Visit Monterey Off the Beaten Path
This week is all about my latest adventure. I was delighted to visit Monterey and also to share it with you today! Just a little note, make sure to read the whole post and find the giveaway for a free trip to Monterey.
A Note About the Nester
My parents always made vacations a huge priority. Can you imagine five kids loaded up in one of those 70’s station wagons? I was always in the backseat facing the wrong way which made me terribly car sick. I tell you, sometimes being the youngest wasn’t easy.
We live in the San Francisco Bay area, and as a result, we travel to Monterey quite often for a fun weekend getaway. So, most of you are probably familiar with the Monterey Aquarium, whale watching, cannery row and much more. But, today I thought it would be interesting to focus on the part of town that is a Monterey gem. In all the years I have been visiting the area, I never spent much time in the adorable neighborhood of Pacific Grove.
Our past accommodations have included, Monterey Plaza Hotel, Monterey Marriott, and a few VRBO rental homes.
But this trip I wanted to a place that was out of the ordinary.
Hotel 1110
1110 Del Monte Ave | Monterey, California
After a grueling afternoon in San Francisco traffic, we finally arrived at the hotel.
After checking in and parking the car, we quickly made it up to their fun rooftop patio.
I’ve always wanted to hang out on a rooftop patio.
We were so happy to find out that our room accommodations included two glasses of complimentary wine.
Next time, we will definitely plan to have dinner up on their rooftop restaurant.
So, the ambiance was perfect with the festive outdoor lights and the beautiful succulent plants that surrounded the restaurant.
We had a lovely view of the city which made for a magical evening.
In the morning we had a delicious gourmet breakfast in the downstairs dining room.
And did I mention that my new diet starts tomorrow?
Pacific Grove Antiques
472 Lighthouse Ave | Pacific Grove, California
Finally, off on our little adventure to Pacific Grove.
First stop home decor and antique stores. I’m always happy when I peruse home decor stores.
Pacific Grove Antiques was my first place to visit. And oh my goodness it was full of great treasures and lots of inspiration.
When I saw their store I quickly parked the car like a mad woman on a mission.
.
Coffee Shop
481 Lighthouse Ave | Pacific Grove, California
Next stop, a little bit of coffee to fill our tummies. Crema is a restaurant with an adorable coffee shop attached next door.
Check out the sign, Stout Mocha Float. We weren’t brave enough to order this unusual drink.
So, I ordered a yummy chai tea that was heavy on the cinnamon. And don’t you just want to know how they create these fun coffee designs?
I must admit it always make me smile. And are you like me, you try not to ruin the beautiful creation?
Butterfly by the Sea
623 Lighthouse Ave | Pacific Grove, California
So, Pacific Grove is nicknamed “Butterfly Town, USA.” They have a Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary where monarchs who have traveled 2,000 miles arrive in early October.
We visited a fun Butterfly shop with so many great butterfly attractor plants. I had no idea that succulent flowers attract butterflies.
Are you familiar with any other butterfly attracting plants?
Tessuti Zoo
171 Forrest Ave | Pacific Grove, California
Finally, we finished off our shopping adventure with this outrageously fun shop that was bursting with bright colors.
Red House Cafe
662 Lighthouse Ave | Pacific Grove, California
We would have loved to eat here since it appears to be a popular dining spot. While it looks like an amazing place we ended up grabbing a sandwich a couple doors down. Check out Monterey’s dining resource.
Gosby House Inn
643 Lighthouse Ave | Pacific Grove, California
Gosby House Inn has been welcoming guests for a hundred years. This Queen Ann style home is stunning and don’t you just love that color?
I’ve always admired the Monterey Pine tree. I find it amazing that winds sculpt the trees in such picturesque shapes. Hmm, judging by this tree’s shape, it must be rather windy in this neighborhood.
Ah, The Beautiful Beach
Since the beach is just a few blocks away, we headed to the water.
So, a funny fact about our family is that two members always get wet when we visit the beach.
Can you guess which boy in the family gets wet?
So, I hope you enjoyed our Monterey adventure to Pacific Grove. It is a gorgeous part of the bay and I’m so happy to have found this hidden gem.
Cheers,
Finally here are some helpful links if you are planning a trip to Monterey County.
See Monterey will be giving away (1) complete trip package, including 2 nights at Monterey Tides, 2 tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and a wine blending at Joullian Vineyards.
In addition, to enter the giveaway, please visit, See Monterey and let me know with a comment where you would like to visit. See Monterey will be randomly selecting the winner from the comments.
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Jodie Kammerer
Hi Janine, I loved reading about your trip to Pacific Grove. I’ve never been to that part of the Monterey area either and you made it look like so much fun! It would be fun with the family, or a trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea might be fun for a girls’ weekend some time!
I’d love to enter the giveaway…is this where I comment? Or at the See Monterey website? Thanks for sharing all about your trip!
Jodie
happyhappynester
Jodie,
Pacific Grove has the greatest shops! Also, it is just a couple blocks away from the ocean. I still haven’t seen all that the neighborhood has to offer. Good luck with the trip giveaway!
IRENE
I absolutely love following you on Instagram. You are so creative & talented @happynester.????
I am going to enter and try my luck. My hubby & I need a mini get away. As he is a Lieutenant for the West Covina Police Department and he works so incredibly hard. I hardly see him because he is so dedicated to serving his community and is always working … Hardest working man I’ve ever known in my life.????????❌⭕️????????
We always enjoy any time that we get to be able to escape reality. That’s long overdue.
Thank you ????
happyhappynester
Irene,
Oh my gosh, it is so nice to hear from my followers! It is so nice to learn about your lives. And yes, it sounds like you need a mini vacation! Good luck and definitely watch for the next three months, I have a few more fun giveaways from different companies. Have a great day!
Sara Miranda
Ohhh I haven’t been to Monterey in probably 10 years. (!!????????????) I look through See Monterey and I’d love to hit all of the Top 10 Snapshot Shots list!! That would be a fun adventure!
happyhappynester
Sara,
Yes, there is so much to see in the area. I didn’t realize there is a butterfly preserve! I think I need to visit it on our next trip! Good luck with the giveaway. And stay tuned I have many more giveaways throughout the holiday season!
Lisa
Beautiful get-away!
happyhappynester
Thanks! It is a very cool place!
Coco in the Kitchen
Pacific Grove is too cute! I haven’t been there since
road trips with my parents.
I didn’t know they have a butterfly refuge there!
The Monarch butterflies trek 2,000 miles to Pacific Grove?
That is WILD!
Kelsey Heathers
I live in Santa Cruz and yet sadly don’t visit Monterey that much! We spent part of our honeymoon in Pacific Grove, and I would love to win the getaway package for our 1 year Anniversary this December! Antique shops and cute cafe’s and coffee shops are right up our alley ????
happyhappynester
Kelsey,
You live in Santa Cruz! My son sails down your way! He said the wind was like 25 miles per hour last weekend. Pacific Grove is way too fun and I would love to return and visit the Monarch Butterfly reserve. The butterflies are arriving right now! Good luck with the giveaway that would be a sweet one year wedding anniversary present!
Sam @ Raggedy Bits
Oh what a beautiful place! Sounds like you and hubby had a wonderful trip! I love ready about your adventures! Someone always manages to get wet on our seaside trips too! So funny!
Kay M
Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip to Monterey! I went with my family when I was in high school, and I have been wanting to go back ever since. I had the best calamari of my life there! I am a medical student, so I am always looking for a chance to relax. I would make the trip a romantic getaway with my boyfriend and we would definitely go to the Vista Blue Spa (a girl can dream!).
I also follow you on instagram and love seeing your adventures.
happyhappynester
So wonderful to hear your story! The seafood in the Monterey area is so yummy! This would be a great getaway for you and your boyfriend. Medical school can be grueling, good luck with your studies. I hope you have a lovely weekend and thanks so much for visiting the blog and for following me over on Instagram! I really appreciate your follow!
Sarah
I have never been to Monterey and it sounds amazing! I love your pictures and all the beauty. My husband has gone back to school so between his full time job and his school there is little time for relaxation. A trip like this would be so good for us to recharge. I love your blog and I am always inspired!
happyhappynester
Hi Sarah,
I get you on the having a busy life! Good luck winning the trip, I’m sure you would love Monterey! Thanks so much for letting me know that you visit the blog. Your comment made me so happy!
Reesa
Wow I seriously need to visit Monterey again soon Janine! Thanks so much for sharing your trip. You took so many beautiful shots of places I have not visited yet and I’m so excited to try out your amazing recommendations 🙂
happyhappynester
Reesa,
Yes, you need to sneak away one of these weekends. Pacific Grove is such a cute and quiet spot to hang out. Also, if you go, eat lunch or dinner at Nepenthes! It overlooks the coast and the restaurant is made out of Redwood! Incredible!!!
Alicia
It’s so beautiful there and looks like you guys had a wonderful time….perhaps our next trip up north we would love to stop at Monterey!
happyhappynester
Hi Alicia!
Thanks for visiting the blog! And yes, come up for a visit! There is so much to see up here. Have a lovely weekend.
Laura
The shops in Pacific Grove look so beautiful and quant. My husband and I live in Northern California, but have never visited that part of Monterey. My birthday is coming up, and I know this would be an amazing little getaway for the both of us. ????
Thank you for the lovely pictures Janine! Looking forward to exploring more of Monterey! ????
happyhappynester
Laura thanks for your visit and comment! And yes, you need to visit Monterey! The whole area is so gorgeous! Good luck with the contest, I think See Monterey chooses a winner.
Theresa j
There are so many places to see in Monterey. I would to visit Cannery Row and the aquarium but the first thing I would want to do is go out and kayak.
happyhappynester
Oh sounds like a lovely getaway to Monterey. The problem is that there are too many things to do in the area! Good luck!
ethan
My family and I took a road trip up the California coast back in 2011 and we camped. It was a very rushed trip and we only got to stop for lunch in Monterey. I would love to spend some quality time exploring this area. It looked so beautiful
happyhappynester
Monterey and the vicinity are marvelous! I hope you can make it back for another trip. Good luck in the drawing. are
Katy
I love your post! It’s so nice to know about fun alternatives to the “touristy” stops du in a trip. I’ll have to check out the antique shops when our family visits next.
I’d love to see the Aquarium with my family and friends all around Cannery Row. I love the history attached to that area!
Thanks for the chance at this amazing giveaway!
kcgmorris at gmail dot com
happyhappynester
Hi Katy,
So glad you posted a comment and visited my Monterey story. I love Monterey and the surrounding areas. Pacific Grove is a great little town that is so much fun to explore. I hope you have the opportunity, so good luck with the giveaway!