Perfect Weekend itinerary in Monterey, California
Monterey County is one of those incredible bucket list destinations located in the United States. When people talk about the beauty of the California coastline, this is exactly what they mean. The picturesque and postcard-perfect views from Big Sur, Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, and Pacific Grove, Monterey County will do everything but disappoint.
As someone who lives in California, I can tell you that driving the entire stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway is definitely a little bit overrated. So save yourself the long road trip and focus on the gem that is Monterey County.
Exploring Monterey County makes for the perfect, relaxing, and wellness-focused weekend. And if that sounds like something right up your alley (or maybe something you’re in need of), here’s my perfect weekend itinerary in Monterey County, California.
The PerfecMonterey California Itinerary
How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Monterey County, California
When I think of a wellness trip, I think of hippies on a yoga retreat on a beach in Bali. But I was in search of a more realistic and well-rounded wellness experience, and Monterey County is the perfect place for such a getaway.
Monterey County is quaint, laidback, and generally quiet -- making it the perfect destination for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The area encourages a restful and restorative experience as it lends itself to many outdoor activities and wellness facilities immersed in the natural coastal beauty.
Although it only takes an hour to drive from Big Sur (through Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pacific Grove) to Monterey, the entire county is worth a weekend stay if you want to take your time and explore at a leisurely pace.
Kissing Rock. Monterey County, California
The Perfect Weekend Itinerary in Monterey, California
I fully believe that the best approach to wellness is balance.So while I do agree with digging deep, finding your inner peace, and pampering your body, I also believe in finding joy through movement, physical activity, and tasting good food. Which brings me to my first to-do on this perfect weekend itinerary…
Scratch is a female owned winery, and the perfect experience on your Monterey Itinerary.
Go Wine Tasting
You do not need to visit wine country to taste some of the best wines California has to offer. I. Brand & Family Winery in Carmel Valley uses sensible farming practices to keep things simple. The founder, Ian Brand, has even been named a SF Chronicle Winemaker of the Year.
Scratch is another really cool female-owned winery in Carmel Valley that you must not miss. Not only is it female-owned (and as a female entrepreneur myself, supporting female-owned business is important to me), but the founder, Sabrine Rodems, is a winemaker who produces the Riesling, Grenache, and other types of wine you’ll taste at Scratch. The tasting room is also well-decorated, making it the perfect backdrop for photos to remember your trip by.
Perigord Summer Truffle Pasta Roux. Monterey County California
Dine at Roux
For a truly exquisite dining experience that nourishes body, soul, and taste buds, head to Roux. Founded by chef Fabrice Roux, who spent 12 years as a chef in Paris before moving to the United States, Roux provides the perfect dining experience with an attention to both taste and atmosphere.
I ordered the delicious Perigord summer truffle pasta which is served with freshly shaved black truffle. And for dessert, I ordered the sinfully delicious deep-fried oreos.
Keep in mind that Roux only accepts cash and Venmo, NOT credit cards or any other forms of payment.
Go For a Hike in Big Sur
Most people drive by the infamous Big Sur landmarks like the Bixby Creek Bridge. They pull over, find a spot to park their car, snap some photos, and continue on their way. But Big Sur has so much to offer that you just won’t experience if you aren’t exploring on foot.
I recommend going for a hike with Big Sur Guides, which was founded by a guy named Steven who has been offering guided hikes of the area since the ’70s.
Our guide, Brian, took us on the Partington Canyon and Partington Cove trail in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This area is really unique and these two hikes compliment one another really well. While the Partington Canyon hike offers views of the Redwoods, the Partington Cove trail leads you to the ocean where ships would transport Redwood lumber that was logged from the forest.
In total, the entire hike was approximately 1.9 miles, which was perfect for a little physical activity and a lot of fresh, clean air. Big Sur Guides is incredibly accommodating and will customize tours for you to suit the weather, day, personal preference, and fitness level.
The guided hike costs $145, which includes a sandwich lunch from Big Sur Deli. (Or you can pack your own lunch and pay $125 for the guided hike).
Unwind in the Pools at Refuge
Refuge is the perfect place to relax those muscles after any hike or physical activity. They offer a unique outdoor spa experience complete with steam rooms, saunas, cold plunge pools, and hot pools.There are also relaxation areas with Adirondack chairs and fire pits (and as a girl from the Adirondacks, you know I’m here for it).
Keep in mind that Refuge is a silent facility and you won’t be able to use your phone. So unplug and enjoy their exceptional spa and wellness services all while taking in the beautiful views of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Honestly, it’s the perfect and peaceful way to end any day.
Equine Experience at Carmel Valley Ranch
This experience was easily the best thing I did in Monterey County, and I’m not exaggerating. Part of my wellness weekend itinerary in Monterey included this immersive and interactive equine experience centered around finding joy.
In your search and discovery of joy, you’re paired up with a horse so you can hang out with and interact with them. And coming from a horse town (Saratoga Springs, NY), being around horses was something I was immediately thrilled about.
The activity included other aspects like writing down positive messages, decorating a designated space with objects (I chose a hula hoop, microphone, and a ball), and leading your horse through an obstacle course.
This experience ran deep and it really brought my inner child to the surface. It was such a cool and innovative way to discover joys like I once did as a child. And besides being incredibly therapeutic and joyful, it’s also such a unique and feel-good experience that I couldn’t recommend highly enough.
“Big Little Lies” E-Bike Tour
Monterey County is associated with one very popular show: Big Little Lies. If you’ve seen this show, you know the vibes that you can expect from Monterey County. And if you’re a fan, I couldn’t recommend the “Big Little Lies” E-bike tour with Big Sur Adventures more.
The E-bike tour tackled popular locations like Lovers Point Park (where you’ll see the fake coffee shop used for Big Little Lies), Kissing Rock, the Great Tide Pool, the John Denver Memorial (where he died), the sea lions and seals at Cabrillo Point, and so many more points of interest.
In total, the tour takes you on a 17 mile drive from Pacific Grove to Carmel. Before you freak out, you don’t have to pedal for even one of those 17 miles. Simply sit back, relax, take in the views, and allow the E-bike to do all the work.
Vista Blue Spa
This sophisticated spa escape is the perfect way to wrap up your wellness weekend itinerary in Monterey County, California. Located on the rooftop of the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa which is located along Cannery Row in Monterey, the spa offers sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific ocean.
The Vista Blue Spa was named Travel and Leisure’s Top 25 spas for 3 years in a row. So indulge in their world-class services, or simply relax in the hot tub or by the fireplace and take in the unbeatable coastal views.
Where to Stay in Monterey, California
Everything within Monterey County is accessible easily by car. So while there are many options for you in the area, here are my two favorite accommodations that fall in line with the theme of ultimate rest, relaxation, and wellness.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
The hotel where the Vista Blue Spa is located is gorgeous. It’s a great location to call home for the weekend that you definitely won’t regret. Choose between harbor, ocean, or inland view rooms, and enjoy amenities like the spa (of course), fitness center, valet parking, and dry cleaning services.
Sanctuary Beach Resort
Located in Marina, between Monterey and Moss Landing, is the cozy Sanctuary Beach Resort. The room I stayed in was located right on the beach, which meant I had a beautiful view to enjoy my morning coffee with.
The onsite restaurant, Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette, had impeccable service and the apricot bread pudding was quite possibly the best bread pudding I’ve ever had.