Monterey County Itinerary for 4 Days : Ultimate Monterey County Travel Guide

Day 1 | Morning

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Opening Hours: Open from 10:30am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 49.95 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located in Monterey Bay, which is connected to the Pacific Ocean and has a very good view. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-renowned, and the dreamy jellyfish and manta rays are must-see marine life in the aquarium, especially for tourists with children.

Day 1 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Monterey Bay Aquarium, don’t forget pay a visit to 17 Mile Drive.

17 Mile Drive

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-4 Hours

Location: 17 Mile Dr, California, USA

On the west coast of the United States, in Monterey County in central California, there is a circular road that surrounds private residential areas.

Day 1 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at 17 Mile Drive? Wave Street Inn is one of your top choices.

Wave Street Inn

Located less than 3 km from Del Monte Beach, the Wave Street Inn offers a non-smoking accommodation in Monterey. All rooms provide a refrigerator, a coffee machine, and a TV with cable channels. Each room also includes an en suite bathroom. A 24-hour front desk is available for guests. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is less than 1 km away from the Wave Street Inn.

Day 2 | Morning

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-0:00am

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1.0 Days

Location: 1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

The Old Fisherman's Wharf not only has restaurants, but also special tourist shops, where you can also watch whales. This is the starting point for cruises in the Gulf, and the locals are mainly engaged in fishing and tourism.

Day 2 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Old Fisherman's Wharf, you can head to Monterey Bay, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Monterey Bay

Opening Hours: Open from 11:00am-2:30pm

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 Hours

Location: Monterey Bay, California, USA

Monterey Bay is one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. Going north along the Gold Coast of the western United States, you can reach the beautiful and charming Monterey Peninsula. The cool sea breeze blows head-on, cute and funny sea lions and fur seals. Lazy on the rocks and waves. Monterey Bay is a very famous seaside resort in Northern California, and the city of Monterey is a famous tourist destination in Monterey Bay. The fish canning factory area and Fisherman's Wharf are desirable, with a large number of restaurants, clothing stores, Gift shop and playground.

Day 2 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Bernardus Lodge & Spa

This Carmel Valley resort boasts star-rated dining, a wellness spa and outdoor heated pool. A limestone fireplace, 2-person soaking tub and down feather bedding are featured in each guest room. Monterey Bay Aquarium is 19 km away. Guests are welcomed with a gourmet snack basket, fruit bowl, fresh roses, and a complimentary "wine grotto" mini bar with Bernardus wines in their rooms. A flat-screen cable TV, iPod docking station and coffee machine are also provided. Marinus boasts an extensive wine list and a menu that focuses on organic, local ingredients. Wickets Bistro serves upscale American cuisine in a causal atmosphere. The Spa at Bernardus offers marine-inspired massage services and body treatments in a spacious facility that includes locker rooms, sauna rooms, a fitness room and a juice bar. A warming room with fireplace, a meditation garden, a dipping pool and a reflecting pool are available for guest relaxation. A full-service beauty salon is also available. Two tennis courts are located on site. A croquet lawn and bocce court are offered for guest use. Garland Ranch Regional Park is 1.5 km away. Carmel Mission Basilica and Museum are 15.5 km away.

Day 3 | Morning

Rocky Creek Bridge

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA

The bridge with a total length of 218 meters spans a huge deep stream. From a distance, it is very spectacular and steep. The arched bridge hole is beautifully set off by the blue sea. It is known as one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. It seems to be the landmark of Big Sur, and almost everyone will get off the car and appreciate its artificial shape and natural sea and sky background. In addition, many TV commercials for cars in the United States are shot here.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Rocky Creek Bridge, Salinas next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Salinas

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1.0 Days

Location: Salinas, CA, USA

Salinas is located in Monterey County, United States. It was established in 1874 and is the seat of the county seat. The land around Salinas is fertile and sunny, and agriculture and agro-processing are the main economic industries of the region. The main crops in the region are grains, lettuce, various vegetables, fruits and nursery products. The main fruits and vegetables are watermelon, grapes, strawberries, broccoli, carrots, spinach, etc.

Day 3 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Hampton Inn & Suites Salinas in advance, because all the tourists head to Salinas love staying at it.

Hampton Inn & Suites Salinas

Stay at our friendly Hampton Inn & Suites Salinas hotel and enjoy comfortable guest rooms with great amenities. Stay in touch with free WiFi access， get to work at the desk with ergonomic desk chair or watch HD channels on the flat-screen TV. For added convenience every room features a refrigerator and microwave， perfect for storing cold drinks or preparing a quick snack， day or night. Upgrade to a studio suite for extra space， a larger work area and a pull-out sofa.After a busy day of business meetings or sightseeing， unwind with a work out in the fitness center or relax in the hot tub. Our indoor pool will provide hours of family play time. After building up an appetite visit our Suite Shop for your favorite snack and beverage. The Suite Shop is open 24-hours.From the moment you step into the spacious and inviting lobby you will experience the warmth and hospitality of the Hampton Inns & Suites Salinas hotel. Located just 15 miles from Monterey and close to great Salinas attractions including golf， wine tasting and local events including the California International Air Show， Monterey Sports Car Festival， and the Steinbeck Festival.Friendly service， clean rooms， comfortable surroundings， every time. If you're not satisfied， we don't expect you to pay. That's our commitment and your guarantee. That's 100% Hampton??.

Day 4 | Morning

Pacific Coast Highway

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-3.0 Hours

Location: 147161, CA

The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California Highway 1, is a very famous scenic highway. The winding road follows the Pacific Ocean from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

Reviews from Real Guests:

LynnMaeyoga: really beautiful to see. America has many attractions to put on your bucket list👍

Day 4 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Pacific Coast Highway, Limekiln State Park next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Limekiln State Park

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1.0 Days

Location: Limekiln State Park, Big Sur, CA 93920

Lime Kiln State Park is a very distinctive forest park. There are four lime kilns in the park that made lime in the 19th century, hence the name. Now, there are towering green trees in the park, some very primitive trees, and a waterfall with a drop of 30 meters in a spring. The natural environment is very superior. Many tourists stay here for a day or two, camping in the forest, which is very pleasant.

Day 4 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort in advance, because all the tourists head to Limekiln State Park love staying at it.

Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort

Property Location
Located in Big Sur, Ventana Big Sur an Alila Resort is convenient to Big Sur Spirit Garden and Big Sur Station. This 4.5-star resort is within close proximity of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Pfeiffer Beach.

Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 60 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Rooms have private patios. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while DVD players and premium TV channels are also offered to provide entertainment. Private bathrooms have hair dryers and bathrobes.

Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 2 outdoor swimming pools and a fitness center. This resort also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands. Getting to nearby attractions is a breeze with the complimentary area shuttle that operates within 5.00 mi.

Dining
Grab a bite to eat at the resort's restaurant, which features a bar, or stay in and take advantage of room service (during limited hours). Relax with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge or a poolside bar. A complimentary continental breakfast is included.

Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Big Sur? This resort has facilities measuring 8403 square feet (756 square meters), including meeting rooms. Free self parking is available onsite.

You must present a photo ID when checking in. Your credit card is charged at the time you book. Bed type and smoking preferences are not guaranteed.Your reservation is prepaid and is guaranteed for late arrival. The total charge includes all room charges and taxes

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.