Guide to Monterey and California Central Coast

Early this summer we had the pleasure of visiting the Monterey Bay area of California’s Central Coast. IT WAS GORGEOUS.

I’ve never seen succulents so big or pretty. I could write a whole blog on just the plants. But on to the actual things we did and you should do too! Here are my things to do in Monterey Bay Area! I’ve included suggestions of where to go, eat and stay in the Monterey Bay area: Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach.

Pebble Beach

One of my favorite stops on our trip. We made reservations at The Bench for lunch on a Saturday. (Outdoor by the fire pits of course!) We woke up early and took the long way – Big Sur highway… aka the prettiest road in California and also scared me the whole drive.

The 17-Mile-Drive was much more my speed. Slow and pretty. (And no jarring cliffs to fall off….) The Pebble Beach app gives you the prettiest spots, the iconic rocks and trees and wear to eat, play golf and stop and rest. Next time we’d probably go on a weekday, the tourists buses were very crowded.

Where to eat in Pebble Beach:
The Bench restaurant was absolutely fantastic. You’re sitting on the 18th Hole of one of the most iconic golf courses in the world. The patio is the most ideal place to sit but inside is so cute too. Signature drinks were fantastic. We ate SO much food. Dessert was my favorite. Mouth-watering. (I think we all had to take a nap after lunch at The Bench.

Where to stay in Pebble Beach:
Had we not been in a HomeAway, we’d have stayed at the Pebble Beach Resort. It’s stunning. It’s amazing to me that we’re still in the USA at the resort. I felt like I was in Ireland with the rolling green hills and gorgeous cliffs.

Pacific Grove

Our HomeAway was nestled in Pacific Grove, AKA “Gigi’s New Beach House” as Crosson called it. It looked over the ocean and a public golf course in Pacific Grove. Walking distance to the beach, a few blocks down from the main drag of shops and a bike ride away from Cannery Dr.

Where to eat in Pacific Grove:
Fish Wife: One of the best places for fresh fish in the area. Make sure to get a reservation. It gets crowded.
Holly’s Lighthouse Café: Perfect breakfast and lunch spot. Loved the latte, the plants outside and the gorgeous mural on the side of the café.

What to do in Pacific Grove:
Kissing Rock
Known as two rocks in a perpetual kiss and one of “the most romantic spot in America.” Follow the coastline until you see them. You won’t miss them.
Point Pinos Lighthouse
The oldest lighthouse on America’s west coast. It has weird visiting hours but the cutest little lighthouse I’ve seen.
Lovers Point
Lovers Point Park is Pacific Grove’s best spot for picnics, surfing, and photography. Apparently it’s also one of the only spots on the West Coast where you can watch the sun rise over the water. (And the filming location for Big Little Liars!)
Asilomar State Beach
This one-mile long beach is fun for wildlife watching, looking (and taking pictures of all the crazy succulents) and walking along the trail. It is also within the Asliomar Marine Reserve, so all marine life is protected and it is extremely clean and maintained.

Monterey

What to do in Monterey:

Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of the best aquariums in the nation. We missed out on this one but it is on our list for next time. It’s a little pricey but worth it according to the reviews.
Cannery Row
This considered a “tourist-trap” to some but we really enjoyed it! It’s a historic street that used to be sardine-canning factories that know houses boutiques, restaurants & hotels.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a historic wharf with a huge marina and gorgeous historic missions and buildings on the walk there. Definitely some tourist-y things to do BUT you should go at least once to see it.
Old Monterey
Old Monterey is now a thriving destination. The gorgeous old buildings paired with the new businesses, universities and just blocks from the wharf. Good picture spots, big trees and a perfect spot for a picnic.

Where to eat in Monterey:
Hula’s Island Grill: We loved the tiki vibe, the drinks and the food here. The Poke was so good. Fish and shrimp tacos even better!
Chart House: Iconic views and great seafood.
Schooners Coastal Kitchen: When you can see the seals and otters play from the deck, you know it’s going to be good. The menu has something for everyone. We loved the bread, too!
Troia’s Market: Totally under the radar but huge sandwiches perfect to grab and have a picnic or take down to the beach!
The Fish Hopper: Another touristy spot but great food.

Favorite Shops:
Little Blue House: New favorite PJs from this cute little shop! Some for Crosson and some for mom!
Lilify: Didn’t get to go here but I wanted to. It has some great reviews!

Carmel

Here’s how you do Carmel-By-The-Sea: get there early and spend the day walking around the shops and beach. It’s the cutest beach town I’ve ever been to.

Where to eat in Carmel:
La Bicyclette
Treehouse Café
Forge in the Forest
Basil Seasonal Dining

If we had more time we’d definitely do a little more shopping and a little more wine-tasting! All in all, a quick but beautiful trip!

If you’re wanting to try a less populated part of California and immerse yourself in some gorgeous scenery, give Monterey a try. You’ll thank me.