Things to Do
Monterey and the surrounding area have so much to offer. Here are some of our favorite restaurants and things to do while you're in town.
Downtown Monterey
Rosine's
Restaurant
We went on dates here. The lasagna is huge.
Revival Ice Cream
Dessert
Specialty ice cream place, kind of reminds us of Salt & Straw. Their Bees Knees flavor is popular.
Manarisi's Crepes
Restaurant
Jenna and Liam went here in high school. It's not anything super amazing but it's nostalgic and good if you're craving a crepe.
Plumes Coffee House
Coffee
Lacey and Jenna liked to grab coffee or tea from this place before going thrifting in Monterey.
El Charrito Express
Restaurant · To-go only
El Charrito is a Mexican place in Salinas that Jenna's family loves. Their tortillas are very good. This is a to-go place only.
Fisherman's Wharf
Old Fisherman's Grotto
Restaurant
Good clam chowder that you can grab to-go. No kids allowed for sit-down meals, though.
Kafe Toribashi
Coffee & Desserts
Cute place for coffee, tea, matcha, and desserts with a waterfront view.
Benihana
Restaurant
Obviously not a local spot, but Jenna has good memories here. Her family would go for special occasions because of their $50 birthday gift certificate promo. Sign up and go if your birthday is in July!
Cannery Row
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Attraction
Jenna has always thought all other aquariums suck because of how incredible this one is. It's a classic elementary school field trip. Her and Melina even did a sleepover event there as part of a Stanford dorm event where they slept on the floor in the jellyfish room.
The Fish Hopper
Restaurant
Jenna's parents like this place a lot, and it has beautiful waterfront views. The clam chowder bread bowls are so yummy.
Lilly Mae's Cinnamon Rolls
Bakery
Jenna is a big cinnamon roll fan, so if you're craving one, this is a great spot. You'll smell them as you stroll down Cannery Row.
El Cantaro
Restaurant · Vegan
Pretty good vegan Mexican food place. Liam and Jenna have gone here with Miles, Andrew, Sierra, and Akazi before.
Ghiradelli Ice Cream & Chocolate
Dessert
Young Liam would always bait his mom into taking him here. Great ice cream and sundaes.
Pacific Pet Treats
Shop
If you have a dog or a cat, leave room in your suitcase for some treats for them. This cute shop has dried seafood pet treats. Ori and Zelda go crazy for the minnows.
Lighthouse Avenue
First Awakenings
Breakfast
The GOAT of central coast breakfast restaurants. Jenna and Liam's families are regulars of the Salinas location.
Gianni's Pizza
Restaurant
Jenna's parents used to take her here when she was little, and then she took Liam here. Their breadsticks are really cheap and perfect for when you're hungry waiting for your pizza.
Pacific Grove
Lover's Point
Attraction
Beautiful for walking or photos. You'll see cypress trees, tide pools, and potentially seals.
Red House Cafe
Breakfast
Cute breakfast place in a historic Victorian house.
Pavel's Backerei
Bakery · Saturdays only · Cash only
Pavel's is only open on Saturdays starting at 7 AM until they sell out. That's how you know it's good. They typically sell out by noon. They have incredible large pastries, croissants, and really delicious breads.
Asilomar State Beach
Beach
Jenna and Liam liked to go walking and tide pooling at this beach. Many of the photos from this site were taken there, too.
Carmel
Allegro Pizzeria
Restaurant
Jenna and Liam went on one of their first dates here, and again after they got engaged. They bring out pizza dough for kids to play with.
Carmel Beach
Beach
Jenna and Liam went on one of their first dates here, and then it was the proposal spot too. Joe also used to bring their family dog Champ here every week. There are really beautiful sand volleyball courts at the top of the hill near the Ocean Ave parking lot and restrooms.
Garland Ranch Regional Park
Park
Beautiful walking area in Carmel Valley with easy to medium hikes, including a creek, a pond in the hills, and a secret waterfall. Jenna, Liam, and Jenna's family like to walk here.
Salinas
First Awakenings
Breakfast
Breakfast food in a historic restaurant in oldtown Salinas. Both Jenna and Liam's families are regulars here.
Michael's Taqueria
Restaurant
A go-to date spot for Jenna and Liam. They have very affordable + super yummy Mexican food. Liam likes their blackened chicken tacos.
El Charrito
Restaurant
A block or so away from Oldtown, you'll find the best tortillas you've ever had.