Guidebook for Monterey
Food Scene
Monterey's Fish House
2114 Del Monte AveBEST SEAFOOD IN TOWN, and walking distance.
Hidden treasure, excellent food and service, nice stroll to it from my place.
6 locals recommend
The Market Restaurant
2339 North Fremont StreetHidden treasure, excellent food and service, nice stroll to it from my place.
Great thin or thick crust pizza, just at the corner near me. 2 min walk. Also great pasta and homey Italian atmosphere. Try the grilled artichokes!
Caruso's Corner
2101 N Fremont StGreat thin or thick crust pizza, just at the corner near me. 2 min walk. Also great pasta and homey Italian atmosphere. Try the grilled artichokes!
Best pastries in town, has indoor/outdoor seating, serves breakfast and lunch.
38 locals recommend
Paris Bakery Cafe
271 Bonifacio PlBest pastries in town, has indoor/outdoor seating, serves breakfast and lunch.
An old Victorian house turned into a coffee shop/lunch place. Upstairs are comfy leather seats and chair/tables for long chats.
18 locals recommend
Crema
481 Lighthouse AveAn old Victorian house turned into a coffee shop/lunch place. Upstairs are comfy leather seats and chair/tables for long chats.
YUM! One of my go-to places for brunch or dinner. Converted old Victorian home with a darling garden shop underneath.
52 locals recommend
Red House Cafe
662 Lighthouse AvenueYUM! One of my go-to places for brunch or dinner. Converted old Victorian home with a darling garden shop underneath.
Sightseeing
The drive to Big Sur from Monterey (about 40 minutes) is along some of the most spectacular coastline in the world. My favorite spot is the River Inn, where you can grab a cappacino and sit on the lovely deck, or have lunch, then go sit on a wooden chair IN the babbling river with an adult beverage and read or just enjoy the sounds of the river. Live music on Sundays in the summer. Dinner by the fireplace at night is very romantic!
332 locals recommend
Big Sur
The drive to Big Sur from Monterey (about 40 minutes) is along some of the most spectacular coastline in the world. My favorite spot is the River Inn, where you can grab a cappacino and sit on the lovely deck, or have lunch, then go sit on a wooden chair IN the babbling river with an adult beverage and read or just enjoy the sounds of the river. Live music on Sundays in the summer. Dinner by the fireplace at night is very romantic!
Yes, it's touristy, but it has lovely views and delicious food. Grab some "samples" of the famous clam chowder at several of the restaurants. For romantic restaurants, I love Dominico's, Scales, and Fisherman's Grotto (upstairs for the view).
18 locals recommend
Fishermans Wharf
Fishermans WharfYes, it's touristy, but it has lovely views and delicious food. Grab some "samples" of the famous clam chowder at several of the restaurants. For romantic restaurants, I love Dominico's, Scales, and Fisherman's Grotto (upstairs for the view).
Entertainment & Activities
Very long walk/bike trail from Marina (north of Monterey) clear to Pacific Grove (west of Monterey). Lovely views and lots of places to stop for food/drink.
10 locals recommend
Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail
Monterey Peninsula Recreational TrailVery long walk/bike trail from Marina (north of Monterey) clear to Pacific Grove (west of Monterey). Lovely views and lots of places to stop for food/drink.
Golden State Theatre
417 Alvarado StConcerts-wide variety. Tickets available online.
Lots of independent and unusual films, small theaters, good cafe, reserved seating for most showings. Tickets available online.
19 locals recommend
Osio Theater
350 Alvarado StLots of independent and unusual films, small theaters, good cafe, reserved seating for most showings. Tickets available online.
Stunning aquarium, a must see while in Monterey. Best time to go is weekdays, in the am. Gets very crowded on weekends and afternoons.
668 locals recommend
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowStunning aquarium, a must see while in Monterey. Best time to go is weekdays, in the am. Gets very crowded on weekends and afternoons.
Shopping
Small town, calls itself "America's Last Hometown". Has great restaurants, shopping, and lots of old Victorian homes. Fun to just stroll through town, or the Farmer's Market there on Monday evenings.
53 locals recommend
Pacific Grove
Small town, calls itself "America's Last Hometown". Has great restaurants, shopping, and lots of old Victorian homes. Fun to just stroll through town, or the Farmer's Market there on Monday evenings.
Essentials
Safeway
815 Canyon Del Rey BlvdJust 1/2 mile down the road, very walkable.
Pharmacy and Drug Store....the usual options for wine/beer/snacks/personal care items. A 3 min walk from my place.
23 locals recommend
CVS
6 The CrossroadsPharmacy and Drug Store....the usual options for wine/beer/snacks/personal care items. A 3 min walk from my place.
Everything Else
Wine tasting, unique shopping, art galleries, beautiful scenery, and delicious restaurants.
64 locals recommend
Carmel Valley
Wine tasting, unique shopping, art galleries, beautiful scenery, and delicious restaurants.
Getting Around
A bus stop on this system is right up at the corner and will take you to the main transit plaza in downtown Monterey. From there you can take buses all over the local area for quite reasonable fees.
Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) - Monterey Mobility Management Office
150 Del Monte AveA bus stop on this system is right up at the corner and will take you to the main transit plaza in downtown Monterey. From there you can take buses all over the local area for quite reasonable fees.