Things to do in Monterey and Carmel by the Sea: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

The neighboring towns of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea really are the ideal location for your next getaway. Here I will give you some amazing things to do in Monterey to help you plan the best trip possible. I feel peaceful just looking back at our weekend getaway we spent in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. I think of the waves crashing into rocky coasts, wildflowers, quaint towns, and whimsical buildings. Trust me, you need t

Our trip to Monterey was only our second overnighter with our little babe and the relaxed environment was perfect to help get us back in the groove of traveling. However, this trip is perfect for you no matter your age or family situation.

This post will cover one day in Monterey and one day in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Plus I will include additional activities in case you are fortunate enough to spend more than two days in the area (lucky you!).

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Map of the top places to see in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea

*Use this map to get a feel for where everything on this itinerary is located*

Day 1: Monterey Itinerary

Monterey is a gorgeous coastal city located just a couple of hours south of San Francisco. The city is nestled on Monterey Bay and home to sea otters, seals, and bottlenose dolphins. Plus Monterey is on the migratory path for both gray whales and humpback whales (which means you may need to take a dolphin or whale watching tour while you’re there)!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-class aquarium located RIGHT on the water of Monterey Bay and it’s one of the most popular things to do in Monterey. I’m not usually someone who likes to go to every type of museum on vacation. However, I really, really enjoy and recommend the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It must be because you get a glimpse into the life below the waves that are crashing RIGHT outside the aquarium.

Buy your tickets here. (It’s a little pricey, however, I think it’s worth it).

The aquarium has 10 large exhibition areas. And my three favorite ones are the Giant Kelp Forest, the Open Sea, and the Rocky Shore.

The Giant Kelp Forest is home to loads of fish and sharks and, of course, kelp. The aquarium’s kelp grows on average 4-inches per day! And, every week, underwater scuba gardeners dive to maintain it. Also, there are usually a few feedings throughout the day where you can listen to a talk about the forest and see the fish eat.

The Open Sea exhibition is THE MOST relaxing exhibition at the aquarium. You enter a dark room filled with peaceful music to watch through a 90-foot window huge schools of tuna and sardines swimming gracefully. There is even an upper level with seating so you can sit and enjoy the area for as long as you’d like!

And for sure remember to walk outside the aquarium and take in the beautiful ocean views!

Pro-Tip #1: Check the aquarium’s event schedule for the day to see when movies are playing and feedings in the different areas are happening. I recommend joining in on some of the events!

Pro-Tip #2: If you only plan on spending a couple of hours at the aquarium, I recommend entering closer to closing time. We walked into the aquarium about three hours before close. And most of the guests were leaving for the day! It was lovely to experience the aquarium with fewer crowds!

Cannery Row

Cannery Row is a waterfront street in Monterey lined with shops and restaurants. Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at the end of Cannery Row making it one of the easiest places to see in Monterey.

As the name implies, multiple sardine canneries previously lined the street. The first major cannery, the Pacific Fish Company, opened in 1908 followed by many others. However, the last cannery closed in 1973. And now Cannery Row is a great area to walk, shop, and eat.

Ocean View Boulevard

Ocean View Boulevard is a breathtaking stretch of road and pedestrian path situated on the rocky coast of Monterey and Pacific Grove. There are many beautiful pullout areas for photos and great spots to tide pool.

Two beautiful spots to tidepool along Ocean View Boulevard are The Great Tidepool and Love Rock. I may be biased towards Love Rock since that is where my husband and I got engaged five years ago 😍. And ironically, at the time, we didn’t know the name of the area was Love Rock!

If you are looking to get some wiggles out, tidepooling along Ocean View Boulevard is one of many awesome things to do in Monterey with kids.

Check out this page for the tide schedule in Monterey Bay. The best time to go is at low tide.

PRO-TIP: Many people recommend Ocean View Boulevard over the popular 17-mile drive around Pebble Beach Resort (if you have to choose just one). Because Ocean View Boulevard is free, often less congested, and just as beautiful as 17-Mile Drive. However, both are gorgeous drives. If you have the time, do them both. You could even take a guided E-bike tour of 17-mile drive.

Dinner with a View

We topped off a beautiful day in Monterey with dinner RIGHT on the water. El Torito is a Mexican restaurant located near the end of Cannery Row. So it’s fast and easy to get to when you are all hungry! However, it is out of the busy central area of Cannery Row making it a nice location.

We sat in a booth next to a wall of glass overlooking the bay (request sitting here if possible). It’s a perfect setting for a lovely dinner. Plus, it’s family-friendly!

Additional Places to See in Monterey

If you are still wondering what to see in Monterey, here are some amazing additional things to choose from if you have more time:

• Go whale watching in Monterey Bay
• Learn about Steinbech’s characters during a walking tour of Monterey
• Bike the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
• Lovers Point Park
• Kayak or Stand-Up Paddle Board in Monterey Bay
• Point Pinos Lighthouse
• Drive or rent an E-bike to explore 17-Mile Drive

Day 2: Carmel by the Sea Itinerary

Carmel-by-the-Sea is known as a lovely, whimsical village in the forest by the sea. The city was originally incorporated in the early 1900s by a large group of bohemian artists, writers, and poets devoting their life to the arts. Many of the city’s mayors have even been poets or actors.

Point Lobos State Park

Point Lobos State Park is located only 10 minutes away from Carmel-by-the-Sea making it one of the best things to do near Carmel by the Sea. Since it is a state park, there is a small entrance fee of around $10 per car but it’s definitely worth it.

When we drove into Point Lobos State Park, I felt like I had just found the most perfect hidden gem. I cannot state this enough-POINT LOBOS IS BEAUTIFUL. Please go there!

The best way to enjoy Point Lobos is by hiking along the beautiful, rocky coast. There are a few bigger parking lots and multiple smaller parking pull-offs.

We parked just north of Weston Beach in a small pullout area. Then we hopped on the S. Shore Trail/Bird Island trail (it’s right in front of the parking area, you can’t miss it). However, if you prefer, guided Point Lobos Nature walks are available.

It was the perfect area of trail to hike as we passed Weston Beach, Hidden Beach and China Cove. And then ended the hike overlooking Gibson Beach from Bird Island. It was about 2 mi (3.2 km) roundtrip. And the path overall is relatively flat and not too rocky.

• Weston Beach: Perfect for tide pooling
• Hidden Beach: We saw a mama otter and baby otter 😍
• China Cove: Tons of seals (including babies) were hanging out!

You can find where we parked and hiked using this Google Map. I highly recommend checking it out as it will help you get acquainted with the area and the available hiking trails. Unfortunately, the Point Lobos hiking website is not very helpful.

This hike was perfect for us as I was carrying our little babe in our ring sling and didn’t want to get too tuckered out. However, I’m sure wherever you end up hiking within the park will be gorgeous.

PRO-TIP: Point Lobos is only open from 8am-5pm. Try to get to the park early in the day or else it may be quite difficult to find parking.

You can find park opening hours and fees here.

Ocean Avenue in Carmel by the Sea

Ocean Avenue is Carmel-by-the-Sea’s quaint, tree-lined walking and shopping street. It’s full of picture-perfect shops, art galleries, and eateries making it one of the best things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. And, it’s aptly named Ocean Avenue because the beautiful Carmel Beach is located right at the end.

I recommend taking a couple of hours to meander Ocean Avenue and pop into each shop/gallery. You’ll find high-end galleries along with tourist trinket shops making it perfect for everyone.

Carmel Bakery

Swing by the oldest baker in Carmel-by-the-Sea: Carmel Bakery! It dates back to 1899 and is THE oldest standing building in Carmel today. You can find everything from baked goodies, coffee, Bavarian pretzels, sandwiches soups and salads.

PRO-TIP: Pick up lunch-to-go or a sampling of baked goods and have a picnic lunch at Carmel Beach. Because the beach is only a 7-minute walk from the bakery!

Fairytale Cottages

Go hunting for Carmel’s whimsical, fairytale cottages throughout its town and neighborhood. The story of these cottages begins in 1920 when the architect/designer, Hugh Comstock, first designed one of these cottages for his wife’s thriving felt doll business. Then, he went on to construct many more cottages for residents of the town.

Now, you can still find 21 of Hugh Comstock’s original cottages in Carmel. And, you will see how his designs have influenced other homes and businesses throughout the village.

PRO TIP: You can pick up a map at the Carmel Visitor Center on Ocean Ave. However, an easier way would be to download this Carmel cottage audio walking tour to visit 11 fairytale cottages and learn more about the architect Hugh Comstock.

Additional Things to do in Carmel by the Sea

If you are lucky enough to have more time than we did, be sure to check out these other things to see in Carmel by the Sea:

• Experience more of Carmel’s food scene on a perfect food and/or wine tour
• Learn to bake macarons from a Master Chef in Carmel
• Carmel Mission
• Carmelite Monastery
• Hang out or swim at Carmel Beach

The best time to visit Monterey, California

One of the great things about the Monterey Peninsula is it makes a great year-round destination we have visited in late November and June and would be happy to return in January or February. However, no matter the time of year, you’ll want to make sure you bring extra layers as it can get cold along the water. Ironically I wore a light, puffy jacket in June and only a long sleeve shirt in November.

How to get to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea

Nearby Airports:

• Monterey Airport (MRY): right in town
• San Jose Airport (SJC): 1 hour and 15 minutes away

A car will definitely be needed to enjoy all the area has to offer. I recommend renting a car from the airport if you are flying in. Alternatively, you could visit Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco with only about a 2-hour drive.

Where to stay in Monterey

Staying in Monterey can definitely get pricey (that’s one reason why I recommend enjoying the area on a short weekend trip). I’d recommend budgeting around $250+ per night if you hope to stay in a hotel with good reviews. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Monterey-Cannery Row because it’s within walking distance to many Monterey attractions plus it includes free breakfast (I’m a sucker for free breakfast).

If you’re looking for a fancier, waterfront experience, be sure to check out Intercontinental The Clement Monterey.

Check out these other posts, I know you’ll love them:

• The Ultimate Guide to Biking the Golden Gate Bridge
• 19 Unique Airbnbs in California You Need to Experience
• 12 Perfect Things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore
• 14 Beautiful California State Parks You’ve Got to See
• 12 Gorgeous Northern California Hikes in the Sierra Nevadas
• 15 Best Southern California Beaches
• The Ultimate Guide to Joshua Tree National Park and Nearby Towns
• 15 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
• 6 of the Best Hiking Trails in Los Angeles
• 27 Amazing Things to Do in Utah that Aren’t National Parks

And that’s everything you need to know for your trip to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments! I am a real person who loves to talk travel :).

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