First thing on your to-do list should be to check the weather before you pack. Overcast, chilly weather is pretty typical weather in this area so prepare for that. We went last week of September/ early October and we got so lucky with great weather almost all week! We did not expect it. We didn’t experience the fog until the last two days of our trip but we still enjoyed experiencing it in the evening which I will give more details about.
WHERE TO STAY :
We stayed in an Airbnb inside Pebble Beach and it worked out perfectly. You get to drive through 17 mile drive and see all its beauty! We loved it and did it every single day. In the evenings, we would drive down 17 mile drive at sunset and stop by Lone Cypress. It is so peaceful and beautiful to watch the sunset there. I would recommend it for anyone wanting to experience Monterey, Carmel and Pebble Beach area. You’ll also have access to the amenities such as Pebble Beach property -Restaurants, lounges, Golf Course, proshop, etc.
Aside from Airbnb options, we noticed endless options for hotels. The Pinn Inn and La Playa are too highly recommended. If you are looking for a luxury resort – look at L’Auberge Carmel (4 star and Forbes rated resort) and Bernardus Lodge and Spa. You have to look them up and see how beautiful both properties are. Bernardus Lodge looks like they have amazing restaurants. We did plan to eat there but run out of time unfortunately.
WHERE TO EAT:
There are literally numerous options and I think no matter where you choose, you’ll have a great time. We tried Dametra Cafe for lunch and it was so yummy. They are highly rated! Other highly recommended places were La Bicyclette and Esteban. If you’re looking for a cute little breakfast spot, Red House Cafe was a yummy spot. One spot Chris and I loved going back to was the Bench at Pebble Beach brunch or dinner and we also tried Stillwater Grille at Pebble Beach for dinner. Food and drinks were great and amazing views over the golf course and the ocean views.
There is also a place we stopped at for lunch before going to the Aquarium- A Taste of Monterey. It is a wine market and bistro on the second floor of a building over looking the ocean view. Great place for lunch or dinner.
WHAT TO DO:
Aside from the beach , of course ! Check out 17 mile drive and stop by Lone Cypress point/ lookout – it does not disappoint. A great day activity with little ones is going to the Monterey Aquarium. It is worth the money in my opinion. Endless things to see and Luke loved taking his time and looking at every sea animal and he still felt rushed as they were closing. There is always a second floor over the ocean and you can look out at see Otters out playing in the seaweed- so cute to see them in their natural habitat. Whale watching was another fun daytime activity and so fun to see and do with Luke.
Browse Carmel by the Sea! There are endless cute boutiques, shops and restaurant. It is a cute little beach town filled with cottages and beautiful homes. We also stopped at Nails by the Sea and got pedicures after lunch one day. We also stopped and checked out the Poodle Day parade 2021 – Luke loved it! And then we went to the annual Sand Castle annual event and experienced that and played on Carmel Beach with Luke and he spotted countless sand crabs. He loved it!
A great date night idea is the fire pits at Inn at Spanish Bay for cocktails at sunset. The lone bagpipers play 30 minutes before the sun goes down over the horizon. Another recommendation is the Bench at The Lodge on Pebble Beach. It over looks the 18th hole and the ocean and the view is incredible. We went for brunch and the food was amazing and return in the evening to view the sunset and reservation a fire pit. Unfortunately, that happened to be the night that the fog rolled in before sunset and we could not see the sunset but the ambience was still amazing and we enjoyed our time there. Food was delicious there!
