If you’re craving a coastal escape where the views and the vibes are immaculate, Monterey, California, should be at the top of your list. Just a 2 hour and 40 minute direct flight from Denver, it’s the land of epic drives, stunning coastline, rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and sea lions! Imagine combining three vacations into one because you can explore Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey all in a single trip. Each spot has its own unique charm, and I’ve partnered with See Monterey to bring you the ultimate itinerary for a weekend that you won’t forget. Pack your bags and let’s dive in!

*This blog post is sponsored by See Monterey, who made this incredible trip possible. All opinions are my own.*

Where to Stay

Portola Hotel in Monterey: Located in the heart of downtown Monterey, this hotel is the perfect launchpad to trendy bars, delicious restaurants, and the historic Fisherman’s Wharf. Tons to do within walking distance!

Lamp Lighter Inn in Carmel by the Sea: This cozy boutique hotel is just two blocks from the stunning Carmel Beach. We stayed in the Hansel and Gretel cottage, which honestly made me feel like I was in a fairytale, minus the breadcrumbs. It’s charming, whimsical, and has a fireplace to keep you warm!

Day 1: Big Sur

Easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve been, Big Sur is California’s well-known cliffside town that combines mountains and beaches all in one. The drive that weaves through Big Sur along the Pacific Coast Highway is something everyone should do in their lifetime! Here’s how I experienced the Big Sur magic in one day:

Breakfast at Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn: I started the day with a hearty breakfast at this hidden historic inn. It’s got rustic charm, delicious fireside food, and feels like you stepped back in time. Look out for the 5 cats wandering the property!

Explore Big Sur’s Natural Beauty: Once you (and your car) are fueled up, head up and down the PCH to explore some of the state parks and scenic trails. Always remember to take in nature responsibly and safely. Check out The Right Path guide from See Monterey packed with sustainable tips for your trip.

Lunch at Nepenthe: Lunch at this cliffside restaurant perched 808 feet above sea level is a must, in fact many locals recommended it while we were in town. Come for the food, stay for the spectacular views! After lunch, browse the high-end art at Hawthorne Gallery across the street or pick up a new book at Henry Miller Library down the road.

Dinner in Monterey: Head back to Monterey to freshen up at the Portola and walk down to Alejandro’s for a fabulous Mexican feast. End your night with a creative cocktail at Pearl Hour cocktail bar. This was a cozy, hidden gem with moody blue lighting that makes you feel like you’re in the ocean.

Day 2: Monterey

Breakfast at Alta Bakery and Cafe: This spot was one of my favorite meals of the whole trip. Fuel up with a sweet pastry and coffee or go the savory route with avocado toast. Can’t go wrong!

Surrey Bike Ride: Feeling adventurous? Rent a surrey bike from Adventures by the Sea and cruise along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, just steps from the Portola Hotel. This 18-mile path hugs the coast and is perfect for exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Bike to Lover’s Point: We rode our surrey bike down to Lover’s Point where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and catch views of harbor seals along the way! Lover’s Point is a beautiful spot to take a break and soak in the Monterey magic.

Lunch at Alvarado Street Brewery: After biking you’ll probably work up an appetite – grab a bite and a beer at the highly-recommended Alvarado Street Brewery.

Night Out: I lucked out and was in town for the legendary Cali Roots Festival. Cali Roots takes place every year on the historic grounds where Jimi Hendrix once set his guitar on fire. Definitely add it to your calendar if you’re into live music and good vibes!

Day 3: Carmel

Breakfast at Stationaery: Another top-notch meal! Head to this charming spot in Carmel for an elevated brunch experience and if you can, sit outside in their glass greenhouse. The potato pancake is a must-try!

Classic Car Rental: This might be my favorite thing we did. Rent a classic car from Monterey Touring Vehicles to cruise through Carmel-by-the-Sea and 17-Mile Drive in style. There’s nothing like feeling the wind in your hair as you drive a vintage convertible along the coast, and our pink ’61 Cadillac definitely turned heads!

17-Mile Drive: This stunning stretch of roadway hugs the Pacific coastline with iconic landmarks including The Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, and Pebble Beach Golf Links. Look out for wildlife, from grazing deer to barking sea lions near Bird Rock. Honestly, every turn is an Instagrammable moment so keep your phone out!

Lunch in Carmel Valley: After your drive, head to wine country! Enjoy a hearty honky-tonk lunch at Running Iron. Then stop by Cowgirl Winery to savor a wine flight in their lush gardens or inside by the cozy fireplace. This was one of my favorite stops on our trip – wine, flowers, and a fireplace all in one place. What more do you need?

Day 4: Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea

Explore Downtown Pacific Grove: On Day 4, we woke up to wander the charming streets of Pacific Grove. This is a tiny town with boutiques, art galleries, and cafés located in Victorian-style buildings dating back to the early 1900s. My favorite find was a coffee shop-meets-bookstore called The Bookworks.

Brunch at Winston’s: Another incredible meal was at Winton’s Brunch Place in Pacific Grove. They’re known for their large fluffy pancakes and I can confirm they’re worth the hype, so come hungry!

Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea: Combine a European village with California sunshine and you’ve got Carmel-by-the-Sea. This picturesque town is perfect for an afternoon of exploring with great shopping and restaurants everywhere you turn. Stumble into art galleries, boutiques, wineries, and 125-year-old Carmel Bakery for some sweet treats. It feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook, complete with fairytale-style courtyards and cobblestone streets.

That’s a wrap! 😅 Monterey was truly such an epic weekend getaway – I promise you won’t be bored! Direct flights from Denver make it easy to get to and worth the trip. The combination of natural beauty, charming towns, and diverse activities really gives you so much bang for your buck when visiting. If you haven’t been yet, it’s time to add Monterey, California to your must-visit list. Happy trails!