Here are a few of our most popular Monterey/Carmel resorts:
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TripAdvisor traveler rating
based on TripAdvisor reviewsBest Western Carmel's Town House LodgeMonterey, CA
Hotel guests will find this coastal California inn is just minutes from the beautiful white sands of Carmel Beach.
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TripAdvisor traveler rating
based on TripAdvisor reviewsDays Inn Salinas AirportMonterey, CA
Centrally located in Monterey County close to all major area attractions.
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TripAdvisor traveler rating
based on TripAdvisor reviewsEcono Lodge Salinas
Monterey, CA
Conveniently located near main exit to Monterey Peninsula.
Things to do in Monterey/Carmel
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Golf with a Tour Professional
Play 18 holes of golf with a PGA Tour Professional and learn all of his tricks and tips to improve your game. You will get round-trip chauffeured transportation from anywhere in the San Francisco Bay area. -
Learn to Surf
Learn to Surf! All rental equipment is included free-of-charge. This clinic was designed with the beginner in mind – we welcome complete newbies as well as people who have tried surfing on there own for a while and still need help. -
San Francisco Coastal Walking Tour
See the scenic and wild north coast of San Francisco and the Golden Gate in the most memorable way: on foot. These easy-going, half-day walking tours are infused with California history and led by expert local guides along the beautiful, unspoiled coast on the City's edge.
Family activities in Monterey/Carmel
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Carmel Beach
Carmel Beach is a laid-back, curvy sugary-white sand beach, shaded by cypress trees. This beach is popular for surfers, dogs, (and dog owners to fair) and known for its sunsets. Pack light, snacks, a book or magazines, a frisbee or beach ball, water, sunscreen, and a towel. Hit the beach to frolic in the waves, surf, throw a frisbee, look for whales and dolphins, nap, snack, write your BFF's name in the sand, meet people, take the dog(s), and think of even more ways to have fun or new ways to do nothing. Be a beach bum; seriously, it's your vacation. -
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey's aquarium is a public, non-profit aquarium known for having a regional focus on marine life inhabiting Monterey Bay. An aquarium with many firsts, like the first to care for and display a Great White Shark, the first living kelp forest exhibit, and pioneering jellyfish research in animal husbandry. The aquarium leads the way in marine life conservation with publications like Seafood Watch and conservation efforts focused on sea otters, birds, and tunas. Kids will love all the sea creatures, knowledgeable displays, and experts. Visit the puppies of the ocean, I mean, see otters on your next family trip to Monterey. -
Cannery Row
Visit the historic waterfront street called Cannery Row in the New Monterey neighborhood. Home to a now-defunct sardine canning factories, (because who eats sardines?) John Steinbeck, once famously described the street in his book Cannery Row. The location is now one of California's premier destinations for elegant hotels, quality dining, shopping at shops, family entertainment, and nightlife. Book a Cannery Row bound Monterey/Carmel vacation package and get a deal on flight and hotel reservations.
Nightlife & Entertainment in Monterey/Carmel
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Fine dining
More than just a desirable vacation destination for championship golf courses, pristine beaches with big waves, and a world-renowned aquarium Monterey/Carmel has a growing food scene well worth the trip. From fresh, sustainable seafood and sushi to local wines tastings, and you can break the bank at Aubergine with an 8-to-10 course chef-prepared meal, but hey, you only live once, so live well. Then there is Cultura with $4 street tacos up to $95 Wagyu ribeye, an Oaxacan restaurant with lounge and outdoor firepits. La Bicyclette is a quaint old town bistro with fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, and boeuf bourguignon.
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Club/dancing
There will be swinging and swaying, records playing on your next Monterey/Carmel vacation. Don't miss reggae nights at The Jade Lounge, which features live bands or DJs spinning depending on the night. Starlight 65 Rooftop Lounge is the place to drink and dance under a starry night. Look into Ecstatic Dance Monterey for something completely out of the ordinary. Monterey/Carmel is near enough to head into San Fran for the evening to find more clubs than you count on your jazz hand fingers and twinkle toes. -
Out on the town
Looking for more laid back nights out in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea first stop is Post No Bills Craft Beer House with a funny name and serious craft beer knowledge! Easy Street Billiards is a bar and pool hall. Romantic dinner for two on the agenda? Schooners Coastal Kitchen and Bar has the food, the intimate setting, and the ocean view, at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Head out with the whole family to Fishermans' Wharf for scrumptious grub, live music, shops, and entertainment.
These quaint and beautiful California destinations pack plenty of excitement into limited space. From the Monterey Bay Aquarium to the white-sand beaches of Carmel, these family-friendly coastal towns have a charm that you won’t find anywhere else. Be sure to bring your camera, because there is a photo opp around every corner.
Please note: flight service for Monterey/Carmel vacations is into San Jose, California.