We had the chance to spend two days in Monterey Bay, California recently, and it was a wonderful visit to the lovely county that is situated next to the Pacific Ocean. If you are ever in the Northern California area, I highly suggest not to miss this place. It is a beautiful coastal town with amazing views, unique landscape and a laid back vibe. It’s well-known for golfing on their pristine greens with ocean views, America’s Most Scenic Drive known as the 17-Mile Drive and their world-renown Monterey Bay Aquarium that caters to the rehabilitation of marine wildlife.
Visitors from all over the world visit the dramatic coastline and snow white beaches. Spending two days in Monterey Bay is ideal because you’ll have just the perfect amount of time to see everything and enjoy your time. It is located two hours South of San Francisco and is an easy drive. Or you can choose to fly into their Regional airport from a connecting flight. Check out my list below for the best sites to see during your two days in Monterey Bay.
Be a Responsible Traveler during the Covid-19 restrictions. We practiced responsible safety precautions, social distancing, mask-wearing and sanitation during our trip. Due to the 2020 Covid-19 restrictions, some locations’ status may vary. Closures and hours of operation may be different from their regular schedule. Please check websites for any of the listed locations for the most up-to-date information. Stay safe, healthy and Happy Travels!
Enjoy the Infamous 17 Mile Drive
Let us begin with the most famous site. During your two days in Monterey Bay, you cannot and will not miss the 17-Mile Drive or you will have 17 years of bad luck! Okay, just kidding, you won’t. But seriously, you should not skip the incredible scenic drive. It is known for many stops along the way with amazing view points of the ocean, cliff edges, rock formations and cypress trees.
Stop at the Lone Cypress Tree
The majestic Lone Cypress Tree is a must-see view point. One of the most photographed trees in all of North America. Located precariously on the edge of a rocky granite point, the beautiful Cypress Tree has weathered harsh storms, fires and erosion. It is suspected to be approximately 250 years old and has been held in place with cables for the past 65 years.
In 2019, it unfortunately lost it’s left facing branch in a bad storm. This has dramatically changed its appearance and you will notice that my photo of it is significantly different compared to photos taken prior to 2019. Let’s hope that it will be able to grow back.
Walk among the Ghost Trees of Pescadero
Another popular stop off the 17-Mile Drive is the Ghost Trees of Pescadero. Beautiful Cypress trees grow along this rocky cliff edge, twisted and gnarled by weather. Some resembling up-right driftwood wedged in between the rocks. In fact, cypress trees can be found all along the coastline. But this small gathering of them give off a ghostly appeal with it’s grayish color and twisted branches. It’s a favorite nesting spot for pelicans as well. You can often see them take off into the sky in formation, with the crashing waves of the sea below.
Golf Break at Pebble Beach
If you enjoy a round of golf, or simply an incredible view framed by lush, green golf courses, then Pebble Beach is an ideal stop. Known for its many golfing properties, it’s a hot spot for golfers from around the world. It plays host to numerous Golf Tournaments and Championships. If you’re not a golfer, then it’s still a beautiful spot to enjoy the fantastic views, grab a delicious lunch or simply relax.
Tour the Point Pinos Lighthouse
During our trip, the Point Pinos Lighthouse was unfortunately closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. So hopefully it will reopen soon. So make sure to check their website for the most updated information.
“Point Pinos Lighthouse was lit on February 1, 1855, to guide ships on the Pacific coast of California. It is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States and even the lens is original. Alcatraz Island Lighthouse preceded Point Pinos by eight months, but was replaced in 1909 by the expanding military prison. The Point Pinos Lighthouse is still an active United States Coast Guard aid to navigation. On-site museum exhibits and other lighthouse related functions are operated by the city of Pacific Grove, Monterey County, California. The lighthouse is surrounded by the Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links.”
Sunset Bagpiper at Spanish Bay
Make sure to schedule the famous Sunset Bagpiper to your day. This is as close to Scotland as I will ever get, it seems. Don’t miss this unique experience at the Spanish Bay Resort. Known for luscious green courses reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, what more could one ask for than a bagpiper in full Scottish tartan and gear. Grab a spot around the many cozy fire-pits, a glass of your favorite beverage, and get ready to be serenaded. What better way to end an evening during your two days in Monterey Bay.
Wildlife Sighting at Seal Rock and Bird Rock
Make sure to have your binoculars ready. These two viewpoints are located less than half a mile apart, with Seal Beach in between. You can take a short walk from one to the other from the beach as well. They are aptly named for being ideal spots to view sea lions frolicking in the water and sea birds perched on a large rock. Best viewing times are before sunset when both marine life are the most active.
Be Amazed by the Fourth Green at Spyglass Hill
If you’re not a golfer than it’ll probably be a bit difficult to check out this idyllic spot for golfing. Known as the 4th Green at Spyglass Hill, it is located at the edge of the coastline with an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey coast. I’m not a golfer but maybe I can pretend, just so I can get to this spot. Doesn’t it remind you of Ireland or maybe Scotland? Who cares about golf when you have a view like this?
Don’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium!
The wonders of the Monterey Bay Aquarium are a delight to both the young and old. I love visiting aquariums and learning about the marine wildlife that exist in our fragile ecosystem around the world. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is actually a nonprofit organization and receives over 2-million visitors every year! It is the first to exhibit a Living Kelp Forest and also an elaborate Jellyfish exhibit. Their main efforts for rehabilitation and conservation range from Sea Otters and various sea birds to tuna fish. There is just so much to this incredible and educational facility, I can go on and on, but it would deserve its own post by that point. In other words, I highly recommend not to miss visiting the Aquarium during your two days in Monterey bay. Your children will thank you, even your grandparents will thank you.
Explore the Homes of Pacific Grove
There is a small suburban neighborhood located within Monterey called Pacific Grove. The 17-Mile drive essentially leads into the town if you enter it from the South entrance. The Point Pinos Lighthouse and Lovers Point Beach are both located within Pacific Grove. But my favorite part of the little city are the cute Victorian homes that are found practically around every corner . Many homes, shops and businesses feature the Victorian-era esthetics and some have been turned into local Bed and Breakfasts. The main street, Lighthouse Ave, also has a nostalgic vibe to it. Most restaurants, shops, and other services are located on this street. It’s a great stop to grab a quick bite to eat.
Walk around the Lover’s Point Beach Park
This beautiful seaside park with a small beach, a rocky outcrop, a boardwalk and biking trail is a popular stop for families. Enjoy a fun afternoon here taking in the views, or walk along the shores of the beach. Lover’s Point is located along the coastline of the Pacific Grove neighborhood, so you’ll also have quick and convenient access to many shops and restaurants.
Nostalgic Shops at Old Fisherman’s Wharf
The Old Fisherman’s Wharf of Monterey Bay is full of vintage shops, restaurants and sight-seeing. There is a myriad of seafood restaurants to get a taste of their infamous hot chowder. Unique souvenir or antique shops full of interesting finds. Plus lots of awesome activities such as whale watching, fishing, sailing and harbor cruises. Check their website for local events that are held often with loads of activities.
Dine or Shop at Cannery Row
Cannery Row is quite famous for being the setting used in many classic American books, films, and songs from the 1940-50s era. John Steinbeck actually has two novels that took place in this town. The author resided in Monterey for quite a while. Cannery Row has a long history of housing many defunct sardine canning facilities. Most closed back in the 70s. Now, the main street is lined with hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants, clothing stores, and sweet shops that reside in old cannery buildings. Tourists flock to the location for fishing, kayaking and scuba-diving. We had the chance to grab lunch right on the pier with a waterfront view at Fish Hopper. Their food was delish! I highly recommend the place.
Explore the Big Sur Pacific Coast Hwy
Make sure you give yourself time to drive a bit South of Monterey to visit the infamous Big Sur area of the Pacific Coast Highway. This stretch of the California coast is incredible and should not be missed! Bixby Bridge and Garrapata Beach are both under an hour to reach by car. They are easy to get to, just arrive early to get good parking. Depending on the weather, visibility may be a bit foggy as well. We witnessed a Base Jumper jump off the bridge! And the Garrapata Beach is awesome for hiking and fishing.
The furthest point is McWay Falls which can be about a 2-hour drive South. Unfortunately we didn’t make it to due to road closures from fires in the region during our trip. But this is a famous instagrammable spot for influencers and photographers.
Spend a Day in the Town of Carmel by the Sea
Don’t forget to hop on over to my 2-Day Weekend Guide for Carmel by the Sea. It’s another little town located less than 30-minutes away from Monterey. There are loads of things to do in this picturesque California coastal town. It’s full of lovely fairytale cottage homes, beautiful beaches, gourmet restaurants, unique and eclectic shops and great outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.
Where to Stay in Monterey Bay
Stay in an Amazing Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking for a convenient stay during your two days in Monterey Bay, then I highly recommend the following hotels. They are all perfectly located near everything and are reasonably priced with great amenities.
Rent a Gorgeous AirBNB in Monterey
Spend a perfect two days in monterey bay during your weekend getaway in a cozy private home. These are all places that I would personally stay in. A combination of modern with a vintage cottage vibe that I absolutely adore. Who wouldn’t want to stay in a little cottage by the sea? They are all reasonably priced and close to all the local Monterey highlights.
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 2 baths
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
First up I love the layout of your blog post – there’s so much wonderful information and it’s laid out so well!
I have never visited California but I would love to – and the sunshine looks divine!
What a fun itinerary! It sounds like there is so much to do in Monterey Bay. I’d love to check out the aquarium and visit Carmel by the Sea!
I love this post! I did the drive from San Francisco to LA about 15 years ago and this brings back such amazing memories. It really is a bucket list trip and you highlight so many of the wonderful stops along the way. I would do it again in a heartbeat and loved reliving it through you.
Stunning photos and very thorough guide on interesting stuff to do. I’ve never been to Carlifonia but when I do I’ll look up these tips
I lived in the SF Bay Area for close to 30 years and spent many cherished weekends in Monterey and the surrounding area. It was my escape, it’s where my hubby and I went on a lot of dates when we first started dating and I absolutely LOVE IT!
I haven’t heard of this area but it looks like a beautiful place to spend a couple of days!
A few of these are places I’ve wanted to see. Carmel by the Sea being one, and another the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The homes of Pacific Grove are adorable and I would love to see the marine life at Seal Rock!