Guidebook for Seaside/Surrounding Cities

Ben
Guidebook for Seaside/Surrounding Cities

Food Scene

A TRUE locals favorite coffee shop! Everything on the Menu gets a thumbs up from us!
22 locals recommend
Acme Coffee Roasting Co
485 B Palm Ave
22 locals recommend
A TRUE locals favorite coffee shop! Everything on the Menu gets a thumbs up from us!
An eclectic menu of European specialties and American favorites.
9 locals recommend
Layers
9 Soledad Dr
9 locals recommend
An eclectic menu of European specialties and American favorites.
Bustling spot for seafood, serves the BEST clam chowder with water views & a side of old-school elegance. Ask about our free appetizer cards!
64 locals recommend
Old Fisherman's Wharf
1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf
64 locals recommend
Bustling spot for seafood, serves the BEST clam chowder with water views & a side of old-school elegance. Ask about our free appetizer cards!
Californian cuisine served in an airy, modern restaurant amid warm woods & Lovers Point Park views. They have a great sunset supper for just $10! Ask me about it!
33 locals recommend
Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point
620 Ocean View Blvd
33 locals recommend
Californian cuisine served in an airy, modern restaurant amid warm woods & Lovers Point Park views. They have a great sunset supper for just $10! Ask me about it!
The Locals favorite and just a 2 minute walk from our place! A fun, family owned restaurant. Great home style cooking, and fast, friendly service.
32 locals recommend
The Breakfast Club
1130 Fremont Blvd
32 locals recommend
The Locals favorite and just a 2 minute walk from our place! A fun, family owned restaurant. Great home style cooking, and fast, friendly service.
Local, Italian bistro for pizzas, pastas & other classic fare, served in a warm setting. Close by!
26 locals recommend
Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza
1901 Fremont Blvd
26 locals recommend
Local, Italian bistro for pizzas, pastas & other classic fare, served in a warm setting. Close by!
Bright, fun, contemporary New American bar & grill with water views, sidewalk seats & a basement bar.
8 locals recommend
Lalla Oceanside Grill
654 Cannery Row
8 locals recommend
Bright, fun, contemporary New American bar & grill with water views, sidewalk seats & a basement bar.
Enjoy some Animal style fries or a double double, all within walking distance from our home!
19 locals recommend
In-N-Out Burger
550 Newhall Drive
19 locals recommend
Enjoy some Animal style fries or a double double, all within walking distance from our home!
Their commitment is to use only organic, sustainably produced coffee, milk, and other consumables.
Hidden Fortress @ The Press Club
1123 Fremont Blvd
Their commitment is to use only organic, sustainably produced coffee, milk, and other consumables.
Bustling, low-key Vietnamese eatery featuring noodle soups & other traditional dishes.
33 locals recommend
Noodle Bar
215 Reservation Rd
33 locals recommend
Bustling, low-key Vietnamese eatery featuring noodle soups & other traditional dishes.
Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean as you sit perched cliff-side; either inside through panoramic windows next to a cozy fireplace or outside on our open deck. Catch a glimpse of playful sea-otters, dolphins, seals, and many whales as they migrate up the coast.
28 locals recommend
Rocky Point Restaurant
36700 CA-1
28 locals recommend
Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean as you sit perched cliff-side; either inside through panoramic windows next to a cozy fireplace or outside on our open deck. Catch a glimpse of playful sea-otters, dolphins, seals, and many whales as they migrate up the coast.
Sitting on the terrace, enjoying a glass of wine, an Ambrosia Burger, or one of their exceptional homemade desserts is a quintessential California experience. The first time visitor to the Central Coast will not want to miss it. Once you have visited, you are destined to return.
94 locals recommend
Nepenthe
48510 CA-1
94 locals recommend
Sitting on the terrace, enjoying a glass of wine, an Ambrosia Burger, or one of their exceptional homemade desserts is a quintessential California experience. The first time visitor to the Central Coast will not want to miss it. Once you have visited, you are destined to return.
High-end chain eatery serving seafood & steakhouse fare in a classy setting with view.
11 locals recommend
Chart House
444 Cannery Row
11 locals recommend
High-end chain eatery serving seafood & steakhouse fare in a classy setting with view.
Finest Artisan bread products on the Monterey Peninsula.
Palermo Bakery
1620 Fremont Blvd
Finest Artisan bread products on the Monterey Peninsula.
Fresh Local Seafood
7 locals recommend
Fishwife Seafood Cafe
789 Trinity Ave
7 locals recommend
Fresh Local Seafood
Long list of familiar Chinese entrees & family dinner combinations dispensed in an informal setting.
Jim's
1584 Del Monte Blvd
Long list of familiar Chinese entrees & family dinner combinations dispensed in an informal setting.
Made Fresh Daily Since 1950. Real Handmade Donuts Since 1950.
Red's Donuts
1646 Fremont Blvd
Made Fresh Daily Since 1950. Real Handmade Donuts Since 1950.
The BEST sandwiches. Try the Bomber!!
Mal's Market
1264 Noche Buena St
The BEST sandwiches. Try the Bomber!!
Homey stop-in for creative sushi rolls & familiar Japanese chow, plus beer & sake in petite digs.
15 locals recommend
Sushi Time
1153 Fremont Blvd
15 locals recommend
Homey stop-in for creative sushi rolls & familiar Japanese chow, plus beer & sake in petite digs.
Casual restaurant serving traditional German dishes & imported beer in an old-school atmosphere.
German Restaurant Stammtisch
1204 Echo Ave
Casual restaurant serving traditional German dishes & imported beer in an old-school atmosphere.
Excellent Korean food and very friendly service.
Orient Express Restaurant
1884 Fremont Blvd
Excellent Korean food and very friendly service.
No-frills Mexican eatery with a warm vibe serving tacos, burritos, drinks & desserts.
6 locals recommend
La Tortuga
1257 Fremont Blvd
6 locals recommend
No-frills Mexican eatery with a warm vibe serving tacos, burritos, drinks & desserts.
This Mexican eatery offers seafood, classic combo plates & breakfast in a homey, art-lined space.
6 locals recommend
Mariscos Puerto Nuevo
580 Broadway Ave
6 locals recommend
This Mexican eatery offers seafood, classic combo plates & breakfast in a homey, art-lined space.
Mi Tierra is by far the best tacos in the area.
7 locals recommend
Mi Tierra
1000 Broadway Ave
7 locals recommend
Mi Tierra is by far the best tacos in the area.
fresh, delicious Japanese cuisine at an affordable price
OH Sushi
2030 N Fremont St
fresh, delicious Japanese cuisine at an affordable price
Family-style dishes of northern Chinese cooking in a fancy setting with traditional decor.
Chef Lee's Mandarin House
2031 N Fremont St
Family-style dishes of northern Chinese cooking in a fancy setting with traditional decor.
Coffeehouse offering beverages made with locally roasted, organic coffee beans, plus light fare.
Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company
880 Broadway Ave
Coffeehouse offering beverages made with locally roasted, organic coffee beans, plus light fare.

Drinks & Nightlife

Very close to our place and a locals fav hangout! Monterey Peninsula's fresh, new concept in the way you'll partake in hard-to-find Beers, Wines, Hard Ciders & Craft Sodas from all over the World (& Local).
25 locals recommend
Post No Bills Craft Beer House
600 Ortiz Ave
25 locals recommend
Very close to our place and a locals fav hangout! Monterey Peninsula's fresh, new concept in the way you'll partake in hard-to-find Beers, Wines, Hard Ciders & Craft Sodas from all over the World (& Local).
Casual eatery with an extensive draft beer selection, American pub grub & outdoor fire pits.Cannery Row Brewing Company is a family-friendly, beer-concept restaurant that offers the second largest number of beers available on tap in Northern California and is the largest single outlet beer account in Monterey County. In addition to the vintage beer paraphernalia décor, diners can view the 75-plus kegs behind the glass bar, or enjoy the fog-lifting fire pits overlooking the Cannery Row recreation trails and the Monterey Bay.
24 locals recommend
Cannery Row Brewing Company
95 Prescott Ave
24 locals recommend
Casual eatery with an extensive draft beer selection, American pub grub & outdoor fire pits.Cannery Row Brewing Company is a family-friendly, beer-concept restaurant that offers the second largest number of beers available on tap in Northern California and is the largest single outlet beer account in Monterey County. In addition to the vintage beer paraphernalia décor, diners can view the 75-plus kegs behind the glass bar, or enjoy the fog-lifting fire pits overlooking the Cannery Row recreation trails and the Monterey Bay.
Locals fav!! Craft brewery specializing in English ale, with a pub serving lunch & other hearty delicious food.
10 locals recommend
English Ales Brewery
223 Reindollar Ave
10 locals recommend
Locals fav!! Craft brewery specializing in English ale, with a pub serving lunch & other hearty delicious food.
Cocktails, live jazz & innovative preparations of Italian fare merge at this casually elegant spot. Great for a Fri/Sat night out on the town in downtown Monterey!
10 locals recommend
Cibo
301 Alvarado St
10 locals recommend
Cocktails, live jazz & innovative preparations of Italian fare merge at this casually elegant spot. Great for a Fri/Sat night out on the town in downtown Monterey!
Sleek environs for a roster of specialty cocktails & American fare like wood-fired pizza & tacos.
13 locals recommend
Lallapalooza
474 Alvarado St
13 locals recommend
Sleek environs for a roster of specialty cocktails & American fare like wood-fired pizza & tacos.

Entertainment & Activities

Coming for a concert or event? The Monterey county fairgrounds is less than a mile away from our place. Check out their website to view the events coming up! http://montereycountyfair.com/
15 locals recommend
Monterey Fairgrounds
2004 Fairground Rd
15 locals recommend
Coming for a concert or event? The Monterey county fairgrounds is less than a mile away from our place. Check out their website to view the events coming up! http://montereycountyfair.com/
The Aquarium is perched on the edge of a world-famous coastline full of opportunities for discovery and exploration, where miles of welcoming beaches, hiking and cycling trails are just minutes away by car. Part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the waters just off our decks are home to a rich variety of marine life.
668 locals recommend
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
668 locals recommend
The Aquarium is perched on the edge of a world-famous coastline full of opportunities for discovery and exploration, where miles of welcoming beaches, hiking and cycling trails are just minutes away by car. Part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the waters just off our decks are home to a rich variety of marine life.
Abundant marine life attracts year-round whale watching cruises that depart from Monterey and Moss Landing in Monterey County. The tours are led by experienced captains and naturalists who are delighted to introduce visitors to the fascinating and beautiful creatures who call the California waters home.
29 locals recommend
Monterey Bay Whale Watch
84 Fishermans Wharf
29 locals recommend
Abundant marine life attracts year-round whale watching cruises that depart from Monterey and Moss Landing in Monterey County. The tours are led by experienced captains and naturalists who are delighted to introduce visitors to the fascinating and beautiful creatures who call the California waters home.
Discover breathtaking views of Monterey Bay at one of Monterey County's Golf Courses at the Black Horse Golf Course or the Bayonet ... Golf Course in Seaside.
16 locals recommend
Bayonet & Black Horse
1 McClure Way
16 locals recommend
Discover breathtaking views of Monterey Bay at one of Monterey County's Golf Courses at the Black Horse Golf Course or the Bayonet ... Golf Course in Seaside.
The Jade Lounge is a live music venue,
The Jade Lounge
2110 N Fremont St
The Jade Lounge is a live music venue,

Essentials

Did you forget something or forget a souvenir for someone? Not to worry Walgreens is open 24 hours and literally a block away from our place.
13 locals recommend
Walgreens
1055 Fremont Blvd
13 locals recommend
Did you forget something or forget a souvenir for someone? Not to worry Walgreens is open 24 hours and literally a block away from our place.
Longtime supermarket chain carrying brand-name & house-label groceries, plus a deli, bakery & more.
128 locals recommend
Safeway
815 Canyon Del Rey Blvd
128 locals recommend
Longtime supermarket chain carrying brand-name & house-label groceries, plus a deli, bakery & more.
Any and everything!
23 locals recommend
Target
133 General Stilwell Dr
23 locals recommend
Any and everything!
Supersize everything!
22 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
801 Tioga Ave
22 locals recommend
Supersize everything!

Parks & Nature

Point Pinos Lighthouse was lit in 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.
21 locals recommend
Point Pinos Lighthouse
80 Asilomar Ave
21 locals recommend
Point Pinos Lighthouse was lit in 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.
Watch whales in winter and sea lions all year round at this Bay Area nature reserve, which offers hiking, walking, bird watching, scuba diving and magnificent views.
309 locals recommend
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
62 CA-1
309 locals recommend
Watch whales in winter and sea lions all year round at this Bay Area nature reserve, which offers hiking, walking, bird watching, scuba diving and magnificent views.
Hop right on the recreational trail just a few blocks from our home and enjoy all this beautiful peninsula has to offer by foot or bike.
10 locals recommend
Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail
Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail
10 locals recommend
Hop right on the recreational trail just a few blocks from our home and enjoy all this beautiful peninsula has to offer by foot or bike.
Jacks Peak County Park is a perfect spot for a day hike. Located in Monterey, Jacks Peak County Park has fossils from the Miocene epoch, stunning vistas of Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley, and one of the only remaining natural stands of Monterey Pine trees in the United States. It is also a great spot for a picnic, with picnic tables located close to restrooms, some with grills. Jacks Peak County Park is celebrated by birders for the many species it houses and is part of the Central Coast Birding Trail.
Jacks Peak Park Road
Jacks Peak Park Road
Jacks Peak County Park is a perfect spot for a day hike. Located in Monterey, Jacks Peak County Park has fossils from the Miocene epoch, stunning vistas of Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley, and one of the only remaining natural stands of Monterey Pine trees in the United States. It is also a great spot for a picnic, with picnic tables located close to restrooms, some with grills. Jacks Peak County Park is celebrated by birders for the many species it houses and is part of the Central Coast Birding Trail.
Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley is a popular spot for leisure hiking. Breathtaking views lie around every corner of this 4,462-acre park, with trails varying from easy to strenuous. Notable features at Garland Ranch Regional Park include the Carmel River, Garzas Creek, a redwood canyon and a charming waterfall. Historic buildings dot Garland Ranch Regional Park, allowing visitors to experience Carmel Valley as it once was.
133 locals recommend
Garland Ranch Regional Park
700 W Carmel Valley Rd
133 locals recommend
Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley is a popular spot for leisure hiking. Breathtaking views lie around every corner of this 4,462-acre park, with trails varying from easy to strenuous. Notable features at Garland Ranch Regional Park include the Carmel River, Garzas Creek, a redwood canyon and a charming waterfall. Historic buildings dot Garland Ranch Regional Park, allowing visitors to experience Carmel Valley as it once was.
The first 2,500 acres of the rugged Pinnacles were made a national monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Since 1908, the monument significantly increased in size to 26,000 acres and in 2013 President Barack Obama designated the expansive terrain as a national park. Pinnacles National Park was once a spring and fall home to the Chalone and Mutsun tribes. The national park is now a popular spot for outdoor activities ranging from hiking to birdwatching to stargazing to rock climbing. It is also a perfect outdoor classroom for lessons in geology, botany and biology.
79 locals recommend
Pinnacles National Park
79 locals recommend
The first 2,500 acres of the rugged Pinnacles were made a national monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Since 1908, the monument significantly increased in size to 26,000 acres and in 2013 President Barack Obama designated the expansive terrain as a national park. Pinnacles National Park was once a spring and fall home to the Chalone and Mutsun tribes. The national park is now a popular spot for outdoor activities ranging from hiking to birdwatching to stargazing to rock climbing. It is also a perfect outdoor classroom for lessons in geology, botany and biology.
Take a beautiful walk around the lake, located right across the street from our place!
Laguna Grande Regional Park Trail
Laguna Grande Regional Park Trail
Take a beautiful walk around the lake, located right across the street from our place!

Arts & Culture

The Monterey Museum of Art’s mission is to expand a passion for the visual arts and inspire appreciation of California art – past, present and future. The Museum is dedicated to honoring this beautiful area through our exhibitions and programs
34 locals recommend
Monterey Museum of Art
559 Pacific St
34 locals recommend
The Monterey Museum of Art’s mission is to expand a passion for the visual arts and inspire appreciation of California art – past, present and future. The Museum is dedicated to honoring this beautiful area through our exhibitions and programs
The National Steinbeck Center houses a variety of artifacts, first edition Steinbeck books, newspapers, and interviews pertaining to John Steinbeck in its archives. In addition, the National Steinbeck Center holds a variety of educational and public programs throughout the year which aim to expand the public’s knowledge about John Steinbeck and the themes he explored in his books.
41 locals recommend
National Steinbeck Center
1 Main St
41 locals recommend
The National Steinbeck Center houses a variety of artifacts, first edition Steinbeck books, newspapers, and interviews pertaining to John Steinbeck in its archives. In addition, the National Steinbeck Center holds a variety of educational and public programs throughout the year which aim to expand the public’s knowledge about John Steinbeck and the themes he explored in his books.
The Museum opened in 1883 as one of America's first natural history museums. For over 130 years, they have been showcasing the birds and wildlife, plants, geology, and cultural richness that make the California Central Coast unique in the world.
28 locals recommend
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
165 Forest Ave
28 locals recommend
The Museum opened in 1883 as one of America's first natural history museums. For over 130 years, they have been showcasing the birds and wildlife, plants, geology, and cultural richness that make the California Central Coast unique in the world.
The oldest in Carmel, features the work of more than 120 professional local artists and is dedicated to presenting only the finest work for sale by artists living on the Monterey Peninsula.
7 locals recommend
Carmel Art Association
6th Avenue
7 locals recommend
The oldest in Carmel, features the work of more than 120 professional local artists and is dedicated to presenting only the finest work for sale by artists living on the Monterey Peninsula.

Sightseeing

A visit to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula just isn't complete without a rendezvous with Old Fisherman's Wharf. Experience a myriad of: • Great Restaurants • Seafood & Chowder • Unique Shops • Whale Watching • Fishing & Sailing • Bay Cruises
64 locals recommend
Old Fisherman's Wharf
1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf
64 locals recommend
A visit to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula just isn't complete without a rendezvous with Old Fisherman's Wharf. Experience a myriad of: • Great Restaurants • Seafood & Chowder • Unique Shops • Whale Watching • Fishing & Sailing • Bay Cruises
With its picturesque charm and colorful history, Cannery Row captivates visitors from all over the world. The unique appeal of this fabled street is what makes Cannery Row the most popular vacation destination on California’s Central Coast. With luxurious waterfront hotels, enticing restaurants and captivating boutiques, Cannery Row is the ideal place to soak up the culture and beauty of Monterey Bay.
67 locals recommend
Cannery Row
67 locals recommend
With its picturesque charm and colorful history, Cannery Row captivates visitors from all over the world. The unique appeal of this fabled street is what makes Cannery Row the most popular vacation destination on California’s Central Coast. With luxurious waterfront hotels, enticing restaurants and captivating boutiques, Cannery Row is the ideal place to soak up the culture and beauty of Monterey Bay.
One of the most scenic drives on the Monterey Peninsula, and quite possibly the world, resides behind the prestigious gates of Pebble Beach. The famous 17-Mile Drive is a visually stunning stretch of roadway which hugs the pacific coastline from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach featuring awe-inspiring sights along the way.
27 locals recommend
17-Mile Drive
17 Mile Drive
27 locals recommend
One of the most scenic drives on the Monterey Peninsula, and quite possibly the world, resides behind the prestigious gates of Pebble Beach. The famous 17-Mile Drive is a visually stunning stretch of roadway which hugs the pacific coastline from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach featuring awe-inspiring sights along the way.
Every October, thousands of butterflies make a stop in a Pacific Grove eucalyptus grove, the preferred Monarch butterfly habitat, during their migration to warmer climates. The butterflies hang in clusters from eucalyptus branches to maintain body temperature, and the resulting effect is stunning. Visitors come from miles around to take Monarch butterfly tours throughout the sanctuary.
22 locals recommend
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
250 Ridge Rd
22 locals recommend
Every October, thousands of butterflies make a stop in a Pacific Grove eucalyptus grove, the preferred Monarch butterfly habitat, during their migration to warmer climates. The butterflies hang in clusters from eucalyptus branches to maintain body temperature, and the resulting effect is stunning. Visitors come from miles around to take Monarch butterfly tours throughout the sanctuary.
Explore the Tide Pools and beautiful local beaches of Historic Pacific Grove
127 locals recommend
Lovers Point
631 Ocean View Blvd
127 locals recommend
Explore the Tide Pools and beautiful local beaches of Historic Pacific Grove
The 14,000 acre parcel has more than 83 miles of trails that can be explored on foot, bike or on horseback
39 locals recommend
Fort Ord National Monument
Toro Creek Road
39 locals recommend
The 14,000 acre parcel has more than 83 miles of trails that can be explored on foot, bike or on horseback