Monterey?

[Myra]

Husband and I are going to a family party near San Jose in October and making a long weekend of it. We've both been to San Francisco a few times, so I'm looking for new spots. He suggested Monetery, but I was there several years ago and don't remember it being that exciting. Can you make a day of it, or should I push for going back to Sonoma? :D

[BeachBum]

We spent several days in the Monterey/Carmel area. We really enjoyed it. We did a lot of driving (down to Big Sur one day, and the ...uh, is it the 17 mile drive? another)
We've also been to Sonoma (which we loved)...but I'm glad we tried something different.

[pixiecat]

You can definitely make a day of it in Monterey! It is a very scenic town & of course the Aquarium (http://www.mbayaq.org/) is incredible!

[laura]

I thought the aquarium was just okay, but I think I was just expecting more.

You could definitely make a day of Monterey/Carmel, though. I would recommend starting in Monterey, maybe checking out Cannery Row, and then taking the 17 mile drive from Monterey and exiting at Carmel and then heading downtown. There are lots of cute shops down there. There's also a beach in Carmel, but we didn't go there b/c we were there on the 4th of July and it was crazy.

One thing to note about Monterey, though, is that the temperature is an average of 65 year round and it's almost always foggy. We were there for the 4th of July weekend and the sun broke through every afternoon from about 1-4, but other than that it was cloudy/foggy and much cooler than we thought it would be. We still had a great time, but that's just something I think people should be aware of. I forgot to tell my MIL and she didn't appreciate it when she recently stopped through that area. :p She liked the area, but it's just different than what I think a lot of people expect for the "California coast".

[Amuse Bouche]

We spent a week's vacation in the Monterey Bay area last year (actually stayed in Pacific Grove, which is right next to Monterey.) We did a lot of relaxing, but these are some of the activities we did:


Drove to Carmel along the 17 mile Drive, had a drink at the Lodge at Pebble Beach, stopped at some of the scenic points on the drive.

Spent a day in Carmel, looking at the local art galleries and shops (this used to be more fun -- Carmel has changed a lot, for the worse, IMO), toured the Carmel Mission

Drove to Carmel Valley (where it is sunny), did tastings at a few wineries, had a relaxing lunch

Took long walks along the Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, which is just breathtaking.

Drove down to Big Sur for sightseeing and lunch.

Went to the Aquarium and Cannery Row in Monterey, did some wine tasting at this gorgeous tasting room above the Bay, poked around the shops, and then visited some of the adobes in Old Monterey.

It's not THAT exciting, but I think you could definitely find things to do, and the area is so pretty!

[Kates]

Bumping this thread to ask if anyone has any Monterey or Carmel restaurant recommendations. We like all types of food, and we're not looking for anything too formal or expensive.

[berry]

Highly recommend Red House Cafe. We were in the area on our honeymoon and ate breakfast here twice. We heard they have a wonderful dinner menu as well.

http://carmelmonterey.citysearch.com/profile/11661251/pacific_grove_ca/red_house_cafe.html

[Kates]

Thanks berry, that place looks great for breakfast!

[dana b]

we usually eat at porta bella and dolce vita down where all the shops and galleries are, there's a few more i can't remember, but i love all the little restaurants down there. more expensive, but great food and view is dinner at the highlands inn restaurant, it's in the carmel highlands (my favorite area). my dh's going without me this weekend, i'm so sad, it's my favorite place.

[TazLuv]

Good food places (my DH and I used to visit there often):

Tarpy's Roadhouse (http://www.tarpys.com/) - I know the name doesn't say much but its a very cool little place with good food, I'm not sure on the prices as we were there for a rehearsal dinner.

Pacific's Edge (http://www.travelwithattitude.com/pacific'sedge.htm) - Gorgeous views while you eat, great food, a little bit more expensive.

Those are the two I can think of right now, have fun! :)

[Nakakna]

The DH and I are big fans of Monterey and Carmel! We love it there! And we're big fans of the aquarium! We are habitual people, so we always frequent the same restaurants cuz we love them so much:

Little Napoli (http://www.littlenapoli.com/) Fabulous italian restaurant in Carmel!

Tuck Box (http://www.tuckbox.com/) Love this little place in Carmel also! Good tea, great scones, great place for breakfast or lunch! There's other food besides tea and scones, btw!

and Abalonetti's Seafood Trattoria in Monterey. It's right on the wharf. The best clam chowder you'll ever have!

[justHB]

Another recommendation for Porta Bella in Carmel.