Things To Do In Monterey, California

As much as I love Los Angeles and SoCal, the Bay Area has always been my home. I love the mass amounts of things to do, sights to see, and places to visit. One of my childhood favorites was [and still is] Monterey, CA. 

Monterey lies along the Pacific Coast, approximately 2 hours south of San Francisco. The city thrives on tourism and seafood. It's also held a special place in my memory. Since I was young, my family has made trips down to Monterey every year for spring break and summer break. We had annual passes to the incredible Monterey Bay Aqaurium. When we were old enough, my brother and I loved to bike the scenic 17-Mile Drive.  

I've been to Monterey and its aquarium more times than I can count, but I will never tire of the stunning views and amazing food. It's one of my favorite road trips and essentially, my home away from home.

There are so many things to do in Monterey, perfect for family trips or just a fun weekend getaway. Here are some of my favorite spots around the wonderful city.

Of course, Monterey Bay Aquarium. The aquarium is one of the largest in the world, displaying vasts amounts of local Pacific sea life. It houses a massive tank of California Giant Kelp, that can be seen on various levels. It also exhibits jellies, penguins, tunas, stingrays, and, my favorite, sea otters.There are several scheduled feedings throughout each day, as well as tide pools for some interactive activities. The aquarium is a perfect day trip for all ages, one that's both educational and fun.

The Fisherman's Wharf is home to some of the best seafood along the coast. On the north edge of the peninsula, the wharf is lined with restaurants and small shops, surrounded by the beautiful bay. In the day, the colorful buildings create a unique picture, but at night, the pier is lined with lights, adding a welcoming touch. Around lunch and dinner time, each restaurant and cafe sets out a small stand with their menu and samples of their own clam chowders. Dinner on the wharf is a great way to end a tiring day around Monterey with a hot bowl of delicious clam chowder. 

Monterey is home to some of the most beautiful beaches along the California coast. The 17-Mile Drive goes through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove along the peninsula, passing through historical and scenic attractions. The scenic route is picture-perfect, hugging the coast and its beaches. The road is accessible through Highways 1 and 68, but I would recommend biking at least the coastal parts of the drive. There's always incredible scenes to see, and often leads to stunning beaches.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is on the southern coast of the peninsula, where the 17-Mile Drive ends. The city has beautiful beaches and a rich artistic history. The center of the city [along Dolores, Mission, and San Carlos] is filled with small boutiques and shops, selling a variety of items from antiques to artwork to specialty foods. The buildings are cottage-styled, giving the shopping center a quaint and adorable vibe. The city is also very dog-friendly, allowing them in most restaurants, retailers, and hotels.Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quiet town, perfect for a relaxing weekend of eating and shopping.

The Monterey peninsula is a unique place filled with natural scenery and wildlife, different from most other Californian tourist locations. There are always so many things to do and see - ideal for a  weekend getaway to embrace the outdoors and unwind. If you ever get the chance to drive along the beautiful Californian coast, be sure to stop by Monterey!

Smile c:
~michelle