36 Hours in Monterey and Carmel

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Monterey and Carmel are popular neighboring towns on California’s Monterey Peninsula. You may have heard of Big Sur, a stretch of coast between Carmel and San Simeon. Located here is the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, the most photographed bridge in all of California. We spent most of our time visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its boutique shops, fairytale cottages, and charming eateries.

After spending a weekend in Seattle, we extended our trip one night and flew from Seattle to California before heading home to Dallas, Texas. We spent nearly 36 hours exploring, and it was so incredible that I want to share our itinerary to inspire your next visit to Monterey and Carmel.

Here’s how to spend 36 hours in Monterey and Carmel.

How to Get to Monterey and Carmel

When visiting Monterey and Carmel, it’s easiest to fly into San Jose International Airport and rent a car. Our flight landed at 7:15 am, which gave us plenty of time to get to Carmel with the entire day to explore!

Although an 80-mile drive from the airport to Carmel-by-the-Sea, it’s an incredible stretch of gorgeous scenery in under two hours.

Where to Stay in Monterey and Carmel

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course. This property is nestled in the Monterey pines on 22 acres and is just minutes from every place you’d want to explore in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur.

We stayed in a room with a balcony and a golf course view. It was the most relaxing escape after a jampacked day of exploring. The next time we visit the Carmel, we want to revisit this tranquil property!

Other Properties That Were on Our List:

• L’Auberge Carmel — Monte Verde St &, 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
• La Playa Carmel — Camino Real &, 8th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
• The Getaway — Junipero Street &, Ocean Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
• Carmel Valley Ranch (Unbound Collection) — 1 Old Ranch Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

What to Eat in Monterey and Carmel

Breakfast at First Awakenings:
300 David Ave, Monterey, CA 93940

First Awakenings serves all-American home cooking and has been open since 1993. They serve breakfast and lunch and are open seven days a week.

If you prioritize a good breakfast while on vacation, you will absolutely adore this place! Seriously, their menu is one of the best I’ve ever seen!

Something Todd and I love doing on trips is eating a giant breakfast because we stay full until dinner time. It allows us to check off more activities throughout the day without the tummy growls and the wondering about our next mealtime.

Since I am a breakfast fanatic, I ordered avocado toast and a gourmet pancake. Both were delicious, and the service was incredible!

I am counting down the days until I can eat here again!

Coffee at Captain + Stoker:
398 E Franklin St, Monterey, CA 93940

Captain + Stoker is a coffee shop and roastery in Monterey, California. They have drip, espresso, pour-over, and tea, so there is something for everyone in your party.

I ordered the avocado toast and Earl Grey tea and thought it was terrific. My partner, Todd, went for multiple days because he loved it so much. The first day he ordered the Snickerdudes latte. The second, he ordered a flat white and cinnamon sugar toast.

I highly recommend checking out Captain + Stoker on your next visit to Monterey.

Candy break at Cottage of Sweets:
Ocean Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

Cottage of Sweets is a British-style shop along the main street in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The building was originally built in 1922 and later moved to where it is now in 1923. It didn’t become a candy store until many years later, and now it’s hard to imagine Carmel without thinking of the Cottage of Sweets. It’s a Carmel staple!

Pro tip: Purchase extra candy to take home with you. It’s the perfect way to savor your trip days after you’ve returned to your home state.

Wish list for next visit: Lunch at La Bicyclette:
Dolores St & 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921

La Bicyclette was on our list, but we could not make it work due to our schedule. We heard many great things about this European Bistro and cannot wait to visit it the next time we are in Carmel!

Dinner at Dametra Café:
Corner of Ocean & Lincoln St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921

If you can only pick one restaurant to visit in Carmel, make it Dametra Café! We went for a late-night dinner after watching the sunset on Carmel Beach. I have never been to a restaurant as fun and lively as this! Seriously, a musician entered the restaurant playing guitar during our meal, and the restaurant got up to clap, sing, and dance.

At one point, a conga line erupted throughout the place- which we joined. BEST DINNER EXPERIENCE EVER!

Dametra Café serves Mediterranean food with fresh local ingredients and stays open late until 11:00 pm. We ordered the Greek Style Lamp Shank and the Istanbul Kebab, one of our best dining experiences.

Dametra Café is a must when in Carmel!

What to Do in Monterey and Carmel

• Walk Carmel & Boutique shopping – Get lost in this outdoor mall. This unique destination has many hidden passages and unique boutiques and shops.
• Carmel Beach – Walk down the scenic path, spend an evening surfing, or admire the bagpiper who plays daily. We went to watch the sunset, and it was stunning. This beach is also dog friendly for those who travel with furry friends. According to Travel and Leisure, Carmel Beach has been rated “One of America’s Top Beach Towns” and truly lived up to the hype!
• Pebble Beach – Walk and explore Pebble Beach. It’s a world-famous golf course, and the landscape here is breathtaking! Also, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from: home-style, California coastal, and bar & grill options.
• Scenic 17-Mile Drive – Admission to the 17-Mile Drive is charged per vehicle, and the gates are open until sunset. This drive will take you through cliffs, forests, and stunning golf courses. Pack your camera because the views are out of this world!
• Bixby Creek Bridge – This bridge was completed in 1932 and is one of the highest bridges of its kind. It’s a very popular attraction for photographers and tourists wanting to get that famous photo that’s been all over social media. It’s a must during your trip to Monterey and Carmel.

Our Exact Itinerary

Day 1:

• Land at San Jose airport
• Pick up the rent car
• Drive to Monterey
• Eat breakfast at First Awakenings
• Grab a coffee at Captain + Stoker
• Check into the Hyatt Regency
• Photograph the Bixby Bridge in Big Sur
• Walk Carmel and visit boutique shops
• Buy candy from Cottage of Sweets
• Watch the bagpipe player and sunset at Carmel Beach
• Late-night dinner at Demetra Café

Day 2:

• Grab a coffee and a quick snack at Captain Stoker Coffee
• Visit Pebble Beach and browse the shops
• Complete the 17-mile drive making stops along the way
• Lunch at La Bicyclette (Wish List for Next Trip!)
• Drive to San Jose airport

The great thing about weekend travel is exploring an entirely new place without taking any days away from work or other weekday responsibilities.

If you are willing to wake up early, a trip to Monterey and Carmel is possible, even in a short amount of time.

We accomplished all of the activities on our list except for one and saw the places mentioned above during a one-night stay!

If you enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, are a golf fan, or appreciate a slower pace than a major city. You will absolutely love visiting Monterey and Carmel by the Sea!

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