Nov 14, 2017

Fall Weekend in Monterey, California

This post is sponsored by Monterey Tides.

Fall Weekend in Monterey, California

Last month I took a trip with my boys to Monterey, California to catch the last of summer’s warm weather. It was a beautiful weekend and Monterey Tides was kind enough to host us for it. I actually stayed at the hotel when I was in high school during Yearbook Camp, so I was curious to see the updates. During our trip we stayed pretty busy and had a blast, so today I’m sharing the details with you.

P.S. I do not apologize for the image overload and hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Packing for a Fall Weekend in Monterey, California

Packing for a Fall Weekend in Monterey, California

What I packed for a weekend in Monterey

Above: Melissa Sauce Sandals, Cuyana Ribbed Open-Back Sweater, Everlane Modern Boyfriend Jean (can size down for slimmer fit), Everlane Breton Cotton Dress, Steven Alan Military Droptail Parka (similar City Anorak by Everlane), Veja Esplar Sneakers, Everlane Modern Loafer Mule, Everlane Relaxed Silk Shirt in Stripe, Everlane High-Rise Skinny Ankle Jean.

I knew the weather was going to be pleasant, so I wasn’t too concerned about bundling up. It did turn out to be warmer than I thought it would, so I’m glad I packed the dress and clothes that were versatile.

Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California
Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California
Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California
Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California
Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California

Day 1:
We arrived at the hotel in the late afternoon so there wasn’t much to explore. The room was updated, well designed, and offered a great view of the coast and Monterey peninsula, especially during sunset. I remember fondly during camp running back and forth between the ocean and pool, and I’m pretty sure someone got into trouble for diving off the balcony of the second story into the pool, oops! Since then the pool and grounds have been completely redone, and I love the updated modern look. For dinner we headed to nearby Googie Grill. The decor was a little retro but it had good reviews. It was a pleasant surprise to find danish meatballs on their menu, so I ordered them without hesitation and they were delicious.

Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California
Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California
Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California
Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California
Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California

Day 2:

I like to make it a point when I travel with the kids to order room service for breakfast. It makes starting out day easier and this was no exception. After breakfast we went out for a walk along the coastal trail. The boys were really excited to spot dolphins, sea otters, and other sea life.

My husband drove up and met us to hang out for the day, so we headed to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf. It is always busy there during nice weather, so we didn’t spend long. Afterward we headed to Compagno’s Market & Deli to pick up sandwiches. I’ve never been there before but it came highly recommended, so when we found a 30 minute wait for sandwiches we hoped it was worth it. We took our sandwiches to Dennis the Menace Playground and they did not disappoint.

Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California
Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California

Fall Weekend in Monterey, California

After lunch and playing, we headed back to the hotel to hang out on the beach. The boys had a fun time digging around in the sand, and Søren even played in the water (eek!). We finished our day up with a delicious dinner and sunset views from Vizcaino Waterfront Food + Drink. They offer tableside-made guacamole, yes please!

Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California
Fall Weekend in Monterey, California Fall Weekend in Monterey, California

Day 3:

After another room service breakfast (it’s my guilty pleasure!), the boys and I took our time getting ready and checking out. We headed over to Earthbound Farms Farm Stand to pick up pumpkins for halloween, then on the way home we stopped by Moss Landing Harbor to watch the otters, and Natural Bridges Natural Reserve to see if the butterflies had arrived (they did!). We stopped by a nearby Safeway Grocery Store to grab a snack lunch for the drive home and headed on our merry way.

Monterey Tides
2600 Sand Dunes Drive
Monterey, California 93940

My stay was sponsored by Monterey Tides, a hotel in Monterey, California. All opinions are my own.

Have you been to Monterey before? What is your favorite thing to eat, see, or do there?

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I’m so glad I discovered your blog, it’s gorgeous!! Also, I love Monterey, and you captured it beautifully in your photos. I haven’t been in a long time, but after this blog, I’m dying to go back!

Wow, I love seeing photos of California. I have never been before but love looking at photos. Looks like a lovely place to visit, and I’m sure kids would love it. Love the animal life, so fun to see.

We only spent one night in Monterey, to go to the aquarium and see the otters in the bay. I would love to return and stay longer!

Oooo…the view of that ocean looks beautiful! It’s the pool that my other half would have had a ball with. I enjoyed seeing the photos of the otters, I think they are really cute critters.

Yeah, my kids were really after the pool but it just wasn’t quite warm enough, haha. We loooveeee the otters and have to make a quick stop every time we drive by.

Okay before I comment on anythign else I just want to scream – SEA OTTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH My favorite animal. They are so cute and I want one in my bath tub. Okay back to reality. Looks amazing. I would love to explore more of California one day. I know there is so much to see.

Haha! They are in a “raft” (sea otter group) in this harbor all the time! There hasn’t been a time where I’ve stopped and not found them. I wish I could see more of California too. I live here and feel like we’re still missing out on so much!

Your pictures are beautiful! I’ve never been to California before. It is on my travel bucket list.

Can you believe that I have actually never order room service before? I have never thought about your tip of ordering room service for breakfast when the kids are traveling along. I usually just pack a bunch of breakfast bars or cereal.

I always find that if we eat a big breakfast that the kids are more likely to eat an easier lunch and we can snack on the go once we’re out. Then we’ll usually have a bigger dinner too so the meals stay balanced.

I love your pictures of California. Thank you for sharing what you packed and did, it makes me want to plan a trip. 🙂

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