How to spend the perfect day in Monterey, California based on our adventures.

We had initially planned a camping trip in Big Sur but after Phil got sick we decided to spend a relaxing weekend in Monterey, California. This little town was perfect and it allowed for a speedy recovery.

Exploring the small town was fun but being able to check out the pier was even better. It's a great California weekend getaway.

Where to Stay

Hyatt Regency

The Hyatt Regency in Monterey is more like a resort. It has so much to offer and honestly if it wasn't for us wanting to see the beach we might not have left the entire weekend. It is located on a golf course which is probably the biggest draw but they offer way more than just that.

Seriously though this place has...

• 2 Pools
• 2 Hot tubs
• Restaurant
• Bar and grill...with a pool table
• Ping pong
• Corn hole
• Shuffle Board
• GIANT connect four
• 2 Outdoor fire pits

The rooms are big and the bed is nice but the decorating is a little outdated. Nothing bad, just nothing too special either. The hotel is pretty big so keep in mind your room might be a quick walk to some of the amenities. Since we went in the winter the walk back from the hot tub was pretty chilly.

Wave Street Inn

If you are looking for a great hotel in downtown Monterey then Wave Street Inn is a great choice. The rooms are nice and have TONS of room. There is parking on the property included with your room.

The hotel is walking distance to plenty of stores, restaurants and the beach. There is a "continental breakfast "but it's just goody bags with treats. It's a nice bag but if you're expecting something more formal you may be disappointed.

Where to Eat

Wild Plum Cafe

This place knows breakfast! Everything is made from scratch and is super tasty. They have a good selection of coffee drinks like espressos, lattes and americanos and all made with great tasting coffee beans. Their bakery items are delicious and are worth grabbing one to go if you don't have time to eat in.

Chef Lee's Mandarin House

This is the place to go for delicious Chinese food. The best thing about this place is that you get free hot tea which was a perfect touch.

Keep in mind the meal portions are HUGE. If you are in a group or going as a family, they have a great deal on family meals that are different in price depending on how many people are with you. When we went we each got our own dish not realizing that the plates were so big.

Revival Ice Cream

Ice cream and the beach just go together so stopping here is a must. All of the ingredients are organic but the flavors are unique and created by the store.

Some of the flavors might sound crazy but taste good. They even have vegan options. The store also tries to use less waste and is locally owned.

What to Do

Old Monterey Book Co

This book store is AMAZING. They have so many books that are all unique. We are pretty sure the owner is this adorable older woman who sits in the corner reading the whole time.

They probably don't accept credit card but we did ask since we had cash. When we went to check out she looked at the books and said "just make it an even ten" even though the prices on the book would have been $14. This place looks like something out of a Harry Potter film.

The Beach

We went to Municipal Beach but there are other great beaches as well. Municipal Beach is great because it's right by a lot of stores and has a wharf.

You can also access the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail from the beach which is great for some exercise. When we went it was too cold to get in the water or sunbathe but it was still fun to take some pictures and look at the views.

We hope our travel guide for Monterey, California will inspire you and help you plan your next trip. This town has the perfect mix of a beach atmosphere and retirement. Happy Adventuring!