There’s so much to love about Monterey and its surrounding areas. In this blog I will try to share some of my personal favorites and help make your trip truly memorable!

Where to Play

You might associate Monterey with Pebble Beach. Sure, playing Pebble Beach is an amazing experience and it might be worth it once. However, there are many other golf courses to enjoy that are wonderful and won’t break the bank. Here are a few suggestions:

Bayonette and Black Horse Two 18-hole golf courses. Bayonette is considered one of the most challenging courses on the Monterey Peninsula.

Del Monte Golf Course Established in 1897, this is a traditional layout with small greens.

Carmel Valley Ranch This is a resort course in a beautiful valley setting. Special rate if you are an NCGA Member!

Pacific Grove Golf Links 18 hole golf course. The front nine is sweet but the back nine has the ocean views. Aptly called “poor man’s Pebble Beach”. Walkable.

Poppy Hills Golf Course This course is fun, walkable and usually in great condition. Special rate if you are an NCGA Member. I’ve never had a bad meal in the restaurant here either!

The Hay - This is the 9-hole course at Pebble Beach Golf Links that recently re-opened. It was re-designed by Tiger Woods and looks fantastic. It’s $65 to play but if you want a taste of Pebble without spending an arm and a leg, here’s your chance! Make sure to call ahead and reserve, as it has been very busy since the re-opening.

Practicing at the range at Pacific Grove Golf Links.

Where to Stay

There are many options to stay in Monterey. There are a lot of cute Bed & Breakfasts and many hotels to choose between.

One of my favorite places to stay is Asilomar. It is not fancy by any means- I think some rooms don’t even have TVs. What I love about it is that you can walk down to the ocean before breakfast and just breathe and take in the stunning scenery. It is simple, peaceful and feels close to nature.

Food

No trip is worth taking without delicious food.

Here’s a few faves:

ALTA Bakery & Cafe

Heirloom Pizza

Red House Cafe

Water & Leaves

Wild Fish

Carmel:

Dametra Cafe

La Bicyclette

Stationaery

Please make a quick google of these places before you go as I’ve noticed that a few of my favorite spots have recently closed!

The bike rental shop is called “Mad Dogs & the Englishman”.

Biking

If you have never been to Pebble Beach, I would highly recommend renting electric bikes in Carmel at Mad Dog & the Englishman. From there you can bike into the Del Monte Forest and experience Pebble Beach, the Lodge and the magnificent coast line. Bring a picnic and your afternoon is complete! You can also stop at the General Store at Pebble Beach and get sandwiches or a salad. This is a great activity especially since the bus and car traffic on 17-mile drive is much reduced due to less tourists.

Hiking

If there is one area to hike, it is Los Lobos State Natural Reserve. It is my favorite hike of all time! Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon as it gets crowded. Avoid weekends if at all possible. It is located just south of Carmel off Highway 1.

I hope you have a chance to enjoy any combination of these gems! Make sure you also build in some time for a walk in Carmel along the beach. It’s especially nice in the late afternoon after playing golf to just marvel at the beauty of the California coast. I never get tired of it!

Please let me know if you have any additional recommendations in the comments!

/Rebecka

Travel Guide - Monterey

Where to Play

Where to Stay

Food

Biking

Hiking