There is so much to do in Monterey County, and it is one of our family’s favorite places to vacation. We have been to Monterey County several times recently and the whole family had a blast exploring this widely diverse area of California. From the blue, blue ocean to the postcard-perfect mountains, sugary sand dunes and towering redwood trees, a road trip to Monterey County is just the ticket for a family escape.
The coastline of Big Sur looking south – jus breathtaking.Why Road Trip to Monterey County?
The biggest reason why we suggest a road trip to Monterey County is the best bet is because the area is so diverse. You and your family can enjoy many vacation experiences all wrapped into one destination. Plus when you have your own car to explore the area, your family can take your time and enjoy the journey. All the little stops along the way can bring some of the best new discoveries!
We drove up to Monterey County from San Diego and it was a smooth and easy ride. (We did stop in San Luis Obispo along the way so we could break up the driving.)
The roadside views on Highway 1 had us pulling over for photo opps again and again.Even if you don’t live close enough to drive, you can fly directly into Monterey County Airport from a number of destinations across the US. Then just rent a car, and you and the fam are off and running.
Plan Your Road Trip to Monterey County
As you plan your road trip to Monterey County, do you like to book hotels first and then decide on sightseeing? Or do you prefer to lock in your top sights, and then find hotels nearby? Whichever you prefer, before you book please have a look at our list of our favorite hotels in Monterey County.
We’ve got recommendations for many different tastes and budgets, and we’ve stayed in a LOT of places here so rest assured we did our homework.
The Monterey Marriott Hotel is well situated in the historic downtown area.Top Sights in Monterey County for Families
We’ve put together a hits list of all our family’s top favorites to help guide your itinerary. By no means is this exhaustive, but we did try to take into account a variety of interests for the entire family. Let the road trip to Monterey County begin!
The coastline in Monterey County is absolutely stunning, and we could sit for hours and just watch the natural surroundings.Shop and Dine in Cannery Row
Made famous the world over by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name, Cannery Row has historic roots. What began as fishing docks and sardine canneries in the early years of the 1900s is now a bustling visitor destination. The history lends charm to the waterfront buildings, many of which date back to those early canning roots. Now the area is occupied by seafood restaurants, colorful shops, art galleries and all kinds of fun places to duck into.
Our family had a blast spending an entire day exploring all the fun nooks and crannies in Cannery Row, and you will too. Bring your appetites and your dollars, because you will be drawn to the cuisine and also may want to bring home a souvenir or two.
For more information, check out Cannery Row online here.
Cannery Row is a fun collection of restaurants, shops and curios that leads to the entrance of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.Monterey Bay Aquarium
At the foot of Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium sits oceanfront and ready to welcome guests to its underwater magic. This is literally one of the best aquariums in the world. It features so many different displays of sea life, you will be overwhelmed with its beauty and grandeur.
We stood for what seemed like an hour just watching the pulsating jellyfish make their way through their tank waters. The dozens and dozens of tanks filled with colorful fish are so beautifully displayed. The enormous 3-story kelp bed tank is mesmerizing. Kelp fronds sway slowly in the waves and fish lazily swim through the branches.
The Aquarium is one of those highlights you simply cannot miss on your road trip to Monterey County. For tickets and information, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium website.
Guests at the Monterey Bay Aquarium are dwarfed by the massive kelp bed tanks.Kayak with Sea Otters on Monterey Bay
If you’d like to get up close and personal with some of the sea life, grab a kayak and paddle through Monterey Bay. Our experience was even better than we imagined, and the whole family had a blast. We paddled out from the harbor among the moored boats and along the wharf out to the breakfront. Along the way, we saw starfish and sea anemones latched onto piers and rocks on the shoreline. As we passed a group of anchored boats, a mother sea otter and her baby floated on their backs nearby. We had to pause for many “ooohs” and “aaahs” from the kids, along with several requests to bring them home with us. (The girls settled for a stuffy version, which made them just as happy).
Sea lions love the chilly ocean and plentiful kelp beds of Monterey’s rocky coastOut farther along the breakfront rocks, we witnessed hundreds of sea lions perched in the sun. Their bellows were sooooo loud we could not believe it. What an amazing experience – we highly recommend doing this. Check out the guided kayak tours at Adventures by the Sea.
We had such a blast kayaking through Monterey Bay – even saw sea otters and sea lions.Hike Among the Redwoods in Big Sur
If land is more your speed, no road trip to Monterey County is complete without a drive down Highway 1 to Big Sur. These are the views that people stop to take many pictures of. The views here have been painted and photographed so many times by some of the world’s top artists, and they’ve made Big Sur famous. These are views that will take your breath away and bring tears to your eyes. It really is that gorgeous.
The best part is that Big Sur is less than an hour drive away from downtown Monterey. A short (and winding) drive down the road and you are in the middle of towering redwoods and thickets of ferns and wildflowers. Check out a list of hiking trails in Big Sur here.
Big Sur is a unique draw because of its towering redwoods that reach down to the sea.Take in the Beauty at Point Lobos State Nature Preserve
Situated right between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur sits Point Lobos State Nature Preserve. Nestled along the coastline, Point Lobos is a gorgeous natural habitat filled with flora and fauna of all kinds. The walking trails are easy for even the smallest kids, and there is plenty to see and do. If the beach is your thing, there are several ways to walk down to the sand and oceanfront. If you like watching sea mammals, numerous clifftop spots are sprinkled throughout the 1,300-acres for watching sea lions, playful otters, nesting birds and sometimes whales.
We brought sandwiches and found a nice spot to relax near the ocean. Afterwards we poked around the rocks and peered into tide pools teeming with marine life. (Look but don’t touch!) At one point, we stumbled upon a pair of geese that seemed very territorial. Not wanting to upset them, we continued on our way. The sea breeze and salty air made us all feel the great outdoors.
Find out more about Point Lobos State Nature Preserve here.
The nature trails at Point Lobos Natural Reserve wind around the rocky cliffs for amazing views of the coastline near Carmel.Eat, Eat, Eat to Your Heart’s Content
Monterey County is also known as a culinary destination – particularly for seafood. Maybe it began with Cannery Row during the area’s original life as a fishing center. Now there are so many wonderful places to eat here – seafood or not. Here’s a short list of our recent memorable dining experiences.
Sardine Factory
This institution is truly a bastion of old-school fine dining, and is absolutely a must on your foodie list. There is something so comforting about having a meal in an established and historic restaurant that serves delicious food. Homey and yet showy, the Sardine Factory is a Monterey institution. The wine cellar is famous, containing more than 20,000 bottles of wine, some hundreds of years old. Don’t worry though, the rest of the menu is quite up to date and reasonably priced for the fine dining experience.
The Sardine Factory in Cannery Row is old school dining at it’s very best.Alta Bakery & Cafe
Located inside an historic adobe in downtown Monterey, Alta Bakery & Cafe is one of those gathering spots where visitors mix with locals. Everyone seems to love this spot, and what’s not to love? We took an early morning walk from our suite at the Monterey Marriott Hotel to sample the pastries. The coffee drinks are fantastic, and the baked goods even better. We made complete pigs of ourselves because we could not decide on savory or sweet. So we got one of each. Get here early, because when your favorite pastry is gone, it’s gone for the day. Sit outside on the garden patio with a coffee or tea and enjoy the historical surroundings while munching your goodies.
For a sweet or savory treat and a perfect cafe au lait, visit the Alta Bakery & Cafe housed inside an historic adobe.Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill
Monterey County is the largest producer of chardonnay in the US and largest producer of Pinot Noir in the State of California, and the area turns out some amazing vintages. Locals are also becoming well known for their brewing prowess, and we sampled the local specialties at Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill. Despite their popularity, I’m not a huge IPA fan and there were plenty of other beer options for me to choose from. The food here is also top-notch, and I loved my crispy chicken sandwich with sweet cole slaw and fries dipped in ranch dressing. This is our kind of place. Check out their menu and list of brews here.
Historic downtown Monterey is full of great spots like the Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill.Nepenthe
Perched out on the edge of a cliff in Big Sur, Nepenthe Restaurant has some of the best views in the entire County. This bohemian-style restaurant is a gathering spot for socialites, aging hippies, nature lovers and families. Everyone co-mingles beautifully here, enjoying the scene and waiting for a table to eat or have a glass of wine. Outside seating lines the cliff-front edge of the restaurant building, and you can practically dangle your legs over the rocks below. At night, fires glow inside the restaurant as they serve up delicious plates of comforting food. Plan to wait a bit for your table at Nepenthe, but it’s worth it whether you choose to sit inside or outside for lunch or dinner. Believe us, the experience is worth the wait.
Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur is one of the most beautiful memories of our visit to Monterey County.More Stuff Than I Can Fit Here
Here are a few other things to do on your road trip to Monterey County that I can elaborate on later.
World-Class Golf – Come on. Pebble Beach is here – need we say more?
The famous 18th Hole at Pebble Beach is a sight to behold any time of the day – especially sunrise.California Mission – The Carmel Mission Basilica is one of the prettiest we’ve visited.
Carmel Mission Basilica in one of the prettier California missions we’ve visited.Monarch Butterflies – Pacific Grove is winter home to migrating Monarchs who fly up from Mexico in hoards to hang in the trees (October – February).
I’ve lived here in Monterey County all of my life. I am so happy to hear you and your family have frequented Monterey as often as you have.
I’ve watched it grow slowly but surely and have quietly bragged about it being God’s country. We have clean air and low industrial growth, and long time residents with history. Thank you for making a public statement about our little heaven on earth and to help encourage more people to come
Thanks, Elaine! You are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place – we love visiting!