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7-Day Romantic Honeymoon in Monterey, California: Nature, Food, and Relaxation

Viewed by 205 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Stroll

Monterey, California

3:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive at your romantic oceanview room at the Monterey Tides Hotel for a perfect start to your honeymoon.
N/A
USD300, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Explore Cannery Row

Walk through the famous Cannery Row, taking in the boutiques and beautiful coastal views.
Short drive from hotel to Cannery Row.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Cannery Row Brewing Company

Enjoy a romantic dinner of local seafood and handcrafted brews on the patio overlooking the bay.
Cannery Row.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Big Sur Adventure

Big Sur, California

8:00 AM

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Start with a hearty breakfast featuring a delicious California omelet and artisanal coffee to fuel your day.
Drive from Monterey to Big Sur takes approximately 30 minutes.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike McWay Falls

Take a scenic hike to the famous McWay Falls, where the waterfall cascades onto the sandy beach.
Continue driving south on Highway 1.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy delicious seasonal Californian cuisine while overlooking the stunning Big Sur coastline.
Located conveniently near McWay Falls.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Pfeiffer Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of Pfeiffer Beach, known for its purple sands and picturesque rock formations.
Drive about 20 minutes from Nepenthe.
USD12 (parking), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Scenic Drive back to Monterey

Enjoy a leisurely drive back, stopping at viewpoints along the way.
Head north along Highway 1.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Sardine Factory

Savor seasonal delicacies at this award-winning restaurant, famous for its seafood dishes.
Back in Monterey.
USD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Relaxation and Wildlife

Monterey, California

9:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast in bed, featuring fresh fruits and pastries while taking in the ocean views.
N/A.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore one of the top-rated aquariums in the world, learning about marine life and marine conservation.
Short drive from hotel.
USD50, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Fish Hopper

Savor fresh catch while enjoying stunning bay views and maybe even a sea otter sighting.
Located near the aquarium.
USD70, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Kayak Tour

Take an eco-friendly guided kayaking tour of the bay, spotting seals and sea lions in their natural habitat.
Booking in advance is recommended.
USD90, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Sly McFly's

Unwind with a casual dinner featuring America’s comfort food and specialty cocktails.
Conveniently located within walking distance.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Carmel-by-the-Sea Day

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Carmel Belle

Enjoy a locally-sourced breakfast featuring farm-fresh eggs and artisan toast.
Drive 15 minutes from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Carmel Beach

Stroll along the white sands of Carmel Beach, taking in the picturesque scenery and clear waters.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at La Bicyclette

Delight in a rustic European-inspired lunch with fresh local ingredients.
Near Carmel Beach.
USD70, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Carmel Mission

Explore the historic Carmel Mission, one of the oldest institutions in California.
Easily walkable from the lunch spot.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Art If by Mary

Visit local art galleries and shops showcasing the talents of Carmel's artists.
Walk through the downtown area.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Terranova

Enjoy a delightful seafood dinner with locally sourced ingredients and organic options.
Located in Carmel.
USD90, 2 hours
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Day 5: Sanctuary at Point Lobos

Point Lobos, California

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Start your day with a delightful breakfast featuring pancakes and organic maple syrup.
Head back to Carmel for breakfast.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Explore the breathtaking coastal trails, known for their rugged beauty and wildlife sighting opportunities.
Drive 15 minutes from breakfast.
USD10 (parking), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Point Lobos Picnic Area

Pack a picnic lunch with local charcuterie and fresh produce to enjoy when you’re surrounded by stunning scenery.
Bring your own lunch prepared in advance.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Continue Hiking or Photography

Take your time capturing the stunning landscapes or continue exploring more trails within Point Lobos.
Within the State Natural Reserve.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Hotel

Relax and refresh after a long day exploring the beautiful landscapes.
Short drive back to Monterey.
Free, 20 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Wind down with dinner featuring fresh, sustainable seafood while gazing at the ocean sunsets.
Return to Cannery Row.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Santa Cruz and Boardwalk

Santa Cruz, California

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Zachary's

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast known for its inventive and delicious brunch offerings.
Drive about 40 minutes to Santa Cruz.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Enjoy the vintage amusements and a nostalgic atmosphere of this iconic California boardwalk.
Continue a short drive from the breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Picnic Basket

Savor farm-to-table sandwiches and local dishes that highlight the region’s best ingredients.
Short walk from the boardwalk.
USD50, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Exploring Santa Cruz Redwoods

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the ancient redwood forest at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Drive about 20 minutes from lunch.
USD10 (parking), 2 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Monterey

Head back to Monterey while enjoying the coastal views.
Drive about 40 minutes.
Free, 40 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at C Restaurant

Indulge in a final gourmet dining experience with local wines and ocean views.
Located back in Monterey.
USD120, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Cruz

Day 7: Departure Day

Monterey, California

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Monterey, reminisce about the beautiful moments shared here.
N/A.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Leisurely Walk at Lovers Point Park

Take a serene walk at Lovers Point, soaking in the final views of the Pacific Ocean.
Drive or take a short Uber.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Beach House

Enjoy your farewell lunch with an oceanfront view, featuring a delicious fresh catch.
Just a short drive away.
USD70, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Check-out and Departure

Check out from your hotel and head to the airport with memories to last a lifetime.
Drive to Monterey Peninsula Airport.
USD20 (parking if applicable), 1 hour
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