3-Hour Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove GoCar Tour

Cannery Row itself is an attraction: an “iconic waterfront street” replete with history, ocean views, shops and eateries. Once a booming sardine canning center famously depicted by author John Steinbeck, today its refurbished cannery warehouses house seafood restaurants, boutiques, wine-tasting rooms and hotels while retaining echoes of the past. As you cruise in your open-air GoCar, soak up the colorful history – you’ll pass landmarks like the old Pacific Biological Lab (Ed “Doc” Ricketts’ marine lab at 800 Cannery Row) and Steinbeck’s Spirit commemorated in the Cannery Row Monument at Steinbeck Plaza. This vibrant street beautifully blends historic character with modern charm, truly the cultural heart of Monterey’s waterfront.

A historic wharf lined with seafood eateries, gift shops, and tour boats, set against gorgeous bay views. Known as the “Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World,” this lively pier is a top visitor destination offering whale-watching cruises, fishing trips, and famous clam chowder tastings. It’s considered a “must-do” for every visitor to Monterey, combining history with family-friendly fun in a picturesque setting.

The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is the flagship attraction of Cannery Row and a must-see for all ages. Housed in a former cannery building on the waterfront, this 20,000-square-foot aquarium immerses visitors in marine magic – from towering kelp forests and glowing jellies to playful sea otters and hammerhead sharks. Its interactive exhibits and 360° ocean tank views captivate families and marine enthusiasts alike. (The GoCar’s GPS tour will likely highlight the aquarium as you pass by, and you might even catch glimpses of the building’s sparkling tanks from the road.)

The Cannery Row area offers some of the best shoreline views of Monterey Bay. Pull over at San Carlos Beach (at the Row’s south end) to peer into tide pools teeming with starfish and crabs, or watch scuba divers exploring the kelp beds just offshore.

Pacific Grove’s most beloved seaside park, offering spectacular ocean views and a hub of outdoor fun. This landscaped 4.4-acre park has it all: a sandy beach and cove for kayaking, surfing, and swimming, a large lawn for picnics, a rock pier, beach volleyball courts, and even a seasonal children’s swimming pool. A sunrise or sunset at Lovers Point is truly magical, with the sky painted over the bay. It’s often ranked the #1 thing to do in Pacific Grove, thanks to its mix of natural beauty and family-friendly amenities. Whether you’re snapping photos from the GoCar or stopping to explore on foot, Lovers Point embodies the quaint, romantic charm of Pacific Grove’s coastline.

A wildly scenic stretch of coastline known for its white sands, rocky coves, and unforgettable sunsets. Asilomar is a very popular attraction for visitors to the Monterey Peninsula, prized for its serene beach atmosphere and a boardwalk-accented coastal trail that winds through sand dunes and tide pools. The ¾-mile walking trail along Asilomar’s shore offers inimitable views of crashing surf and Pacific vistas. It’s an idyllic spot to pull over your GoCar, breathe in fresh ocean air, and even do a little tide-pooling with the kids at low tide. Asilomar also borders the Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve, adding to the sense of untamed beauty. Come evening, this is the place to savor a quintessential California sunset over the water.

A unique hidden gem of Pacific Grove, especially in the fall and winter months. Nicknamed “Butterfly Town, USA,” Pacific Grove hosts one of America’s largest overwintering colonies of Monarch butterflies, and this free sanctuary is where they cluster by the thousands in the trees. From October through February, visitors can stroll the gentle path and gaze up as vibrant orange monarchs blanket the pines and eucalyptus – an unforgettable natural spectacle. (The site is so special that harming a butterfly). It’s a must-see for nature lovers and families, offering an educational, enchanting pause on your tour. Bring binoculars if you have them to appreciate these delicate creatures up close

Steeped in history and charm, Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the U.S. West Coast (first lit in 1855) and one of Pacific Grove’s signature landmarks. This gleaming white lighthouse sits on a windswept point surrounded by greens of the municipal golf course and dramatic shore. Visitors can take a brief self-guided or docent-guided tour inside to see the well-preserved light station and learn about its keepers and maritime history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Point Pinos is considered a “must-see” for history buffs and anyone who appreciates coastal panoramas. The GoCar route through Pacific Grove will pass near the lighthouse – it’s worth a stop to snap a photo and imagine the eras of sailors guided by its beam.

A renowned children’s playground and park near downtown Monterey, ideal for families to take a break during the tour. This large lakeside park features innovative play structures (including multiple slides, a hedge maze, and an old steam engine locomotive on display) and has been the city’s most famous playground for decades. It’s the “most popular” municipal playground in Monterey, inviting kids to burn off energy while adults relax by Lake El Estero – a great pit stop to complement the open-air adventure.

This scenic paved trail hugs the waterfront from Monterey to Pacific Grove, perfect for a self-paced exploration by foot, bike, or GoCar. The trail links Old Fisherman’s Wharf to Cannery Row with sweeping ocean vistas and interpretive signs. Along the way, you can pause to scan for wildlife like seals, pelicans, and otters, or explore tide pools at spots like San Carlos Beach. The coastal trail is extremely popular for its breathtaking views of the Pacific and easy access to attractions, making it an adventurous yet family-friendly highlight of Monterey Bay.