Staff Picks

Several easy trails wind through the reserve, each revealing a different view. The Cypress Grove Trail passes through one of only two remaining native Monterey cypress stands in the world. The South Shore Trail leads to Bird Island, where cormorants and pelicans nest on the rocks below. Along the Sea Lion Point Trail, visitors can watch harbor seals and California sea lions resting on the shoreline.
October is one of the best months to visit. Summer fog has lifted, the trails are less crowded, and the late afternoon light turns the coves a deep, warm gold. The reserve is just a short drive from Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, making it an easy addition to any fall getaway on the coast.

Guests often spot otters floating among the kelp beds right from their balconies, cracking open shellfish on their bellies or wrapping themselves in kelp for an afternoon rest. For a closer look, a stroll along Cannery Row or a morning kayak on the bay offers an intimate view of these remarkable creatures at work, foraging and grooming in the calm coastal waters.

Once nearly wiped out along this coastline, sea otters have made a slow and remarkable recovery, and remain a protected species today. The Monterey Bay Aquarium marks the occasion each year with special otter focused programming, offering guests a deeper look at the conservation efforts safeguarding this beloved keystone species.

Come witness one of the bay's most charming residents in their element, just steps from the hotel.

At Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, guests enjoy a front row seat to it all. Our waterfront location on Cannery Row places you minutes from the peninsula's marquee events, with the sound of the bay just outside your window each morning. After a day spent among vintage engines and design debuts, unwind on our oceanfront terrace or savor fresh coastal cuisine before heading back out to the week's festivities.

For a full schedule of events, locations, and daily highlights throughout Car Week, visit SeeMonterey.com, the official source for planning your time on the peninsula. Our concierge team is also available to help guests navigate the week's events and plan each day around the Monterey Peninsula with ease.

The largest animals ever to inhabit the earth follow the krill into the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary each summer, drawn by the deep submarine canyon that cuts close to shore, twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, and makes Monterey one of the most productive whale watching destinations in the world. July and August are peak months for blue whale sightings, with humpbacks frequently spotted on the same trips.

Several well-regarded tour companies depart daily from Fisherman's Wharf, just a short walk from the hotel, with marine biologists on board to narrate the experience. Morning departures tend to offer the calmest water and the best conditions.

Back at the hotel, the bay views take on new meaning. Guests have been known to spot spouts from their own balconies, a reminder that here, the wildlife is never far away.

Book your July stay and look to the horizon.

The evening begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a four-course dinner paired with wines from four acclaimed local producers: Domaine Messier, Albatross Ridge, Paul Family Vineyard, and Pelio Wines. Each course is crafted to reflect the flavors of Monterey County and the cool-climate character that makes Carmel Valley wines so compelling.

Executive Chef Michael Rotondo's seasonal approach to coastal cuisine finds a natural partner in these small-production, terroir-driven wines — poured in a setting where Monterey Bay stretches beyond the windows and the evening light shifts slowly across the water.

Reserve your place and raise a glass to the Carmel Coast.

At Schooners Monterey, Mother's Day is marked with an elegant brunch on Sunday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Panoramic views of Monterey Bay frame a thoughtfully composed menu — Pacific Gold oysters, Alaskan snow crab, Dungeness crab eggs benedict, slow-roasted beef tenderloin, and herb-crusted halibut, followed by a refined assortment of pastries and confections.

Evenings find their rhythm at Coastal Kitchen, where Chef Michael Rotondo's seasonal tasting menus unfold course by course, complemented by sommelier-curated pairings and uninterrupted ocean views.

At Vista Blue Spa, the pace softens almost immediately. Treatments are tailored rather than prescribed — facials that restore luminosity, massages that focus where tension lingers longest. Between appointments, the rooftop whirlpool opens to the bay, where the light shifts slowly across the water.

Some celebrations deserve more than a single afternoon.

Just steps from Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, the coast becomes an ever-changing landscape shaped by the rhythm of the tides. Nearby stretches of shoreline, including those along Cannery Row and Pacific Grove, are especially well-suited for exploring during negative low tides, which occur more frequently in spring.

Mornings are often the calmest, when the light is soft and the pools are undisturbed. A leisurely walk along the water’s edge pairs naturally with the season’s crisp air, offering both discovery and reflection.

After time spent along the shore, the hotel’s waterfront setting provides a natural continuation of the experience—where panoramic views and the sound of the bay remain ever present.

Begin with the iconic 17-Mile Drive, where Pebble Beach's cypress-lined shores and crashing surf create scenery that simply never grows ordinary. Continue into the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, looping through its storybook streets before pausing at Scenic Road's blufftop viewpoints — where the Pacific stretches endlessly westward.

The moment many have awaited has arrived: Big Sur has reopened, and the iconic California coastal drive along Highway 1 is once again accessible in all its dramatic, soul-stirring glory. Towering cliffs, hidden coves, and wildflowers in full bloom make this the finest season to make the journey.

Whether you spend an afternoon or a full day behind the wheel, this Monterey road trip rewards at every turn. Ask our concierge to craft your perfect coastal itinerary.

As evening approaches, the coast offers unforgettable places to watch the sunset. From the soft sands of Carmel Beach to the gentle curve of Lovers Point and the dramatic bluffs of Point Lobos, the sky glows with color as the sun slips into the Pacific—an effortless prelude to the night ahead.

Back at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, romance continues at the table. Schooners Monterey pairs panoramic bay views with fresh, coastal cuisine and craft cocktails, creating a relaxed setting for drinks or dinner. For a more intimate experience, Coastal Kitchen offers thoughtfully prepared seasonal dishes and warm hospitality, perfect for lingering conversations over wine and dessert.

A stay here blends oceanfront serenity, exceptional dining, and the simple pleasure of time together—an ideal way to celebrate romance.

The Monterey Museum of Art anchors the region’s cultural offerings with rotating winter exhibitions that highlight California artists, photography, and contemporary perspectives shaped by the landscape. In nearby Pacific Grove, the Pacific Grove Art Center introduces new winter exhibits each January, showcasing local and regional artists across a variety of mediums in an intimate setting.

Carmel-by-the-Sea remains a haven for art lovers year-round, with its artist-owned galleries and monthly art walks offering an easy way to experience the town’s creative spirit. From painting and sculpture to photography influenced by sea and sky, the Peninsula’s galleries reflect the enduring connection between art and place.

A winter stay at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa pairs naturally with these cultural moments, where days spent exploring art are balanced by ocean views and relaxed evenings by the bay.