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

Viewed by 160 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Stroll

Monterey, California

3:00 PM

Check-in at InterContinental the Clement

Arrive at your luxurious oceanfront room with expansive views at InterContinental the Clement, perfect for your honeymoon.
N/A
USD400, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Explore Cannery Row

Walk through the famous Cannery Row, exploring local boutiques and enjoying stunning coastal views.
Short drive from hotel to Cannery Row.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Cannery Row Brewing Company

Delight in a romantic dinner featuring fresh local seafood and handcrafted brews on the patio overlooking the bay.
Located on 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 your day with a delicious breakfast featuring a California omelet and artisanal coffee to fuel your Big Sur adventure.
Drive from Monterey to Big Sur takes approximately 30 minutes.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike McWay Falls

Trek to McWay Falls, witnessing the stunning sight of a waterfall crashing into the Pacific Ocean.
Continue driving south on Highway 1.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Savor seasonal Californian cuisine while taking in breathtaking views of the Big Sur coastline.
Located nearby McWay Falls.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Pfeiffer Beach

Relax on the picturesque shores of Pfeiffer Beach, known for its unique purple sand and stunning 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 as you stop at numerous scenic viewpoints along the way.
Head north along Highway 1.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Sardine Factory

Indulge in seasonal seafood dishes in this award-winning restaurant, renowned for its classic charm.
Located conveniently in Monterey.
USD120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Big Sur

Day 3: Relaxation and Wildlife

Monterey, California

9:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a lovely breakfast at InterContinental the Clement, featuring fresh fruits and pastries with ocean views.
N/A.
Included in stay, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the world-renowned aquarium, learning about marine life with interactive exhibits and conservation efforts.
Short drive or walk from hotel.
USD50, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Fish Hopper

Delight in fresh catch dishes overlooking the bay while keeping an eye out for sea otters.
Easily accessible near the aquarium.
USD70, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Kayak Tour

Take an eco-friendly guided kayaking tour in the bay, spotting playful sea lions and other marine life.
Book in advance for a guaranteed spot.
USD90, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Sly McFly's

Unwind with a casual dinner featuring American comfort food and specialty cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
Short walk back to Cannery Row.
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

Start your day with a locally sourced breakfast featuring farm-fresh eggs and artisanal toast.
Drive 15 minutes from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Carmel Beach

Stroll hand-in-hand along the sandy shores of Carmel Beach, taking in the beautiful views of the coastline.
A short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at La Bicyclette

Enjoy rustic European-inspired cuisine using fresh, local ingredients for a delightful midday meal.
In the heart of Carmel.
USD70, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Carmel Mission

Visit the historic Carmel Mission, exploring its beautiful architecture and vibrant gardens.
Easily walkable from the lunch spot.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Art Galleries and Shops Exploration

Wander through local art galleries and boutique shops, discovering the artistic spirit of Carmel.
Begin walking around the downtown area.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Terranova

Wind down your day with a delightful dinner featuring seafood dishes crafted from local ingredients.
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 paired with organic maple syrup.
Drive 15 minutes back to Carmel.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Explore the stunning coastal trails of the natural reserve, renowned for its spectacular views and wildlife.
Drive 15 minutes from breakfast.
USD10 (parking), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Point Lobos Picnic Area

Pack a picnic with local charcuterie and produce to enjoy amidst breathtaking coastal views.
Prepare lunch in advance.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Continue Hiking or Photography

Take your time exploring more trails or capturing the beauty of the landscape with your camera.
Within Point Lobos.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Hotel

Relax and refresh after a full day spent in nature's embrace.
Short drive back to Monterey.
Free, 20 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Indulge in a dinner featuring fresh, sustainable seafood while enjoying stunning sunset views over the ocean.
Back in Monterey.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Santa Cruz and Boardwalk

Santa Cruz, California

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Zachary's

Savor a hearty breakfast known for its creative and mouth-watering brunch offerings.
Drive about 40 minutes to Santa Cruz.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Enjoy the exciting atmosphere of the vintage amusement park and soak in the sun by the beach.
Short drive from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Picnic Basket

Relish farm-to-table sandwiches and delicious local specialties at this quaint eatery.
A short walk from the boardwalk.
USD50, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Exploring Santa Cruz Redwoods

Walk among the majestic redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where nature meets tranquility.
Drive about 20 minutes from lunch.
USD10 (parking), 2 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Monterey

Make your way back to Monterey, taking in the stunning coastal views once more.
Drive about 40 minutes.
Free, 40 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at C Restaurant

Celebrate your penultimate evening with a gourmet dining experience, featuring 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 last breakfast at InterContinental the Clement, filled with lovely memories from your stay.
N/A.
Included in stay, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Leisurely Walk at Lovers Point Park

Take a serene morning walk together at Lovers Point, soaking in the gorgeous Pacific Ocean views one final time.
Short drive or Uber ride.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Beach House

Relish a farewell lunch with an oceanfront view, topping off your trip with a delicious fresh catch.
Just a short drive away.
USD70, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Check-out and Departure

Conclude your romantic getaway by checking out of your hotel and heading to the airport, cherishing memories made.
Drive to Monterey Peninsula Airport.
USD20 (for parking if applicable), 1 hour
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