Things to do in Monterey, splurging
The aquarium, a kelp-forest paddle, Point Lobos and Carmel, dinner at Chez Noir.
This is a Monterey for people who want the serious meal and the salt-air morning in equal measure. Days move from Cannery Row's converted canneries and world-class aquarium, out to the cypress headlands of Point Lobos, and down through Pacific Grove's quiet lanes to an ocean golf links. You will spend real money on dinner and not regret it.
Day 1: Cannery Row and the waterfront
The day opens with coffee and the aquarium, earns its afternoon in a kelp-forest kayak, and closes over a legendary table at the Sardine Factory.
- 9:30 AM
Wave Street Cafe
Coffee and a breakfast plate a block up from Cannery Row, ten minutes on foot from the aquarium doors.
Map - 10:30 AM
Monterey Bay Aquarium
World-class aquarium: three-storey kelp forest, Open Sea million-gallon tank, and rescued sea otters, unmissable Monterey landmark.
Map - 12:30 PM
Paprika Cafe
Acclaimed Mediterranean on Cannery Row, outstanding value, bright flavours, beloved by locals and guides alike.
Map - 4:30 PM
Kayaking Monterey Bay kelp forests
Paddle over the kelp beds off San Carlos Beach, where sea otters raft up and harbor seals surface nearby.
Map - 7:30 PM
The Sardine Factory
Cannery Row's big night out since 1968; ask for the glass-roofed Conservatory and order the abalone bisque.
Map - 9:30 PM
Alvarado Street Brewery
A downtown brewpub pouring its own hazy IPAs and sours; get a tasting flight and walk back along the water.
Map
Day 2: Carmel village and Point Lobos
A morning in Carmel's galleries and wine rooms gives way to Point Lobos, where the cypress groves and turquoise coves are the best two hours you will spend on the California coast.
- 9:30 AM
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Start in Carmel-by-the-Sea's storybook village, grab coffee at one of its charming cafés and soak up the galleries and wine tasting rooms as they open.
Map - 10:30 AM
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Museum
California's second mission, founded 1771; see Junipero Serra's grave, the stone basilica and the museum rooms.
Map - 12:30 PM
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos is the crown jewel of the California coast, Monterey cypress groves, turquoise coves, harbour seals and sea lions; give it a full two hours.
Map - 7:30 PM
Chez Noir
Jonny Black's Carmel kitchen builds its menu on Central Coast seafood and produce; book well ahead.
Map
Day 3: Asilomar, Pacific Grove, and the links
Julia Morgan's Arts and Crafts cottages, a back-nine ocean links at Point Pinos, and a seafood dinner to finish: the Peninsula at its most unhurried.
- 9:30 AM
Asilomar State Beach
Walk the boardwalk over the restored dunes to tide pools and white sand, and watch for harbor seals offshore.
Map - 11:00 AM
Asilomar Conference Grounds
Start the morning exploring the landmark Julia Morgan, designed grounds, coffee in hand, wandering the Arts & Crafts cottages and pine-framed paths.
Map - 12:30 PM
Compagno's Market & Deli
An old family grocery that builds huge sandwiches to order; one easily feeds two for a picnic.
Map - 2:00 PM
Pacific Grove Golf Links
Afternoon round at Pacific Grove Golf Links, the back nine is a true ocean links at Point Pinos, one of the best-value coastal rounds on the Peninsula.
Map - 7:30 PM
Passionfish
Sustainable seafood in Pacific Grove with a wine list priced near retail; order the fish of the day.
Map - 9:30 PM
The Crown & Anchor
A cellar British pub off Alvarado Street; a pint of something English on tap and fish and chips if you are hungry.
Map
Where to stay
InterContinental The Clement Monterey
The InterContinental sits right on Cannery Row, putting Day 1's aquarium, dinner and cocktail bar within easy walking distance, with the kind of room and service that matches the splurge tone of the whole trip.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Monterey Plaza Hotel puts you on the water's edge of Cannery Row at a shade less than the InterContinental's rate, with a spa and bay-view rooms that hold up on every count.
Make Monterey your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: a few days ahead
- Pebble Beach Golf Links: months ahead
- Pacific Grove Golf Links: a few days ahead
- Whale watching, Monterey Bay: a few days ahead
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: a few days ahead
- The Lodge at Pebble Beach: months ahead
Skip these
- Wharf 1 sit down seafood as a category, view pricing for adequate food. Eat at Sandbar, Fish House, Passionfish or Montrio instead.
- Cannery Row souvenir retail, walk the Row for history, the Aquarium and a tasting, shop in Pacific Grove and Carmel.
- Paying for 17-Mile Drive twice, dine at a Pebble restaurant over 35 dollars and keep the receipt for gate reimbursement.
- Monterey as a beach swimming trip, the bay is cold and the pretty coves are for looking and diving, not lounging.
The full Monterey travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around