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.

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Monterey, California

Monterey's Moon Tree

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

Added by Martin

Monterey, California

San Carlos Cathedral

The oldest continuously operating church in California.

Added by Martin

Monterey, California

Old Monterey Jail

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

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Monterey, California

Dennis the Menace Playground

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

Added by Martin

Monterey, California

Casa del Oro

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

Added by Martin

Monterey, California

Monterey's Custom House

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

Added by Martin

Monterey, California

Doc Ricketts' Lab

Steinbeck's old stomping grounds, immortalized in Cannery Row.

Added by Martin

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Atlas Obscura Trips

Dark Skies, Desert Beasts: A Night Photography Workshop in Borrego Springs, California

May 7—May 10, 2019

Journey deep into the desert of Southern California to explore and photograph the Dark Sky Sculptural Oasis of Borrego Springs.

Explore Monterey, California

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Stories
About Monterey

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