Weekend getaway from San Francisco · #2 of 10
Monterey & Carmel
One of the world's great aquariums on Cannery Row, sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf, then storybook Carmel-by-the-Sea next door: Ocean Avenue galleries, a white-sand sunset beach and the 1771 Carmel Mission.
Escape south for the ultimate coastal weekend. Pair Monterey's world-class aquarium and noisy sea lions with Carmel's fairy-tale cottages, art galleries, and sunset beach fires, plus a scenic cruise down Point Lobos.
Getting there
Your best bet to avoid traffic headaches. Seriously, skip the twisty CA-17 on weekends; the backups through the Santa Cruz Mountains will eat up your morning. Stick to 101 for a much smoother cruise.
If the sun is out, take this route for stunning ocean views. It only adds about 30 minutes, and you can grab a great local coffee in Santa Cruz or spot sea otters over a cup in Moss Landing.
Day 1
Sea otters, historic cannery strolls, and barking sea lions in Monterey- 18:00 AMDrive
Drive south to Monterey
Cruise down 101 and hop onto Highway 1 at Prunedale. Aim to hit Monterey by 10 AM so you can walk into the aquarium right as they open the doors.
Tip · Seriously, buy your tickets online the night before to bypass the massive lines at the entrance.
- 210:00 AMSight
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Prepare to be amazed by the towering Kelp Forest, sharks swimming in the massive Open Sea tank, and adorable rescued otters. Give yourself a solid three hours here.
📍 Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey
Tip · Snag a schedule at the entrance so you don't miss the adorable otter and penguin feedings.
- 31:00 PMFood
Lunch on Cannery Row
Stroll Steinbeck's historic waterfront street, now packed with lively seafood spots and local taprooms. Grab a bowl of hot clam chowder and enjoy the bay views.
📍 Cannery Row, Monterey
Tip · Watch those street meters; local parking officers do not play around. Park in a garage to be safe.
- 42:30 PMSight
Sea lions at the Coast Guard breakwater
Stroll the breakwater by the Coast Guard station between Cannery Row and the Wharf. You'll get incredibly close to massive piles of sea lions barking on the rocks.
📍 Coast Guard Pier, Monterey
Tip · Keep your eyes peeled for cute sea otters floating in the kelp beds right along the Rec Trail here.
- 54:00 PMActivity
Whale watching from Fisherman's Wharf
Hop on a boat from Old Fisherman's Wharf to explore the marine canyon. Spot gray whales in winter, humpbacks in summer, and playful dolphins most days.
📍 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey
Tip · The bay gets choppy in the afternoon. If your stomach is sensitive, book a morning trip tomorrow instead.
- 67:00 PMFood
Seafood dinner in downtown Monterey
Stroll over to the historic downtown near Colton Hall, where California's 1849 constitution was signed, to enjoy a quieter dinner away from the Cannery Row crowds.
📍 Downtown Monterey, Monterey
- 79:00 PMStay
Overnight in Monterey
Rest up! Book a spot near Cannery Row if you want ocean views, or downtown for better deals. Both put you just minutes from tomorrow's 17-Mile Drive gate.
📍 Monterey, California
Day 2
Scenic cruising, storybook village vibes, and wild coastal hikes- 89:00 AMDrive
17-Mile Drive and the Lone Cypress
Loop the private Pebble Beach coast road past golf links, grand mansions, and the wind-bent Lone Cypress. Stop at pullouts to watch seals and crashing surf.
📍 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
Tip · There is a per-car entry fee at the gate, but they give you a handy map. Hold onto it so you don't get lost.
- 911:00 AMActivity
Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Roll into Carmel and explore Ocean Avenue. It feels like a fairytale with its storybook cottages, hidden courtyards, and dozens of art galleries leading to the beach.
📍 Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Tip · Street parking is free but has tight time limits. Skip the stress and head to the Carmel Plaza garage for a relaxed lunch.
- 1012:30 PMFood
Lunch in a Carmel courtyard
Tuck into one of the vine-draped courtyards or tasting rooms hidden off Ocean Avenue. Carmel packs a serious culinary punch in just five walkable blocks.
📍 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
- 112:00 PMSight
Carmel Mission
Step back in time at the stunning 1771 Mission, where Father Junipero Serra is buried. Wander the peaceful gardens, see the basilica, and check out the museum.
📍 Carmel Mission, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Tip · Keep in mind it is an active Catholic church, so dress respectfully and keep your voice down as you explore.
- 123:30 PMActivity
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
This reserve is pure magic. Hike the Cypress Grove Trail to look down at stunning turquoise coves, lazy harbor seals, floating otters, and diving cormorants.
📍 Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel
Tip · The small lots fill up super early on weekends. If they are full, just park along Highway 1 and stroll right in.
- 135:30 PMSight
Sunset on Carmel Beach
Gather on Carmel's gorgeous white-sand beach with a blanket. Join the locals and their dogs at the foot of Ocean Avenue to watch the sun drop into the Pacific.
📍 Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Tip · You can build fires on the sand south of 10th Avenue. Bring a warm sweater because the ocean breeze gets pretty chilly!
- 146:30 PMDrive
Drive home to San Francisco
Head north on CA-1 to CA-156 and US-101. It is a straightforward drive of a little over two hours back to the city after your beach sunset.
Tip · Do yourself a favor: grab dinner in Carmel before hitting the road to let the Sunday US-101 traffic melt away.
Where to eat
Feast on steaming clam chowder and fresh-off-the-boat catches along the waterfront, with sea lions keeping watch nearby.
Uncover incredible eateries and cozy wine-tasting spots tucked away in the village's secret, flower-filled pathways.
Make a quick pitstop at this sleepy harbor village for the best crispy fried artichokes and fresh oysters in the area.
When to go
Prime time for spotting migrating gray whales. Plus, winter storms bring spectacular, giant waves crashing into Point Lobos.
The cliffs burst with colorful wildflowers, and you can spot adorable newborn baby seals lounging at Point Lobos.
Expect morning fog to blanket the coast before clearing around lunch. Make sure to pack a cozy jacket or sweater.
Good to know
- Grab your aquarium tickets online before you go to save yourself from waiting in long weekend lines.
- Skip the twisty CA-17 gridlock on busy weekends; taking 101 to 156 is a much faster and more relaxed drive.
- Don't tempt fate with the parking enforcement on Cannery Row; head straight for a garage instead.
- Leave pups at home for Point Lobos and go in the late afternoon to beat the morning parking rush.
