13 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Monterey - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Monterey

Monterey, California

Point Sur Lightstation

Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely.

Monterey, California

Monterey's Moon Tree

A tree grown from astronaut seeds which were exposed to cosmic rays.

Monterey, California

San Carlos Cathedral

The oldest continuously operating church in California.

Monterey, California

Jellyfish Exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the most elaborate displays of Jellyfish is on display at the aquarium.

Monterey, California

Old Monterey Jail

This remarkably simple jail went over a century without an escape.

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

Casa del Oro

The first safe in this California town had to hold all the gold.

Monterey, California

Monterey's Custom House

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.

See All 13 Things to Do in Monterey See All 13 Places

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Community Forums / United States / US: West

Top Discussions in the US: West Travel Forum

Post	Replies	Views	Activity
Looking for places to visit in Tucson Az	13 January 3, 2020	2677	January 3, 2020
Blenheim Apricot	10 January 13, 2020	2433	January 13, 2020
Visiting Utah and Colorado	11 December 5, 2019	577	December 5, 2019
Traveling through MT, WY, CO, TX. Need advice!	9 June 12, 2019	1429	June 12, 2019
Tracing a town with a square with a lovely scent, near Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA	8 September 22, 2019	1461	September 22, 2019

New Post Visit the Forum

Explore Monterey, California

Launch Map

Monterey Leaderboard

Places Added

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Monterey.

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Monterey Activity

jezrevolver wants to go to Point Sur Lightstation

jezrevolver wants to go to Old Monterey Jail

jezrevolver wants to go to Casa del Oro

jezrevolver wants to go to Jellyfish Exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

s9frdbtw59 has been to Doc Ricketts Memorial

Stories About Monterey

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

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.

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.

October 30, 2018

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.