We like to say our marriage started in Monterey County, as it’s where we “mini-mooned” after our wedding (we honeymooned in Panama a few months later). We had the time of our lives adventuring around the California coast and soaking in our first few days together as husband and wife. Fast forward nearly six years, and we’ve continued to recreate this trip every year since!
There’s something so peaceful and serene about the Monterey Peninsula area. It’s such a welcome getaway from the hustle and bustle of our busy life in Orange County, and the spots we love seem to get better with age. While we always try to experience new places while we’re there (see what we discovered this time around), we have our yearly “hit list” of restaurants, activities, and locations we have to return to.
Here are a few of our favorite Monterey traditions, that will never get old:
17-MILE DRIVE
The iconic 17-Mile Drive is a scenic road on the Monterey Peninsula that twists and turns along the rugged coastline, through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. Every mile is breathtaking, with multiple spots to stop, take pictures, and explore.
Some of our favorite places to stop are Spanish Bay Beach (where we always create a balancing rock tower, as many people do), the famous Lone Cypress (which happens to be the official symbol of Pebble Beach), and The Inn at Spanish Bay, which we always save for last. We’ll purposefully time our drive so that we’ll end there right around sunset, which leads us to our next tradition...
DRINKS AT SUNSET AT THE INN AT SPANISH BAY
Since The Inn and Links at Spanish Bay opened in 1987, a bagpiper has played up and down their picturesque coastline every night, rain or shine, at sunset. Guests and visitors are encouraged to sip on a cocktail (or two), cozy up by one of their many fire pits, and take in the sunset views and entrancing tunes. There’s something so mesmerizing and enchanting about this tradition - and if you’ve been to the Scottish Highlands before, it will undoubtedly feel as though you’ve been transported back!
CARMEL BAKERY
Strolling the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea is a tradition of ours in and of itself, but no visit to this charming town is complete without a stop at the delectable Carmel Bakery. From decadent cookies and sweet treats to savory baked goods and sandwiches, this little bakery has it all… and it’s nearly impossible to walk past their tantalizing window display without going inside. Their gingerbread cookies are not to be missed, and their everything pretzels are absolutely delicious!
CARMEL BEACH & RIVER
One of our favorite memories from our mini-moon is picnicking and soaking in the sunshine at Carmel Beach. Every year we return to this ruggedly romantic beach and reminisce. We’ll pick up lunch at 5th Avenue Deli, grab a blanket, and leisurely spend an afternoon. Afterwards we’ll pack up our things and take a walk to the Carmel River State Beach. This mile-long state beach has a lagoon that attracts all sorts of migratory birds, and when the sun hits the water, it turns the prettiest shades of blue.
THE MONTEREY BAY COASTAL RECREATION TRAIL
Spanning eighteen miles (from Pacific Grove to Castroville) is the beloved Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This popular paved path follows the coast past Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and much more. Located where the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad once ran, locals saw that this abandoned railway had tremendous potential, and it was officially transformed as a walking trail in 1986. Every time we walk the trail we see something new, and we always try to start and stop at a different spot. It’s a must-do!