If you're looking for a relaxed coastal getaway with kids, Monterey is one of those places that just works for families.

Think ocean views, easy walkable spots, and one of the best aquariums in the country — all packed into a destination that feels calm, clean, and incredibly scenic.

We love Monterey because it’s:

• Easy to navigate with kids

• Full of memorable experiences (without feeling overwhelming)

• Perfect for a 2–3 day family getaway

In this guide, we are sharing exactly how to plan your trip — including where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your time.

Between the aquarium, ocean views, and easy walkable areas, Monterey is one of the best weekend getaways in California for families.

Planning more coastal trips? Don’t miss our California beach getaways for families guide.

Monterey With Kids: The Perfect Coastal Family Getaway

Plan Your Monterey Trip

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Why Visit Monterey with Kids?

Monterey is one of those destinations where you don’t need a packed itinerary to have an amazing trip.

Why families love it:

• The Monterey Bay Aquarium is truly next level

• Walkable areas like Cannery Row + Old Fisherman’s Wharf

• Beautiful beaches without the chaos of SoCal crowds

• Easy scenic drives (perfect for nap time!)

• Wildlife spotting — sea otters, seals, and more

It’s a slower pace — which honestly feels like a reset if you’ve been doing busier trips.

Planning more coastal trips?

Where to Stay in Monterey

For first-time visits, staying near the water or main attractions makes everything much easier—most of Monterey’s top spots are close together, so you can spend less time driving and more time enjoying the coast.

Here’s how to choose the best area based on your travel style:

• Cannery Row / Aquarium area → best for walkability and being close to everything
  (Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, InterContinental The Clement Monterey)

• Downtown / Fisherman’s Wharf → central location with easy access to restaurants and activities
  (Portola Hotel & Spa)

• Beach area (Del Monte Beach) → quieter, more relaxed coastal vibe
  (Monterey Beach Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Monterey)

• Resort-style stay (slightly inland) → more space, amenities, and a laid-back feel
  (Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa)

Staying in one of these areas helps keep your trip simple, walkable, and relaxed—exactly what Monterey is best for.

Tip: Swipe left/right to compare hotels.

Family-Friendly Monterey Hotel Comparison

Quickly compare popular Monterey hotels by amenities, ratings, and price range to find the best fit for your trip.

Best Things to Do in Monterey With Kids

If you want to mix and match activities (or swap things into your itinerary), these are some of the best things to do in Monterey with kids:

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

This is the main reason most families visit Monterey — and it absolutely lives up to the hype.

It’s one of the best aquariums in the country, but what makes it so great for families is how immersive and manageable it feels. You can spend a few hours here without it feeling overwhelming.

Why families love it:

• Huge, eye-catching exhibits (jellyfish + kelp forest are unforgettable)

• Sea otters that kids will want to watch forever

• Touch pools for hands-on fun

• Easy layout that doesn’t feel confusing or exhausting

Plan for at least 2–3 hours (you could easily stay longer)

Walk Cannery Row

Cannery Row is one of those places that’s just easy with kids — no big planning required.

It’s a scenic stretch along the water filled with shops, restaurants, and places to stop for a quick treat.

Why families love it:

• Completely walkable (great with strollers)

• Plenty of snack + ice cream stops

• Ocean views the entire way

• Easy to pair with the aquarium

Perfect for a relaxed afternoon or post-aquarium stroll

Visit Old Fisherman's Wharf

If your kids love animals, this is a quick stop that always delivers.

You’ll almost always find sea lions lounging nearby, and the wharf itself is lined with casual restaurants and little shops.

Why families love it:

• Easy wildlife spotting (sea lions are almost guaranteed)

• Short, low-effort stop

• Fun energy without being overwhelming

• Great snack stop between activities

This is a great “break” activity between bigger plans

Go Whale Watching in Monterey Bay

Monterey is one of the best places in California for whale watching, and it’s an experience your kids will talk about long after the trip.

Tours head right out of Monterey Bay and often see whales year-round.

Why families love it:

• High chance of spotting whales, dolphins, and sea lions

• Feels like a true “adventure” experience

• Boats leave right from town (super convenient)

• Memorable for both kids and adults

Tours are typically 2–3 hours — bring layers, it gets cold!

Drive 17-Mile Drive

This is one of the most scenic drives in California — and one of the easiest ways to explore with kids.

You can stop when you want, skip what you don’t, and enjoy the views at your own pace.

Why families love it:

• Built-in flexibility (great for all ages)

• Tons of scenic stops without much walking

• Perfect “downtime” activity between busier plans

• Iconic views like the Lone Cypress

Bonus: this is a great nap-time activity

Relax at Lovers Point Park

Lovers Point is one of the best family-friendly beach areas in Monterey.

It’s smaller, calmer, and feels more manageable than larger beaches — which makes it ideal with kids.

Why families love it:

• Calm water compared to other beaches

• Grass area + picnic spots

• Easy parking + access

• Great place to unwind after a busy day

Bring layers — Monterey weather can change quickly!

Visit Monarch Grove Sanctuary

If you’re visiting during the right time of year, this is one of the most unique and memorable stops near Monterey.

Every fall and winter, thousands of monarch butterflies gather in the grove, clustering together in the trees — and it’s something kids (and adults) will be amazed by.

Why families love it:

• A really cool, up-close nature experience

• Easy walking paths (very manageable with kids)

• Free to visit

• Quick stop that doesn’t take up your whole day

Best time to visit: November through February

If you’re visiting outside of butterfly season, it’s still a nice quick stop for a peaceful walk — but you likely won’t see butterflies.

Take a Quick Trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Just 10 minutes away, Carmel feels like stepping into a storybook town.

It’s an easy add-on that gives your trip a totally different vibe.

Why families love it:

• Cute, walkable downtown

• Beautiful white sand beach

• Easy half-day outing

• Great food + treat stops

Perfect if you want something low-effort but memorable

Explore Big Sur

If you want that iconic California coastline experience, Big Sur is it.

It’s a bit more of a drive, but even just a few stops make it worth it.

Why families love it:

• Incredible views that feel like a “wow” moment

• Easy scenic stops (no long hikes required)

• Great for photos + memories

• Feels like a true adventure

Best for families with slightly older kids or flexible schedules

FGCA Tip

Monterey is best when you don’t overpack your schedule—stick to 2–3 activities per day and leave time for beach breaks, ice cream stops, and just enjoying the views.

See more things to do in Monterey with kids:

3-Day Monterey Itinerary With Kids

Monterey is one of the easiest coastal getaways in California—and the key to enjoying it is keeping things slow and simple.

This 3-day itinerary mixes scenic views, easy activities, and relaxing moments so you can enjoy the trip without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Arrival + Cannery Row + Easy Exploring

Morning / Arrival

• Arrive in Monterey + check into your hotel

• Take it slow — this trip is all about pacing

Afternoon

• Walk Cannery Row

• Grab ice cream or a casual snack

• Pop into a few shops (easy win with kids)

Evening

• Dinner near the water

• Sunset stroll along the coastal path

FGCA Tip: Keep this day light — it sets the tone for the whole trip.

Day 2: Aquarium + Wharf + Beach Time

Morning

• Head to the Monterey Bay Aquarium early

Plan for:

• 2–3+ hours

• Snacks + breaks (it’s bigger than you think!)

Don’t miss:

• Sea otters

• Jellyfish exhibits

• Kelp forest tank

• Touch pools

Lunch

• Grab something casual nearby (super easy area)

Afternoon

• Walk over to Old Fisherman's Wharf

• Spot sea lions + grab a snack

Late Afternoon

• Head to Lovers Point Park

• Let kids run + relax by the water

Evening

• Easy dinner + early night

This is your “main activity” day — but still very doable with kids.

Day 3: Scenic Drive + Whale Watching OR Day Trip

This day is flexible depending on your vibe:

Option 1: Whale Watching (HIGHLY recommend)

Book a tour from Monterey Bay.

Why this is amazing:

• One of the best whale watching spots in California

• Chances to see:

  • Humpback whales

  • Blue whales (seasonal!)

  • Dolphins + sea lions

Good to know:

• Tours are usually 2–3 hours

• Morning departures are best

• Bring layers (it gets cold!)

This is one of those unforgettable experiences — especially for kids.

Option 2: 17-Mile Drive (Easy + Relaxing)

Drive through 17-Mile Drive.

Stop at:

• Lone Cypress

• Pebble Beach viewpoints

• Scenic pull-offs

Perfect if you want something low effort + beautiful.

Option 3: Big Sur Day Trip (Best for scenery)

Drive south to Big Sur (~45 min–1 hour).

Top stops:

• Bixby Bridge (iconic photo spot)

• McWay Falls (short walk, huge payoff)

• Pfeiffer Beach (if open)

Best for families who want that “wow” California coastline moment.

Option 4: Carmel-by-the-Sea (Best for easy + charming)

Head to Carmel-by-the-Sea (10 min drive).

What to do:

• Walk the adorable downtown

• Visit Carmel Beach

• Grab lunch or coffee

Super easy, low-stress add-on (great with younger kids).

This itinerary is meant to feel easy and flexible—you can swap activities, skip things, or spend extra time at the beach.

FGCA Tip

Where to Eat in Monterey with Kids

Monterey makes dining with kids easy, with plenty of casual spots near the water and main attractions. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly places to eat:

• Paris Bakery Cafe – A quick and easy spot for breakfast or lunch with a huge menu of pastries, sandwiches, and kid-friendly options.

• Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop – A must-stop dessert spot with over-the-top sundaes and chocolate treats kids will love.

• Old Monterey Cafe – A classic, no-fuss breakfast spot known for big portions, pancakes, and an easy, family-friendly vibe.

• Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – A great choice for a relaxed meal with beautiful ocean views that still feels family-friendly.

• Crepes of Brittany – An easy crowd-pleaser offering both sweet and savory crepes for a quick, casual meal.

• Sandbar & Grill – A laid-back, no-fuss option with simple, kid-friendly food near the water.

What to Pack for Monterey

Monterey weather can be unpredictable — even in summer.

Bring:

• Layers (jackets are a must)

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Stroller for younger kids

• Snacks + water

Is Monterey Worth It for Families?

Yes — especially if you want a trip that feels:

• Relaxing

• Scenic

• Easy with kids

The Monterey Bay Aquarium alone attracts millions of visitors each year and is considered one of the top attractions in the area .

This is one of those destinations where less planning = better experience.

Monterey FAQ

Is Monterey good for toddlers?
Yes — very stroller-friendly with lots of interactive attractions.

How long should you stay in Monterey?
2–3 days is perfect.

Is the Monterey Bay Aquarium worth it?
100% — it’s one of the best aquariums in the country.

Final Thoughts

Monterey is one of those places that just feels easy.

It’s beautiful, calm, and full of those little moments — watching sea otters, walking along the water, grabbing ice cream after a long day.

If you’re looking for a coastal family getaway that actually feels like a break, this is it.