Top 10 Things to Do in Monterey California at Night

Top 10 Things to Do in Monterey California at Night

California’s stunning coastline is truly world-famous, with visitors from around the world flocking to enjoy the majestic sights of the Pacific Coast Highway each year.

But even with shores full of highlights, Monterey Bay is a stand-out. This historic city boasts everything from literary links to famed novelist John Steinbeck to a vibrant seafood scene, popular bars and shops along Cannery Row, and family-friendly fun at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

It also has many wonderful family-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. And when the sun goes down, you don’t have to hold back from your sightseeing fun.

Read about some of the activities you can enjoy in the evening at this beautiful place. These are the best things to do in Monterey, California, at night.

1. Go Shopping at Steinbeck Plaza, Cannery Row

The historic street of Cannery Row is a must-see during any Monterey visit. Originally known as Ocean View Avenue, its current moniker is a former nickname derived from the various sardine canneries that once operated in the area.

The last of these closed in 1973, a few years after the street’s nickname was adopted as the official street name in honour of famed author John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row.

Today, the picturesque and historic street is a popular entertainment hotspot, with upmarket waterfront hotels, boutiques, and restaurants to enjoy.

And, speaking of Steinbeck, why stop at Steinbeck Plaza to enjoy views of the bay and take a photo with the bust in memory of the author?

• Canary Row
• Address: Prescott Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
• Website: Canary Row

2. Look for clues in the Exodus escape room

If you’re looking for fun on a beautiful evening, channel your inner Hercule Poirot and pit your little grey cells against the Exodus Escape Room.

It features a range of escape room options, including bank and jewel robbery scenarios for those who enjoy the thrill of a caper. And, speaking of famous detectives, there’s also a ‘Sherlock’s Study’ option to enjoy.

Each lasts an hour and can be enjoyed from early afternoon to late evening – so you’re sure to find a time slot to suit you.

• Exodus Escape Room
• Address: 765 Wave Street Suite A-2, Monterey, CA 93940
• Website: Exodus Escape Rooms
• Opening hours: Wed-Mon: 11 am – 10:30 pm (Closed on Tues; last room starts at 9:30 pm)
• Price: USD 30

3. Try international beers at The Crown & Anchor

Hey sailor! If you’re a fan of real fine ale, you’ll want to make a beeline for The Crown & Anchor for an evening out.

This nautical-themed British bar, located in historic Old Town Monterey, serves up an array of traditional pub food to tantalize those taste buds.

But it’s the range of beers that stands out. It has less than 20 different international beers on tap – that’s before you get to the bottled selections. Little wonder it has been voted Monterey’s “Most Authentic Pub” in the past.

• The Crown and Anchor
• Address: 50 West Franklin Street, Monterey, CA 93940
• Website: The Crown & Anchor
• Opening hours: 11 am – 1:30 pm
• Price: 11 – 30 USD

4. Face multiple scenarios in Escape Room 831

Operated by the same entrepreneurs who run the nearby Exodus Escape Room, Escape Room 831 offers a huge range of mysterious locked-room scenarios to entice you – from classic murder mysteries to pirate ships, prisons and even a space station

But till the set room , With so much choice, there is sure to be a landscape to tempt you and the family – and there are certainly plenty of options to ensure a unique experience every time you visit.

Its location on Lighthouse Avenue also puts it within easy reach of Cannery Row and its choice of eateries for a meal after you’ve tested your wits.

• Escape room 831
• Address: 599 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
• Website: Escape Room 831
• Opening hours: Wed-Mon: 11 am – 10 pm (Tuesday by appointment)
• Price: USD 30

5. Enjoy a comedy show at Planet Gemini Taqueria & Club

If you are a fan of comedy, then you should check out the local scene during your stay. Planet Gemini Taqueria and Club is one such option.

This restaurant, bar and venue host many different entertainment options, with comedy and acts on Friday and Saturday nights. In the past, local comedians have rubbed shoulders with big names like Comedy Central and HBO.

Shows usually run from 9:15 pm to 10:45 pm, with DJs providing musical entertainment at the after-party. Check out the times before you leave for the latest listings.

• Planet Gemini Taqueria & Club
• Address: 2110 North Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
• Website: Planet Gemini Taqueria & Club
• Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 1:30 AM (Daily)

6. See a range of films at Cinemark Monterey 13

Whether the weather is inclement or you’re a movie buff, consider an evening trip to the local cinema during any visit to Monterrey.

The Cinemark Monterrey 13 site is one such place to get your movie fixed. This flagship chain, which operates from 525 locations across the US and internationally, showcases the biggest and hottest new releases.

Moreover, its location in Del Monte Shopping Center is sure to attract shoppers and puts it close to eateries to eat before or after your movie.

• Cinemark Monterey 13
• Address: 1700 Del Monte Center, Monterey, CA 93940
• Website: Cinemark Monterey 13
• Opening hours: Vary depending on screening times

7. Down a few pints at Monterey Lane

And if a night at the movies doesn’t appeal, how about hitting the lanes at a local bowling alley for family-friendly entertainment?

Monterey Lanes was recently remodeled and featured at least 24 lanes, so expect you’ll have trouble finding free lanes to enjoy some games.

The venue boasts its own sports bar and grill as well as everything from billiard tables to foosball for family feasting during your visit when you’re not hitting the lanes.

• Monterey lane
• Address: 2161 North Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
• Website: Monterey Lane
• Opening hours: Mon – Thursday: 9 AM – 12 AM; Fri & Sat: 9 am – 1 pm; Sun: 8 am to 12 am
• Price: from 14 USD (per hour per lane) or 4.65/3.95 USD (per game)

8. Go on a Ghost Tour of Old Monterey with Tours Monterey

If you’re not afraid of things that go bump in the night, a ghost tour around Old Monterey’s streets will be a tempting proposition during one evening of your stay.

Monterey’s rich history—which includes a time as the capital of Mexican California—is full of fascinating chapters.

Tours Monterey operates 90-minute guided paranormal tours every Saturday night between mid-April and early November. So why not have the guide whisk you aboard a modified trolley bus for a slightly spooky evening’s entertainment?

And, if that doesn’t sound appealing, the firm operates several other trolley bus programs throughout the week for you to enjoy.

• Tourism Monterey
• Address: 290 Figueroa Street, Monterey, CA 93940
• Website: Tours Monterey
• Opening hours: 8 pm every Saturday during the season
• Price: From 35 USD (adult) and 20 USD (child)

9. Relax at the Asian Spa

If you want to relax and forget about the stresses of daily life, a massage at the local spa will surely be tempting.

Massage therapy will surely help you out with the knots in your back. The Asian Spa on Fremont Street is just one of the many options available during your visit.

And it’s open until 9 p.m., so you’ll be able to fit in an evening massage after a busy day enjoying the sights or hopping into an office on a business trip.

• Asian spa
• Address: 2252 North Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
• Website: Asian Spa
• Opening hours: 10 am – 9 pm (daily)

10. Enjoy home-style seafood at Monterey’s Fish House

Monterey’s famous bay and beaches mean a lot to many people, but they also guarantee a thriving seafood scene.

The family-run Fish House of Monterey is located right next to the ocean on Fisherman’s Wharf and is one of the top eateries for those who like a little surf in their meals.

Voted Best Seafood in Monterey on more than one occasion, the restaurant has also been featured on US TV food shows.

Moreover, it’s open every evening of the week, so you’ll have ample opportunity to sample specialty dishes like its Oak Grilled Oysters and its Sicilian Holiday Pasta. However, due to its popularity, reservations are advised.

• Monterey’s Fish House
• Address: 2114 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
• Website: The Fish House of Monterey
• Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11.30 am – 2:30 pm, 5 pm – 9:30 pm; Sat & Sun: 5 pm – 9:30 pm
• Price: 11 – 30 USD

Where do you want to start?

Whatever you fancy doing in the evening – whether it’s a slapdash meal in good company, brain teasers at a local escape room, or a little spooky fun while roaming the city streets – you and your loved ones There’s plenty to keep you entertained during a visit to Monterey.

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