2 Days in Monterey, California: A Relaxed Monterey Peninsula Itinerary

Spend 2 days in Monterey exploring the aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lovers Point, Asilomar, Point Lobos, Carmel, and Bixby Bridge.

Estimated reading time: 23 minutes

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Monterey is one of those places where you could technically hit the highlights in a day, but I wouldn’t recommend rushing it.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium alone can easily take up most of a morning, especially if this is your first visit. And once you step outside, there is so much more to Monterey than the aquarium. You have Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, miles of beautiful waterfront, sea lions piled onto rocks, otters bobbing around in the bay, and some of the prettiest coastline in California just a few minutes away in Pacific Grove.

Give yourself two days and the whole trip feels different.

Instead of racing from attraction to attraction, you can actually stop and watch the waves for a while. Walk part of the coastal trail. Let your kids climb around the rocks at Lovers Point. Pull over along Asilomar because the ocean looks particularly beautiful at that moment. Spend a couple of hours hiking at Point Lobos. And if you still have some adventure left in you, drive down Highway 1 to Bixby Bridge before coming back to Carmel for dinner.

This is not an itinerary built around trying to squeeze every possible Monterey attraction into 48 hours.

This is how I would spend two days here.

Why Monterey Means So Much to Me

Monterey is more than a favorite California destination for me. It was one of the places where my adult life really began.

I first came here after basic training to study at the Defense Language Institute in the late 1990’s. Monterey became the backdrop for a very specific season of my life: swing dancing, late nights at the Mucky Duck, early-morning Army training runs along the coast, and long miles through Pacific Grove and Asilomar while I trained for the 1998 Big Sur Marathon.

Later, I came back to Monterey for another round of language training. By then, I was living off post in Marina, commuting into Monterey, and beginning a very different chapter.

This is where I met my husband.

Our first date was here. We spent our dating years driving back and forth between Monterey and San Jose. I learned to scuba dive here, somewhat unsuccessfully. We explored Point Lobos, Carmel, Highway 1, and all the little places in between.

And eventually, we got married at Lovers Point Park.

Monterey was also the beginning of the professional path that shaped much of my adult life. My training here led to work as a linguist and eventually into a long government career.

So when I recommend walking the coastal trail, spending time at Lovers Point, lingering at Asilomar, or driving down Highway 1, those aren’t places I know from one vacation.

They’re woven through different chapters of my life.

Is Two Days Enough for Monterey?

Yes.

Two days gives you enough time to see the best of Monterey itself and explore some of the spectacular coastline immediately south of town without feeling like you’re constantly watching the clock.

I would devote the first day almost entirely to Monterey. Start with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, then spend the rest of the day around Cannery Row, the harbor, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

The second day is your scenic coastal day. You’ll move into Pacific Grove for Lovers Point and Asilomar, then continue toward Point Lobos. If you have the time and energy, keep going down Highway 1 as far as Bixby Bridge.

Could you stay longer? Absolutely.

You could easily add 17-Mile Drive, spend more time in Carmel, take a whale-watching trip, explore more of Big Sur, or simply slow everything down.

But if you have a weekend, two days is a really nice amount of time for a first visit.

Where to Stay in Monterey

For this itinerary, I would stay somewhere in or near the area between the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

You don’t have to be directly on Cannery Row. A hotel a few blocks inland can work just as well. Look around Cannery Row, Lighthouse Avenue, Alvarado Street, and the surrounding neighborhoods.

The advantage is that most of your first day becomes extremely walkable.

You’ll have Cannery Row and the aquarium at one end, Fisherman’s Wharf and downtown Monterey at the other, and restaurants and shops scattered everywhere in between.

There are plenty of places to eat in this part of Monterey, and they change often enough that I’m not going to give you a giant restaurant list. You will have no trouble finding dinner.

I would rather tell you about the couple of places I genuinely think are worth seeking out.

Day 1: Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Waterfront

Your first day is the easiest day logistically.

Park the car. Leave it there as much as possible. And enjoy Monterey on foot.

Start at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Eat a light breakfast at your hotel and plan to be at the Monterey Bay Aquarium when it opens.

And give it time.

I would not schedule another major attraction for the morning because the aquarium deserves several hours, particularly if you’ve never been.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the country, and it is absolutely the centerpiece of a first visit to Monterey.

Part of what makes it so special is that it doesn’t feel disconnected from the place you’re visiting. The aquarium sits directly on Monterey Bay, and many of the exhibits focus on the marine ecosystems just outside its doors.

You’ll see enormous kelp forests, sea otters, jellyfish, sharks, rays, and all sorts of animals that live along the California coast.

There are also plenty of places where you can simply stop and watch.

That’s one reason I wouldn’t rush through it trying to check exhibits off a list. The aquarium is much better when you allow yourself to linger.

If you’re visiting with kids, they’re probably going to find something they want to watch for much longer than you expected.

Let them.

You have two days.

Have Lunch at Compagno’s

After spending the morning at the aquarium, I would get in the car and head to Compagno’s Market & Deli for lunch.

This is one of the few restaurant recommendations I’m going to make specifically because Compagno’s isn’t just another place to grab a sandwich.

The sandwiches are enormous, the deli has been part of Monterey for decades, and I have a ridiculous amount of personal history tied to this place.

My husband once transported an entire enormous Reese’s peanut butter cup chocolate cake from Compagno’s on an airplane from California to Hawaii for me.

That should probably tell you everything you need to know about how seriously we take Compagno’s.

I also have a separate story about this little deli because it deserves more than a passing mention in an itinerary.

For the purposes of your Monterey weekend, though, just know this: come hungry.

And lunch is the right time to go.

Spend the Afternoon Along Monterey’s Waterfront

After lunch, don’t immediately start chasing another attraction.

This is the point in the day when I would simply start wandering.

One of Monterey’s best attractions is Monterey Bay itself.

The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail follows much of the waterfront and makes it easy to walk between Cannery Row, the aquarium, San Carlos Beach, the harbor, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

You don’t need to walk the whole thing.

Pick a direction and see what you find.

If you want a longer walk, head from the aquarium toward Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. If you’d rather stay closer to Monterey, walk toward Fisherman’s Wharf.

Either direction is beautiful.

And there is plenty to stop for along the way.

Look for Wildlife Along Monterey Bay

This is one of the reasons I don’t think you should overplan this afternoon.

You never know what you’re going to see.

Sea lions and harbor seals are common around Monterey’s waterfront. You may also spot sea otters floating offshore, seabirds clustered along the rocks, or animals swimming through the harbor.

Sometimes the best thing happening in Monterey isn’t something you bought a ticket to see.

It’s a sea lion stretched out on a rock.

Or an otter floating on its back.

Or a group of birds suddenly taking off from the water.

Just stop and watch.

There are benches throughout the waterfront area, and this is a wonderful place to give your feet a break after spending the morning at the aquarium.

Explore Cannery Row

Cannery Row is undeniably touristy.

You’ll find souvenir shops, restaurants, candy stores, and plenty of places designed for visitors.

But it’s also part of Monterey’s history, and you’re already there.

Walk around. Browse the shops. Get something sweet. Look at the old cannery buildings. Take your time.

You don’t need to turn Cannery Row into an event.

It’s simply part of the experience.

And because the Monterey Bay Aquarium sits right on Cannery Row, it makes sense to explore the area while you’re already here.

Walk to Old Fisherman’s Wharf

At some point during the afternoon, make your way toward Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

The wharf is another classic Monterey tourist stop, with restaurants, shops, harbor views, and boats heading out onto Monterey Bay.

This is also where many whale-watching tours depart.

I have never personally taken one because I get horribly seasick, so I am not going to pretend I have firsthand advice about Monterey whale watching.

But if whale watching is high on your list, you could absolutely substitute a tour for part of this afternoon.

Otherwise, walk the wharf, look around the harbor, watch for wildlife, and enjoy the waterfront.

Dinner in Monterey

By dinner, you’ve already had a very full day.

This is where I would keep things simple.

Find a restaurant that sounds good to you around Cannery Row, Lighthouse Avenue, or downtown Monterey.

There are a lot of options, and individual restaurants come and go often enough that I don’t think this itinerary needs a giant list of recommendations.

Choose something you like.

Then go back to your hotel and get some rest.

Tomorrow is the day you explore the coast.

Day 2: Pacific Grove, Asilomar, Point Lobos, and Highway 1

Day two is the scenic day.

And this is the day when I would resist the temptation to create an overly rigid schedule.

There are places along this stretch of coastline where the whole point is to get out of the car because the light looks good, the waves are crashing, or somebody spotted an otter.

So give yourself room to wander.

Start With Breakfast at Old Monterey Cafe

Before you head south, have breakfast at Old Monterey Cafe.

This is another one of those places I remember fondly from my Monterey years, and it makes a good starting point before a day of driving and walking.

After breakfast, head toward Pacific Grove.

Stop at Lovers Point Park

Lovers Point is one of my favorite places on the Monterey Peninsula.

It also happens to be where I got married.

That alone would make it special to me, but even without the personal history, this is a beautiful place to stop.

There are ocean views, rocky shoreline, walking paths, grassy areas, and plenty of places where you can sit and watch the water.

Families will especially like it because this is not one of those coastal stops where kids are expected to stand politely behind a railing.

There are broad, dry rock areas where children can scramble around and explore, as long as you use common sense around wet surfaces and breaking waves.

You may also see seabirds, seals, otters, or other marine life offshore.

And if you feel like walking, you can follow the coastal path for a while before turning around.

This is part of the same coastline I used to run during Army PT and while training for the Big Sur Marathon, so I know this stretch very, very well.

Drive the Coast Toward Asilomar

From Lovers Point, continue along the Pacific Grove coastline toward Asilomar State Beach.

This is where I would slow down.

Asilomar is gorgeous.

The coastline here feels wilder than Cannery Row and the Monterey harbor. You have rocky coves, crashing waves, tide pools, sand, and long stretches of coastline where the scenery changes every few minutes.

Do not make this complicated.

Pull over when something catches your eye.

Get out.

Walk for ten minutes.

Look at the rocks.

Watch the waves.

Let your kids play in the sand.

Look for marine life.

Then get back in the car and keep going.

This is not a place where you need a checklist.

It is one of those places where the experience is simply being there.

Should You Do 17-Mile Drive?

You can.

It is beautiful, and it is famous for a reason.

But I also want to say something that might be mildly controversial.

I do not think you have to do 17-Mile Drive to have a spectacular coastal experience on the Monterey Peninsula.

Asilomar gives you a lot of the same dramatic coastline with much less structure around the experience.

You can stop where you want, walk where you want, and enjoy the scenery without feeling like you are following a prescribed route.

If 17-Mile Drive is something you have always wanted to do, absolutely include it.

But if you would rather spend that time walking at Point Lobos or lingering along Asilomar, I would not feel remotely guilty about skipping it.

Continue to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

From Pacific Grove, continue south toward Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

This is one of the places I would absolutely prioritize.

Point Lobos has some of the most beautiful coastal scenery on the Monterey Peninsula, plus excellent opportunities to see wildlife.

Harbor seals, sea lions, sea otters, seabirds, and other animals are commonly seen in the area.

This is also a great place to get out and hike.

You do not need to do anything especially ambitious.

Pick one of the coastal trails, walk for a while, and enjoy the views.

The scenery is the attraction.

You have rocky cliffs, coves, blue-green water, wind-shaped trees, and that wild California coast feeling that makes this part of the state so memorable.

Give yourself at least an hour or two here.

More if you are enjoying yourself.

Optional: Continue Down Highway 1 to Bixby Bridge

If everyone still has energy, keep going south on Highway 1.

This stretch of road is spectacular.

And I have an unusually specific relationship with it because I ran the 1998 Big Sur Marathon here.

That year, El Niño had caused a collapse along Highway 1, so instead of running the usual point-to-point course, we started near Carmel, ran south toward Bixby Bridge, turned around, and came back.

So yes, I know exactly how far Bixby Bridge feels from Carmel.

Very far when you are running.

Much easier in a car.

The drive from Point Lobos to Bixby Bridge is manageable, and Bixby is absolutely worth seeing if you have never been there.

It is one of those places that looks dramatic in photographs and still manages to be impressive in person.

Pull over safely, take in the view, and enjoy the fact that you did not just run there.

How Far Should You Go Into Big Sur?

For a two-day Monterey itinerary, I would probably turn around at Bixby Bridge.

You can certainly keep going.

The Highway 1 coastline only gets more dramatic as you head south, and there are plenty of places worth visiting deeper into Big Sur.

But once you start adding more state parks, overlooks, and trails, you are really turning this into a Big Sur day trip.

And that deserves its own itinerary.

For this trip, Bixby Bridge is a satisfying turnaround point.

You get a taste of Highway 1 without spending your entire second day in the car.

End the Day in Carmel-by-the-Sea

On the way back, stop in Carmel for dinner.

Carmel is beautiful, charming, and definitely a little bougie.

You will find galleries, boutiques, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and pretty streets that are fun to wander for a while.

I would not necessarily devote half a day to it on this particular itinerary.

The coastline is the priority for me.

But Carmel works really well as an evening stop.

Walk around town.

Choose a restaurant that looks good.

And if the timing works, head down to Carmel Beach for sunset.

That is a very nice way to finish two days on the Monterey Peninsula.

What If You Only Have One Day in Monterey?

If you only have one day, do not try to cram both days of this itinerary together.

You will make yourself miserable.

I would prioritize:

• Monterey Bay Aquarium first thing in the morning
• Cannery Row
• Lunch
• A walk along the Monterey waterfront
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• One scenic coastal stop in Pacific Grove

If you have a little more time, make that scenic stop Lovers Point.

If you have several extra hours and a car, drive through Asilomar before leaving the area.

I would save Point Lobos and Highway 1 for another trip unless those are higher priorities for you than the aquarium.

The aquarium is going to take more time than you think.

Plan accordingly.

What If You Have Three Days?

If you have three days, this itinerary gets even better.

You can keep Days 1 and 2 exactly as written and use your third day for a deeper Big Sur excursion.

That is when I would continue farther down Highway 1, add more coastal overlooks, and potentially visit additional parks and trails.

You could also spend more time in Carmel or add 17-Mile Drive without sacrificing Point Lobos.

Three days gives you breathing room.

But for a first visit, I still think two days hits a very nice sweet spot.

A Few Practical Tips for Visiting Monterey

Bring layers.

Even if the weather looks warm inland, the Monterey coast can feel cool, windy, and damp.

Wear shoes you are comfortable walking in.

You will probably do more walking than you expect between the aquarium, Cannery Row, the waterfront, Lovers Point, Asilomar, and Point Lobos.

Do not overbook your days.

Monterey is at its best when you leave room to stop.

And keep your eyes on the water.

Some of the best moments here happen when you are not looking at an itinerary at all.

More California Adventures Near Monterey

If you’re planning a longer Northern California trip, Monterey fits beautifully with San Francisco, Muir Woods, San Jose, and the rest of the Bay Area.

Spend 3 Days in San Francisco

If Monterey is part of a bigger California vacation, San Francisco is the obvious place to pair with it.

A three-day San Francisco itinerary gives you enough time to see the major sights without trying to cram everything into one exhausting day. You can explore the waterfront, ride a cable car, visit museums, and still leave time to enjoy the neighborhoods and views that make the city so memorable.

Visit Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods feels worlds away from downtown San Francisco, even though it’s close enough to visit on a day trip.

The trails wind beneath towering coastal redwoods, and there are plenty of shorter, relatively easy walking options if you want the redwood experience without committing to a major hike.

It pairs especially well with a longer Bay Area trip because it gives you a completely different side of Northern California.

Explore Pier 39

Pier 39 is touristy, colorful, and very San Francisco.

Come for the waterfront views, shops, food, and, of course, the famous sea lions.

If your family enjoys watching the marine wildlife around Monterey, Pier 39 makes a fun comparison because the sea lions are such a huge part of the experience there too.

Ride a San Francisco Cable Car

Yes, it’s touristy.

You should still do it.

Riding a cable car is one of those classic San Francisco experiences that is genuinely fun, especially if you’ve never done it before.

It’s transportation, sightseeing, and a little bit of history all rolled into one.

Visit the Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is one of my favorite science museums for families because so much of it is hands-on.

Instead of simply walking past exhibits, visitors experiment, touch, build, test, and figure things out.

It works especially well for older kids and teens who might otherwise be difficult to impress with a traditional museum.

Explore The Tech Interactive in San Jose

If your family loves science and technology, The Tech Interactive in downtown San Jose is another excellent Bay Area stop.

This museum focuses heavily on interactive exhibits and problem-solving, making it a great addition to a California trip with kids or teens.

Visit the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences combines several attractions into one enormous museum in Golden Gate Park.

You’ll find an aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, natural history exhibits, and plenty to keep families busy for several hours.

If you enjoyed the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this is an especially natural addition to your itinerary.