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Why the Bay of Monterey, California, Is a Must-See: Travel Tips, Food & Ocean Views
- Alyssa
- May 13, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: May 7
Visiting Monterey Bay is one of my favorite California getaways—and I’ve been coming here since I was a kid! Whether planning a weekend escape or a road trip along Highway 1, this coastal town has something for everyone.
In this travel guide, I’ll share:
The best ways to get there
Where to stay
What to eat
And the top things to do in the Bay of Monterey, California—all based on dozens of personal trips and local insights.
If you’re looking for a mix of ocean views, local food, and scenic adventures, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!
Getting To The Bay of Monterey, California:
Plane:
The Bay of Monterey, California, has a small airport, Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), with a few daily flights. Major US airlines like United, American Airlines, and Alaskan Airlines fly there from select airports (SFO, LAX, LAS, SEA, DEN, and PHX). Depending on your starting location, these flights can be pricey! Although it may be costly, it saves driving time and may eliminate your need to rent a car, depending on what you plan on doing throughout your trip! The airport is about an 8-minute drive to Cannery Row (one of the city's busiest streets and home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium).
You can also fly into major Bay Area airports like San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). You can then take one of the following transportation options!
Shuttles from SFO and SJC:
If you opt out of flying into Monterey directly and decide to leave for the beach from San Francisco or San Jose’s airports, there is a shuttle company that can get you there! Groome Transportation is one we see frequently on the freeway and waiting at the airport! They charge $62 per person from SFO and about $51 per person from SJC to get to Monterey. Each person receives two free bags!
Rental Car:
Another option to get to Monterey if you plan on flying into SFO or SJC is to rent a car and drive. A beautiful scenic route (Highway One) runs the length of the state near the coast. It has plenty of beaches, viewpoints, farm stands, and towns you can stop at as you drive from San Francisco/San Jose! It is about a 2-and-a-half-hour drive if you take Highway One, but there are a few other alternative freeway/highway routes that can get you there quicker! The drive is relatively easy. It is a straight shot once you get onto Highway One. If you plan on doing the 17-mile drive or visiting Big Sur during your trip to Monterey, having a car may be something to consider, as both destinations can be driving-intensive!
Train:
The more complicated and time-consuming option to get to Monterey but a possibility for those who prefer, or want to try it!
Train from San Jose: You can also get close to Monterey from San Jose via Amtrak trains and buses. A route on the Coast Starlight train can get you from San José to Salinas (about 30 minutes from Monterey), and an Amtrak-affiliated bus will take you from there.
You can book train tickets here on the Amtrak website! The average price for a one-way coach ticket from San José to Monterey is about $26 per person. The San Jose station closest to the airport is San Jose Diridon Station about 3.5 miles from the airport. The SJC airport has public transit directions on how to get to the Diridon station as follows: Connect to Amtrak by taking VTA Route 60 (Airport Flyer to Milpitas BART) to the Metro/Airport Station and transferring to the VTA Green Line (fare applies) southbound to Diridon Station.
Train from San Francisco: If you are flying into SFO and want to take a train to Monterey you will first have to get to the city (about 30 minutes away). You can get downtown from the airport via BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). It is $5.35 one way per person to take BART from SFO to one of the four downtown stops (Embarcadero, Civic Center, Powell St, and Montgomery St). Here are some BART resources to help navigate from SFO to downtown.
Just like if you were taking the train from San José, Amtrak is the transit company that takes you to Monterey. Once you get downtown look for the Bus Pickup for Amtrak Emeryville (SFC). Getting off at the Embarcadero station will put you close to the SFC Amtrak bus stop, and it is only a few blocks walk! This is an outdoor stop and not a big transit station. Once you are on the bus get ready to start your 6-hour-long transit journey! (This would be our last choice to get to Monterey! It's too long, too much of a hassle, and does not save enough money for us to put ourselves through five-plus transfers, especially after coming off of a flight).
Where To Stay In Monterey:
There are plenty of places to stay in the Monterey area, and they can range drastically in price. We have found rooms for as low as about $190 a night and have seen rooms go upwards of $1,000 per night at luxury hotels. We have stayed at a few different places in Monterey, at diverse price points, and have a few recommendations below!
Hampton Inn Monterey
What we paid: $221.25 for one night during spring break
This is our go-to when we’re visiting on a budget. It’s simple, clean, and includes free breakfast and free parking, which is huge in Monterey. The location is surprisingly good—close to the beach and hiking trails, and right next to some shopping if you need snacks or forgotten items. Nothing fancy, but super solid for the price.
Monterey Plaza Hotel:
What we paid: $607.72 for one night in a king ocean-view balcony room
This place feels like a full-on getaway. The ocean is literally under your balcony—we fell asleep to the sound of waves and woke up to seagulls gliding past the deck. It’s also walking distance to Cannery Row, beaches, shops, and restaurants, so we didn’t touch the car once.
There are rooftop hot tubs overlooking the ocean, and while it’s a splurge, this hotel is our go-to pick for a luxury weekend. The onsite restaurant was solid, but honestly, the view was the main event.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
What we paid: ~$450/night (summer)
If you want something woodsy with Pacific views, this spot is tucked up in the trees with huge ocean-facing windows, pools, and hot tubs. We stayed during their renovation phase (2021), and as of April 2024, they’re still doing construction, so check current reviews before booking.
That said, it’s quiet, scenic, and perfect if you want to unwind outside of town. Just know it’s a little farther from downtown Monterey.
The Sanctuary Beach Resort:
What we paid: Varies—anywhere from $400 to $1,800 depending on day + season
We’ve stayed here a few times and always tell friends: book midweek if you can. The price jumps like crazy on weekends. You’ll get a private beach feel, plus fire pits, bocce ball, a pool, and an onsite restaurant.
It’s peaceful and private—worth the splurge if you can catch it during a quieter season. Also, one of the best sunset spots we've had from a hotel room.
Best Time to Visit Monterey Bay
We think spring is the best time to visit Monterey Bay—especially from March to early June. The weather is warming up, but the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet. Plus, the wildflowers are blooming, local agriculture is vibrant, and the coast feels fresh and alive after the winter rain.
If you’re visiting for whale watching, spring is also a great time to catch gray whales migrating north.
What to do in Monterey Bay, California:
The Monterey area has something for everyone—beautiful coastlines, sandy beaches, great seafood, hiking, bike trails, and, of course, whale watching and a world-famous aquarium. Below are our favorite things to do in the area, with real prices and local tips from our visits!
Monterey Bay Aquarium:
An oceanfront aquarium with an incredible variety of sea creatures, including sea otters and deep-sea exhibits.
Admission:
Adults: $59.95
Youth (13–17): $49.95
Children (5–12): $44.95
Children 4 and under: Free
You can buy tickets online here!
Cannery Row:
A historic stretch near the aquarium is filled with restaurants, souvenir shops, scenic viewpoints, and restrooms. Once home to sardine canneries, now it's perfect for a laid-back walk by the water.
17-mile drive:
This scenic route along the coast passes Pebble Beach Golf Course and the Del Monte Forest, with wildlife sightings (sea lions! deer!) and ocean viewpoints throughout.
Entrance Fee: $12 per vehicle
Tip: Some restaurants and shops reimburse the entrance fee if you spend enough, like Sticks, which features live bagpipe music in the evenings! All Pebble Beach Resort restaurants reimburse with a $35+ purchase.
Whale Watching:
Hop on a tour from Old Fisherman’s Wharf and see humpbacks, grays, or blue whales, depending on the season.
Price Range: $75–$100 per person.
Tour Companies:
Chris’ Fishing & Whale Watching
Discovery Whale Watch
Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Princess Monterey Whale Watching
Find our experience review with Monterey Bay Whale Watch here!
Kayak in Monterey Bay:
Going kayaking in Monterey is a great way to see wildlife up close in their natural habitat. Sea otters frequent the water just off the shore of Monterey for the large kelp forests. Kayaking is a great way to spot them! There are dozens of kayak rental shops in the city, making it an easy, spontaneous adventure!
Big Sur/McWay Falls:
A scenic drive along the coastline with vista points and pullouts for you to take in expansive views of the Pacific Ocean! There are hikes along the drive for those interested, and one of our favorites is McWay Falls. It is a small walk from the parking lot to a viewpoint overlooking a waterfall flowing onto a beach below!
Hike Point Lobos:
This nature reserve is full of coastal trails, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.
Tip: Parking fills fast—arrive early or prepare to walk from street parking
Old Fisherman’s Wharf:
Pier with wildlife, shopping, food, and water activities like whale watching cruises and kayaking. The Wharf gets busy during the summer, and parking fills up fast!
Parking Tips:
We like to park at Fisherman's Wharf Waterfront Lot WF#1
Our backup is Downtown Garage West
Carmel By The Sea:
A storybook-style beach town with white-sand beaches and quaint cottages. We love to picnic at Carmel River State Beach on sunny days.
Go Sailing:
Going on a sailing excursion is a great way to get out on the water and see some wildlife without having to get into a kayak!
We sailed with: Sail Monterey,
Day sail: $55/person
Sunset sail: $85/person
The crew was friendly and knowledgeable, and we saw tons of wildlife!
Have a Beach Day:
Bring your chairs, umbrellas, or even a boogie board and enjoy the coast!
Our favorite beaches:
Carmel River State Beach
Lovers Point Beach
Marina State Beach
Del Monte Beach
Where to Eat:
We have tried a lot of food in the Monterey area, and sometimes we have left places disappointed, or feeling like we had been tourist-trapped! Below are some places we have tried on multiple occasions that have never failed us. Our favorite of all is Heirloom Pizza!! If you try one thing from the list, it should be their deep-dish pizza. Our family from out of state brings it up every time we see them!! Honestly, I think about it once a week!! It is seriously so good!!
Heirloom Pizza Co (Our #1 Pick):
This is deep-dish pizza done right. We like to order a build-your-own with garlic and pepperoni, but honestly, everything we’ve tried is good. It’s near downtown, easy to get to, and every time family visits, this is the one place they still talk about months later.
Not exaggerating—we think about this pizza every week.
Schooners Monterey (Oceanfront Drinks + Light Bites):
Located right over the water, this is our go-to for a drink and appetizers with a view. The patio is unbeatable—great for sunset, and you’ll usually catch seals or otters bobbing nearby. We don’t go for full meals here, but the vibe and drinks are top tier.
First Awakenings (Breakfast + Lunch):
Right near Cannery Row, this place always hits the spot for breakfast or a casual lunch. Big portions, fast service, and the kind of menu where everyone finds something they like. Great for fueling up before a full day out.
Chart House (Dinner with Ocean Views):
Upscale steak and seafood spot with huge windows—and on our last visit, we got to watch a mom and baby sea otter play right outside while we ate. The food is solid, but the views make it a dinner experience, not just a meal.
Sardine Factory (Old-School & Fancy):
If you want something more classic and formal, this spot has themed dining rooms, seafood, steak, and some surprisingly fun desserts. We go for the chocolate ice cream bonbons, and they’ve never disappointed.
Whaling Station Steakhouse (Classic Steakhouse Vibes):
Tucked close to Cannery Row, this is where we go when we want a classic steakhouse feel—dim lighting, heavy silverware, and old-school energy. The beef Wellington is our favorite here.
Monterey Travel Guide Summary:
Monterrey is a Northern California must, and is only two hours outside of San Francisco! We recommend at least four days for Monterey to see all the area has to offer! It is accessible via car, shuttle, plane, and public transportation (train and bus). We suggest renting a car or taking a shuttle for convenience and time, since the transit route can be a few hours longer! If you do decide to drive, taking scenic Highway One along the coast is breathtaking, and there are many vista points and beaches you can stop at along the way. There are plenty of hotels in the area; we like the Hampton Inn in Monterey when we're on a budget, and the Monterey Plaza Hotel for a luxury weekend getaway. If you visit Monterey, make sure to try Heirloom Pizza Co.’s deep-dish pizza; it is our favorite place to eat in the city!
Let us know below if this post helped with planning a trip that is worth your wallet, or if you have any questions about the Monterey area!
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