A perfect long weekend in Monterey, CA
April, 2025
This Spring, I had the opportunity to visit Monterey, California with See Monterey- a place that has been on my bucket list since I could remember and it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever traveled to and although I got to see SOO much, I feel like there was still so much to be seen. Monterey, California is the perfect long weekend getaway with its dreamy mix of ocean views, fresh seafood, and laid-back coastal charm. Whether you’re exploring the coast line, sipping wine by the bay, or driving the iconic 17-Mile Drive, every moment feels like a breath of fresh, salty air! If you are in one of the surrounding big cities like San Francisco, I highly recommend planning a 4-day weekend to one of the most beautiful destinations. We split our time and spend two of the days exploring downtown Monterey and the surrounding areas and the other two days we spent exploring Big Sur!
The best time to visit Monterey is late spring through early fall, when the weather is mild, the skies are clearer, and marine life is especially active. The days are crisp and filled with sun that makes it perfect for coastal hikes, days spent on the water —pure California magic.
Monterey, California is one of those coastal towns that effortlessly steals your heart with its raw beauty rich history, and relaxed vibe. My sister and I decided to fly into San Francisco and take the scenic journey to Monterey.
Getting to Monterey, California is fairly easy, and you’ve got a few great options depending on where you're coming from:
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By Car: Monterey is a scenic 2-hour drive south of San Francisco or about 5 hours north of Los Angeles along Highway 1. This route offers jaw-dropping coastal views, especially if you take the Pacific Coast Highway.
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By Air: You can fly directly into Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), which has connections from major hubs like Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and Denver. From the airport, it’s just a short 10–15 minute drive into town.
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By Bus or Train: Amtrak offers service to Salinas, about 20 minutes from Monterey, with shuttle or taxi connections available. Greyhound and Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) also offer regional bus services.
Monterey
Where to stay
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley, Holman Ranch is a dreamy escape that feels like a hidden gem straight out of a storybook. This historic 1920s stone estate is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and panoramic mountain views, offering the perfect mix of rustic charm and laid-back luxury. My sister and I siped estate-grown wines, explored the hiking trails, and enjoyed in our cozy casita that blends old-world character with modern comfort. Whether you're here for a romantic getaway, a sister's wine-filled weekend, or just to breathe in the California sunshine, Holman Ranch is a place worth adding on the bucket list. It’s peaceful, scenic, and effortlessly magical—basically everything you want in a Monterey retreat.
Things to do
One of the main reasons we decided to visit Monterey is because there is so much to do and get up to and it really is the perfect California destination for a long weekend. We tried filling our schedule with a couple activities that have been on our bucket list for a long time like renting a classic car and cruising along 17-Mile Drive and sipping on local world famous wine from the area! Monterey, California is the ultimate long weekend escape where stunning ocean views meet rich history and world-class experiences. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation and the options are endless
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🐠 Explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium – One of the best in the world, this place brings you face-to-fin with sea otters, glowing jellyfish, and mesmerizing kelp forests.
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🌊 Cruise along 17-Mile Drive – An iconic coastal route packed with dramatic cliffs, iconic cypress trees, and Insta-worthy lookout points. Rent a classic car from Monterey Touring Vehicles to really make this experience bucket list!
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🐋 Go whale watching – Hop on a boat and witness humpbacks, orcas, and dolphins dancing through the Pacific—seriously magical. We skipped this but wish we didn't because we heard from everyone it was one of their favorite experiences!
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🏞 Stroll Cannery Row – Once home to sardine canneries, this historic street is now lined with quirky shops, waterfront restaurants, and ocean views.
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🚴 Bike the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail – Rent a bike and cruise this scenic path from Pacific Grove to Marina with sea breezes and harbor seals along the way.
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🛥 Visit Old Fisherman’s Wharf – Think clam chowder in sourdough bowls, saltwater taffy, and watching sea lions play in the harbor.
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🍷 Sip local wine in Carmel Valley – Just a short drive inland, this sunny spot is perfect for vineyard hopping and tasting bold California wines.
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🐚 Check out tide pools at Asilomar Beach – At low tide, discover a hidden underwater world full of starfish, anemones, and tiny crabs.
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🎨 Tour the art galleries of Pacific Grove – This charming town next door is full of coastal art, boutique vibes, and Victorian-era charm.
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🌅 Catch sunset at Lovers Point – Pack a picnic, kick back on the grassy bluff, and watch the sun melt into the ocean—total magic.
Monterey is a foodie lover’s paradise where fresh, local ingredients is at the root of every dining experience! There is a reason why renowned chefs flock to the area and inspire culinary innovation like nowhere else. The vibrant farm-to-table culture is intoxicating and it is worth visiting the destination alone to experience the cuisine- yes it is that good!
Listing off some of my favorites:
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Bear and Flag Roadside: Legendary for their mouthwatering burgers and crispy fries, this laid-back spot serves up comfort food with a fresh, West Coast spin.
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Earthbound Farmstand: Bursting with farm-to-table goodness, enjoy vibrant salads, wholesome bowls, and seasonal dishes made from the freshest local produce.
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Bernardus Lodge: Located in nearby Carmel Valley, this upscale eatery offers refined California cuisine paired with stellar local wines in a cozy, elegant setting.
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Pebble Beach: Dine with breathtaking ocean views while savoring fresh seafood and classic coastal dishes—a truly iconic experience.
And don’t miss these local gems:
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The Sardine Factory: A historic Monterey staple known for its fresh seafood, vintage ambiance, and exquisite dining experience.
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Passionfish: Celebrated for sustainable seafood and creative, flavor-packed dishes that keep locals and visitors coming back.
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Lalla Grill: Trendy and casual, this spot serves innovative tacos, fresh seafood, and vibrant small plates with bold flavors.
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First Awakenings: The go-to breakfast and brunch spot known for hearty portions, delicious coffee, and friendly vibes.
Monterey’s dining scene is a must for any foodie craving fresh flavors and unforgettable moments!
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Carmel-by-the-Sea
Visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like stepping straight into a storybook and it was one of the main reasons I wanted to visit the area! This enchanting coastal village on California’s Monterey Peninsula is famous for its storybook cottages, whimsical architecture, and European-inspired streets—with no street addresses, neon signs, or even mailboxes, adding to its dreamy, old-world allure. Originally founded as an artists' colony in the early 1900s, Carmel quickly became a haven for creatives, poets, and painters, a legacy that still shines through in its vibrant arts scene, with dozens of galleries tucked into ivy-covered courtyards.
As a tourist, you’ll find so much to love—from Ocean Avenue's boutique shops and cozy cafes to the white-sand beach at the end of the road that looks like something out of a movie.
Point Lobos State Park
On the morning of our third day we made our way to Big Sur and on our way there we stopped by Point Lobos State Park which was located right outside of Carmel. Point Lobos is known as the crown jewel—a place where dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves, and ancient cypress trees create one of the most stunning landscapes on the California coast. It’s a haven for wildlife lovers and hikers alike, with trails like the Cypress Grove and Sea Lion Point offering sweeping ocean views, sea otter sightings, and even glimpses of migrating whales.
We did the Cypress Grove trail and highly recommend it as you see so much and it is fairly short The trail is a scenic 0.8‑mile loop—an easy, clifftop stroll that begins at Sea Lion Point and winds through cypress groves.
Big Sur
Big Sur hardly needs an introduction because it is literally world famous for being strikingly beautiful and people come from all around the world to take in the views. Driving along Highway 1, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping vistas at every turn, with must-see highlights like the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed spots on the West Coast, and McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that spills onto a hidden beach in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. If you are an avid nature lover like me, youcan hike through ancient redwood forests in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, explore coastal bluffs, or relax on the uniquely purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach. Big Sur isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. A raw, untamed slice of California that invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with the wild beauty of the natural world.
Where to Stay
The first thing we did when we got to Big Sur was check in to our hotel and we are so happy we stayed at Glen Oaks Big Sur! If you want a stay that blends mid-century hip with nature’s serenity, Glen Oaks is the spot to book. This reimagined motor lodge and cabin retreat sits beneath towering redwoods along the Big Sur River, just steps from Highway 1—and it nails that magical Boho‑chic vibe you didn’t know you needed. There are a lot of really great and unique options in Big Sur and we visited a couple of them for some meals.
Alila Ventana is an amazing option if you are looking for something high end and luxurious. Staying at Alila Ventana Big Sur feels like slipping into a luxurious dream nestled in the redwoods, where every detail is designed for deep rest and reconnection with nature. With sweeping views of the Pacific, all-inclusive gourmet dining, and wellness offerings like yoga, forest bathing, and outdoor soaking tubs, it’s the perfect blend of rustic soul and refined comfort. Alila makes every moment in Big Sur feel magical and meaningful.
Post Ranch Inn is another great option. The luxury hotel is perched high above the Pacific—each cliffside room, treehouse, and ocean-view suite is a work of art designed by Mickey Muennig to harmonize with Big Sur’s dramatic redwoods and crashing waves. Guests can wake up to yoga sessions in a yurt, falconry, infinity pools, and gourmet meals at the Michelin‑recognized Sierra Mar—all wrapped in intuitive, eco‑luxury service that makes time feel both suspended and soul‑renewing.
Things to do:
There is so many things to do in Big Sur and I feel like you can easily spend a long weekend in the area but if you are just stopping by for a day or two, I am sharing my must do's! Here are the top 5 must-do activities in this iconic stretch of California coast:
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Drive the Pacific Coast Highway – This legendary route is pure magic. Every twist and turn reveals jaw-dropping cliffs, crashing waves, and iconic spots like Bixby Creek Bridge—arguably one of the most photogenic places on Earth.
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Hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Don’t miss the short but unforgettable trail to McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that spills onto a secluded beach. It’s a postcard-perfect moment that captures Big Sur’s wild beauty.
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Explore Pfeiffer Beach – Known for its striking purple sand and rugged sea stacks, this beach is a hidden gem. Time your visit for sunset—the way the light filters through the rock arch is unreal.
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Visit Henry Miller Memorial Library – More than just a bookstore, this quirky cultural hub honors Big Sur’s bohemian roots with live music, art, and a laid-back vibe that makes you want to linger.
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Reconnect with Nature and take a hike with Big Sur Guides and see some redwoods! Our guide's name was Patrice and we absolutely loved him! Very knowledgable and just a wonderful person to spend the day with :)
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Restaurants
Where to eat in Big Sur? So many great options so you can't go wrong! The restaurant options have unforgettable views, sustainable and fresh food and that signature laid-back coastal charm. Here are some of my favorites:
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The Sur House at Ventana Big Sur – Elevated yet rustic, this stunning cliffside restaurant serves coastal-inspired dishes using local ingredients. Perfect for a cozy dinner or relaxed brunch with ocean views.
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Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn – This is Big Sur fine dining at its peak. With floor-to-ceiling windows perched above the cliffs, Sierra Mar’s multi-course tasting menus and award-winning wine list make it a must for special occasions (or anytime you want to feel like you're dining in the clouds).
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Nepenthe – A true Big Sur classic that cannot be missed. Known for its legendary views, casual vibes, and the famous Ambrosiaburger. Come for the food, stay for the sunset—and don’t forget to browse the quirky Phoenix Shop below.
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The Village at Big Sur – A cozy, casual stop with comforting breakfast and lunch favorites. It’s a great spot to refuel before a hike or grab a fresh coffee and sandwich on the go.
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Big Sur River Inn Restaurant – This laid-back gem serves up hearty breakfasts, burgers, and comfort food right by the river. Kick back in one of the Adirondack chairs in the river with a drink in hand—yes, it’s as relaxing as it sounds.
I hope you enjoyed my guide and hope it has inspired you to visit the most beautiful part of California for a long weekend! Thank you so much for hosting me See Monterey. Let me know if have any questions below :).
