This is my Monterey California Ultimate Travel Guide. I have traveled twice to Monterey California and each time I fall in love! This place is so special! It’s so unique from any other place, and it is absolutely beautiful. I am obsessed! The views are spectacular, the food is great, and it always results in the best trip! I love it there! Here is my travel guide for what to see, do, and of course, where to eat!
Where to Eat
Schooners: Suspended over the waves of Monterey Bay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, Schooners Monterey serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on carefully sourced seafood. Unobstructed views from the heated waterfront terrace provide a welcoming and lively atmosphere for travelers and locals alike. Get a cup of clam chowder and warm cookies! It’s a must-try!
Whaling Station Steakhouse: The internationally acclaimed Whaling Station Steakhouse, perched just above Steinbeck’s Cannery Row has been Monterey County’s #1 Steak House for over 50 years. Order the Pavlova for dessert! You have to!
The Bench: Located on the 18th hole of Pebble Beach, it’s fun to sit outside and watch golfers finish their round. They have fire pits outside to dine at and enjoy the view. Their menu features pizzas, salads, and yummy desserts too!
Pebble Beach Market: Grab a sandwich here! They are delicious and a great easy spot for lunch.
Carmel
Carmel Belle: This gourmet store and casual cafe are tucked into a shopping center in downtown Carmel-By-The-Sea and it’s a perfect spot for a casual breakfast.
Little Swiss Cafe: A cute and quaint cottage for yummy breakfast!
Carmel Bakery: It dates back to 1899 and is the oldest standing building in Carmel today. You can find everything from baked goodies, drinks, Bavarian pretzels, sandwiches soups, and salads.
What to Do
Bike 17-Mile Drive: An absolute must is renting E-Bikes and go ride out to Pebble Beach through a 17-mile drive! It is absolutely beautiful and so fun! Stop for lunch at the Deli Market in Pebble Beach for a Rueben sandwich and enjoy every inch of the stunning stops and views! Stop at Point Joe, The Lone Cypress Tree, Seal Rock, and all of the lookouts.
Big Sur: An absolute must is taking the drive down to Big Sur. Enjoy the stunning views and stops, and be sure to get out at the Bixby Bridge. It’s one of my favorite views in the world!
Cannery Row: Located down on the water, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, treats, and views. It’s fun to simply walk the row and site see. There is a Pebble Beach outlet store that is worth a visit!
Carmel by the Sea: A town is as well known for its shopping. This quaint city full of art galleries, boutiques, hotels, shops, fine restaurants, beaches, views of Pebble Beach, and whimsically styled homes evokes a storybook ambiance that can be appreciated by romantics of all ages.
Golf:
Of course, if you are headed to Monterey, California, odds are it’s to golf. They have some of the most well-known golf courses in the world! My husband and brothers have played quite a few courses in Monterey and have loved their experience. They highly recommend playing a round or two!
Here are the courses they have played:
- Spanish Bay
- Spyglass
- Pebble Beach
- Pacific Grove
- Poppy Hills
- Bayonet
- The Hay
Old Fisherman’s Wharf: Worth the walk to go down and see. There are plenty of candy shops, views, and seals on the wharf which makes it a fun spot!
Aquarium: Located at the ocean’s edge on historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is your window to marine life. Visit sea otters, penguins, sharks, and so much more! It’s a great aquarium and worth the visit.
Pebble Beach: Even if you aren’t a golfer, or even golfing on your trip, you should visit Pebble Beach. It’s iconic! There are shops, and views of the 18th green!
Doris Day’s House: You can google Doris Day’s address and drive up to it. It’s fun to seek it out and sneak a peek at this iconic home!
Whale Watching: This is one of the things that Monterey is most known for. If you are traveling between April – November, it is common to spot a few humpback whales in this area!
Catamaran Cruise: This is a fun and popular excursion in Monterey Bay. There are a lot of piers where you will see large amounts of boats and tour companies.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: With its picture-perfect vistas and towering granite cliffs, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is perfect to explore for a half-day trip.
Lovers Point Park and Beach: Easily reached by following the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, Lovers Point is gorgeous to visit.
Where to Stay
Here are the two places I’ve stayed in Monterey! Although there are tons of hotel options in the area.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa: It is pure luxury! It is situated near Cannery Row and has the perfect location and views to match! This is a popular spot for weddings and events because every inch of this place is absolutely gorgeous. It also smells amazing, has a great gym, and is right near the walking path. This plaza is located only a 15-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf and a 10-minute walk from the Aquarium.
Victorian Inn: This is by Best Western located just above the Plaza hotel. It’s a great stay! More affordable than the plaza, and it’s well maintained. Easy to walk to shops, the Wharf, walking path, and the aquarium.
There you have it!
That’s my Monterey California Ultimate Travel Guide!
If you haven’t been to Monterey, California, I recommend you go! You will not regret it! Obviously, I am a huge fan of this beautiful city and I may be a little biased, but for good reason!
Have fun traveling! I hope this Monterey California Ultimate Travel Guide was helpful!
Alex
