Let’s Go: Monterey, California
Here are my top picks for Monterey County and a few local secrets. I have you covered when you are ready to travel around Highway one through Monterey County. This famous stretch of coastal highway is home to Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Carmel by the Sea, Monterey, and Salinas Valley. let’s go!
Important Airport Information:
Convenient Monterey Regional Airport, which has short and hassle-free security lines, is located just 10 minutes door-to-door from downtown Monterey, 15 minutes from Carmel-by-the-Sea, 25 minutes from downtown Salinas and 45 minutes from Big Sur. Visitors can fly direct to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) via international and domestic connecting routes on Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines and United Express. Fly direct from airports including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Phoenix (PHX), San Diego (SAN), Las Vegas (LAS), Denver (DEN) and Dallas (DFW). Charter and private flights are also available. Other large airports near Monterey County include Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), located 60 minutes from downtown Monterey and 50 from downtown Salinas; and San Francisco International Airport, located 2 hours from downtown Monterey and 90 minutes from downtown Salinas.
Hotels to Consider:
There are so many hotels to choose from while staying in Monterey County. However, we decided to stay at two Hyatt properties: the Hyatt Carmel Highlands and the Hyatt Monterey. Hyatt is a great brand and a perfect place to use your points and upgrade especially in Monterey County. Hyatt Carmel Highlands is a picturesque retreat overlooking the Big Sur coast with epic views of the Pacific Ocean. After a morning of yoga, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or unwind with a relaxing spa experience and of course a glass of Pinot Noir from the #MontereyWine region. The Hyatt Regency Monterey is centrally located and a great place if you want to stay a little closer to Carmel or Monterey. They just finished a $33 million renovation. So, it’s the perfect place to play a round of golf or tennis and then relax at one of their outdoor swimming pools and firepits. The Hyatt Monterey is family and pet friendly. Plus, it’s close to a lot of attractions in the area like Cannery Row and the Aquarium etc.
Day Activities:
One of the most scenic drives on the Monterey Peninsula is behind the gates of Pebble Beach. The entrance fee into the Pebble Beach Resorts and 17 mile Drive is $10.50 per vehicle. Allow yourself enough time to stop and take in the views. Make a reservation at the Inn at Spanish Bay or The Lodge at Pebble Beach. We had dinner at the Bench with views of the 18th hole. It was magical and a moment we will never forget. Book your reservations in advance. If you are looking for something a little more casual , pack a lunch and enjoy the sights at Seal Rock.
Big Sur - With more than 90 miles of jagged Pacific coastline, Big Sur is truly magical for nature lovers. Top Picks: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls. Pfeiffer Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic sunset spots on the central coast. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is the perfect hike for beginners and casual hiking.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small beach city on California's Monterey Peninsula. It's known for the museums and library of the historic Carmel Mission, and the fairytale cottages and galleries. We had fun trying to locate the hidden passageways sprinkled throughout the village. Many of these Courtyards & Passageways were created back in the 1920’s when Hugh Comstock’s fairytale houses and shops were built. You might be hard pressed to visit all 42 Courtyards & Passageways in Carmel but it’s fun trying to find them! Carmel by the Sea has great shopping as well. Ocean Ave was our favorite street to shop the local scene. We visited a shop called Ami Carmel as well. We found the perfect gifts for friends and family here.
Mad Dogs and Englishman -We rented electric bikes here to see the town of Carmel by the Sea. This shop offers bicycle services and rentals. They specialized in e-bikes, and sidecars. We had a blast renting from Mad Dogs. It was the highlight of our time in Carmel By the Sea. Add this one to your things to do while in Carmel by the Sea. They also have a location in Cannery Row.
Here are a few restaurants to add to your list when visiting Monterey County:
This restaurant is locally owned and a family run business. I put this at the top of the list because it was my favorite place to dine in Monterey County. The owners were so friendly and the food is all homemade...including the pasta! The locals don’t want this secret to get out, but, if you want a home cooked Italian meal at a reasonable price - book here. It’s not too fancy and the location is not the most picturesque spot in town, but the food and the people will make up for it. Trust me. Plus, homemade gelato….
A sweet little Mexican restaurant located in the hidden walkways of Carmel by the Sea. This restaurant is full of color, vibrancy and great food. The cocktails are just as colorful and delicious. We had such a great time listening to the live entertainment, sitting outside and enjoying the breeze and tacos!
This Eatery is perched on a Big Sur cliffside offering California fare & a terrace with breathtaking views. Good shopping too. Book reservations, it’s a popular place but worth it!
Roman Style Pizzeria and Bakery - Featuring seasonal, fresh ingredients and lovingly handcrafted pastries, doughs, and pastas. Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea . Perfect spot to grab a bite to eat while in town. The food was delicious.
Warm and easy going cafe serving caffeinated drinks plus baked goods, sweets & ice cream. It's charming and a great way to take in the view. The Cafe latte was very good! We loved stopping in here and picking up breakfast and coffee. They also serve lunch and light snacks.
If you love craft beer, give this place a try. Alvarado is one of the region's most respected brewers of pale ales and IPAs. The 5 barrel in-house brewery and restaurant features a 40 seat outside courtyard plus plenty of indoor dining. The food pairs nicely as well with all of the ales and IPAs.