Plan a CruiseMonterey Cruise Port Guide
Monterey is a beautiful coastal city in California, rich in history and natural beauty. Established in 1770 by Father Junipero Serra, it briefly served as California's state capital and is famously the setting for John Steinbeck's novels like Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat. Cruise ships do not dock directly here; passengers are tendered ashore to the heart of downtown. Be aware that weekends can experience significant crowds. The city offers an old Mission, literary history, a stunning coastline, and abundant wildlife. It is home to the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, located on the iconic Cannery Row, and hosts renowned events like the annual Monterey Jazz Festival.
Getting Around from the Port
The downtown area of Monterey, including Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is easily walkable and very enjoyable from where you are tendered ashore. For travel throughout Monterey County, the Simoneau Plaza in downtown Monterey serves as the main transit hub. Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) provides daily bus service. During the summer, seasonal bus service to Big Sur is available, along with a free MST Trolley service that operates along Monterey's waterfront. While exploring independently is easy, it's always wise to compare your cruise line's excursion offerings with those from third-party providers like GetYourGuide and Viator for options to places further afield.
Attractions and Activities
For your 8-10 hours in port, Monterey and its surroundings offer a diverse range of activities:
- Monterey Bay Aquarium & Cannery Row: A world-class attraction located directly on Cannery Row, easily walkable from your tender drop-off. Immerse yourself in marine life and explore the historic street made famous by John Steinbeck.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea: This quaint village is known for its fairy tale cottages, hidden courtyards, and award-winning gardens. It boasts an endless array of specialty shops, boutiques, and over 70 art and photography galleries. At its edge is the renowned Carmel Beach, featuring white sands and sculptured cypress groves.
- Pacific Grove: Located on the northern tip of the Monterey Peninsula, this town is dubbed the "Last American Hometown" and "Butterfly Town USA." It hosts festivals like "The Good Old Days Celebration" and offers a beautiful coastline along Ocean View Boulevard, complemented by graceful Victorian homes.
- 17-Mile Drive & Pebble Beach: Accessible via the spectacular 17-Mile Drive, this area offers some of the world's most scenic golf courses and recreation. Pebble Beach is a mecca for golfers, hosting major tournaments like the U.S. Open. It's also home to the annual Concours d'Elegance, showcasing classic automobiles. The stunning coastline features iconic landmarks such as Cypress Rock, Bird Rock, and the Lone Cypress.
- Big Sur (Highway 1): Approximately 30 miles south of Monterey via Highway 1, this is a truly dramatic stretch of coastline extending 90 miles south. Volcanic peaks, towering redwoods, and rugged beauty define this area, which includes three million acres of wilderness and 300 miles of trails, ideal for hiking and camping. Key attractions include the Point Sur Lighthouse, Henry Miller Memorial Library, Nepenthe Restaurant, Pfeiffer State Park, and Pfeiffer Beach. Seasonal summer bus service is available.
Dining & Shopping
While the sardine canneries of old are long gone, Monterey still offers an abundance of excellent seafood. You'll find numerous restaurants along Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row. For shopping, downtown Monterey provides various options, and the nearby village of Carmel is particularly noted for its specialty shops, boutiques, and numerous art and photography galleries.
Currency and Language
The official currency is the United States Dollar ($). ATMs are widely available throughout Monterey. Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are universally accepted, even for small transactions.
Please note for overseas visitors: posted prices for goods and services in the U.S. typically do not include sales tax or gratuities. Sales tax varies by state, usually ranging from 2.9% to nearly 10% (4-6% is common), and will be added to your total at payment. Tipping is customary and expected for most services:
- Full-service restaurants: 15-20% of the bill (often the primary income for waitstaff; check if a service charge is already included).
- Taxi drivers, hairdressers, personal services: 10-15%.
- Bartenders: $1 per drink for inexpensive drinks, or 15% of the total bill.
- Bellhops: $1-2 per bag, with a $3-5 minimum regardless.
- Hotel doormen: $1 per bag (if they assist), $1 for calling a cab.
- Tour guides: $5-10 per person for half-day tours or less; $10-20 per person for longer tours, depending on quality and length.
- Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%.
- Housekeeping in hotels: $1-2 per day for long stays, or $5 minimum for very short stays (optional).
- Food delivery: $2-5, potentially more for very large orders.
English is the standard language for everyday use in the U.S. In case of emergency, dial 911.