You might visit Monterey Bay in California to explore Big Sur or its golf courses. However, there’s so much more to explore. Stunning ocean views, impressive national parks, and the region’s wines are some of the best reasons to visit.
Although I live in Southern California, I’ve visited Monterey Bay before, exploring a different area each time. I’m grateful to have a close friend with roots in this beautiful region. Based on her advice, I wrote this local guide to help you plan your itinerary. Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove are some of the most popular cities for visitors. Each area offers a different reason to visit. From sunset drinks by the coast to dancing the night away or family-friendly hikes, you can build an itinerary that best fits your travel plans.
If you’re also planning a road trip across California, check out this guide. It will take you from Southern California to Big Sur in Monterey Bay. I share advice on which towns to stop along the way.
Carmel Valley
You can visit Carmel Valley to enjoy the sun while wine tasting. The area has many wineries to visit. The Wine House has a nice and spacious patio where you can enjoy a chilled bottle during the day. You can also savor a red wine under the string lights one evening. Although Carmel is a wine region, I love to taste local craft beers, especially when traveling. Fortunately, the Wine House has a large selection of taps and bottles.
Right next to The Wine House is Joyce Winery. I kept seeing this wine offered in several bars and restaurants around Monterey County. Joyce is another local wine in the region worth tasting. The winery in Carmel Valley looks like a great place to taste wine and relax.
I spent a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon at Folktale Winery. I was impressed by both the wine and the food. The menu features diverse options, including vegetarian dishes. From Thai noodles to waffles, I oddly paired both of these dishes with a chilled sparkling rosé. As you can see, my friend Emily and I truly enjoyed the sunny afternoon with a chilled rose at Folktale.
Carmel-by-the-sea
If you prefer the coast and quaint towns, head towards downtown Carmel. In Carmel Plaza, you can find affordable places to eat and live music during the summer! If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend visiting Dutch Door Donuts on the second floor. They display unique flavors.
I frequented downtown Carmel for its nightlife. I started the night at Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro. The menu changes according to the season, especially the drink menu. You’ll find healthier versions of bar food to pair with local brews and seltzers.
Another delicious and affordable place for lunch or dinner is Sushi Heaven. This local gem has a cute patio for warmer days. It is covered with photos of local patrons, adding to the feeling of eating at a friend’s home. Don’t miss their happy hour on food and drinks, Monday through Friday, from 5 to 6 p.m.
After dinner, many locals start the night at Mulligan’s, an Irish pub with a good beer selection and classic cocktails. From here, I recommend that you walk one block toward Barmel. This cocktail bar serves unique mixology drinks and is next to a small dance club. Barmel is where many locals and tourists gather to dance the night away. You can also check out Compact Disco since it’s usually less busy than Barmel. It’s a 10-minute drive from Barmel, and they tend to play house music and serve classic cocktails and beer.
Another great place for drinks is Pearl Hour. This cocktail bar is in Monterey City, a short drive from Pacific Grove. Pearl Hour has a patio with gas fire pits, a unique and changing cocktail menu, burlesque shows, and live jazz. Be mindful that there might be a cover during event nights. I paid USD 10 on a Wednesday and enjoyed a live jazz band.
Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is your best bet for staying by the beach without being in a touristy town. It’s worth noting that Pacific Grove’s population is older, making it a tranquil beach town. The stunning views and easy beach access are the best reasons to stay in town. Carmel is a short drive away if you plan on going out in Carmel while staying in Pacific Grove. In my opinion, this is the best option for getting the best of both worlds: beautiful coastal views with lively nightlife with locals and tourists.
Besides craft beer and regional wines, I enjoy exploring coffee shops whenever I travel. Captain + Stoker Coffee in Pacific Grove serves diverse beans from Ethiopia, Brazil, and Bolivia. You can talk to the barista about the acidity levels you prefer. They were very knowledgeable about the best brewing systems for each type of roast. The branch in Pacific Grove is small, so it’s best when getting coffee to go. There’s another branch in Monterey where you can sit down to enjoy your brew.
Another excellent coffee spot is Book Works, one of my favorite spots in Pacific Grove. This independent and local bookstore is also a coffee shop and bakery. Books Works offers a diverse menu of organic drinks, including smoothies, freshly baked goods, and delicious snacks. My favorite section is the bookstore, which is also an excellent place for souvenirs such as unique postcards, cards, and magnets.
Besides eating and drinking, my favorite reasons for staying in Pacific Grove are the ocean views and the deer sightings. Locals consider them pests and hazards because they munch on the gardens and block streets. However, this city girl felt like she was in a fairy tale whenever these stunning forest creatures appeared. I admit that seeing them in the middle of the road was scary, especially on foggy-dark nights. We should keep in mind that the city displaced them, so we must make room for wildlife to prosper.
Running with the ocean breeze along the trails on the cliffs was another highlight of this trip. The turquoise ocean views in Pacific Grove or Pebble Beach transmitted an indescribable peace. I also enjoyed watching the baby seals sunbathing. Another great way to spend the afternoon is by having a picnic at Lover’s Point Beach.
The Bay: beach and forest
Nature lovers will visit Monterey Bay for two main reasons: beaches and forests. The choices are abundant, and the trails vary for all levels of hikers, runners, and joggers. Although Monterey Bay is not known for its warm weather, the clean and spacious beaches attract tourists from diverse corners of the world. Below are some of the most popular beaches and national parks with coast and forest trails.
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is a great area to walk along the coast or enjoy a beach day on warm days. I recommend checking out Hay’s Place for food and drinks next to the golf course. There’s plenty of free parking, so you can stop by to enjoy spicy cocktails or a Mexican meal. Then, walk along the golf course and towards the ocean. Next to the resort, you’ll find The Tap Room. This is a quaint steakhouse frequented by locals and golf resort guests. This is the perfect place to get an old-fashioned while sitting next to the fireplace at night. If you prefer to enjoy a fire pit next to the ocean, walk through the resort’s lobby towards the ocean. You’ll find a terrace next to smokeless wooden fire pits.
Spanish Bay
Spanish Bay is another stunning spot along the coast of Monterey County. Here, you can enjoy the sunset while sitting beside a firepit with a cocktail. The Links at Spanish Bay is another popular coastal golf course on the famed 17-mile drive. The Inn is open to guests and visitors alike. The foggy mood, green hills from the golf course, and the live bagpipe brought me back to Ireland—without the freezing temperature.
Visit the National Parks
Since Big Sur is in Monterey County, the region has many great national parks with trails for all levels. I suggest reading the post mentioned to know what to do in Big Sur. You’ll learn more about the different national parks, including where to find the famous waterfall that meets the ocean.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is undoubtedly one of the most stunning hikes in California. Commonly known as the crown jewel of the California State Park System, the flora and fauna variety is astounding. From forest to coastal trails, this easy and family-friendly hike is a must for travelers looking for outdoor activities. Get here early to find free parking along the road and avoid the sun at its peak. One of the most frequented trails is Bird Island. Bring your binoculars for bird-watching!
However, there are some things to know when visiting Point Lobos in Monterey Bay. No camping, dogs, bikes, or skateboards are allowed. Visit Point Lobos SNR for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, hiking, jogging, and SCUBA diving! Point Lobos is home to a wide array of underwater life.
Garrapata State Park is another relevant park in the area. The 8 hiking trails, including the Soberanes Canyon trail, vary. There’s an intense 10km hike, so be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, food, a hat, and comfortable shoes.
Jack’s Peak County Park has an easy trail that allows you to see Monterey’s skyline on a clear day. If you enjoy hiking, I suggest downloading the All Trails app. The app allows you to filter hikes based on intensity, length, location, and views from each trail, even when you’re offline.
Monterey Bay is a popular destination for golfers and wine connoisseurs, yet I hope you’re now encouraged to explore more. Its famous and stunning national parks, beaches, and coastal trails are a great reason to visit. Eating and drinking like a local is also a great reason to travel anywhere! When you’re taking pictures of the clear, blue ocean of the Monterey coast, remember to appreciate the uniqueness of each moment. Always BE PRESENT.