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

Monterey's Custom House

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

Monterey, California

Casa del Oro

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

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

Atlas Obscura Trips

Desert Canvas: Art of Joshua Tree and the Mojave

Join us as we venture deep into the High Desert, glimpsing massive sculptures, revitalizing domes, and fluorescent painted mountains along the way.

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	12 October 5, 2019	656	October 5, 2019
Tracing a town with a square with a lovely scent, near Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA	8 September 22, 2019	825	September 22, 2019
The Duplicative Forest	2 September 26, 2019	494	September 26, 2019
Moving to Utah in spring/summer- where to play first?!	3 August 19, 2019	182	August 19, 2019
Santa Fe Shatter Cones	6 September 16, 2019	490	September 16, 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

dbpencey has been to Monterey's Custom House

Naatxperal wants to go to Jellyfish Exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

emilykvarvir wants to go to Old Monterey Jail

emilykvarvir has been to Monterey's Custom House

emilykvarvir has been to Jellyfish Exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

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