12 MAGICAL Things to Do in Monterey at Night (2025 Guide)

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Think Monterey’s just about aquarium visits and Cannery Row? Wait till the sun sets. That’s when this slice of California coast really shows off, from glowing jellyfish at late-night aquarium events to sea lions serenading your dinner plans.

I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Monterey at night, from secret spots where locals watch the surf to bars where John Steinbeck probably wrote his best stories. Between the fresh seafood spots and moonlit beach walks, you’ll see why this town saves its best tricks for after dark. Sorry, San Francisco, but Monterey’s got coastal nights figured out!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this ghost walking tour in Monterey! They guide you to haunted landmarks like Colton Hall Museum and the Larkin House, plus you’ll hear chilling local stories most tourists miss. This ghost tour is absolutely a must-do on a Monterey itinerary in my opinion.

Best Things to Do in Monterey at Night (Updated 2025)

Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Monterey in the nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Monterey after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Monterey at night.

Whatever you’re planning to do once the sun sets, Monterey, one of the top places to live and visit in California, can accommodate your needs. Here are all the best things to do in Monterey at night that you should know about!

1. Kayak through bioluminescent waters at Elkhorn Slough

Ready for something that’ll absolutely blow your mind? Elkhorn Slough has bioluminescent kayaking tours that are honestly way cooler than anything I expected. The water literally lights up around your paddle when conditions are right, and it’s like kayaking through a galaxy.

Kayak Connection runs the best bioluminescence tours from June through October. Their 3-hour starlight tours start about an hour before sunset for $85-95 per person, so you get wildlife viewing and the light show. I actually got to see sea otters playing while waiting for it to get dark enough for the bioluminescence to kick in. Blue Water Ventures also offers private group tours for $115-130 per person if you’ve got 8+ people.

The tours launch from Moss Landing Harbor behind Monterey Bay Kayaks. You’ll spend the first part cruising around spotting sea otters and harbor seals, then once it’s properly dark, the real magic happens. Every paddle stroke creates these blue-green sparkles in the water from disturbed plankton.

Pro tip: no kayaking experience needed, and they provide all the gear including wetsuits. Just dress in layers because it gets chilly on the water at night. Book at least 48 hours ahead since these tours fill up fast, especially on weekends.

2. Explore bars and restaurants on Alvarado Street

Alvarado Street is where Monterey’s nightlife actually happens. Forget touristy Cannery Row – this is where locals hang out and the drinks don’t cost $18.

Alvarado Street Brewery is the obvious first stop. Their beer garden stays open until 10:30pm on weekends, and I’m pretty obsessed with their Mai Tai P.A. (it’s won five medals at the Great American Beer Festival for good reason). The food’s solid too, especially if you’re hungry after a day of sightseeing. They’ve got everything from house-smoked wings to loaded pretzels.

The Crown & Anchor is this British pub that’s actually in a basement, which sounds weird but works perfectly. They’ve got 18 beers on tap and the fish and chips are legit. Plus their outdoor patio is great when it’s not foggy. The Britannia Arms does live music Friday and Saturday nights, and their trivia nights on Mondays are pretty competitive.

I really like that you can bar hop the whole street pretty easily. Pearl Hour has live jazz on Wednesdays and Sundays, plus they do burlesque shows that are way more fun than they sound. The cocktails there are actually crafted, not just poured from a bottle.

The street has this great mix of locals and visitors, so you’re not stuck in a tourist bubble. Just expect to wait for a table on weekends – these places get packed.

3. Take moonlit walks at Lovers Point Park

Lovers Point Park at night is one of those spots that lives up to the hype. The waves sound different in the dark, and when the moon’s out, the whole coastline looks absolutely magical.

I love coming here after dinner because it’s free, it’s peaceful, and you can actually see the stars when the fog stays away. The park’s got well-maintained paths that are safe to walk at night, plus plenty of benches where you can just sit and listen to the ocean.

The best part is watching the lights from boats out in the bay. Fishing boats heading out for night fishing, the occasional cruise ship passing by – it’s like having a front-row seat to all the ocean activity. I’ve seen sea otters playing in the kelp beds even at night when the moon’s bright enough. The park connects to the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail, so you can walk for miles along the coast if you’re feeling ambitious. But honestly, just finding a good spot to sit and decompress is perfect. It’s one of those rare places where you can actually hear yourself think.

Parking’s free and easy, unlike most of Monterey. Just bring a jacket because the ocean breeze gets cold fast once the sun goes down.

4. Join nighttime ghost tours at Monterey State Historic Park

Ghost tours in Monterey are way better than I thought they’d be. I was expecting cheesy tourist trap stuff, but these guides actually know their history and the stories are genuinely creepy.

US Ghost Adventures runs nightly walking tours for $26 per person. You’ll hit haunted spots like the Larkin House, Colton Hall Museum, and General Sherman Quarters. The tour’s about a mile long and takes 90 minutes. I actually got chills at the old jail in Colton Hall – whether that was ghosts or just the ocean breeze, who knows?

The Haunt Ghost Tours uses actual ghost-hunting equipment, which is pretty cool if you’re into that stuff. They charge around $30-35 per person and do this ceremony at the end to make sure no spirits follow you home (smart marketing).

Ghost Tour of Old Monterey does trolley tours that are more family-friendly and historical. These run about $45 per person for 90 minutes and include stops at multiple adobe houses and the old cemetery. I liked this one because you learn actual Monterey history, not just spooky stories.

All the tours meet downtown and run year-round, rain or shine. Book online ahead of time because they do sell out, especially in October. The walking tours are better if you want the full creepy experience, but the trolley’s more comfortable if it’s windy.

5. Play pool and drink beer at Easy Street Billiards

If you’re looking for a laid-back but genuinely fun night out in Monterey, Easy Street Billiards is your best bet. This downtown pool hall has become the unofficial replacement for the old Blue Fin crowd (my old favorite spot) – offering the same relaxed vibe, without the pretense. 

Inside, you’ll find multiple well-maintained pool tables, a solid selection of beers on tap, and a few vintage arcade games like skee-ball and Golden Tee to mix things up. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point. This is where locals and visitors go to unwind, shoot a few rounds, and enjoy some no-pressure nightlife.

The crowd skews friendly and diverse, with a rotating mix of college students, regulars, and travelers. No cover charge means you can keep it casual and just pay for what you play. There’s no full food menu, but bar snacks and drinks are available…and it’s walking distance to plenty of late-night eats if you get hungry. I came here expecting to kill an hour and ended up staying most of the night.

Best time to go is after 7 PM Wednesday through Saturday, when the energy picks up but the place never feels overwhelming. It’s truly a great spot for easygoing, low-cost nightlife!

6. Eat fresh seafood at Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf

Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf at night is completely different from the daytime tourist scene. The crowds thin out, the lights reflect off the water, and you can actually enjoy your meal without fighting for a table.

Paluca Trattoria has some of the best seafood on the wharf, and their outdoor patio with harbor views is perfect when it’s not too windy. I’m obsessed with their cioppino – it’s loaded with fresh crab, shrimp, and fish. Dinner runs about $25-35 per person, but the portions are huge.

Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle stays open late and does great fish and chips if you want something more casual. Their clam chowder in a sourdough bowl is exactly what you expect from Monterey, and it’s actually really good. Plus it’s like half the price of the fancier spots.

The sea lions are way more active at night, barking and splashing around the docks. I love watching them while eating – it’s like dinner theater but with marine mammals instead of people singing show tunes.

Sandbar & Grill has this locals’ vibe that I really appreciate. Great waterfront views, competitive prices, and the staff actually seems to enjoy working there. Their fish tacos are legitimately some of the best I’ve had on the coast.

Walking the wharf at night is pretty magical. The old fishing boats, the sound of water lapping against the docks, the smell of salt air – it’s touristy but in the best way possible.

7. Wander fairytale streets in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea at night feels like walking through a storybook. I know that sounds cheesy, but those cottage-style houses with their warm windows glowing really do look magical after dark.

The village is only about 10 minutes from Monterey, and it’s worth the drive just to walk around Ocean Avenue and the side streets. All those whimsical buildings with their fairy-tale architecture look even more enchanting with the street lamps casting shadows.

La Bicyclette stays open late and has this cozy French bistro vibe that’s perfect for a romantic dinner. Their wine list focuses on local Carmel Valley vintages, and I had one of the best meals of my trip there. Expect to spend around $40-50 per person for dinner.

Mundaka is this Spanish tapas place that gets pretty lively at night. The cocktails are creative, the small plates are perfect for sharing, and the atmosphere’s way more fun than most places in Carmel. It’s not stuffy at all.

Walking down to Carmel Beach at night is incredible when the moon’s out. The white sand glows, and you can hear the waves crashing in the distance. It’s one of those moments that makes you understand why people pay crazy money to live here.

The shopping areas stay lit up pretty late, so you can window shop even if the stores are closed. It’s like having a private tour of all the galleries and boutiques without the crowds.

8. Attend special nighttime events at Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium does members-only evening hours that are honestly some of the coolest events in town. If you’re not a member, it’s still worth joining just for these nights.

They run special evening events throughout the year, usually from 5pm-7pm or 6pm-8pm. I went to one in March and the whole vibe is completely different from daytime visits. Way fewer people, more intimate exhibits, and the jellyfish displays look absolutely stunning with the evening lighting.

The Open Sea exhibit with those massive hammerhead sharks and sea turtles is incredible when it’s quiet. You can actually spend time watching the animals without getting pushed around by tour groups. Plus the staff does special talks during these events that you don’t get during regular hours.

Adult tickets for regular admission are around $50-60, and membership starts at $89 for individuals. The evening events are included with membership, so it pays off pretty quickly if you’re planning multiple visits.

They also do special themed nights throughout the year – Valentine’s events, holiday celebrations, even adult-only evenings with music and mingling. Check their website for the schedule because these events book up fast.

I really loved seeing the Kelp Forest exhibit in evening light. The whole ecosystem looks different, and you might see nocturnal behaviors you’d miss during busy daytime hours.

9. Walk Victorian neighborhoods in Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove at night is like stepping into a different era. Those Victorian houses with their gingerbread trim and wraparound porches look absolutely gorgeous lit up from inside.

I love walking the residential streets between Lighthouse Avenue and the coastline. 17th Street, Central Avenue, and Forest Avenue have some of the most beautiful Victorian architecture on the coast, and it’s free entertainment to just wander around and admire the houses.

Asilomar State Beach is perfect for night walks when the weather’s clear. The beach stretches for miles, and you can hear the waves crashing on the rocks while you walk. It’s way less crowded than Monterey Beach, so you actually get some solitude.

Passionfish on Lighthouse Avenue is this sustainable seafood restaurant that locals rave about. They focus on underutilized fish species and their wine list is fantastic. Dinner’s around $35-45 per person, but the quality’s really impressive.

The Pacific Grove Lighthouse area is beautiful at night, especially when the lighthouse beam is sweeping across the water. There’s decent parking nearby, and you can walk the coastal trail for miles if you’re feeling ambitious.

Lighthouse Avenue has some good bars and restaurants that stay open later than you’d expect for such a quiet town. Red House Cafe and Peppers Mexicali Cafe both have good late-night scenes without being too rowdy.

10. Take sunset and moonlight cruises on Monterey Bay

Monterey Bay sunset cruises are actually worth the money, which surprised me because boat tours are usually tourist traps. But the water here is so rich with marine life that you’re pretty much guaranteed to see something cool.

Princess Monterey Whale Watching runs 1.5-hour sunset bay cruises on their 110-foot boats for around $45-55 per person. These boats are big enough that you won’t get seasick, and they’ve got heated cabins, restrooms, and a snack bar with beer and wine. I saw a pod of humpback whales on my sunset cruise, which made the whole thing worth it.

Sail Monterey does smaller catamaran cruises that are way more intimate. Their sunset cruises run about $85-95 per person and include complimentary drinks (beer, wine, hard seltzer) plus snacks. The MMAD Catter only takes 24 people max, so you’re not fighting crowds for the best views.

The timing varies by season, but sunset cruises typically depart 1.5 hours before sunset. That gives you time to cruise around the harbor, spot sea otters and sea lions, then head out into the bay for the actual sunset.

I really recommend bringing layers because it gets cold fast once the sun goes down. Most boats provide blankets, but you’ll want a jacket anyway. The views of Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Santa Cruz from the water are incredible.

Monterey Bay is one of the best whale-watching spots in the world because of how deep the water gets so close to shore. Even on sunset cruises focused on scenery, you might see gray whales, humpbacks, or dolphins.

• Read next: Hidden Gems in California

11. Join ghost tours through historic Monterey

Ghost tours in Monterey run every night of the year, and they’re honestly way better than I expected. The town’s got some genuinely spooky history, and the guides know how to tell a good story.

US Ghost Adventures does the most popular walking tours for $26 per person. You’ll visit haunted spots like the Larkin House (where Thomas Larkin’s wife supposedly still roams the halls), the General Sherman Quarters (people see his ghostly figure in full military uniform), and Colton Hall where California’s first constitution was drafted.

The Haunt Ghost Tours uses actual ghost-hunting equipment, which is pretty cool. They charge around $30-35 per person and claim to regularly make contact with spirits. I’m skeptical about that stuff, but the history they teach is fascinating and the ghost stories are genuinely creepy.

Tours meet at 570 Pacific Street (look for guides with lanterns and US Ghost Adventures shirts) and last about 90 minutes. You’ll walk roughly a mile through downtown Monterey, hitting the most haunted historic buildings and learning about murders, mysterious deaths, and unexplained phenomena.

The Monterey Hotel is always the final stop, where guides tell stories about century-old ghosts who still wander the halls. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the historical information is really interesting and you’ll see parts of old Monterey most tourists miss.

Book online because tours do sell out, especially on weekends and in October. Dress warmly because Monterey gets cold and foggy at night.

12. Stargaze and unwind at Asilomar State Beach

Asilomar State Beach is the perfect way to end a night in Monterey. It’s only about 10 minutes from downtown, but it feels like a completely different world once you get there.

The beach stretches for over a mile with these beautiful sand dunes and rocky tide pools. At night, it’s one of the best stargazing spots on the peninsula because you’re away from most of the city lights. I’ve seen the Milky Way clearly from here on clear nights.

The Asilomar Conference Grounds area has some historic buildings designed by Julia Morgan (the same architect who did Hearst Castle), and they look pretty cool lit up at night. There’s a boardwalk trail that goes through the dunes and connects to the beach.

Walking the beach at night is incredibly peaceful. You’ll hear the waves crashing, see the lights from boats offshore, and maybe even spot some bioluminescence in the surf if you’re lucky. It’s way less crowded than Lover’s Point or Monterey State Beach.

Parking’s free and there are clean restrooms open during reasonable hours. The only downside is that it can get really windy and cold, so bring layers. I actually keep a blanket in my car specifically for Asilomar visits.

It’s also a great spot for sunrise if you’re an early riser. The beach faces southeast, so you get incredible sunrise views over the Monterey Peninsula.