Monterey Bay

Monterey will always hold a special place in my heart. I went to Cal State University, Monterey Bay and lived in Seaside, CA for a little over 4 years. Visiting here again recently brought back so many of my favorite college memories and we were able to squeeze in so many stops at my favorite local eateries. In this blog, I want to share my personal perspective on some of the must-visit places to eat and drink in Monterey County. Keep in mind, I was a cheap college kid who only went out to “nicer restaurants” when my parents were in town and would take me. Anyway, let’s dig in!

Coffee Mia Brew Bar & Cafe

Coffee Mia is one of my favorites anywhere, not just in Monterey. It’s a delightful coffee shop and breakfast/lunch spot in Marina serving classic Italian food like panini’s. I love their pour over drip coffee and pastries, also be sure to try the Volcano. While their food is delicious, what I love most about this place though, is the family that runs it. Every single time I’ve eaten there the owner, Horace Mercurio has been the one to take my order and prepare my coffee with an energetic, lively mood that you just don’t see very often. His father, Frank Mercurio passed away back in 2016 and was always the one to bring out my food to me with such a warm smile on his face.

Rosine’s Restaurant

Located on the historic Alvarado Street in Monterey, this family-owned diner embodies the essence of comfort food. From their hearty pasta dishes to their legendary homemade pies & cakes, Rosine’s offers a delightful, a filling meal. The warm and friendly atmosphere here makes it the perfect spot to start or end your day.

Captain + Stoker

This place was just a pop up stand at various locations when I was in school. Now, five years in they have their own coffee shop in Monterey that offers a cozy place to work and is the ideal stop to get your caffeine fix.

Papa Chevo’s

No trip to Monterey is complete without a Papa Chevo’s bacon breakfast burrito. My favorite breakfast burrito of all time. Papa Chevo’s is just a little drive through shack in Marina and probably the only place in town open 24 hours. Needless to say, it was a go-to.

Noodle Bar

For those craving Asian cuisine with a modern twist, Noodle Bar in Marina is an absolute must-visit. Their menu is a delightful fusion of Vietnamese flavors, featuring a variety of noodle dishes and boba smoothies. This was always our go to after softball games.

Alvarado Street Brewery

Alvarado Street Brewery in downtown Monterey stands as a testament to the craft beer culture. With inventive brews and a welcoming ambiance, it’s a great location to an enjoy an afternoon of casual sipping with tasty bites. Their beer selection is also largely IPA’s.

Fieldwork Brewing

Fieldwork Brewing Company is a craft brewery originally founded in Berkeley. They have a location in downtown Monterey and it’s always a favorite stop. I love their outdoor patio and chill atmosphere. They also have a great, seasonally changing rotation of craft brews.

From Scratch Restaurant

From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel offers a delicious breakfast experience in the Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel. Their breakfast menu is filled with homemade dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Whether you prefer savory omelets or sweet treats like pancakes and pastries, they have something for everyone. When you dine here, you can enjoy a relaxing meal in a cozy setting, complete with great coffee and tasty food that will start your day on a high note. My personal favorite is their homemade biscuits and gravy. *chefs kiss*

Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery

Phil’s is my dad (and many others) favorite seafood place. I don’t even like seafood but I know everyone raves about it and Jordan loves oysters. I was so sad to discover they actually moved locations from their original place opened since 1982 to a new spot in Castroville, not too far from Moss Landing. The seafood was still incredible (or so I heard) and I was pleasantly surprised to see new menu items including more pasta options without seafood in it and a variety of different kinds of baked artichokes because Castroville is the Artichoke Capital of the World. The flavor we tried was so good!

Red’s Donuts

Red’s Donuts is a local donut shop in Seaside and Monterey. They are known for crafting fresh, hand-made donuts daily and have proudly upheld this tradition since 1950.

Pizza My Heart

Pizza My Heart is a chain of pizzeria restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area but, it was new to me and oh so good. The one in Monterey is located in the Del Monte Shopping Center.

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is a popular chain known for its creative sandwiches, signature “Dirty Sauce,” and crispy Dutch Crunch bread. It was founded by Ike Shehadeh in San Francisco in 2007, but the brand has since expanded across multiple states. I had never heard of Ike’s before moving to Monterey, and there’s is a location on Munras Ave. that we went to frequently. The caramel apple lollipops you get with your sandwich are an added plus.

Schooners Monterey

Schooners Monterey is a waterfront restaurant located at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, offering stunning ocean views and a menu focused on fresh, sustainable seafood. Known for its elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, Schooners serves dishes like clam chowder, seafood pasta, and locally sourced fish, along with craft cocktails and a great wine selection.

Wagon Wheel Coffee Shop

I have only eaten here once but the food and atmosphere was great. I went with my coworkers from when I worked at Gold’s Gym. They were all locals having grown up in Monterey Bay and this was definitely a spot for the regulars and the locals. It’s located up in Carmel Valley.

Revival Ice Cream

Revival’s opened up on Alvarado Street when I was a sophomore in college. It’s a cute little shop that serves ice cream made with organic and local ingredients, handcrafted in small batches.

Sovino Wine Bar & Merchant

This is a wine bar in downtown Monterey that my roommate worked at for a while so we’d go there often. We even participated in one of their paint nights and had a great time.

Compagno’s Market & Deli

If you’re looking for great sandwiches, this is the place. Compagno’s itself is nothing to look at, it just looks like a run down old corner convenience store. It’s truly a “dive”. Bennet, the owner is awesome and if you have the in with him, he’ll serve you a fresh, giant slice of cake with your sandwich. The sandwiches are fantastic and MASSIVE.

Little Napoli

I’ve only been here once and it was on our most recent trip. This Italian restaurant is located in Carmel-by-the-Sea and we enjoyed delicious pizza and wine.

So, the next time you find yourself in Monterey, be sure to embark on your own culinary adventure, and let me know what other hidden gems I need to add to my list. I love you Monterey Bay, ’till next time!

As always, travel on my friends.

The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is an infamous stretch of road that winds along the rugged California coastline, offering breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. When I went to college in Monterey, I once decided to take the 1 from Monterey all the way down to Santa Barbra on my way back home to Palm Springs. I’ve now done a few different variations of this drive and recommend a few key stops actually starting from Santa Cruz  and ending down in Morro Bay. Join me as we explore these essential stops and hidden gems along this incredible route.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Start your journey at the lively Santa Cruz Boardwalk, an iconic seaside amusement park that’s been a California staple  for over a century. Enjoy thrilling rides, classic arcade games, and the lively atmosphere of this beachfront destination before hitting the road.

Panther Beach, Santa Cruz

While in Santa Cruz, also be sure to make a stop at Panther Beach. Here, you’ll find a beautiful beach with an opening in a cliff that creates a picturesque (and very instagrammable) arch.

Abandoned Pier Swing, Davenport

Make a stop in the charming town of Davenport, known for its pristine beaches and the captivating abandoned pier swing. Davenport’s history dates back to the mid-1800s when it was established as a small whaling town. This unique swing is perched on the remnants of an old pier that was used for businesses in the whaling industry. Today it offers a thrilling experience and panoramic views of the coastline. It’s a perfect spot for a dose of adventure and adrenaline (having to scale the side of the cliff to get down there) and a memorable photo opportunity.

17-Mile Drive, Monterey Bay

One of the best ways to see the stunning panoramic views Monterey Bay has to offer is with the 17-mile drive. The 17-Mile Drive offers a breathtaking route through exclusive neighborhoods, championship golf courses, and stunning coastal landscapes, including famous stops like the Lone Cypress and Bird Rock. It’s a must-do experience for anyone visiting the area.

Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur

Bixby Creek Bridge is an iconic stop. When people think of Big Sur, this bridge likely comes to mind. It’s actually one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world. Stop here to capture panoramic views of the coastline.

McWay Falls, Big Sur

Another iconic Big Sur location is McWay Falls. You’ve probably seen a picture of this stunning waterfall at some point in your life.  It’s a waterfall that cascades directly onto a pristine beach in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It’s a photographer’s paradise and it requires a a short hike to get to.

Elephant Seal Beach, San Simeon

My next recommendation is to make a quick stop in San Simeon to see Elephant Seal Beach. From December through March, female elephant seals arrive on the beach to give birth.  Witnessing thousands of these magnificent creatures up close is a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Morro Rock, Morro Bay

And last but not least, I recommend making a stop in Morro Bay to see the infamous Morro Rock. Stop and explore the bay’s picturesque waterfront, enjoy fresh seafood, and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed!

Did this journey get your travel blood pumping? Pack your bags, hit the road, and let the California coast take your breath away! Let us know what stop we missed and should add to this list. As always, travel on my friends.