5-Days on the Monterey Peninsula
There is so much to see and do in the Monterey area that you could easily explore it for a week and then come back for more. We have curated a 5-day itinerary from which you can pick and choose depending on how much time you have. We are here to help with anything that will make your adventure in Monterey more enjoyable.
Day One: Exploring the Monterey Peninsula
Morning: 17 Mile Drive and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Start your adventure with a scenic drive along the renowned 17 Mile Drive, winding from New Monterey to Carmel. Along the way, you'll take in breathtaking ocean vistas, picturesque golf courses including Pebble Beach, and stunning residences. Enter through the Pacific Grove gate at the intersection of 17-Mile and Sunset Drives, grab a map at the entry gate, and stop at the many points of interest along the way.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Exploring Carmel
From there, ease into Carmel with a leisurely stroll along Scenic Drive, taking in the wonder of Carmel Beach. As you continue into downtown Carmel, you'll be enchanted by the village's European charm — with over 90 art studios, galleries, antique shops, boutiques, wine rooms, and intimate cafes, it's a delightful afternoon of discovery.
Optional
Carmel Mission — For those interested in a bit of history, consider a visit to the Carmel Mission. Founded by Father Junípero Serra in 1771, the Basilica showcases stunning architecture. Take a walking tour, visit the museum, and explore the mission complex and how it shaped early California — Saint Junípero Serra is the only saint buried in the United States.
Day Two: Marine Life and Coastal Delights
Morning: Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row
Begin the day at the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium where captivating ocean habitats come to life. Explore the Enchanted Kelp Forest, the Coral Reef Kingdom, and the Rugged Rocky Shore exhibits, and discover the secret lives of otters and other marine life. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along Cannery Row, the historic waterfront street made famous by John Steinbeck's novels — if you've read Cannery Row, you'll enjoy reminiscing about its vivid descriptions and the way the area once was.
Afternoon: Lovers Point, Pacific Grove, and Point Pinos Lighthouse
Venture to Lovers Point in Pacific Grove for a scenic stroll along the recreational trail, then enjoy shopping or lunch at one of the charming local restaurants Pacific Grove's nickname is "America's Last Hometown" — check out the mix of Victorian and Craftsman homes as you walk around. Perhaps visit the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse, an emblem of maritime history — explore its halls and climb up for sweeping coastal views. In winter, Pacific Grove is also home to a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
Day Three: Nature and the Big Sur Drive
Morning: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Immerse yourself in the natural wonder of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, nestled at the northern edge of Big Sur. Set out on its pleasant hiking trails for picturesque vistas, diverse wildlife, and hidden coves. Wander through landscapes ranging from meadows to cypress groves, and look for seabirds, seals, sea lions, and migrating whales.
Alternative
Soberanes Canyon Trail, Garrapata State Park — For a change of pace, try the captivating Soberanes Canyon Trail . This 1.5-mile out-and-back, easy-to-moderate hike starts beneath a canopy of Monterey cypress trees and leads through meadowlands along Soberanes Canyon Creek. Admire the wildflowers, cross the creek multiple times, pass coastal oaks and bay trees, and reach a grove of giant ferns and redwoods. If time allows, explore the coastal trails just across the highway.
Afternoon: Big Sur Adventure
Get ready for a remarkable journey along Highway 1, aka the PCH, a drive celebrated for its stunning coastal views. Allow yourself time to stop at the numerous pull-outs and capture the scenery. The Bixby Creek Bridge was built in 1932 and is one of many bridges that make the Pacific Coast Highway so special. From there, continue to Big Sur Village, with its little shops and fun places to eat, including Nepenthe restaurant overlooking the Pacific, or the Big Sur River Inn , where you can dine looking out at the river beneath the redwoods.
Other worthwhile adventures to consider
- Andrew Molera State Park, where you can hike and watch the Big Sur River meet the Pacific Ocean.
- Point Sur Lighthouse offers panoramic views and insightful history through guided walking tours (Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m.).
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park— hike among the redwoods to view Pfeiffer Falls.
- Pfeiffer Beach (not a state park) is known for its purple sand and keyhole arch — best seen at sunset.
- Partington Cove — a short but steep trail and tunnel leading to a cove that once served as a supply point for tanbark.
- McWay Falls, part of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where McWay Creek plunges into the Pacific Ocean.
Day Four: More Outdoor Activities
Morning: Whale Watching, Kayaking, Biking, or Segway
Engage with the outdoor wonders of Monterey Bay. Choose from a whale-watching excursion (https://www.montereywhalewatching.com/) to witness awe-inspiring marine life, exploring the coastline by sea kayak (https://www.adventurebythesea.com/kayak-rentals/), biking along picturesque shores, or taking in the scenery atop a Segway (https://segwaytoursmonterey.com/).
Afternoon: Guided Tours or Golf
Delve into guided tours that bring Monterey's history and landscapes to life through local expertise. Or, for golf enthusiasts, tee off at world-renowned courses like Pebble Beach (https://www.pebblebeach.com/golf/), Bayonet & Blackhorse (https://www.bayonetblackhorse.com/), or Pacific Grove Golf Links (https://www.playpacificgrove.com/), where the setting is as memorable as the round.
Day Five: Coastal Wine Country
Morning: Vineyards and Ag Tours
Plan an excursion off the beaten path through Monterey County's vineyards (https://montereywines.org/wine/vineyards/), or take an Ag Tour with Evan Oaks (https://agventuretours.com/) to discover the Salad Bowl of America and the region's various wine regions.
Afternoon: Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley
Embark on a journey through Monterey's coastal wine country and discover exceptional wines shaped by the region's unique conditions. Enjoy tastings with Monterey County Wines and Vineyards (https://montereywines.org/wine/), or venture to Carmel Valley's wineries for wines that embody Monterey's distinct character.
Additional Ideas
- National Steinbeck Center — Immerse yourself in the legacy of John Steinbeck (https://steinbeck.org/) and explore the Salinas Valley and Monterey locations that inspired his literary works.
- Pinnacles National Park — Some 23 million years ago, multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park. What remains is a unique landscape — travelers journey through chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms, hikers enter rare talus caves and emerge to towering rock spires teeming with life, including prairie and peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the California condor.
- Horseback Riding — For a unique perspective on the landscape, enjoy guided horseback rides (https://www.pebblebeach.com/equestrian-center/) in Pebble Beach or Big Sur, taking you through stunning terrain and coastal beauty.
- Walking Tours — Discover Monterey's rich history through guided or self-guided History & Heritage tours (https://www.seemonterey.com/things-to-do/itineraries/history-heritage/), exploring historic sites and adobes that offer insight into the area's colorful past.
- Scuba Diving — Dive into the underwater wonderland of Monterey Bay, where cold, nutrient-rich waters harbor diverse marine life and vibrant kelp forests. Explore diving spots like Bluefish Cove (https://www.montereydiving.com/sites/bluefish_cove.html) and Monastery Beach (https://www.montereydiving.com/sites/monastery_beach.html).
- Monterey Bay Harbor — Venture out on a deep-sea fishing (https://www.monterey.org/Services/Harbor/Deep-Sea-Fishing) or sailing excursion (https://www.montereysailing.com/) from Monterey Bay Harbor for the coastal beauty from a different perspective.