Things To DoThings To Do
Big Sur Coastal DriveBig Sur Coastal Drive
Take a trip along one of the most iconic drives in the world. Head south on Hwy 1 and see the ocean from atop sheer coastal cliffs lined with redwood trees. Stop by Pfeiffer Beach with its unique rock formations and purple sand (go early - it fills up fast), then keep going until you reach McWay Falls. On the drive back, grab lunch at Nepenthe for one of the best views on the California coast.
Point LobosPoint Lobos
Right next to the wedding venue: rocky beaches, cypress groves, seals, otters, and lots of short trails to explore. Parking fills up within an hour or so after opening, but you can park along Hwy 1 where all the other cars are - it's a short hike to the coast.
17 Mile Drive17 Mile Drive
Scenic road with great views and photo ops of the Monterey peninsula coastline along with tidepools to explore. Quick and easy to complete the whole tour (esp. if you don't stop at every location). Requires $12 entry fee.
Monterey Bay AquariumMonterey Bay Aquarium
World class aquarium. Renee's favorite: Open Sea Exhibit + Otters. Eddie's favorite: Kelp Forest.
Pacific Grove Golf LinksPacific Grove Golf Links
Neither of us are really golfers, but we know some of you are big fans. Our golfing friends tell us this is an incredible course with the same designers as Pebble Beach - but costs ~$80 rather than several grand.
AubergineAubergine
One of our favorite meals ever. Carmel's top fine-dining restaurant (Michelin 2-Star).
Jeju KitchenJeju Kitchen
It's not traditional Korean, but it is extremely tasty. Standouts: Spritz Cocktails, Jeju Salad, Miso Cacio E Pepe, Chili Crunch Ravioli, Bibimbap, Korean Fried Chicken.
Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro (Carmel Location)Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro (Carmel Location)
We love the sour ales here (esp. Howzit Punch). Also has great burgers.
Ad Astra Bread Co.Ad Astra Bread Co.
This is our favorite local bakery. Get their breakfast sando (pastries are good too). Can either go to this one or the Ad Astra Atelier in Carmel Valley.
StationæryStationæry
This is the best brunch spot in town (reserve weeks in advance). Look at the menu! I'm actually hungry just writing this.
The Butter HouseThe Butter House
Filipino breakfast joint. Get your longaniza, spam, and garlic fried rice with a side of crispy lumpia.
Revival Ice CreamRevival Ice Cream
One of the best ice cream shops we've ever been to is luckily in Monterey. They have rotating daily flavors with rare drops like Ube or Apple Pie, but our favorite "forever" flavors are Bee's Knees and Passionfruit Mango.
