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Seeking among the finest locations for a romantic getaway within the United States? Look no additional than Monterey! With outside actions, wine-tasting rooms, stunning seashores, famend golf programs, and romantic inns — this metropolis alongside the California Coast affords 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, over again)! You’ll fall in love, too, with this record of probably the most romantic issues to do in Monterey.
1. Cannery Row
Along the California Coast in downtown Monterey, you will discover picturesque Cannery Row. This bustling historic road affords fairly ocean views and is the principle road by way of town.
Made well-known by John Steinbeck’s guide, Cannery Row, Monterey pays tribute to the sardine manufacturing unit employees who labored right here from 1908 till the final cannery closed in 1973.
The Presidio of Monterey Museum consists of three attention-grabbing Cannery Workers’ Shacks, representing three migrant ethnic teams who lived and labored right here throughout the canning heyday.
Located 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.
Shoppers shall be happy to discover Cannery Row Antique Mall, positioned throughout the former Carmel Canning Company warehouse. You may wander by way of a mess of reward outlets alongside Cannery Row the place you should buy t-shirts and different souvenirs of your Monterey romantic retreat.
2. Old Fisherman’s Wharf Clam Chowder Tasting
Seafood eating places abound alongside Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf procuring and eating district. You will most likely be supplied 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 have 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 hottest attraction in Monterey is its world-renowned aquarium. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is among the most spectacular aquariums on this planet. It’s set on 3.3 bay-front acres and is house to over 75,000 animals and vegetation. Couples will get pleasure from exploring the aquarium’s hands-on, instructional shows of marine life collectively.
Skip-the-Line Tickets
The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium may be very busy, and rightfully so. Expect lengthy strains 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
In addition to an enormous array of fish, the aquarium’s sea otters are a continuous swirling, swimming, diving frenzy of leisure. Take a take a look at what I imply within the video above!
Penguins
The resident penguins are much less energetic 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
At some level throughout your Monterey trip, you could embark on the well-known 17-Mile Drive. This winding personal oceanfront street expenses a nominal charge, but it surely’s effectively price it for the views.
Plan to pause rather a lot alongside the scenic drive to snap pictures 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 Beach.
Adventurous {couples} could wish to tackle the 17-Mile Drive by way of bicycle. Sign up for an e-bike tour with a neighborhood information prematurely.
5. Pebble Beach Golf Links
Top off your drive with a cease at Pebble Beach Golf Links. If you like golf and have deep pockets, then make a reservation to play a spherical or two at this fashionable spot throughout your journey to Monterey County. The golf programs listed here are usually voted amongst the very best within the United States.
Or, do as my husband and I did, and dwell the wealthy life by sipping cocktails at their golf membership as a substitute. Take in a powerful view of the course and ocean whilst you get pleasure from your refreshments. Browse high-end retail outlets at Pebble Beach earlier than or after your treats.
6. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
About six miles from Monterey you will discover the unbelievable Point Lobos State Reserve within the northern finish of Big 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 seashore, dolphins diving within the water, a whole lot (if not 1000’s) of birds, and a moderately outgoing mama doe and her fawn.
Lucky guests can typically spy on sea otters taking part in in kelp forests at this nature reserve too, however we weren’t amongst them. To get a greater view of the world’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 Point Lobos. Pack a picnic basket to pause mid-hike to get pleasure from a romantic picnic alongside a few of the most gorgeous panorama alongside the West Coast.
7. Whale Watching Tour
Set sail from Old Fisherman’s Wharf to see majestic whales of their pure habitat within the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Depending on what time of yr 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. Meanwhile, 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 accomplice, GetYourInformation now!
8. Beautiful Beaches
One of the very best methods to get pleasure from Monterey’s many outside actions is to move to the seashore.
During your Monterey romantic trip, a cease at Lovers Point Park is a should. It affords fairly views, comfortable sand, and entry to water sports activities like stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing.
Alternatively, San Carlos Beach is conveniently positioned close to Cannery Row. It is thought extra for scuba diving and tide swimming pools than lazy seashore days, nonetheless.
Meanwhile, Del Monte Beach is thought to be the very best spot in Monterey for swimming, browsing, and sunbathing. Add pleasure to your journey with personal surf classes at Del Monte.
9. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
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 fashionable websites like Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row alongside the best way.
Rent bicycles and surreys from native outfitters to traverse the path, taking in views of Monterey Bay as you pedal. You may hire kayaks to paddle by way of the bay.
10. Wine-Tasting Rooms
Monterey County boasts over 349 distinctive vineyards. Couples can pattern many varietals proper within the coronary heart of Monterey at wine tasting rooms alongside Cannery Row. Stop 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 together with your sweetheart in Monterey? Creating your personal customized mix at The Wine Experience, that is what! Reserve your Blending Session for Two prematurely. Your mixing session features a cheese and charcuterie board. You’ll depart with your personal distinctive bottle of wine with its personal customized label as effectively.
11. Monterey Jazz Festival
Couples who respect jazz shall be glad to be taught 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 levels over the course of three days in September.
In addition to wonderful dwell music, count on jazz panel discussions and workshops, worldwide meals cubicles, procuring, and festivities on the Monterey County Fairgrounds.
12. Monterey State Historic Park
Part of the Monterey Old Town Historic District, Monterey State Historic Park options authorities buildings and old-time homes that inform the story of California’s earliest capital. History buffs will wish to embark on a self-guided audio tour of the park.
13. Carmel-by-the-Sea
One of the very best issues about Monterey is its proximity to the neighboring city, Carmel, and vice versa. This charming place in Carmel Valley affords artwork galleries, romantic eating places, and the attractive Carmel Mission. Carmel-by-the-Sea is the proper place for a romantic stroll together with your accomplice amongst quaint outlets and fairy story homes.
Stop by Carmel as a day journey from Monterey. Better but, prolong your romantic street journey alongside California’s Central Coast with a couple of nights in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Learn extra about romantic issues to do in Carmel.
14. Romantic Restaurants
The Monterey Peninsula has no scarcity of eating places the place you may get pleasure from a romantic meal.
Aquarium Restaurant
Monterey Bay Aquarium’s sit-down eating choice, Aquarium Restaurant, boasts among the finest ocean views on the town. It got here extremely beneficial 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 elements 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
Be certain to make reservations for a romantic dinner at Pacific’s Edge Restaurant at Hyatt Carmel Highlands. Menus change with the seasons at this additional 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 selfmade espresso ice cream are to not be missed.
The knock-your-socks-off views of Point Lobos Reserve, unbelievable service, and impeccable delicacies will impress probably 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 Hotels
Whether you are planning an extended weekend or a extra in depth 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 Booking.com. Expect Monterey Bay views, charming antiques, and included silver tray-served continental breakfasts. Many visitor rooms embody wood-burning fireplaces, excellent for {couples} to cuddle by.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Beach lovers will wish to keep at Monterey Plaza Hotel. Pacific waves crash on the shores beneath this beachfront property positioned on Cannery Row. Hot tubs, hearth pits, complimentary bicycles, fashionable facilities, and the on-site Vista Blue Spa make this lodge some of the fashionable locations for {couples} to remain in Monterey.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
The luxurious, but woodsy Hyatt Carmel Highlands is located beside the Pacific Ocean and Point Lobos State Reserve. The rooms usually are not giant, however the views certain are. Take a dip of their heated outside pool or heat up after a day of mountain climbing in a steaming sizzling tub. Then, pull up a seat at one in every of their blazing hearth pits for s’mores and a glass of vino.
Explore Additional Romantic Destinations
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Take a peek at actions for {couples} in Basel, Switzerland.
Save These Activities for Couples in Monterey
For future journey planning, be sure you save this record of romantic issues to do in Monterey. Simply pin the picture above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with Travel Mamas on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!
Do you will have different options for {couples} visiting Monterey? Let us know within the feedback beneath!
A Note from The Travel 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 value for the whole lot else we did within the Monterey space. All opinions are my very own, as at all times.
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