From Whale Watching to Hip Coffee Shops, There’s Plenty to See and Do in This Iconic Coastal Town

A beloved destination on California’s rugged Central Coast, Monterey might have been made famous by John Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row,” its renowned namesake aquarium and historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf, but a new wave of local chefs championing area farms and ranches have helped put the city on the map for foodies looking to go beyond the traditional seafood restaurants (although we’ve got you covered there, too). For outdoor enthusiasts and ocean lovers, whale-watching tours on Monterey Bay are considered some of the best in the world. Factor in great shopping, excellent brunch spots, sunset beach walks, easy access to biking coastal trails, and wine tasting in picturesque Carmel Valley nearby, and it should start to give you a good idea of how best to spend the perfect weekend in Monterey.

 

FRIDAY

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

For a perfect ten location score, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the Monterey Marriott. Situated in the heart of historic downtown on Monterey Bay, this hotel is within walking distance of top attractions like Old Fisherman’s Wharf. On site, guests will find a heated outdoor pool, plus destination dining and bar concepts, including signature restaurant and bar Fin + Field and entertainment venue Live at Characters, which is famous for its performances by local jazz musicians. 

Spacious rooms and suites are tastefully decorated in a coastal modern design style and feature fast Wifi and Smart TVs with Netflix. Some are dog-friendly but upgrade to premium for bay views. For exclusive access to the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Course on the Monterey Peninsula, plus perks like valet parking and cart rental, book The Club at Pasadera Golf Package until Dec. 30. Alternatively, celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Monterey Bay Aquarium with a special package on stays from Oct. 16-21 that includes breakfast and parking.

 

6 p.m.
Watch the Sunset at Del Monte Beach

Ten minutes east of downtown Monterey, this peaceful stretch of golden sand is sandwiched between two sections of Monterey State Beach: Window on the Bay Beach and Houghton M. Roberts Beach. It’s loved by locals who come here to walk their dogs (leashes required). Visitors can stroll wooden walkways through the dunes and comb for shells, driftwood and sea glass along the shoreline. Follow the biking and walking trails that connect to Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. Or, park on Tide Avenue and post up at one of the picnic tables or benches for “magic hour.”

11/16

 

7:30 p.m.
Dinner at Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar

Chef Josh Silva-Arias incorporates a variety of local ingredients sourced from land and sea across his dishes at Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar inside the Monterey Marriott hotel. It’s a classy but chill spot to enjoy dinner on the first night that’s equally popular among locals as it is for out-of-town guests. Best paired with a glass of regional wine or one of seven microbrews on tap, standouts from the Californian farm-to-table menu include the award-winning Monterey clam chowder and a cheese plate loaded with a Point Reyes brie, dried figs and honeycomb. The Schoch Family Farmstead burger and Meyer lemon crème brûlée with local berries are crowd-pleasers too. There’s a happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Fin + Field Bar while the restaurant doubles as a breakfast hub serving up classics like pancakes and huevos rancheros.

11/12

 

SATURDAY

8:30 a.m.
Grab Coffee + Breakfast at Alta Bakery and Café 

Located within walking distance of Monterey Marriott, this cute bakery has racked up a ton of TikToks and online recommendations for its eye-catching pastries and well-crafted beverages. Helmed by chef/owner Ben Spungin, everything is made fresh in-house—from a savory tomato Danish with ricotta and buttery, flaky pain au chocolat to bacon cinnamon rolls—all of which are well worth the wait in line. Fuel up with a slice of “Obligatory” Avocado Toast and a cappuccino made with Tazzina coffee from Santa Cruz. Then, get boozy with a cheeky garden herb mimosa on the pretty back garden patio. We love both the kiwi and pineapple sage flavors!

 

10 a.m.
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Founded in 1984 and located on the site of a former sardine cannery, Monterey Bay’s aquarium is one of the most famous in the world. Presenting marine creatures on a grand scale, the Sea Otter Exhibit provides an immersive front-row seat to watch these cute and furry critters swim, play and crunch crabs while the three-story Kelp Forest, which teems with sea life and schools of colorful fish, including leopard sharks and California’s state fish the Garibaldi, is another must-see. For a behind-the-scenes peek at the aquarium and some of its residents, book tickets for the All About the Animals Tour.

12/16

 

1:30 p.m.
Lunch at Happy Girl Kitchen Cafe

Next, head a couple of blocks over to this lovely vegetarian restaurant, where everything is homemade with love. The menu changes seasonally, featuring salads and other healthy items. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options that rotate throughout the week. However, the lunch special (cup of soup, half sandwich, and half bowl) is a steal at $15. Pair with a Shrub Bar Soda or Lev’s Kombucha on Tap while watching the world go by from the streetside patio and be sure to peep the retail space before leaving, which sells pickles, assorted pantry items and Happy Girl Kitchen’s award-winning jams.

12/5

 

2:45 p.m.
Explore Old Fisherman’s Wharf

From an 1800s commercial fishing wharf to a picturesque tourist destination big on old-world charm, no visit to Monterey is complete without a stroll down Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Backdropped by panoramic views of the harbor and with sea lions and harbor seals often seen lounging on the docks below, its colorful buildings are home to souvenir shops and seafood restaurants from fish-and-chip stands to the beloved Old Fisherman’s Grotto, which is said to serve some of Monterey’s best clam chowder. The wharf also doubles as a launch hub for ocean excursions, from fishing trips and Bay cruises to whale-watching tours.

10/18

 

4 p.m.
Go Whale Watching 

With tours operating year-round, Monterey Bay is famous for whale watching although sightings vary by season: humpbacks and blue whales feed in the deep submarine canyon here during summer and fall, gray whales migrate in winter and spring, while killer whales come through between April and May and again in late August until October. Trips with respected operators, like Discovery Whale Watch and Monterey Whale Watch, are guided by experts who share insights into marine conservation (fact: Monterey Bay is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world) and whale behavior.

 

6:30 p.m.
Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Monterey is synonymous with exceptional seafood, making this restaurant on Cannery Row the perfect place for dinner. With a prime location overlooking Monterey Bay, diners at The Fish Hopper often watch passing sea otters and seals while they eat, especially from the heated outdoor patio. Famed for its sustainably sourced seafood, menu favorites include the Dungeness crab cakes and Monterey abalone. With such incredible views, you’ll want to linger a little longer. Order a slice of tiramisu to share or maybe a glass of the Sandeman 20-year-old Tawny port wine.

10/11

 

SUNDAY

9:30 a.m.
Brunch at Stationaery

It’s worth making the ten-minute drive to Carmel for this darling neighborhood restaurant, which you’ll find tucked away in San Carlos Square. To guarantee a spot, book a table a good week ahead of time. Chef Amalia Scatena uses produce from local and Santa Cruz area farms and ranches across her elegant comfort dishes. From the brunch menu, we recommend the potato pancakes with stone fruit and chilaquiles with sunny egg and salsa roja. From the plates, bowls and pastries to the seasonal lattes, everything is not only beautifully presented but delicious, too.

 

10 a.m.
Shop Local at Dirty Girl Plant Co

Houseplants are good for the soul, and bringing the outdoors inside keeps many of us happy. This means this plant shop is the perfect place to earth out, find a new baby succulent to take home, or just enjoy all of the things – we’re talking cute planters and propagation vases, watering cans and crystals, to branded merch. Hit up the knowledgeable staff for advice on pet-friendly plants, repotting and propagation tips, and be sure to pose with your new purchases beside the selfie wall.

 

11:30 a.m.
Tee off at The Club at Pasadera

Set on a mountain ridge just 15 minutes from downtown Monterey, this coveted private club is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts thanks to its Jack Nicklaus Signature 18-hole Golf Course (the only one on the Central Coast) and luxurious hacienda-style clubhouse. Dramatic elevation changes and rolling fairways are both features on the par-71 course. The design appeals to players of all levels. However, the driving range and putting greens, provide ample opportunities to hone skills too. Beyond the fairways, there’s a pro shop, fitness center, tennis courts, and a resort-style swimming pool. But to experience this magnificent course, you’ll need to book The Club at Pasadera Golf Package!

 

2:30 p.m.
Wine Tasting at Folktale Winery & Vineyards

There’s no better way to follow a round of golf than with a wine tasting and a scenic 20-minute drive through rolling hills will lead you to this 15-acre sustainably-farmed vineyard in Carmel Valley. Specializing in estate-grown and limited-production wines, Folktale’s sparkling rosé, chardonnay and pinot noir are best enjoyed over a guided tasting on the garden patio while being paired with an artisanal cheese board or wood-fired pizza from the bistro. There’s a Wine Garden Music Series on Sundays while the French-inspired architecture, including fountained courtyards and a whimsical fairy-tale-like château, make a stunning backdrop for photos.

 

4 p.m.
Afternoon Coffee at Captain + Stoker

Round out the day at this locally owned specialty coffee shop, which has developed a cult following due to its single origins roasted in-house and its sense of community. The Forest Avenue location in Pacific Grove is a smaller outlet for quick takeaways (insider tip: walk to nearby Lovers Point Park and enjoy with an ocean view) while the breezy flagship on East Franklin Street features plenty of places to sit down and savor a lovingly crafted latte or pour-over, plus shop the small retail space for bags of beans and branded merch, including mugs and tees.