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All the United States California Monterey

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Monterey

14 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Monterey, California

Updated December 20, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Monterey

Point Sur Lighthouse

Monterey, California

Point Sur Lightstation

Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely.
Monterey’s Moon Tree

Monterey, California

Monterey's Moon Tree

A tree grown from astronaut seeds which were exposed to cosmic rays.
A statue of Mary stands in a grotto to the left of the church

Monterey, California

San Carlos Cathedral

The oldest continuously operating church in California.
Jellyfish!

Monterey, California

Jellyfish Exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the most elaborate displays of Jellyfish is on display at the aquarium.
The cells featured escape-proof windows.

Monterey, California

Old Monterey Jail

This remarkably simple jail went over a century without an escape.
Dennis the Menace Playground

Monterey, California

Dennis the Menace Playground

This municipal playground was co-created by the father of one of the most playful characters ever.

Monterey, California

Monterey's Custom House

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.
The Joseph Boston Store, better known as Casa del Oro.

Monterey, California

Casa del Oro

The first safe in this California town had to hold all the gold.
See All 14 Things To Do in Monterey
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Monterey, California

Literature 3
Museums 3
Monuments 3
Ecosystems 3
Shops 2
Intriguing Environs 2
Military 2
Animals 2
Statues 2
Military History 2
Aquariums 2

Monterey Leaderboard

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Places Visited

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Visit a place in Monterey.

Recent Monterey Activity

  • jhug33333

    wants to go to Sloat Monument

  • alexcam98

    wants to go to San Carlos Cathedral

  • alexcam98

    has been to Colton Hall Museum

  • alexcam98

    has been to Old Monterey Jail

  • paul5958

    wants to go to Jellyfish Exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Stories About Monterey

All illustrations: Anne Meadows for Atlas Obscura (Photo: Courtesy Monterey Bay Aquarium)

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Crossword: Exploring the Kelp Forest

Sponsored by Monterey Bay Aquarium
The basket star (Gorgonocephalus eucnemis), on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is a deep sea species related to the sea stars seen in more shallow waters.

How to Recreate the Deepest, Darkest Ocean

Revealing the unseen world under Monterey Bay.
by Kevin McLean
April 25, 2023
A hammerhead shark may look ominous, but in the wild they have no beef with humans.

From Shark Tanks to the Deep Sea: A Day in the Life of a Monterey Bay Aquarist

What it’s like to care for fascinating animals at an aquarium on the edge of the Pacific.
Sponsored by Visit California
That mouth is full of info for scientists to chew on.

Sea Otter Teeth Are Gross but Really Useful for Scientists

You don’t want to look an old sea otter in the mouth—unless you want to tell how old it is.
by Jessica Leigh Hester
July 27, 2020
Point Alones was once home to the state’s largest Chinatown. This photograph of Chinese fisherman was taken in 1875.

A Chinese Fishing Village Regains Its Rightful Place in California History

A shipwreck brought Chinese immigrants to the Monterey area. Discrimination forced them to start over.
by Claire Wang
March 31, 2020
So many cephalopods.

Found: The Largest Cluster of Deep-Sea Octopuses Ever Recorded

More than 1,000 were spotted off the coast of Monterey, California.
by Anna Kusmer
October 30, 2018

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