Where to eat, stay and do in Monterey County

Life seems to be flying by at crazy speeds. Even with the slowdown that COVID brought, people are eager to return to “normal,” and as a result, things feel as if they’re hectic all over again.

If you’re anything like us and are feeling overwhelmed by the speed that we live life at, then it sounds like you need a trip to Monterey County. This is a quick and easy getaway that allows you to take life at a slower pace and enjoy all the beauty that surrounds you.

Read on for our guide to this beautiful area.

Where To Eat

Monterey County is known for its delicious food. There are all sorts of tasty restaurants here that will have you ready to crawl in bed with your food coma for a full night’s slumber.

One of the top eateries in the county is The Sardine Factory. This restaurant will take you back to the days when people used to get dressed up to go to dinner when the luxuries of life seemed as though they were enjoyed more thoroughly. Fill your fancy plate with the best seafood in the area and get a full fine-dining experience here.

For a sunset dinner when you’ve got nowhere else you need to be, we suggest Paluca Trattoria. Located on the beautiful Fisherman’s Wharf, you can dine while enjoying the views of all the beautiful boats here. Look closely enough and you’ll likely spot some sea otters here, too. Take your time working your way through the tasty pasta dishes and end on a high note with some classic Italian dessert.

Where To Stay

Monterey County is home to all kinds of unique bed and breakfast stays, but one really stands out: Seven Gables Inn. Designated by American Historic as “One of the 10 Most Romantic Inns in America,” before you even step foot in this place you know that you are taking a step back in time where things felt grander in a more simple way, without the need for television and unnecessary distractions. Here, you can take a break from the busyness of life, and enjoy hospitality at its finest from the comfort of your nice room with unbeatable views of Lover’s Point.

What To Do

Start your day off at a nice easy pace with a round of golf at Pacific Grove Golf Links. Though not Pebble Beach, this golf course is far more accessible and affordable and has views on the back nine that rival those of Pebble Beach. Plus, this course doesn’t have the added pressure that oftentimes can take the fun out of golf. For a nice relaxing round with views that will have you saying “wow” more than you’d expect, get your swing on at Pacific Grove Golf Links.

Though touring the area in your car is great (especially when you make your way up to Big Sur and Bixby Bridge), our favorite way to get around the Carmel and Monterey areas is via an e-bike from Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop. The shop itself has enough fun gadgets to keep you occupied for a while, but when you’re ready to hit the town, it has all sorts of fun ways to get around. Mad Dogs & Englishmen is known for its high-tech bikes that are simple to use and allow you to take a fun and comfortable ride around. We suggest hopping on a Super73 or a Vintage Electric and making your way downtown. You’ll be surprised at how quickly these things can go, and you’ll also be surprised at how bike riding becomes fun again with the help of some electric speed.

Another thing not to miss in Monterey is whale watching. This is one of the few places where you’re guaranteed a whale sighting, though we are willing to bet you’ll experience more than one. The best company we found to do this tour with is Discovery Whale Watch. What makes this tour stand apart from the others is the crew. They’re filled with knowledge about the wildlife in the area and have a great passion for sharing it with you. It gets you excited about the experience, and when you see that first humpback breach, you’ll understand the magic of whale watching. The morning tour typically takes between three to four hours, which is the one we recommend. The morning tour has better conditions and gets some extra time for exploring.

If you need a break from your action-packed life where the hustle seems to never end, then get yourself to Monterey where a well-deserved break will have you feeling relaxed and recharged when it’s time to go home.