Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you.
Monterey sure has changed alot since I lived there in college, but as a former local, here are my top recommendations!
Where to Stay
- ๐ Monterey Beach Hotel โ Mid-range: Stylish, beachfront hotel with direct ocean views (formerely Monterey Tides)
- ๐จ Spindrift Inn โ Luxury: Romantic boutique hotel on Cannery Row with ocean views
- ๐ InterContinental The Clement Monterey โ Luxury: Modern waterfront hotel steps from the Aquarium with spa amenities
- ๐๏ธ Asilomar Conference Grounds โ Affordable to Mid-range: Rustic lodge-style rooms
- ๐ฒ Big Sur River Inn โ Mid-range: Quaint and relaxing, best for a Highway 1 road trip stay
- ๐ช Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa โ Luxury: High-end hotel over the water with spa and fine dining
- ๐ก Green Gables Inn (Pacific Grove) โ Mid-range: Charming B&B with ocean views and breakfast included
- ๐ค Hotel Pacific โ Mid-range: All-suite hotel with walkable downtown location
- ๐ Carmel Mission Inn โ Mid-range: Stylish and fun retro vibes with pool and good value for Carmel
- ๐ผ LโAuberge Carmel โ Luxury: High-end, romantic escape in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea
- ๐ฆ Butterfly Grove Inn โ Affordable: Simple, clean, and peaceful stay right next to the Monarch Sanctuary and coastal trails in Pacific Grove
Things to Do
- ๐ Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
- ๐ Take the 17-Mile Drive
- ๐ Whale Watching Tours
- ๐ท Wine Tasting in Carmel valley
- ๐ฆฆ Kayak at Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing
- ๐ฅพ Hike Garrapata State park
- โณ๏ธ Play a round of Golf (choose from high-end options like Pebble Beach & affordable options like Bayonet & Black Horse)
- ๐งโโ๏ธ Spa Day at the Refuge in Carmel
- ๐ Paddleboard in Stillwater Cove
- ๐๏ธ Monterey Bay Handcar Tours
Places to See
- ๐ฆญOld Fishermanโs Wharf โ touristy shops, seafood, sea lions, and harbor views
- ๐ Cannery Row – historic waterfront district
- ๐ฟ Point Lobos State Natural Reserve โ hiking, wildlife, and breathtaking coastline
- ๐ Lovers Point Park โ great for picnics, sunrises/sunsets, and ocean views
- ๐๏ธ Asilomar State Beach โ beautiful boardwalks, dunes, and tide pools
- ๐ Fort Ord Dunes State Park – peaceful, secluded beach lined with cliffs
- ๐ Big Sur – Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls
- ๐๏ธ Carmel-by-the-Sea โ fairytale cottages, upscale shops, white-sand beach, and art galleries
What to Eat
- ๐ Philโs Fish Market & Eatery โ Famous for its fresh seafood, now located in Castroville
- ๐ฅช Compagnoโs Market & Deli โ A local favorite offering huge, flavorful sandwiches
- ๐ฏ Papa Chevoโs Taco Shop โ Casual drive-thru spot for Mexican food (best bacon breakfast burritos)
- ๐ Noodle Bar โ Local Vietnamese Food located in Marina & Seaside
- ๐ป Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill โ Craft beer and diverse pub food in Downtown Monterey
- ๐ณ Coffee Mia Brew Bar & Bistro โ A charming, local spot where the owner welcomes guests and serves good food
- โ๏ธ Captain + Stoker Coffee Roasters โ Hip cafรฉ with quality coffee and a cyclist-friendly vibe
- ๐ฆ Revival Ice Cream โ Small-batch organic ice cream with creative, locally sourced flavors
- ๐ฅ From Scratch Restaurant โ Comfort food made fresh, tucked inside The Barnyard in Carmel
- ๐ซ Old Fishermanโs Grotto โ Classic seafood and chowder on Montereyโs historic wharf
- ๐ Rosineโs Restaurant โ Homestyle Italian-American fare and famously massive desserts
- ๐ฉ Redโs Donuts โ A Monterey staple since the ’50s, serving classic donuts like glazed twists and maple bars
- ๐ First Awakenings โ Popular breakfast spot near the Aquarium with huge portions, casual vibes, and sunny outdoor seating
Happy exploring! What locations am I missing?!