My family and I have been visiting Monterey for as long as I can remember, and we've always had a love for the city. Since it's only about a 3-hour drive from our hometown, my parents tend to go every other month. This past weekend, my parents brought myself and my boyfriend to Monterey, and I got to enjoy his first experience with many of the amazing things the city has to offer. These are the 9 experiences everyone should have while visiting Monterey.

1. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the nation’s top research and exhibit aquariums, Monterey Bay Aquarium has everything from sea otters to flamingos, as well as touch pools, wildlife lectures, a food court, and multiple gift shops. My family and I have never once, in all the 22 years of my life, gone to Monterey without visiting the Aquarium. It’s a must-visit for all ages.

2. Hike at Point Lobos

Admittedly, Point Lobos is closer to Carmel-by-the-Sea than it is to Monterey, but the short 20-minute drive and the lovely ocean views make it worth mentioning. Hike as long, or as short, as you’d like; either way you’ll find yourself admiring gorgeous seaside views and beaches, and you may even catch a glimpse of some sea otters, seals, and sea lions! My family discovered Point Lobos a few years ago, and we admittedly fell in love with hiking because of it.

3. Spend some time at Fisherman’s Warf

Fisherman’s Warf is equipped with several shops and eateries, and is home to various sea life. From caricatures to whale watching, there’s little you won’t find at the Warf. Personally, I’m quite fond of a big, pink building containing many tchotchkes, t-shirts and, bafflingly, dragon statues for sale. Being a mere mile from the hotel we stay at, there’s never any reason to skip a visit to Fisherman’s Warf.

4. Go whale-watching

While the whales aren’t always breaching and the water can be a bit too rough to venture out, whale-watching is an experience I highly recommend enjoying. Watching four humpback whales swim together and flip their tails for a deep underwater dive in near unison is quite a sight. My family and I have gone whale watching four or five times and only once have we ever been disappointed.

5. Check out the tide pools at Asilomar Beach

Asilomar Beach is not your typical sandy beach; it’s mostly boulders and large rocks that come to an abrupt end where Monterey Bay begins. However, because of its uneven surface, when the tide goes out, it leaves several lovely mini-oceans in its place. Sitting on the edge of the rocks watching the sun set on the ocean is one of the most amazing sights I’ve ever seen.

6. Take a stroll down Cannery Row

Cannery Row is a famous, historical landmark that offers various shops, dining experiences, and waterside-views, including, of course the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Though many of these shops are sort of kitschy, some of them house some truly awesome and unique items as well; not to mention the food is phenomenal!

7. Go Scuba Diving

Personally, I’ve never gone scuba diving, and I probably never will due to claustrophobia and a small fear of the deep sea. However, from my dad’s recollections, both from doing so himself and from his zoology studies, the view is incredible. Watching the fish swim freely and seeing the way the motion of the ocean affects the various sea life is nothing short of beautiful.

8. Wander around a bit

Go ahead and get lost! So long as you don’t wander too far, and you’ve got your map or phone handy, go ahead and take a turn you’ve never taken before! You never know, you might just discover your new favorite restaurants, shops, or fun things to do.

9. Eat!

There are so many awesome places to eat in Monterey; from the Chart House, to Louie Linguini’s, to El Torrito, you’ll never be short of somewhere amazing to eat, no matter where you go. I definitely recommend venturing outside of your hotel room to enjoy some local dining, usually at a lower cost.