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In search of the most effective locations for a romantic getaway in america? Look no additional than Monterey! With out of doors actions, wine-tasting rooms, lovely seashores, famend golf programs, and romantic resorts — this metropolis alongside the California Coast gives a lot for {couples}. My husband and I celebrated our marriage ceremony anniversary right here and fell in love with Monterey (and with one another, once more)! You may fall in love, too, with this listing of essentially the most romantic issues to do in Monterey.
1. Cannery Row
Alongside the California Coast in downtown Monterey, you will discover picturesque Cannery Row. This bustling historic road gives fairly ocean views and is the principle road by way of town.
Made well-known by John Steinbeck’s e book, Cannery Row, Monterey pays tribute to the sardine manufacturing facility staff who labored right here from 1908 till the final cannery closed in 1973.
The Presidio of Monterey Museum contains three fascinating Cannery Employees’ Shacks, representing three migrant ethnic teams who lived and labored right here throughout the canning heyday.
Situated within the heart of Cannery Row, you will discover the Cannery Row Monument. It options eight figures sculpted from bronze that inform the story of Monterey’s canning previous, together with Steinbeck himself.
Customers can be happy to discover Cannery Row Antique Mall, positioned inside the former Carmel Canning Firm warehouse. You can even wander by way of a large number of reward retailers alongside Cannery Row the place you should buy t-shirts and different souvenirs of your Monterey romantic retreat.
2. Previous Fisherman’s Wharf Clam Chowder Tasting
Seafood eating places abound alongside Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf buying and eating district. You’ll in all probability be provided free samples of clam chowder from nearly each eatery on the town.
If it is a bowl of the city’s finest clam chowder you are after, then I need to advocate the Fish Hopper or its sister property, Old Fisherman’s Grotto. I had by no means been a lot of a clam chowder lover, however after a style of their scrumptious soups, I grew to become a convert! For a scrumptious style of San Francisco, order yours served in a sourdough bread bowl.
3. Monterey Bay Aquarium
The most well-liked attraction in Monterey is its world-renowned aquarium. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is among the most spectacular aquariums on the earth. It is set on 3.3 bay-front acres and is house to over 75,000 animals and vegetation. {Couples} will take pleasure in exploring the aquarium’s hands-on, instructional shows of marine life collectively.
Skip-the-Line Tickets
The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium could be very busy, and rightfully so. Anticipate lengthy traces to get in, particularly throughout excessive journey season, like summer time weekends. I like to recommend buying Skip-the-Line Monterey Bay Aquarium Tickets earlier than arrival to chop wait occasions.
Sea Otters
Along with an enormous array of fish, the aquarium’s sea otters are a continuous swirling, swimming, diving frenzy of leisure. Check out what I imply within the video above!
Penguins
The resident penguins are much less lively however intriguing as effectively. My husband and I watched one tuxedoed, indecisive gal waddle about and ponder diving into her exhibit’s chilly waters for a full quarter-hour.
4. Seventeen-Mile Drive
Sooner or later throughout your Monterey trip, you could embark on the well-known 17-Mile Drive. This winding non-public oceanfront highway fees a nominal payment, however it’s effectively value it for the views.
Plan to pause so much alongside the scenic drive to snap photographs of the rocky ocean cliffs and sandy seashores frosted with misty clouds. One required cease is at The Lone Cypress, which stands alone on a rocky peninsula in Pebble Seashore.
Adventurous {couples} might need to tackle the 17-Mile Drive by way of bicycle. Sign up for an e-bike tour with a local guide upfront.
5. Pebble Seashore Golf Hyperlinks
Prime off your drive with a cease at Pebble Seashore Golf Hyperlinks. In case you love golf and have deep pockets, then make a reservation to play a spherical or two at this in style spot throughout your journey to Monterey County. The golf programs listed below are repeatedly voted amongst the best in the United States.
Or, do as my husband and I did, and stay the wealthy life by sipping cocktails at their golf membership as a substitute. Absorb a powerful view of the course and ocean whilst you take pleasure in your refreshments. Browse high-end retail retailers at Pebble Seashore earlier than or after your treats.
6. Level Lobos State Pure Reserve
About six miles from Monterey you will discover the unimaginable Point Lobos State Reserve within the northern finish of Large Sur. This nature sanctuary on the Monterey Peninsula feels otherworldly with orange-colored moss, twisted timber, flower-festooned boulders, and a wealth of animals.
Take within the reserve’s sounds of waves crashing, birds singing, and barking seals and sea lions. My husband and I noticed sea lions lazing on a seaside, dolphins diving within the water, a whole bunch (if not 1000’s) of birds, and a fairly outgoing mama doe and her fawn.
Fortunate guests can usually spy on sea otters enjoying in kelp forests at this nature reserve too, however we weren’t amongst them. To get a greater view of the realm’s animal residents, carry binoculars or give your automotive keys to the data heart to borrow a pair.
There are a number of trails for hikers to select from at Level Lobos. Pack a picnic basket to pause mid-hike to take pleasure in a romantic picnic alongside a few of the most gorgeous panorama alongside the West Coast.
7. Whale Watching Tour
Set sail from Previous Fisherman’s Wharf to see majestic whales of their pure habitat within the waters of the Monterey Bay Nationwide Marine Sanctuary.
Relying on what time of 12 months you go to, you may see humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, orcas (killer whales), grey whales, and the world’s largest animal — blue whales. Winter and spring are finest for recognizing migrating grey whales. In the meantime, summer time and fall are finest for humpbacks and blue whales.
This is among the most memorable and enjoyable issues to do throughout a Monterey romantic getaway. Book your 3 to 4-hour whale-watching cruise with our trusted associate, GetYourGuide now!
8. Stunning Seashores
Probably the greatest methods to take pleasure in Monterey’s many out of doors actions is to go to the seaside.
Throughout your Monterey romantic trip, a cease at Lovers Level Park is a should. It gives fairly views, mushy sand, and entry to water sports activities like stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing.
Alternatively, San Carlos Seashore is conveniently positioned close to Cannery Row. It’s recognized extra for scuba diving and tide swimming pools than lazy seaside days, nonetheless.
In the meantime, Del Monte Seashore is considered one of the best spot in Monterey for swimming, browsing, and sunbathing. Add pleasure to your journey with private surf lessons at Del Monte.
9. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Path
Outdoorsy {couples} cannot miss Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This two-lane paved path stretches 18 miles from Pacific Grove within the south to Castroville within the north, passing in style websites like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row alongside the best way.
Hire bicycles and surreys from native outfitters to traverse the path, taking in views of Monterey Bay as you pedal. You can even lease kayaks to paddle by way of the bay.
10. Wine-Tasting Rooms
Monterey County boasts over 349 unique vineyards. {Couples} can pattern many varietals proper within the coronary heart of Monterey at wine tasting rooms alongside Cannery Row. Cease by A Taste of Monterey or Bargetto Winery to sip and store for native wines.
What may very well be extra romantic than tasting wine along with your sweetheart in Monterey? Creating your personal customized mix at The Wine Experience, that is what! Reserve your Mixing Session for Two upfront. Your mixing session features a cheese and charcuterie board. You may depart with your personal distinctive bottle of wine with its personal customized label as effectively.
11. Monterey Jazz Pageant
{Couples} who recognize jazz can be joyful to study the world’s longest continuously-running jazz pageant takes place in Monterey each fall. The Monterey Jazz Festival options an array of famend jazz artists acting on 4 phases over the course of three days in September.
Along with superb stay music, count on jazz panel discussions and workshops, worldwide meals cubicles, buying, and festivities on the Monterey County Fairgrounds.
12. Monterey State Historic Park
A part of the Monterey Previous City Historic District, Monterey State Historic Park options authorities buildings and old-time homes that inform the story of California’s earliest capital. Historical past buffs will need to embark on a self-guided audio tour of the park.
13. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Probably the greatest issues about Monterey is its proximity to the neighboring city, Carmel, and vice versa. This charming place in Carmel Valley gives artwork galleries, romantic eating places, and the attractive Carmel Mission. Carmel-by-the-Sea is the proper place for a romantic stroll along with your associate amongst quaint retailers and fairy tale houses.
Cease by Carmel as a day journey from Monterey. Higher but, prolong your romantic highway journey alongside California’s Central Coast with just a few nights in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Be taught extra about romantic issues to do in Carmel.
14. Romantic Eating places
The Monterey Peninsula has no scarcity of eating places the place you possibly can take pleasure in a romantic meal.
Aquarium Restaurant
Monterey Bay Aquarium’s sit-down eating possibility, Aquarium Restaurant, boasts the most effective ocean views on the town. It got here extremely advisable to us by locals and didn’t disappoint. You could view otters, sea lions, dolphins, and ocean birds throughout your meal so plan to come back pre-sunset.
In an effort to decrease the aquarium’s carbon footprint, you will solely discover sustainable seafood right here in addition to substances from native ranchers and farmers.
Fandango Restaurant
For a romantic hearth meal, make reservations at Fandango. This Mediterranean restaurant in Pacific Grove is among the finest eating places on the Monterey Peninsula. {Couples} dine on dishes like their signature Osso Buco or native Sautéed Sand Dabs. Save room for Soufflé Grand Marnier or Chocolate Mousse for dessert.
Pacific’s Edge Restaurant
Make sure you make reservations for a romantic dinner at Pacific’s Edge Restaurant at Hyatt Carmel Highlands. Menus change with the seasons at this further particular restaurant.
You may begin with Baked Oysters Rockefeller or a Roasted Beet Carpaccio. Then have fun your love with Surf and Turf of filet mignon with pink wine discount and Maine lobster with bearnaise. Desserts like Profiteroles with home made espresso ice cream are to not be missed.
The knock-your-socks-off views of Level Lobos Reserve, unimaginable service, and impeccable delicacies will impress essentially the most discerning {couples}. If this place would not put you within the temper for love, then I do not know what is going to.
15. Monterey Peninsula’s Most Romantic Lodges
Whether or not you are planning a protracted weekend or a extra intensive trip, your romantic getaway on the Monterey Peninsula deserves a romantic lodge keep.
Spindrift Inn
The waterfront Spindrift Inn on Cannery Row receives excessive marks for love on Reserving.com. Anticipate Monterey Bay views, charming antiques, and included silver tray-served continental breakfasts. Many visitor rooms embrace wood-burning fireplaces, excellent for {couples} to cuddle by.
Monterey Plaza Lodge & Spa
Seashore lovers will need to keep at Monterey Plaza Hotel. Pacific waves crash on the shores beneath this beachfront property positioned on Cannery Row. Scorching tubs, fireplace pits, complimentary bicycles, fashionable facilities, and the on-site Vista Blue Spa make this lodge some of the in style locations for {couples} to remain in Monterey.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
The luxurious, but woodsy Hyatt Carmel Highlands is located beside the Pacific Ocean and Level Lobos State Reserve. The rooms will not be massive, however the views positive are. Take a dip of their heated out of doors pool or heat up after a day of mountaineering in a steaming scorching tub. Then, pull up a seat at one in all their blazing fireplace pits for s’mores and a glass of vino.
Discover Further Romantic Locations
Plan a romantic Disneyland trip.
Find out about issues for {couples} to do in New Orleans.
Uncover why to plan a romantic Royal Caribbean Cruise.
Take a peek at actions for {couples} in Basel, Switzerland.
Save These Actions for {Couples} in Monterey
For future journey planning, make sure to save this listing of romantic issues to do in Monterey. Merely pin the picture above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll observe Travel Mamas on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!
Do you have got different strategies for {couples} visiting Monterey? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
A Word from The Journey Mama: My husband and I have been hosted by Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fandango, Pacific’s Edge Restaurant, and Hyatt Carmel Highlands for the aim of this story about romantic issues to do in Monterey. We paid full worth for all the pieces else we did within the Monterey space. All opinions are my very own, as at all times.
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