Words cannot express the fantastic time I had in the county of Monterey, California. I have fallen in love with this county in a few days, and I know I will be back many more times. 

Why do I love Monterey so much? For one, Monterey is picturesque, with many beautiful mountains, flowers, and unique wildlife. Monterey also has a very relaxing feel to it. Monterey has many things to do, and with all these options, the area still maintains a calm and soothing serenity. Monterey feels like an escape and a beautiful oasis. I needed relaxation right now, and Monterey was the perfect place. 

A restorative highlight during my stay was the beautiful relaxing boat ride viewing of the scenic aquatic wildlife in Monterey. I also enjoyed an excellent massage at The Spa Bernardus Lodge and mindfulness time during Yoga in the VineYards at Folktale Winery. 

A gorgeous meal with a stunning glass of wine is another way I relax, unwind and enjoy life. Monterey has so many unique options to choose from. Every meal in Monterey was delicious, but the seafood here stood out. I learned that the seafood comes from the bay and is locally caught wild and fresh.

If you're planning a 3-Day getaway to Monterey, I would love to share my itinerary with you so that you can also have a touch of my experience on your trip! I know you'll love it as much as I did.

Planning Your Trip:

Getting around Monterey, there are a few options; you can drive your car, pick up a car rental, and if flying in, Monterey also has its airport! 

DAY 1

12:20 pm - Mountain Daylight Time - Arrival Arrive at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) Website: montereyairport.com | IG: @montereyairport

12:30 pm - Pacific Daylight Time - Pick-up Pick-up Rental Car at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) 

1:30 pm Lunch at Alta Bakery & Cafe | Website: Alta Bakery & Café | IG: @altabakery

2:30-4:00 Explore Old Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row | Websites: Cannery Row | IG @visitcanneryrow and Old Fisherman's Wharf

4:00 pm - Pacific Daylight Time - Check-in at Spindrift Inn | Website:www.spindriftinn.com  |IG: @spindriftinnmonterey

6:30 pm - Dinner at Wild Fish in Pacific Grove | Website: Wild Fish | IG: @wildfishpg

9:00 pm - Overnight at Spindrift Inn 

DAY 2

9:00 am - Breakfast: Room Service at Spindrift Inn

10:30 am - Stage Tour of Cali Roots Festival | Cali Roots Festival | @calirootsfest

11:45 am - Monterey Bay Eco Tours | Website: Monterey Bay Eco Tours | IG: @montereybayecotours

2:00 pm -  Lunch at Lalla Grill Oceanside | Website: Lalla Grill Oceanside | IG: @lallagrilloceanside

3:00 pm - Massage at The Spa at Bernardus | Website: The Spa at Bernardus | IG: @bernarduslodge

5:00 pm - Return to the Spindrift Inn to Rest & Recharge

7:30 - Dinner at Stokes Adobe | Website: Stokes Adobe | IG: @stokesadobe

9:00 pm - Overnight at Spindrift Inn

DAY 3

9:00 am - Breakfast: Room Service at Spindrift Inn 

9:30 am - Check Out of Spindrift Inn

10:00 am - Yoga in the Vines at Folktale Winery & Vineyards | Website: Folktale Winery | IG: @folktalewinery

11:15 am - Brunch at Folktale Winery & Vineyards 

2:00 pm - Visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium | Website: Monterey Bay Aquarium | IG: @montereybayaquarium

5:00 pm - Depart Monterey

5 Highlights From my 3-Day Getaway to Monterey County California

Cali Roots Fest

The California Roots Festival will be amazing this year!

I was lucky enough to get a tour of the stage where Jimmy Hendricks burned his guitar. Here are some pictures from my time on the scene before the event. California Roots happens annually; this year, it's May 25-28, 2023. There is an exciting lineup of artists, including Rebelution, Wu-Tang Clan, Stick Figure, and Dirty Heads. Hotels and travel packages are available on the California Roots website.

Monterey Bay Eco Tours, Wildlife Tour

The Monterey Bay Eco Tours wildlife tour was terrific; I loved everything! I experienced a narrative cruise along the Elkhorn Slough, a vibrant and lively wetland; you get an up-close view of Monterey marine wildlife – whales 365 days a year, dolphins, sea otters, and sea lions. This tour group is unique because it is a female-founded tour company that offers wildlife tours in an electric catamaran! Tour bookings are available on the Monterey Bay Eco Tours Website. 

Spa at Bernardus

One unique feature of Bernardus Lodge is its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, full of beautiful rose gardens, flowers, and crisp greenery. I did the 50-minute Bernardus Essential Massage and found it relaxing, aromatic, and refreshing! The five aroma blends featured at the spa each represent the seasonal experiences of Carmel Valley: Winter, Fall, Spring, Summer, and Second Summer. To book a spa session, visit the Bernardus Website.

Yoga in the Vines at Folktale Winery

Folktale Winery is a magical place. I loved it soo so much. Not only are the wines excellent, but the atmosphere of this place is also dreamlike. The beautiful grounds, mountain views, and gorgeous vineyards at Folktale Winery are a perfect addition to a refreshing getaway. For a touch of mindfulness, Yoga in The Vines happens every Sunday at Folktale, and the experience was just what I needed to renew on my last day in Monterey. I also enjoyed a gorgeous brunch and wine here. The five-acre vineyard is 100% organically farmed meticulously by hand. Folktale Winery also hosts fantastic events and offers a variety of entertainment options, including live music three times per week. To learn more about Folktale Winery, visit their website.

Dining

So many fresh, organic, and wild-caught delicious dining options in Monterey! I enjoyed every place I went to during my stay. Here are some images of my fine dining experience in the town.

To learn more and plan your next trip to Monterey, visit: www.seemonterey.com