From Festive Cocktails to Family Outings, Here’s Your Guide to a Family-Friendly Holiday Weekend in Monterey

Monterey sparkles even brighter in December. The season begins with traditions like the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5 and continues with lighted parades, concerts and community celebrations that make the coastal town feel like a holiday snow globe by the sea. Old Fisherman’s Wharf shimmers with festive décor, the waterfront rink beams with music and twinkling lights and wildlife is always close by; you can hear the sea lions and sometimes spot otters swimming in the bay. Add in whale watching, a stroll through Cannery Row and a visit to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and you’ve got a weekend itinerary that blends seaside adventure with cozy holiday traditions.

The best part? Monterey Marriott puts it all within easy reach. With a prime downtown location overlooking Monterey Bay, you’re minutes away from the Wharf, Cannery Row and the aquarium. Rooms are spacious with either bay or historic downtown views and the hotel’s offers page is your go-to for seasonal specials, from romantic escapes to golf getaways.

 

Friday

4 p.m. – Check-in at Monterey Marriott

Your holiday weekend begins at the Monterey Marriott, where coastal sophistication meets comfort. Spacious rooms offer views of Monterey Bay or the historic downtown and the hotel’s location makes it easy to explore on foot. Couples can book the Romance by the Bay package, which includes champagne, chocolates, breakfast for two at Finn + Field and late checkout. 

 

6 p.m. – Evening Stroll at Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Dating back to 1845, Old Fisherman’s Wharf has seen everything from Spanish galleons to sardine fleets and still hums with activity today. During the holidays, it glows with lights and music. Watch sea lions on the docks, shop for pearls or playful socks as gifts and enjoy sweet treats from candy shops. A cup of chowder or sunset view here feels like stepping into Monterey’s layered history. From the Wharf, it’s an easy walk to the seasonal ice rink.

 

7:30 p.m. – Dinner at Finn + Field Restaurant & Bar

The Marriott’s signature Fin + Field Restaurant leans into a true farm-to-table ethos, with Chef Josh Silva-Arias showcasing the best of the Monterey Peninsula’s farms and fisheries. Dishes range from Monterey’s award-winning clam chowder and locally caught seafood to seasonal California comfort favorites built around fresh regional produce. Guests love the brioche French toast and Monterey omelet at breakfast, but dinner shines with hearty burgers, cheese plates featuring California creameries and desserts like Meyer lemon crème brûlée with local berries. Pair it all with a glass of Monterey County wine, a craft beer flight, or a seasonal cocktail from the Fin + Field Bar. Menus are seasonal and subject to change, but the local flavor always shines through.

 

Saturday

7 a.m. – Early Riser Moment (Optional)

Kick off the morning at the Marriott’s 24-hour fitness center, take a sunrise walk on the nearby Monterey Coastal Bay Trail, or ease into the day with a soak in the hotel’s heated outdoor pool and whirlpool.

 

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast Buffet at Finn + Field

The breakfast buffet, which includes house-baked pastries, huevos rancheros and omelets, is a local favorite and the best way to fuel a day of adventure.

 

10 a.m. – Whale Watching with Princess Monterey Tours

Step aboard from the Wharf and head into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with Princess Monterey Whale Watching, one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. With naturalists narrating each trip, sightings might include humpbacks, gray whales, dolphins and even orcas. Conservation is part of every story told on board, making it as educational as it is thrilling. 

 

1:30 p.m. – Explore Cannery Row + Lunch

Once Steinbeck’s sardine-packing hub, Cannery Row now buzzes with boutiques, restaurants and family fun. Sip vintages at A Taste of Monterey, hunt for unique gifts, or let the kids burn off energy at the Mirror Maze or Oscar’s Playground. A casual lunch with ocean views makes this the perfect mid-day pause before visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

 

2:45 p.m. – Monterey Bay Aquarium

Wildlife is never far in Monterey. You can hear sea lions from the docks and sometimes spot otters gliding in the bay. For a closer look, the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium takes you deeper into this extraordinary ecosystem. With 200+ exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals, the aquarium offers a breathtaking look at ocean life while driving forward vital conservation efforts. Watch southern sea otters at play, a species once thought extinct, marvel at the soaring kelp forest and drift through the jellyfish gallery. Kids love the hands-on exhibits, while adults will leave inspired by the aquarium’s mission to protect the ocean.

 

5 p.m. – Ice Skating by the Bay

From late November through early January, the waterfront transforms into a seasonal skating rink. Lights twinkle overhead, holiday music fills the air and the bay glitters in the background. Just a short walk from Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Ice Skating by the Bay is a holiday tradition that feels both local and magical.

 

7 p.m. – Golden State Theatre Show

Wrap up the evening with a performance at the Golden State Theatre, a Spanish courtyard-inspired venue from the 1920s. Today, it hosts comedians, touring musicians and festive seasonal shows. Located in the heart of downtown Monterey, it’s a short walk back to the hotel when the curtain closes.

 

Sunday

8 a.m. – Tee Off with the Monterey Marriott Golf Package

For travelers looking to mix holiday magic with world-class golf, the Marriott’s Players Club at Pasadera package unlocks exclusive access to the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Course on the Peninsula. Guests save up to 40% on tee times ($200 midweek, $225 weekends), with cart, range balls and amenities included, plus a $50 daily food and beverage credit and valet parking. It’s a rare chance to play a private course, surrounded by sweeping Monterey landscapes.

 

11 a.m. – Beer and a Farewell Bite at Flight at Fin + Field

Back at the Monterey Marriott, sample a flight of local craft beers while bartenders share stories behind each pour. The tasting is included in the destination fee, making it a built-in holiday perk.
Wrap up your weekend with one last comforting bowl of Fin + Field’s award-winning clam chowder or a classic burger. Pair it with fresh bread or a salad for a hearty send-off before hitting the road. Menus change with the season, but you’ll always find local flavor and fresh ingredients.

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Make Your Stay Shine

Whether you’re here for family fun, a romantic escape, or a round of golf, Monterey Marriott puts you in the heart of it all. Explore the latest offers and plan your holiday getaway by the bay.