Mackenzie & Jason
Sightseeing/Restaurants/Drinks
Big Sur
A mountainous section of the central coast where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise suddenly from the Pacific Ocean. Driving the historic highway 1 is a must. Big Sur is praised for being the “longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States.” This is where the redwood forest, mountains, and sea all collide to provide breathtaking scenery.
Cannery Row
The last sardine cannery closed in 1973. The waterfront street that was once filled with migrant workers and the worst stench imaginable is now filled with restaurants, gift shops, the aquarium, and other historic attractions.
Fishermans Wharf
Or the “Old Fisherman’s Wharf” is a historic wharf that was used as a wholesale fish market into the 1960’s, until it was converted into a tourist attraction as the commercial fishing market slowed down. The wharf is now filled with restaurants, gift shops, and whale watching adventures. If you listen closely you can hear the seals barking over the commotion of the visitors on the wharf.
Lovers Point Park
A unique coastal east-facing outstretch of land. It is one of the only spots on the entire west coast where you can watch the sunrise over the water. In addition to this phenomenon, Lovers Point is a great place for a picnic, to take scenic photos, or just to watch the otters play in the kelp forest.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
This coastal town is just a few minutes’ drive south of Monterey. Carmel is best known for its natural scenery and rich artistic history. Carmel has many galleries, restaurants, shops, and most importantly plenty of wine tasting rooms to explore. We highly recommend you walk around downtown Carmel, its truly an enchanted place.
Moss Landing
Located just a few miles north of Monterey, Moss Landing sits on the mouth of the Elkhorn Slough. The slough (wetlands/shallow lake system) provides a natural habitat to hundreds of seals, otters, and birds. We highly recommend you get a up close view of this aquatic sanctuary with Kayak Connection. Moss Landing is also home to one of the best fish markets (Phil’s) in the Monterey bay area for those that want to fry some fish on their own time.
17 Mile Drive
A fun and beautiful coastal drive that passes through the famous pebble beach golf courses, scenic attractions including bird rock, the lone cypress, and the Del Monte Forest, as well as some of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the country.
Santa Cruz
For those who really want to see what California surf culture is all about, we recommend exploring Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz has a number of famous surf spots, surf shops, as well as the surfing museum. On top of the surfing scene the boardwalk, great food, and breweries in Santa Cruz will keep you busy for hours as well.
Old Fishermen's Grotto
Our favorite restaurant on the wharf, even if you don't eat at the Grotto make sure to check out the clam chowder bar they have just outside the restaurant. Best clam chowder in all of California!
Petra Restaurant
The best Greek cuisine on the bay. We recommend going with the royal feast to get a little taste of everything Petra's has to offer.
Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
Coastal views of Lovers Point, reservations recommended. Catching dinner during the sunset at the Beach House is one of our favorite ways to celebrate the weekend! The scallop pot pie is to die for.
Schooners Monterey
The swordfish sandwich and a cocktail while gazing at the otters playing in the kelp forest is one of our favorite lunchtime traditions. Mackenzie's cocktaill of choice is the Big Little Lies while Jason prefers the Patio Boss. Bringing a pair of binoculars, and going during the day is a pro tip for this restaurant.
Alvarado Street Brewery
Great beer right in the middle of downtown Monterey. Grab a beer outside and watch the classic cars cruise by.
Albatross Ridge Tasting Room
Known for their vast selections of Pinot Noir's
Puma Road at Portola Plaza - Wine Tasting Room
Fun tasting room within downtown Monterey, they typically have live music on the weekends!
Kayak Connection
Paddle amongst the otters, seals, and seabirds located in the Elkhorn slough. Might want to coordinate with the tide schedule so you are not paddling against the tide on your way back in!
Monterey Bay Whale Watch
The Monterey Bay is home to Humpback whales, Blue whales, and Killer whales! on top of other seal mammals such as seals, otters, dolphins, and more! Be warned though, the water is rough.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay aquarium located at the end of Cannery Row is one of the most recognized aquariums in the country. The jelly fish exhibits are incredible!
Carmel Meadows trail
Beautiful easy coastal meadow hike just outside of Carmel that ends at a beach! Dog friendly, and people friendly too!
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Coastal hikes through an old military base. Theo loves to go on an after work run through the dunes!
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos is considered the crown jewel of California's state parks. Unfortunately Lobos is no secret and is always slammed packed. If you plan on seeing this historic park we recommend you either get their very early or go during the middle of the day on a week day.
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
One of the wonders of central coast California is the monarch butterfly migration that occurs every October through December in Pacific Grove (Butterfly Town). You definitely will not see thousands of monarchs in early September but you might still see some of the earliest arrivals of the migration season.
Monterey Bay Coastal Trail
An easy coastal hike that has many access points throughout the entirety of the Monterey bay
Garrapata State Park
One of our favorite beaches in the area. It is at the beginning of highway 1 and if you go all the way to the end of the beach you will find a coastal waterfall!
Yosemite National Park
Only a four hour drive from Monterey. We highly suggest to take a day or two to see the monumental structures in Yosemite. It is truly a wondrous place.
Lake Tahoe
For those looking for an adventure, Lake Tahoe is only 4 hours away!
The Reef
A recommended location to supply your medicinal needs
Treehouse Café
A cute restaurant styled as a treehouse!
Pangaea Grill
A Restaurant with tastes from all over the globe, including gluten free options
Paluca Trattoria
The famous show "Big Little Lies" was filmed at this restaurant, by the way, the seafood is incredible as well!