Enjoy walks along beautiful beaches and coves. Bike along the Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail. Explore Pacific Grove's rocky coastline with vibrant purple blossoms. Take in gorgeous ocean views at Garrapata State Park dotted with orange poppies.
Renew your sense of adventure in Monterey this season. Enjoy warm, sunny weather, beach bumming, outdoor dining, golf, sightseeing and endless adventures on Monterey Bay. Escape for a romantic getaway or pack the kids for an amazing Spring Break on the Northern California coast.
Check out our favorite things to do In Monterey this spring.
1. Walk and Bike the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail
Walk, run, bike, or ride a surrey along the 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail and take in gorgeous views of the bay. Explore the rocky and beach-dotted coast, see the wildlife, and stop at attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove.
2. Enjoy Whale Watching on Monterey Bay
Embark on a whale watching tour on Monterey Bay this spring, the best time of year to see these majestic creatures. In early-April you can see gray whales, orcas and dolphins migrating through the deep, rich waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Starting in mid-April through December, you can see the humpback, blue and killer whales. There are many whale watching tours in Monterey that depart from Fisherman's Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
3. Play Monterey Golf
The Monterey Peninsula is an amazing destination for golf lovers. The Monterey Bay Area boasts the most legendary golf courses in California, including Pebble Beach Golf Course and Del Monte Golf Course – the oldest course ion the West Coast. Tee off at The Club at Pasadera, the only Jack Nicklaus signature course on the Monterey Peninsula. You can play this private 18-hole links course as a member for the day with the Inns of Monterey and Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa Golf Package.
4. Discover the Beaches of Monterey Bay
Monterey is the quintessential California beach town with low-key vibes and ruggedly beautiful sandy stretches. The wild and dramatic coastline of the Monterey Peninsula bends in a horseshoe with miles of golden beaches across Monterey Bay. Explore the sandy inlets topped with pines and cypress trees. Surf, kayak, or paddleboard along the waves.
Our favorite downtown Monterey beaches are Del Monte Beach near Old Fisherman's Wharf and McAbee Beach below Cannery Row. Head up the coast to Asilomar State Beach and Lovers Point. On the southern end of Monterey, you'll find the coastal wonders and golden sands of Garrapata State Park, Carmel River State Beach, and Point Lobos State Reserve.
5. Tour the Famous Monterey Bay Aquarium
Explore the marine life of Monterey Bay at this world-famous aquarium on historic Cannery Row. Located at the ocean's edge, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is your window to marine life. Meet sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellies, giant octopus and blue whale in underwater habitats, or set sail on an exciting whale watching tour. The Monterey Bay Aquarium opens back to the public in May 2021 to the delight of locals and animal lovers from around the world.
6. Enjoy Outdoor Dining in Monterey
Springtime in Monterey means the best outdoor dining on the Northern California Coast. Enjoy fresh seafood and local clam chowder at the many restaurants and outdoor patios on Cannery Row and Old Fisherman's Wharf with ocean views and fun people watching. Explore the dining scene in downtown Monterey with many eclectic eateries and sidewalk cafes with creative local and California cuisine.
Experience modern Spanish cuisine at Estéban Restaurant, serving the best paella on the West Coast, tapas, and house-made sangria on the outdoor patio at the Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa in downtown Monterey.
Monterey's Most Iconic Family Vacation Hotels
The Inns of Monterey is a collection of five boutique hotels in downtown Monterey and at the end of Cannery Row. With intimate charm, beautiful rooms and suites, and perfect views of Monterey Bay, our hotels offer relaxing retreats for spring breaks, family vacations, and romantic getaways. From the historic hacienda style of Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa to the romantic beachfront vibe of the Spindrift Inn, you'll find your haven on Monterey Bay.
Take A Break to Monterey Specials
Inns of Monterey offers great Spring Specials, from golf getaways to whale watching adventures, and the Take a Break to Monterey Specials. Indulge in a spring escape with the family or a romantic weekend on the California coast. Whatever you need, spring in Monterey is magical.