Summer in Monterey and the California central coast is magical. The dramatic, wind-swept beaches on Monterey Bay. Blue skies and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Coastal bluffs that touch the rugged shoreline and scenic trails that blow you away. Whale watching adventures, wine tasting, and the historic waterfront. Get out and reconnect with the world again. Start with Monterey.
With its beautiful beaches and outdoor restaurants open now, Monterey is an incredible destination for a summer vacation, a romantic getaway, or outdoor adventure on the bay. It's time to travel and get away from home for a few days of relaxation and fun. Here's some inspiration from Inns of Monterey so you can design your perfect day.
Find Your Happy Place on the Beaches of Monterey
The beautiful beaches of Monterey have reopened for summer fun. Whether kayaking from the cove at McAbee Beach, walking the boardwalk trail at Del Monte or swimming at the Municipal Beach, Monterey is the ultimate beach destination for summer days on the central coast. Of course, social distancing is required and wearing masks when heading down to the sand is the right thing to do.
McAbee Beach
This small sandy beach and cove is in the heart of historic Cannery Row. The beach is a scenic spot for picnics, a popular launch point for kayakers and scuba divers, and steps from waterfront restaurants and bars.
Monterey Municipal Beach
Adjacent to Fisherman's Wharf 2 Pier, this sandy north facing beach is good for sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking. Bike or walk here on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, enjoy the restaurants and pubs on the pier, or join a kayak tour.
Del Monte Beach
Discover this beautiful locals' hangout and a cool place to swim, boogie board, sea kayak, and chill. Walk the boardwalk through the gentle dunes, enjoy picnic tables by the sand, or have an evening cookout in the fire pits.
San Carlos Beach
At the west end of Cannery Row, next to the Coast Guard Pier, San Carlos Beach is popular for scuba diving and a nice spot for relaxing on the sand, lawn, and picnic tables. The beach is connected to the coastal trail for biking, walking, and sightseeing.
Monterey State Beach
This beautiful state beach on the southern end of Monterey Bay has three separate areas - Seaside Beach, Houghton M. Roberts Beach and Window on the Bay Beach –great for walking, sunbathing, swimming, paragliding, fishing, and sea kayaking.
The Best Outdoor Dining In Monterey
The Monterey food scene is alive this summer with wonderful restaurants and outdoor patios open for dining, delivery, and take-out. Known for its fresh seafood right off the docks and creative culinary spirit, Monterey is one of the best places to eat on California's central coast hands down.
Estéban
Enjoy modern Spanish cuisine in the relaxing spacious outdoor patio at Estéban Restaurant located adjacent to the Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa. Chef Gus Trejo's cuisine is made from local, seasonally sourced ingredients thanks to his relationships with Monterey farmers, ranchers, fishermen, wine makers, and artisan producers. Curbside pick-up and delivery are also available. Reservations are highly recommended.
LALLA Oceanside Grill
Dine on the outdoor patio adjacent to the Spindrift Inn on Cannery Row. This casual California grill offers a menu with fresh seafood and scratch-made coastal fare. Guests of the adjacent Spindrift Inn can enjoy room-service. Try the lobster nachos and cioppino.
Sardine Factory
Experience the food from this iconic Cannery Row restaurant to-go. Enjoy fresh, sustainable seafood and corn-fed aged steaks and sample signature dishes like abalone bisque and calamari puffs.
Monterey Food Tours
Experience the foodie culture of the central California coast with Monterey Bay Food Tours. Check out the Old Monterey Tour with food and beer tastings from downtown artisans, restaurants, breweries, and wineries. Join the Local Seafood Tour on historic Cannery Row for a taste of the Bay.
Inns of Monterey Summer Special
Renew and recharge in Monterey – the jewel of California's central coast. Take a summer break and reconnect with family and friends. Enjoy sunset walks down the gorgeous beach, fishing on the bay, waterfront dining, and ocean breezes along the coastal trail. Rent a kayak. Join a food and beer tour. Or relax and stare at the ocean.
Inns of Monterey offers a collection of five boutique hotels in downtown Monterey and along Cannery Row with charming rooms and suites, genuine service, outdoor pools, dining, and lovely bay views.
Make travel easy with our Summer Special at our downtown Monterey location, Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa, with 20% off your room and dinner at Estéban Restaurant.