It is April 2018 and we are almost one full year into our tour in Monterey. It has been a big adjustment for our family, but we have done well with embracing a new place (for the most part) and have found some amazing places on our journey! Here is a list of some of my favorite things in Monterey, with special tips, too! I've been working on this post for a while and this list will continue to evolve as we discover new things!
I updated this post again in December 2018 to include more of my local favorites!
Mission Ranch
This is by far one of our favorite places for dinner and is an awesome place for special occasions and to show visitors the beauty of Carmel. Owned by Clint Eastwood, Mission Ranch doesn't take reservations, but that's ok, because you can sit outside (when we have good weather) and enjoy the sunset and a cocktail while you wait! If you prefer not to wait, get there right at 5pm. There will likely be a line already forming. I've heard there is a locals list that skips the wait, but we aren't that special yet! They also do a Sunday brunch which is really nice! $40 per person and includes a glass of champagne. They also have a piano bar that turns into a "sing along" every night at 9pm.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
When most people think of Monterey, they think of the aquarium. It truly is an amazing place and there is so much to see and do! We don't currently have a membership, but if you plan to go more than once, I highly suggest it as it will pay for itself on the first visit. We've been fortunate to borrow our friend's guest passes and also took advantage of the free passes from the library. All you need is proof of residency and you will get a pass for up to 6 guests. You will be required to show your library card and the form for admittance. Blackout dates apply including spring break and summer.
Parking can be tight near the aquarium, but I suggest having lunch at the c restaurant + bar and they will validate your valet parking for up to 3 hours, which is the perfect amount of time to have a yummy lunch and browse the aquarium! Many of the restaurants around the aquarium are tourist traps, so be advised! Expensive and not the best food! I also like Lalla Grill and Johnny Rockets (for a quick and casual meal)
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| Lunch with a view at c restaurant + bar |
My Museum is a great spot for toddlers and small children! We first went for a birthday party and loved it so much that we decided to get a membership. They offer many classes and activities, including Kinderjam. They also offer a reduced admission of just $2 on the first Tuesday of every month for Monterey County residents. The membership is $100 for the year and a great value!
Shoreline Community Church
We've been blessed to find an amazing church here in Monterey! Shoreline offers so many wonderful programs including Awana, MOPS, VBS, Growth Groups in addition to regular Sunday services with childcare at all services (8:30, 10 and 11:30).
Monterey Bay Recreational Trail
Spanning 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove, this is my favorite place to run or walk. You will never get bored of these gorgeous views and you are bound to see some type of wildlife while you are on your walk or run! You can also rent bikes from NPS or Adventures by the Sea. They offer a military discount and have surrey bikes as well!We just did the surrey bike in December and it was a hit! We stopped at Wave Street Cafe for a yummy lunch!
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| Surrey Rentals are $25/hour |
Arrive early and check it out on a weekday! Yummy breakfast and right near the aquarium and rec trail! The California Crepe Egg is my favorite!
Il Vecchio
My friend Tina recommended this restaurant and it has become Kyle's favorite! Their Italian is authentic Northern Italian food and so good! Our favorites are the Gnocchi and Chicken Marsala, but honestly, you cannot go wrong with anything on their menu. They also offer an early bird special on pasta dishes if you order before 5:30pm.
Biscuits and Gravy at From Scratch
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, their biscuits and gravy help fill the void of the lack of Southern food in California. They serve their biscuits with the most delicious homemade jelly (that you can also purchase) and a side of fried cheese grits! Yum! Best part? They serve breakfast all day!
Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette
My fav is the JC (bacon jam and grilled brie?! yes please) the Fried "Full Tilt" Chicken with a cheddar biscuit and polenta! It is the south on a plate and so yummy. Totally big enough to share! Kyle loves their oysters. The atmosphere here is so amazing and is right down the road from Fort Ord housing. Truly a hidden gem!
Wine Tasting and Charcuterie at Folktale
When you walk into the garden area at Folktale, you will be greeted with a delicious glass of bubbles, to start out your tasting experience! I love Folktale because of the atmosphere and the sun. Located in Carmel Valley, it is usually a little warmer and sunnier, which is a huge plus for me. Enjoy yummy farm-to-table appetizers while you have a wine flight. Folktale also has corn hole and other lawn games. We bring our kids and pets are allowed too! Don't forget to ask for a military discount!
Brunch at Crema
This is an adorable spot in Pacific Grove. Downstairs they have a sweet little coffee shop and upstairs, they have a full service coffee shop! Military discount is 15%. We loved the chicken and waffles.
Refuge
Refuge is an amazing get-away! I've been several times, but I was pregnant, so could not fully enjoy! I don't recommend going with friends, because it is very hard to resist the urge to talk, as it is a silent facility. Enjoy time in the hot and cold pools and relax around the fire pit. Active and Retired Military receive 20% admission M-Th!
Bernardus Spa
My favorite spa experience so far on the Peninsula! Bernardus itself is truly a dream. It is secluded and sits on 28 acre of vineyards, oh and did I mention it is warmer and sunnier there?! I would spend every day here if I could. I highly recommend their organic facial and they also do a 10% locals discount! Stay all day and enjoy the amenities!
Bernardus Lucia Restaurant
Great for date night or a GNO! Bernardus is gorgeous and the service is impeccable.
Monday and Tuesday - $8 till 8 on cocktails
Wednesday- $15 Brick Oven Pizzas, $2 Oysters and Drink Specials (5-7pm)
Stroller Warriors Monterey
I've been a part of Stroller Warriors in Hawaii and in Jacksonville and it is truly an amazing organization. The members are SO welcoming and instant friendships are created! Workouts are on Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9:15am at various locations.
Ventana/ The Sur House
A more upscale Big Sur experience with the best view by far! Food is more eclectic and expensive, but they do have a burger on the menu. The view and ambiance cannot be beat! Even better, you can make a reservation on Opentable!
Big Sur River Inn
Great for lunch, ice cream and relaxing in the river on the Adirondack chairs. Don't forget your rain boots to walk in the river!
Nepenthe
We've only been once and it was a little foggy, but the views were still amazing. Get there early. It is a very popular restaurant! On their site they have a live weather cam, so check it out before you make the trip down.
Bixby Bridge
Completed in 1932 and recently made more popular by the show Big Little Lies, this is a must stop photo-op on your way down to Big Sur! It is absolutely breathtaking! We stop every time we drive down to snap a photo!
Asilomar Beach
Asilomar is one of my favorite places for pictures and a wonderful place to watch the sunset. You will want to bundle because it can be rather chilly and windy here, but it is so beautiful! Parking is free and fairly easy, but be sure to park inside the lines on the side of the road or you will get ticketed!
Pebble Beach and 17 Mile Drive
This a great excursion for guests who come to visit! You can drive on 17 Mile Drive and then have lunch at Roy's at Spanish Bay, Sticks or Bench at the Lodge overlooking the 18th hole. Be sure to stop for a photo with the Lone Cypress. It's also fun to pull up Zillow and guess the home prices as you drive through. You will need $10.25 to access 17 Mile Drive (or say you are going to an open house and provide the address), but you will be reimbursed for that fee when you spend $35 at a restaurant and provide your entrance receipt!
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| The Lone Cypress |
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| 18th Hole at Pebble Beach |
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| Bento Box at Roy's at Spanish Bay |
If you are looking to buy Pebble Beach souvenirs, check out the Outlet on Cannery Row. They have huge sale racks and more affordable items. They also offer a 10% military discount.
The Farm in Salinas
This was one of our first adventures when we moved here! We went to the farm for one of their weekend events and had a blast. They have pony rides, hay rides, a small petting farm with rabbits, bunnies and goats. They also have u-pick flowers that are super fun to cut and make a fresh bouquet. On Tuesdays and Wednesday, they also do a story-time at 10:30! Its a great place to visit!
We love going here for happy hour and dinner! They have great food and it is family-friendly. Some of our favorites include the sweet potato tots (Charlotte's favorite), wings, hot pretzel and their burgers. They also have complimentary popcorn that you can get from an old-fashioned popcorn machine! So fun. They will also validate your parking for you as it is located in the Portola Hotel. Happy Hour is 4-6:30pm daily and was voted "Monterey County's Best Happy Hour"
I was craving Mexican one night and honestly, we eat a lot of Chipotle and I have been a little scared to try some of the local places. I'm so glad I took the plunge because it is SO good and super affordable. I love their carne asada tacos and their carne asada fries! Yum! They are closed on Sunday.
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| Burrito and Carne Asada Fries |
Also located in Seaside. It's an adorable spot! We enjoy takeout from here and also eating at the restaurant. They offer a happy hour and delicious authentic Italian. Their pastas are homemade. We love their Margherita pizza, lasagna and butternut squash ravioli.
Heirloom Pizza
My friends went out to dinner here the night that Hux was born. We were in the hospital, so we weren't there. This place is SO good. We didn't go until August and I so wish we would have found it sooner. They feature deep dish pizza and my goodness is it yummy! I love the "Heirloom Pizza" which is their signature with gorgonzola cheese. So yummy! The "PB&G" is another good one that has pear, bacon and gorgonzola. If you go to their website you can get added to the waitlist or visit their website as it is a small restaurant. They do offer delivery through toasttab.com and they do a military discount!
Paris Bakery
This is a great spot for a quick bite before or after a visit to My Museum as it is right across the street! The food is so good and super affordable. I love their quiches, french onion soup and pastries! So yummy!
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| Charlotte loves their "Princess Cake" |
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