Our wedding weekend happens right before Monterey Car Week begins in Monterey! If you’re staying a little longer, there are amazing car shows and events throughout the area.
Even if you’re not a huge car person, the atmosphere during this time is really unique and fun. The whole area fills with beautiful vintage cars, oceanfront events, and very good people watching.
1. 17-Mile Drive: one of the most beautiful coastal drives in California
2. Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea: especially fun during Car Week with cars parked all throughout town
3. Pebble Beach: gorgeous views and lots of Car Week events happening throughout the area
Honestly, the best recommendation is probably just to walk around Carmel and Pebble Beach during the week. Random million-dollar vintage cars casually drive by next to you everywhere.
Can you tell what my favorite menu item there is? ;)
We really love this spot right by the Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf. Definitely sit outside on the patio if you can - you might spot little otters swimming while you eat dinner. Their vongole is an absolute must order.
We almost got married here!
Such a beautiful Carmel restaurant, owned by Clint Eastwood.
One of our favorite places to spend the day, full of little shops, wine tasting rooms, cozy restaurants, and storybook cottages. Perfect for wandering around with coffee or ending the night with dinner and wine near the beach.
1. La Bicyclette
2. Alta Bakery
3. Katy's Place (no reservation)
4. Tuck Box (no reservation)
5. Stationaery
We loved taking my family here. We got to see humpback whales feeding right next to the boat, which was honestly unbelievable. August is a great time to go whale watching here.
Such a fun place to be a tourist! Lots of shops, restaurants, and things to do right next to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Jack bought me a pearl shell here once and we turned it into a necklace :)
Such an impressive aquarium and one of the coolest places in Monterey. The exhibits are incredible, especially the giant kelp forest and jellyfish. Definitely worth visiting, especially if you have kids.