3 day itinerary
Monterey, Ca
Itinerary
Monterey is such a beautiful place with a ton of family-friendly activities that won’t break the bank. Here’s a fun-filled, budget-friendly 3-day itinerary that the whole family will enjoy!
Day 1: Explore the Coast and Marine Life
Morning: Visit the Start your adventure at the world-renowned ! It’s a fantastic place for kids to learn about marine life. The exhibits are engaging, and the sea otters are always a hit! You can easily spend a few hours here. Don’t forget to check out the feeding times for the animals!
Lunch: Picnic at After the aquarium, stroll over to . Grab some sandwiches or snacks from a local deli (like the Deli) and enjoy a picnic at one of the nearby parks or along the waterfront. The views are stunning, and the kids can run around while you relax.
Afternoon: Explore After lunch, take some time to explore . There are plenty of shops and fun spots to check out. You might even find some street performers to entertain the kids!
Evening: Sunset at Head over to for a beautiful sunset. It’s a great spot for a family photo! The kids can play on the grassy areas or explore the beach.
Dinner: Family-Friendly Dining For dinner, consider heading to a casual spot like the Fish Hopper, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a view. They have a kids’ menu too!
Day 2: Nature and Adventure
Morning: Start your day with a visit to Point Lobos. It’s a short drive from Monterey and offers stunning coastal views and easy hiking trails. The trails are family-friendly, and you might spot sea lions, seals, and even otters! Bring your binoculars for some birdwatching.
Lunch: After your hike, head to nearby for lunch. There are plenty of budget-friendly options like La Bicyclette, which has delicious pizzas and pastries.
Afternoon: After lunch, spend some time at . It’s a beautiful spot for the kids to play in the sand, and you can take a leisurely stroll along the shore. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even rent a kayak or paddleboard!
Evening: Explore Take a walk around downtown Carmel. The shops are charming, and there are often art galleries to explore. You can grab some ice cream at a local shop to treat the kids!
Dinner: Casual Dining in Carmel For dinner, consider a family-friendly spot like The Forge in the Forest, which has a great outdoor patio and a fun atmosphere.
Day 3: History and Fun
Morning: Visit the Start your day at the . It’s small but packed with interesting exhibits about the local wildlife and history. The kids will love the interactive displays!
Lunch: Picnic at Pack a picnic lunch or grab some takeout and head to . It’s a lovely spot to relax, and the kids can explore the tide pools and sandy areas.
Afternoon: (Seasonal) If you’re visiting between October and February, don’t miss the in Pacific Grove. It’s a magical experience to see thousands of butterflies! If it’s not butterfly season, you can explore the nearby trails or visit the local tide pools.
Evening: Visit the Wrap up your trip with a visit to in Monterey. It’s a fantastic playground with lots of fun equipment for the kids to enjoy. It’s a great way to let them burn off some energy before heading home!
Dinner: Family-Friendly Fare For your final dinner, consider heading to a casual spot like the , which often has family-friendly shows. If you’re looking for something quick, grab some burgers at a local favorite like The Habit Burger Grill.
And there you have it! A fun, family-friendly, and budget-conscious itinerary for your 3 days in Monterey. Enjoy your trip, and make some wonderful memories! 🌊🐠🏖️