Oct 03, 2016

12 Hours In Monterey City Guide

12 Hours in Monterey City Guide

This post is sponsored by See Monterey.

Monterey County has always been a beautiful place to visit, whether I’m at the beach or in the town, nature plays a big part of that beauty. After all of my recent travels near and far, I’ve been a little desperate for some time along the coast and most importantly, some much-needed family time. This weekend we took a daytrip to Monterey County, and I’ve partnered with See Monterey to share our 12 hour Monterey City Guide with you. Whether you’re headed down from the SF Bay Area, or just stopping during a Highway 1 roadtrip, these activities will give you a good feeling for the Monterey area.

Ford Ord Dunes Hike in Monterey County

8AM Hike at Fort Ord Dunes State Park
An early morning hike at Fort Ord Dunes. You can park and hike in anywhere, but my favorite place is the trail from the end of Ninth Street. It heads up and over the dunes, beyond the old shooting range, and to the beach. The views are breathtakingly beautiful.

12 Hours in Monterey City Guide

11AM Lunch along Cannery Row
After the hike, make your way over to Cannery Row for an early lunch. We had lunch at Johnny Rockets because it’s quick and easy, and was not crowded at all during our early lunch. If we wanted to spend a bit more time, we would have checked out Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, or the Fish Hopper for a great ocean view lunch.

12 Hours in Monterey City Guide 12 Hours in Monterey City Guide hej-doll-12-hours-in-monterey-city-guide-5

12P Tour the Monterey Bay Aquarium
A must-see for us is always the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There is so much to learn about the coastal eco-system, and others far away. Their newest exhibit about Baja California is definitely an eye opener as well. I love that they’ve also incorporated some land-animals as well.

12 Hours in Monterey City Guide

3PM Cruise down Ocean View Boulevard
Just west of the Aquarium, you’ll find Ocean View Boulevard. It is a beautiful coastal road that heads toward Lover’s Point, and the entrance to 17 Mile Drive. Take your time to take in the sights and enjoy the view of Monterey Bay.

12 Hours in Monterey City Guide

12 Hours in Monterey City Guide

12 Hours in Monterey City Guide

12 Hours in Monterey City Guide

4PM 17 Mile Drive
A bucket-list item for any proper Central Coast trip should be a drive down the famed 17 mile drive. Along it you will see many sights like Point Joe, Pebble Beach, and the Lone Cypress. Most are quick stops, but some of the beaches make the perfect spot to stretch your legs.

5PM Dinner in Downtown Monterey
There are so many delicious restaurants in downtown Monterey, and 5PM is the perfect ahead-of-the-crowd time to enjoy dinner at one.

7PM Sunset at the Old Fishermans Wharf
It’s not often we have a true full day in Monterey, but when we do, we love to watch the sunset over the point from the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. There is plenty of sea life along the water, and the views toward the pacific are beautiful.

Giveaway time! See Monterey will be giving away one trip package, which includes two nights at Monterey Tides, two tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and a wine blending at Joullian Vineyards.

To enter, simply leave a comment below with where in Monterey County you’d love to visit! See Monterey will randomly select a winner from the comments.

This post is a part of my City Guide series, click here to see them all.

This post is sponsored by See Monterey but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Really appreciate your post. keep it up and make posts like these.

Your jellyfish photos are making me obsess over seeing this beautiful aquarium! ????

The amazing Aquarium is the big attraction for me. I’ve been myself, but would love to show my husband and daughter why I love it so much. I think a drive south on the coast is what I most look forward to on our next trip there.

Loving your suggestions!

kcgmorris at gmail dot com

The aquarium 🙂

Point Lobos and the aquarium!!

Great post — thanks!

I would love to see the sea otters and seals! I know they hang along the coasts and on rocks. I’ve also dreamed of Carmel 🙂

I’d love to see the Monterey Bay Aquarium and maybe a scenic bike ride on 17 Mile Drive ????

The aquarium is wonderful! I saw some people riding bikes down 17 mile drive, but there are a lot of distracted tourists on it, so I’d be really worried if I tried to ride a bike down it. :O

My friends have been to the aquarium before and I get jelly (no pun intended) of the awesome pictures they take! Ooh thanks for the tip. I have a holga that I’d like to take out to get some scenic shots of the coast 😀

oooh! awesome! i’d love to check out Fort Ord Dunes and the Lone Cypress!! I’ve also been wanting to check out Passionfish in Pacific Grove and my husband loves playing golf at Spyglass -though I’d probably prefer horseback riding or sailing 🙂

So crazy in love with the jelly fish shots! Oh my!

Thanks, Corina! That means a lot coming from you. 🙂

Those pictures of the Aquarium make me want to visit…but the beach too..and the food 🙂

Oooooii! A 2 night stay in Monterey – awesome! Last time we were there was when Scott ran their marathon (I think it was last summer). Although we’ve driven past it many times on the way to Carmel, we didn’t get the chance to explore since we were there for a quick trip.

Another place I really want to visit. Everything looks so beautiful and I love the bright sun and warmth you can feel in the photos.

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