Activities & Attractions (6)
17-Mile Drive
Scenic toll road through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach featuring dramatic rocky coastlines, twisted cypress groves, pristine beaches, and spectacular ocean vistas. Multiple pullouts for photos and short walks.
Cannery Row
Historic waterfront district with galleries, boutique shops, sea otter watching, and restaurants. Stroll the wooden boardwalks, explore art galleries, and experience the area that inspired John Steinbeck's famous novel.
Carmel Valley Wine Trail
Visit 3-5 boutique wineries and tasting rooms in scenic Carmel Valley, 20-30 minutes from Monterey. Picturesque countryside settings with award-winning Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Cabernets.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
World-class aquarium featuring the iconic kelp forest, interactive tide pools, sea otters, jellyfish galleries, and innovative exhibits showcasing local marine ecosystems
Monterey State Historic Park
Self-guided walking tour of historic adobe buildings and museums in downtown Monterey, including the Royal Presidio Chapel and Casa del Oro. Explore California's colonial past.
Old Fisherman's Grotto
Historic waterfront restaurant and landmark on Cannery Row featuring classic steakhouse fare with scenic bay views. Popular for both dining and casual observation of sea otters and wildlife.
Restaurants & Food (6)
Alejandro's
Upscale Mexican with neon-lit ambiance, private c-shaped cenote booths, and an impressive tequila collection. Signature dirty horchata and guacamole are must-tries. Great for cocktails and sophisticated Latin cuisine.
C restaurant + bar
Contemporary seafood-focused restaurant with excellent tuna main courses and great selections of fresh fish and meats. Highly-rated for quality and presentation.
Coastal Kitchen
Located in the historic Plaza Hotel with incredible oceanfront views. Frequently-changing menu features beautiful plating and creative flavor combinations like poached white asparagus with charred avocado and wasabi, plus miso black cod with creamy coconut milk.
Fish Hopper
Casual waterfront restaurant on Cannery Row with spectacular bay views and fresh seafood. Great for clam chowder and fish & chips with an accessible, laid-back vibe.
Passionfish
Sustainably-sourced seafood with creative presentations like scallops with caper-walnut relish and mussels in bacon-fennel broth. The aquarium-inspired décor with illuminated fish sculptures creates a romantic ambiance. Exceptional wine list with half-bottles starting at $20.
The Sardine Factory
Classic steakhouse with over-the-top opulence featuring high-backed monogrammed velvet chairs, elegant sconces, and signature items like an enormous prawn cocktail served with dry ice vapor. Top-notch menu without being fussy.
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