities for families with young children, including hiking and picnicking.
- The Monterey Museum of Art: This museum in Monterey offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for families with young children, including a number of family-friendly events and programs.
- Monterey Bay Whale Watch: This company offers guided whale watching tours in Monterey Bay, perfect for families with young children who are interested in marine life.
- The Pacific Grove Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse in Pacific Grove is a great destination for families with young children, offering stunning views of the ocean and a number of educational exhibits and programs.
- The Pacific Grove Golf Course Miniature Golf: This miniature golf course in Pacific Grove is a hit with kids, offering a fun and challenging course in a beautiful park setting.
- The Pacific Grove Hike: This easy hike in Pacific Grove is a great option for families with young children, offering stunning views of the ocean and a number of family-friendly amenities, including picnic areas and playgrounds.
5 Unique Child-Friendly Restaurants:
- The Fishwife: This sit-down restaurant in Pacific Grove is known for its delicious seafood and its kid-friendly atmosphere. Reviewers rave about the fresh, flavorful food and the casual, relaxed ambiance.
- The First Awakenings: This fast casual restaurant in Pacific Grove is a great option for families with young children, offering a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes in a casual, kid-friendly atmosphere. Reviewers love the delicious food and the friendly staff.
- The Red House Cafe: This sit-down restaurant in Pacific Grove is known for its delicious, locally-sourced food and its cozy, kid-friendly atmosphere. Reviewers rave about the delicious food and the charming ambiance.
- The Fish Hopper: This sit-down restaurant in Monterey is known for its delicious seafood and its stunning views of the ocean. Reviewers rave about the fresh, flavorful food and the breathtaking views.
- The Monterey Grill: This fast casual restaurant in Monterey is a great option for families with young children, offering a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads in a casual, kid-friendly atmosphere. Reviewers love the delicious food and the friendly staff.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: The Inn at Spanish Bay: Located in Pebble Beach, this luxurious hotel offers a variety of amenities for families, including a children’s pool, a kid’s club, and in-room babysitting services. Reviewers love the high-end amenities and the stunning ocean views.
- Family-Friendly: The Best Western Plus Beach Resort: This hotel in Monterey is located just a short walk from the beach and offers a variety of amenities for families, including a children’s pool, a kid’s club, and in-room babysitting services. Reviewers rave about the convenient location and the friendly staff.
- Budget/Value: The Comfort Inn Monterey Peninsula Airport: Located in Monterey, this budget-friendly hotel offers a variety of amenities for families, including a children’s pool, a kid’s club, and in-room kitchenettes. Reviewers appreciate the affordable rates and the convenient location.
Top Outdoor Activity:
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: This beautiful state park in Carmel is a great destination for families with young children, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and tidepooling. The trails in the park are easily walkable and stroller-friendly, making it a great option for families with young children. Participants love the stunning coastal views, the diverse plant and animal life, and the opportunity to explore the park’s rich history.
Top Indoor Activity for Rainy Days:
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History: This small museum in Pacific Grove is a great destination for families with young children on a rainy day, offering a variety of interactive exhibits and activities focused on the local natural history. Kids will love learning about the area’s history and exploring the museum’s hands-on exhibits, while adults will appreciate the educational value of the museum.
General Information:
Monterey is located on the Central Coast of California, about 120 miles south of San Francisco. The city is known for its cool, foggy weather, with average highs in the mid-60s and average lows in the mid-50s year-round. The best time to visit Monterey with young children is in the summer, when the weather is warmer and there are a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. The top neighborhoods for families to visit in Monterey include Pacific Grove and Monterey, both of which offer a variety of family-friendly attractions and amenities. The best way for families to get around the city is by car, as public transportation options in Monterey are limited. However, there are a number of car rental agencies and taxi companies available for those who need transportation.
