Guidebook for Seaside
Food Scene
Our favorite place for breakfast or brunch. By the Aquarium; a great place to start a day on Cannery Row. Warning: huge portions! Our suggestion: split one item, then have a pancake for dessert!
55 locals recommend
First Awakenings
300 David AveOur favorite place for breakfast or brunch. By the Aquarium; a great place to start a day on Cannery Row. Warning: huge portions! Our suggestion: split one item, then have a pancake for dessert!
Another favorite by the Aquarium. Try their tom kha gai soup. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Great for take-out as well as dining in.
Thai Bistro II
159 Central AvenueAnother favorite by the Aquarium. Try their tom kha gai soup. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Great for take-out as well as dining in.
A local's favorite! Try the Sea Garden salad w/ side of black beans. Another restaruant, same owners, same name, in Pacific Grove. Just as good, but this one is a few $ cheaper for the same stuff.
7 locals recommend
Fishwife Seafood Cafe
789 Trinity AveA local's favorite! Try the Sea Garden salad w/ side of black beans. Another restaruant, same owners, same name, in Pacific Grove. Just as good, but this one is a few $ cheaper for the same stuff.
Great atmosphere, nice folks, excellent coffee! Support local coffee!
22 locals recommend
Acme Coffee Roasting Co
485 B Palm AveGreat atmosphere, nice folks, excellent coffee! Support local coffee!
Pizza by the slice or the whole pie. Great price on a combo: a slice, a salad, and a drink. Some very unique combinations ... we've tried most of them and have several favorites.
141 locals recommend
Pizza My Heart
209 EsplanadePizza by the slice or the whole pie. Great price on a combo: a slice, a salad, and a drink. Some very unique combinations ... we've tried most of them and have several favorites.
Lots of restaurants and shops, great patios for just hanging out, and pretty flowers everywhere. A little bit of an oaisis in Carmel.
24 locals recommend
Carmel Plaza
Mission StreetLots of restaurants and shops, great patios for just hanging out, and pretty flowers everywhere. A little bit of an oaisis in Carmel.
Don't miss this local gem. Wonderful food, great wine list, interesting interior, and a very pleasant staff. Another favorite with locals.
18 locals recommend
Fandango Restaurant
223 17th StDon't miss this local gem. Wonderful food, great wine list, interesting interior, and a very pleasant staff. Another favorite with locals.
Located at the Inn at Spanish Bay (NOT at the Pebble Beach Lodge, like this map says). Fantastic view of the ocean and the golf course, fire pits outside for pre-dinner drinks, amazing food!
21 locals recommend
The Lodge at Pebble Beach
1700 17 Mile DriveLocated at the Inn at Spanish Bay (NOT at the Pebble Beach Lodge, like this map says). Fantastic view of the ocean and the golf course, fire pits outside for pre-dinner drinks, amazing food!
More great local coffee. They support the local community and schools, so why not support them?
11 locals recommend
Coffee Mia Brew Bar & Cafe
250 Reservation RdMore great local coffee. They support the local community and schools, so why not support them?
A great selection of vegetarian and vegan items. Most are so wonderful, that a non-vegetarian won't miss the meat. Near the Aquarium.
Tillie Gort's Café
111 Central AveA great selection of vegetarian and vegan items. Most are so wonderful, that a non-vegetarian won't miss the meat. Near the Aquarium.
Amazing beer list, both in bottles and on tap. Give yourself time to make your selection. Also, the truffle fries go great with beer ... heck, the are great by themselves!
24 locals recommend
Cannery Row Brewing Company
95 Prescott AveAmazing beer list, both in bottles and on tap. Give yourself time to make your selection. Also, the truffle fries go great with beer ... heck, the are great by themselves!
I admit, I am biased: I worked here while going to grad school. However, the food is great, the salad bar is HUGE, and the view is amazing! Right on the water: look for the otters.
11 locals recommend
Chart House
444 Cannery RowI admit, I am biased: I worked here while going to grad school. However, the food is great, the salad bar is HUGE, and the view is amazing! Right on the water: look for the otters.
Great serve yourself salsa and chips bar. Yummy carnitas soft tacos, huge burritos, horchata, roast chicken, and more.
Papa Chano's
915 Playa AveGreat serve yourself salsa and chips bar. Yummy carnitas soft tacos, huge burritos, horchata, roast chicken, and more.
Baldemiro's Taco Shop
2008 Fremont BlvdHuge, yummy burritos!
Great outdoor seating (when the weather is good) for drinks and appetizers. You can sit overlooking the meadow and the coastline. Also fun for people watching.
59 locals recommend
Mission Ranch Restaurant
26270 Dolores StGreat outdoor seating (when the weather is good) for drinks and appetizers. You can sit overlooking the meadow and the coastline. Also fun for people watching.
Build your own burritos and soft tacos. We love their carnitas, and be sure to get a side of guacamole and chips. Another location in Sand City.
10 locals recommend
Chipotle Mexican Grill
2140 California AveBuild your own burritos and soft tacos. We love their carnitas, and be sure to get a side of guacamole and chips. Another location in Sand City.
Outdoor dining by the fire places, or indoors. A great place to hang out, and usually open later than most places in Carmel.
22 locals recommend
Forge in the Forest
5th AvenueOutdoor dining by the fire places, or indoors. A great place to hang out, and usually open later than most places in Carmel.
A favorite local restaurant, good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But save room for dessert: they have amazing cakes, pies and other desserts. You will need to share because they are HUGE!
22 locals recommend
Rosine's Restaurant
434 Alvarado StA favorite local restaurant, good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But save room for dessert: they have amazing cakes, pies and other desserts. You will need to share because they are HUGE!
Hot new restaurant in one of the oldest homes in Monterey. All my friends rave about it. Warning: this is a special event restaurant ... be sure that your wallet can handle it!
27 locals recommend
Restaurant 1833
500 Hartnell StHot new restaurant in one of the oldest homes in Monterey. All my friends rave about it. Warning: this is a special event restaurant ... be sure that your wallet can handle it!
Excellent coffees and breakfast items. Many items are organic. Funky decor. Very centrally located for Monterey visiting.
The Wild Plum Cafe
731 Munras AveExcellent coffees and breakfast items. Many items are organic. Funky decor. Very centrally located for Monterey visiting.
Hot new Italian restaurant. Try their $20, multi-course, prix fixe menu on Monday nights. I haven't been there yet, but my brother says it's great. Lots of good reviews from others.
110 Central Ave
110 Central AvenueHot new Italian restaurant. Try their $20, multi-course, prix fixe menu on Monday nights. I haven't been there yet, but my brother says it's great. Lots of good reviews from others.
Great for lunch. Some very creative combinations of the usual soup/salad/sandwiches. Cute location!
52 locals recommend
Red House Cafe
662 Lighthouse AvenueGreat for lunch. Some very creative combinations of the usual soup/salad/sandwiches. Cute location!
Great place for coffee, pastries, fresh bread, and breakfast/lunch.
38 locals recommend
Paris Bakery Cafe
271 Bonifacio PlGreat place for coffee, pastries, fresh bread, and breakfast/lunch.
Another great breakfast place. The wait can get long for breakfast on the weekends, so be patient.
8 locals recommend
Old Monterey Café
489 Alvarado StAnother great breakfast place. The wait can get long for breakfast on the weekends, so be patient.
Domenico's on the Wharf
50 Fishermans WharfOne of my favorites on the Wharf. Look for early bird dinner specials.
Café Lumiere
365 Calle PrincipalConnected to the lobby of the Osio Cinema. Great pastries!
Happy Dragon
2329 N Fremont StNot too fancy, but good Chinese and some Vietnamese food.
New addition to the local craft beer scene. Great beer and a fun menu.
65 locals recommend
Alvarado Street Brewery
426 Alvarado StNew addition to the local craft beer scene. Great beer and a fun menu.
Entertainment & Activities
A great public library. Ask at the reference desk for a guest pass that will get you one hour of Internet access. Many children's programs. Check their website for schedules.
Monterey Public Library
625 Pacific StA great public library. Ask at the reference desk for a guest pass that will get you one hour of Internet access. Many children's programs. Check their website for schedules.
Best playground ever! Always a favorite with families. Great place for the kids to use up some extra energy : ) They especially love to climb on the old steam locamotive.
El Estero Skate Park
725 Pearl StBest playground ever! Always a favorite with families. Great place for the kids to use up some extra energy : ) They especially love to climb on the old steam locamotive.
Hands-on museum very popular with the 2 - 6 year-old crowd. My daughter loved it so much that she had her birthday party there two years in a row!
15 locals recommend
Monterey County Youth Museum
425 Washington StHands-on museum very popular with the 2 - 6 year-old crowd. My daughter loved it so much that she had her birthday party there two years in a row!
Essentials
A great place to pick up supplies. Lots of heat and eat yummies! Plus, there is always something new to sample.
96 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1170 Forest AveA great place to pick up supplies. Lots of heat and eat yummies! Plus, there is always something new to sample.
The closest grocery store to our home. They also have a Starbucks, a Jamba Juice, sushi, a salad and sandwich bar, bakery, & ice. Going to Laguna Seca? This store is very convenient to the track.
128 locals recommend
Safeway
815 Canyon Del Rey BlvdThe closest grocery store to our home. They also have a Starbucks, a Jamba Juice, sushi, a salad and sandwich bar, bakery, & ice. Going to Laguna Seca? This store is very convenient to the track.
Everything organic, a great deli, amazing cheese selection, wonderful fresh sausages in the meat department, a seafood counter with local items, and enough samples to make a small meal while you shop.
71 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
800 Del Monte CenterEverything organic, a great deli, amazing cheese selection, wonderful fresh sausages in the meat department, a seafood counter with local items, and enough samples to make a small meal while you shop.
Shopping
Forgot some of your outdoor gear? RIE has it: biking, hiking, you name it. Just a few minutes from the house.
6 locals recommend
REI
145 General Stilwell DrForgot some of your outdoor gear? RIE has it: biking, hiking, you name it. Just a few minutes from the house.
Sightseeing
This was where the California state constitution was signed, just as the gold rush was taking off. The original constitution was bilingual: Spanish and English.
9 locals recommend
Colton Hall Museum
570 Pacific StThis was where the California state constitution was signed, just as the gold rush was taking off. The original constitution was bilingual: Spanish and English.
One of our newest state parks. Lots of walking trails. Less than 5 minutes from our house. Nice place to view the Monterey Bay. Frequently windy, so bring a jacket.
16 locals recommend
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Beach Range RoadOne of our newest state parks. Lots of walking trails. Less than 5 minutes from our house. Nice place to view the Monterey Bay. Frequently windy, so bring a jacket.
Called the Crown Jewel of the California State Park system. This is what 17 Mile Drive looked like before it was developed, go for a walk here. Park on Hwy. 1 and walk in to avoid the entrance fee.
309 locals recommend
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
62 CA-1Called the Crown Jewel of the California State Park system. This is what 17 Mile Drive looked like before it was developed, go for a walk here. Park on Hwy. 1 and walk in to avoid the entrance fee.
The oldest continuously used church in California. This happens to be our church. If you want the insider's tour, we would be happy to show you around. Recently restored with historical markers.
7 locals recommend
San Carlos Cathedral
500 Church StThe oldest continuously used church in California. This happens to be our church. If you want the insider's tour, we would be happy to show you around. Recently restored with historical markers.
Give yourself at least three hours. If you need a break, their snack bar and restaurant have one of the best views of the bay. Be sure to catch the otter feeding time.
668 locals recommend
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowGive yourself at least three hours. If you need a break, their snack bar and restaurant have one of the best views of the bay. Be sure to catch the otter feeding time.
Arts & Culture
The Alternative Cafe
1230 Fremont BlvdLive music, lots of locals, great coffee. Check ahead to see who is playing.
Check their website for outdoor films and plays in the summer time. Bring a picnic dinner and your favorite adult beverage for a unique experience. Part of the local arts scene for over 100 years.
11 locals recommend
Forest Theater, Carmel
Check their website for outdoor films and plays in the summer time. Bring a picnic dinner and your favorite adult beverage for a unique experience. Part of the local arts scene for over 100 years.
Lots of great independent films. Cafe Lumiere is connected to the lobby.
19 locals recommend
Osio Theater
350 Alvarado StLots of great independent films. Cafe Lumiere is connected to the lobby.
Everything Else
Need to relax for a few hours? Spoil yourself! Get a massage, soak in a jacuzzi, read a magazine by the fireplace, while a very helpful person brings you lavender lemonade and a warm neck pillow.
6 locals recommend
The Spa at Pebble Beach
1518 Cypress DrNeed to relax for a few hours? Spoil yourself! Get a massage, soak in a jacuzzi, read a magazine by the fireplace, while a very helpful person brings you lavender lemonade and a warm neck pillow.
Because sometimes you just need 36 rolls of TP and a roast chicken!
22 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
801 Tioga AveBecause sometimes you just need 36 rolls of TP and a roast chicken!
Just steps from our house: access to the roads that are closed to regular traffic, but are great for bicycle riding!
314 Normandy Rd
314 Parker Flats Cut Off RoadJust steps from our house: access to the roads that are closed to regular traffic, but are great for bicycle riding!
240 Gigling Rd
4262 Gigling RoadMore trail heads for bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding.
Adult heaven! Massage, different hot and cold pools. Hang out for hours and forget all your cares. Google the reviews and you will be amazed. Highly recommended that you allow several hours.
65 locals recommend
Refuge
27300 Rancho San Carlos RdAdult heaven! Massage, different hot and cold pools. Hang out for hours and forget all your cares. Google the reviews and you will be amazed. Highly recommended that you allow several hours.
I have been taking my cars here for over 15 years. Great people and great service. Not open on weekends. If you need work done, call at 7:30 AM to beat the rush.
Tom's Monterey Auto Repair
301 Abrego StI have been taking my cars here for over 15 years. Great people and great service. Not open on weekends. If you need work done, call at 7:30 AM to beat the rush.
Monterey Visitor Center
401 Camino El EsteroA great one-stop location for info on restaurants and tourist attractions.
Very close to the Aquarium and several great restaurants. Lots of great info for organizing your trip.
Tourist Information Center
100 Central AveVery close to the Aquarium and several great restaurants. Lots of great info for organizing your trip.
United States Postal Service
565 Hartnell StGet your stamps and mail home those souvenirs!
United States Postal Service
565 Hartnell StClosest post office to my house. Plenty of parking.
Great for the whole family: multiple exercise rooms with all kinds of equipment, two swimming pools, child care, and more. Check out their website for class schedules.
12 locals recommend
Monterey Sports Center
301 E Franklin StGreat for the whole family: multiple exercise rooms with all kinds of equipment, two swimming pools, child care, and more. Check out their website for class schedules.
Walk or ride your bicycle on this car-free recreation trail. You can go for miles and miles! It used to be where the railroad tracks were ... now it is people powered!
8 locals recommend
Monterey Bay Coastal Trail
Monterey Bay Coastal TrailWalk or ride your bicycle on this car-free recreation trail. You can go for miles and miles! It used to be where the railroad tracks were ... now it is people powered!
346 Kolb Ave
346 Kolb AvenueUsually the cheapest gas in the area.
When the wind is blowing in the right direction, we can hear the racers' engines at our house.
WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca Ticket Office
1021 Monterey Salinas HwyWhen the wind is blowing in the right direction, we can hear the racers' engines at our house.
Bayonet & Black Horse
1 McClure WayThe closest golf course to our house: 5 minutes drive max!