Best hotels in Monterey
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
400 Cannery Row, CA, 93940
Monterey Bay provides the perfect backdrop at this luxurious beachfront hotel, as you sink into warm water in the couple’s bath suite or in one of the rooftop hot tubs. It’s not only the spa that offers relaxation here, the suites also come with whirlpools as well as sun decks and views across the water.
Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay
2 Portola Plaza, CA, 93940
Situated close to Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, this four-star waterfront hotel features nautical-themed rooms. It’s the ideal place to unwind with a spa that offers more than 40 treatments, ranging from a seaweed cocoon wrap to an indulgent aromatherapy massage.
Monterey Marriott
350 Calle Principal, CA, 93940
This Marriott hotel is located on the waterfront overlooking Monterey Bay. Here, you’ll wake up to views of either the glistening waters of the bay or of the downtown skyline, through incredible floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also an outdoor pool and 24 hour gym to make use of when you’re not out exploring the city.
Best restaurants in Monterey
Monterey Fish House
2114 Del Monte Avenue, CA, 93940
Fish is prepared on an oak-fired grill at this seafood restaurant you’ll want to come back to again and again. Start with oysters, followed by snapper, salmon, swordfish or calamari steak. If you don’t want fish there are also excellent steaks and homemade pasta. Save room for dessert, with options including mud pie and tiramisu.
The Sardine Factory
701 Wave Street, CA, 93940
This restaurant, named for the industry that sustained Monterey for many years, promises to make you feel special, stating that ‘every customer has to be treated like the most important person on Earth.’ Take a seat in the conservatory and enjoy your VIP experience where you’ll sample fresh, local dishes including the signature abalone bisque.
Rosine’s Restaurant
434 Alvarado Street, CA, 93940
This popular place, which has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, has won a number of awards including ‘Best Desserts’ and ‘Best Family Restaurant.’ Since opening in 1980, it has served up hearty, homemade food including soups, pies and cakes – great if you’re looking for some comfort food during your stay in Monterey.
Best attractions in Monterey
Coast Guard Pier
100 Lighthouse Avenue, CA, 93940
Nestled between Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, you’ll hear the creatures that call Coast Guard Pier a home before you see them. Just off to the side there is a colony of sea lions living on the pier, up to as many as 1,500. As you wander the walkway, you’re also likely to spot harbor seals and sea otters.
Lovers Point Beach and Park
631 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
You’ll want to head to this spot at either dusk or dawn because this is one of the best locations on this part of the Californian coastline to watch the sun rise and set. As well as sunbathing and swimming, it’s also an ideal place for surfboarding and kayaking.
17-Mile Drive
Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, CA, 93953
Take in the dramatic coastal views through the window of your car as you drive along one of the most scenic routes in the US. You’ll begin at Pacific Grove Gate and pass through Del Monte Forest before traveling across to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Look out for The Lone Cypress, a cypress tree that continues to stand tall within the granite rock and is the route’s most famous view.