Craving a quick trip in an upcoming weekend, but don’t want to drive too far from San Francisco or San Jose? Then, spending a weekend in Monterey and Carmel is the perfect thing for you to squeeze in a relaxed weekend! They are amongst the most popular destinations in California, and are usually seen in a pair, simply because they are very close to each other (under 5 miles!). Between them, they satisfy all the usual cravings – blue water, historical attractions, fantastic wine and seafood, so you just can’t go wrong with a weekend trip to both Monterey and Carmel.
Weekend In Monterey – Where To Stay
Carmel has got some excellent choices for couples; they can pick from one of the several cute and charming B&Bs, very conveniently located near restaurants, shops and wine tasting rooms. If you are a family person just like us and wondering where to stay, Monterey is more well suited for families; there are several classy and upscale hotels in the premiere Cannery Row area. We stayed at InterContinental The Clement Monterey hotel, part of the IHG group. This is a luxury property on the waterfront with sweeping views of the ocean and a perfect place to spend our weekend in Monterey!
If you decide to stay in this hotel, we definitely recommend the one bedroom oceanfront suite. The suite will blow your mind. There are ocean views from every where in the room, including from the bathtub! It comes with a small balcony overlooking the ocean, and nothing can beat enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, while soaking in the panoramic ocean views.
How To Spend A Weekend In Monterey And Carmel
Day 1: Explore Monterey
After breakfast at the oceanfront The C Restaurant, start your day with a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is a must visit location in Monterey. You will get to see the amazing creatures of the ocean, including sea otters, penguins, sharks and turtles. Tickets are required and must be booked in advance.
Plan to spend 3-4 hours here easily. Since the aquarium is located right next to the hotel, you can come back to your hotel for lunch or explore one of the several restaurants in the Cannery Row.
After lunch, head to the Monterey State Historic Park. This park is a collection of old historic houses, that represent the earliest California capital (yes, Monterey was California’s capital under Spanish, Mexican and US military rule). Entry is free and you can take the self-guided mobile tour to learn about the history of Monterey. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here.
Head back to the Cannery Row, explore the shops in the area and try out another restaurant for dinner.
Day 2: Explore Carmel
After breakfast, head to the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This state park is a 20 minute drive from the hotel. The park boasts of several trials, vista points and expansive views of the ocean, so is a must-visit location in Carmel. There is going to be a decent amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
Cypress Grove Trail and South Shore Trail are amongst the easy trails to walk in, so expect quite a bit of crowd on these trails. There is a parking fee within the park, however, you can also park along the highway and walk inside, but this is going to be a long walk since the spots get filled up very early. Plan to spend 2-3 hours here, or more if you love hiking.
Head towards Carmel Beach, where you will find the best restaurants in Carmel on Ocean Ave. From easy eateries to classical dining, the choices are plenty.
After lunch, drive down to Carmel Mission Basilica. This mission was originally founded in Monterey in 1770, and was moved by Francian Father Junipero Serra to Carmel in 1771. Tickets are required to enter and can purchased at the mission. Enjoy the mission grounds and the gardens for an hour or so, and don’t forget to capture photos.
Head back to the Carmel Beach area and explore the streets that are lined with art galleries and gift shops. Spend as much time as you want before heading back to your hotel. For dinner, you can try out yet another ocean-front restaurant in the Cannery Row before calling it a night.
Need Help Planning Your Vacation?
As you can see, there are many things to do in Monterey and Carmel, and each of these charming towns deserve at least a day to explore its wonders. If you are looking for ideas on spending a weekend in Monterey and Carmel or a luxe 7-10 day vacation to anywhere in the world, email us and we can help put together a custom itinerary just for you and your family! Need more weekend getaway inspirations? Check out our blog post on how to spend 2 days in Napa valley!