Photo Credit: Emily Karakis (@iemyoung) on Unsplash
Picture this: crashing waves against rugged coves, dreamy beaches, and colorful houses right by the sea.
If this sounds like paradise, then Monterey is perfect for you! “The Most Romantic City in the USA” boasts splendid sceneries to soothe your soul. Whether it’s the view of the mighty Pacific Ocean or sightings of friendly killer whales, this California city is among the loveliest and most tranquil places to go.
To visit, it’s best to take a scenic road trip from Los Angeles to Monterey — and we’re here to give you all the deets! Read on for our trusty guide that’ll sail you through the best stops in between and in town!
Los Angeles to Monterey Bay drive time
First things first, how far is Monterey from Los Angeles? It's about 300 miles away or roughly a five-and-a-half-hour drive from the bustling metropolis.
Klook Tip: Make your Los Angeles to Monterey road trip a breeze by renting your own vehicle at Klook! Just select your ride, choose your pick-up and drop-off location, and get hopping to roadside adventures!
So, ready for your R&R getaway? Fasten your seatbelts, we’re headed to the dreamy seaside sanctuary. Mark these four pit stops en route from Los Angeles to Monterey:
1. Solvang
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Let’s get the ball rolling with a visit to the “Danish Capital of America.” Nestled in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is the prime destination to get your sausage, eggs, and delicious Danish treats! Stop by the best breakfast place in town, Paula’s Pancake House, for some freshly made Danish pancakes (USD11.25) topped with cinnamon apples and syrup. In the meantime, bread lovers can have their fill of sweet pastries and waffles from Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. Talk about a gastronomic start!
2. Bixby Bridge
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As one of the most photographed bridges in America, Bixby Bridge is a must-stop! It’s impossible not to miss its jaw-dropping structure, suspended 260 feet above rocky cliffs and stretching over a staggering 714 feet long. The best thing to do here, aside from rolling down your windows and feeling the breeze, is to snag a selfie with this iconic California Coast landmark.
3. Big Sur
Photo Credit: Vladimir Kudinov (@madbyte) on Unsplash
Along Highway 1, you’ll witness the marvelous beauty of Big Sur, a rugged coastal area best known for rustic charms. Park your cars at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and jump straight into the ocean. Here, you’ll have a grand time exploring its numerous trails, discovering Pfeiffer Falls, and camping out among the gigantic redwood groves. Stopping by at Big Sur during your Los Angeles to Monterey drive is also a great opportunity to grab lunch at Big Sur Lodge.
4. Carmel-by-the-Sea
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The last stop on this epic road trip is Carmel-by-the-Sea. Sitting just ten minutes away from Monterey, this small beach city features gorgeous fairytale-like cottages and fascinating art galleries. There are nearly 100 galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea; some carrying works of famous American artists (Eyvind Earle, Thomas Kinkade, and more); others up-and-coming painters and photographers.
Check out Photography West Gallery at Dolores St. for amazing black and white photos and Gallery-by-the-Sea Carmel to see acrylic-based seascapes from all over California.
Terrific things to do in Monterey
And just like that, you’ve made it! Now, time to enjoy the quaint city of Monterey with these seven exciting things to do:
5. Visit Cannery Row
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The first order of business is food…and a little shopping on the side! At Cannery Row, the city’s central district, you can enjoy fresh mussels with dazzling waterfront views at Louie Linguini’s, and gift yourself an I-Heart-Monterey shirt from Steinbeck Plaza! If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of sea otters and dolphins swimming near the waterfronts.
Another famous spot you can’t miss is La Ida Cafe, a brothel-turned-coffee shop mentioned in John Steinbeck’s novel and a popular hangout place for the artists, poets, writers, and daydreamers.
6. Indulge in a seafood feast at Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Photo Credit: Christianna Otto on Pexels
Think Santa Monica Pier but much more serene and peaceful — that’s exactly what Old Fisherman’s Wharf is like! This lively harbor houses a medley of restaurants and seafood shacks that poke into the Pacific Ocean.
Savor the sweet, nutty flavor of Pacific Rockfish (USD24.95) from Rockfish Harbor Grill and Crabby Jim’s pan-seared Shark Steak (USD26.99). For dessert, Carousel Candies is the go-to for its signature Salt-Water Taffy. Getting to the wharf is an easy task…just follow the scent of deep-fried shrimps, lobsters, and other sumptuous seafood!
Klook Tip: Old Fisherman’s Wharf is also a famous spot in Monterey to go whale watching, so keep your eyes peeled on the waters.
7. Take a mid-morning hike by Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail
Photo Credit: Linh Pham (@lhpham12) on Unsplash
If you need a break from all the food fest, a relaxing stroll around Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail will do the job. The trail stretches 18 miles long and is filled with exquisite coastal views. During your leisurely walk, you’ll pass along beaches surrounded by craggy cliffs.
To spruce things up, you can try skating around the trails or renting a boat to cruise the sea! The best part is the entrance to the trail is completely free!
8. Admire American art at Monterey Museum of Art
Photo Credit: Ed Bierman on Flickr (Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0))
The Monterey Museum of Art first opened in 1959 to showcase Californian art from the 19th century. Inside, you’ll find over 14,000 artworks splashed across the museum’s two locations: one on Pacific Street, where you can view contemporary art and photographs by big-name artists such as Armin Hansen and Ansel Adams; and the other, La Mirada, which houses rotating exhibits, art classes, and a romantic rose garden to boot.
9. Sink your toes into the sand at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Photo Credit: Vivek Kumar on Unsplash
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a can’t-miss for beach lovers! With its sandy shores, shimmering tide pools, amazing canyons, and lush forests of kelp, the entire fam can enjoy an afternoon of water-themed fun. From kayaking and diving to whale watching and exploring hidden beaches, everyone will have a blast!
10. Discover California’s past at Monterey State Historic Park
Photo Credit: Jeremy Thompson on Flickr (Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0))
While waiting for your swimsuits to dry, why not head to the oldest corner in town, the Monterey State Historic Park? With a tour of the historic district, you can marvel at the heritage buildings and brightly-painted cottages dating back to the 19th century. Houses to look out for inside the park are: the Larkin House, thought to be the first two-story building built in California; and the Custom House, the oldest government building in the state.
11. Dine fancy at Montrio Bistro
Photo Credit: Elina Sazonova on Pexels
Finally, end your Los Angeles to Monterey trip with a fine dining experience at Montrio Bistro! Glam up for a night of fancy American and European cuisines inside this historic firehouse restaurant in Downtown Monterey. Start with a Wild Pacific Shrimp Risotto (USD26), then work your way up to the main entrees: Snake River Farms Wagyu Ribeye (USD72), Grilled Local Catch (price based on the season), and a glass of Pinot Noir (USD20).
Discover more destinations with Klook!
Now that you’ve made it down our list, we’re sure you’re packed and ready to go! Explore more destinations in California and enjoy hassle-free travel with Klook!
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