One of the biggest shockers for me after having a child was the lack of free time to do…well pretty much anything. Oh you want to workout? Sorry, I want to be held all day. Sit at Starbucks and enjoy a latte? Ha, I’ll scream the whole time. Ooo go on a fun little getaway? In your dreams! But now that I have a walking, talking toddler, taking a little staycation isn’t so out of the question. Even though this Midwest-raised girl has has privilege to live in California , taking in all the sites of Monterey was not exactly do-able, until now. See Monterey – Our California Staycation.
I love being able to explore areas where we live (since we live in a new place every few years). It’s not only good for kids to get out and experience cultural gems, take in adventures, and learn new things, it’s good for moms and dads to take time out of their busy schedules to reconnect and reflect about what’s important in life. I love so many of Monterey’s family friendly activities – you can be on the go all.day.long. I mean, that’s a workout in itself! As is chasing a toddler around during your staycation…
If you’re ever in Northern California, the Monterey Peninsula is definitely a must-see, especially for kids. Here are a few things we saw, ate, and experienced during our weekend adventure.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
You can’t NOT see the Monterey Bay Aquarium if you are visiting Monterey. In 2014 the place was rated the #1 aquarium in the WORLD for Pete’s sake! With over 200 exhibits, a sweet (and tranquil) jellyfish exhibit, and some super cool interactive touch pools, the aquarium provides hours of entertainment for adults and little ones! Head up to the “splash zone” play area for the kids to learn (and burn off some energy).
Try: Plan your visit during feeding times. The kids (and you) will love watching the penguins, sea otters, or sharks get some tasty snacks.
Want to see the Monterey Bay Aquarium for yourself? See Monterey is giving away 5 pairs of FREE tickets! A $79.50 value. Simply post a comment to this post below for your chance to win this amazing experience for yourself. Tickets expire 7/31/16
Lovers Point
When you’ve realized all the phone pics of your trip are selfies and blurry ‘on the go’ shots of the kids, you need to stop by Lovers Point to get some amazing scenic photos. Like I’m talking ‘blow these up and frame them’ kind of pictures. The view of the cliff rocks overlooking the ocean reminds me of something you would see in a movie. Truly, it’s spectacular. This is a great spot to stop when you need to decompress, grab a snack, and find a spot on the rock to pose for your yearly Christmas photo.
Try: Climb down the rocks for a sea creature scavenger hunt or hit the sandy beach nearby.
Dennis the Menace Park
Founded by Hank Ketchum (the creator of Dennis the Menace), this super park has pretty much every kind of slide known to man, a climbing wall, climbing nets, swings, etc. etc. I MAY have been guilty of busting out a few of theses playground workout exercises while my son was running around like a madman. This place was like a complete mecca of child entertainment Aaaand there are restrooms – CLUTCH for pregnant ladies!
Try: Wander through the hedge maze located next to all the playground equipment. It’s easy enough for kids yet still fun for all!
Golf
We can’t go anywhere without my husband fitting in a round or two. For realz, he’s golf obsessed. So if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! Bayonet Blackhorse golf course is a hidden gem in the Monterey Peninsula, hosting the PGA National Championship in 2012. Even though I didn’t play a full round with him (ummm someone has to entertain the toddler), I hit a few balls of my own on the range. Just a little low-impact activity to get the body movin’.
Try: Enjoy brunch at the clubhouse. SO many options, great food, and affordable!
Fishermans Wharf
Restaurants? Check. Whale watching? Check. Souvenir shops? Check. Sea Loins? Check. I love walking around the Wharf to shop, eat, sightsee, and take photos! With a variety places to dine and opportunities to check out wildlife up close and personal, this is great spot to stop during your time in Monterey.
Try: Check out the Wharf later in the afternoon so you can try all the free clam chowder samples outside each restaurant, decide which one is your favorite, and go there!
Eats
Admittedly, I have been DYING to try lunch or dinner at Poke Lab. The only thing that would have made the experience better was if I could FULLY enjoy all the glorious sushi bowl goodness (but of course, I can’t since I’m prego). But hey, that didn’t stop me from ordering the most mind-blowing bowl I’ve eve had the privilege of fawning over. Love sushi? Love burrito bowls? Love inexpensive and flavor-packed, healthy meals? Meet Poke Lab – aka nirvana. Vacations are for indulging, but it’s hardly a guilty pleasure to eat here when all the components are so fresh and healthy! Go. Just go. And if you can’t have raw fish (or your kids are squeamish with the idea), fill your bowl with shrimp and crab meat or try the vegetarian option.
Try: Grab an early dinner then walking Alvarado Street on Tuesday evenings, where there is a farmers market, free entertainment, and the most amazing samples of the region’s freshest product. Or grab frozen self-serve yogurt for dessert at Myo, just a few doors down!
Point Lobos State Reserve
Hiking lovers listen up – Monterey and surrounding areas is where it’s AT. And when you need a leisurely hike with gorgeous views that the kids can take part in and explore, Point Lobos State Reserve is perfect. With over a dozen trails, I love the variety of stroller-accessible options, and more challenging “work that booty” options. Let’s talk the views – THE VIEWS. Simply breathtaking! If you’re lucky, you may spot a few baby seals or snag a prime viewing area whale watching! Want to add some extra oomph to your hike? Try this hiking workout as you go!
Try: Find a volunteer (usually located at the scenic lookout points on the trails) – they will give you a ton of information about all the wildlife to watch for.
Ready to visit Monterey yourself? Don’t forget to comment below for your chance to win FREE tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium!
A special shoutout to See Monterey for sponsoring this post. Although I have to admit, it wasn’t hard to share my love for Monterey with you all! Be sure to post and hashtag your Monterey experiences at #monterey and #grabyourmoment.
I’m thinking I need a staycation 😉 NJ must have something fun…..hahaha!
Come meet me in CA Rebecca. We’ll find some yummy bites, blog inspiration, and chill by the ocean! I know you want to!!!!
Lovely post Chrissa, it’s obvious you three had a fab time, I especially love how varied your programs were from golfing to sea lion watching 😉 And those sceneries and photos, breathtakingly beautiful!
ps. I just wanted to ask you about that half sentence: why do you move around every few years? Is it because of your husband’s job or you prefer to explore living in different places to always have some new adventures and nighbourhoods to discover?
Hey Stella! Thanks friend. And yes, we move all the time because of my husband’s job (military). It is fun and adventurous but also exhausting and hard to leave the friends we make!!
Wow so many fun activities! That aquarium looks like so much fun!
SO much fun. It’s seriously a marvel!
This all looked amazing! Lover’s Point looks so beautiful, and even as an adult, can we all just be honest about how much fun the Dennis the Menace Park looks??
Adults are TOTALLY welcome at Dennis the Menace park. I mean, sometimes you need to channel that inner child! I hope you are able to see Lover’s Point sometime Brittany!
My backyard—sort of! I am an hour south of Monterey, and I never get tired of time spent on the peninsula! The Aquarium always has something new.
May I offer a suggestion? For a simply stunning day trip, drive to Mission San Antonio de Padua south of King City. It’s located on an active-duty military base, Ft. Hunter Liggett. Take a little time to see the mission and its grounds, and then head west on Naciemento-Ferguson Rd. You will be driving through the Los Padres National Forest and there are plenty of places to stop and let kids run off steam. The view of the Pacific Ocean will take your breath away. At the end of this road you will find yourself on Hwy 1. Turn right for Big Sur and the Monterey Peninsula; turn left for Hearst Castle, Cambria and Morro Bay.
Oh hey neighbor!! I LOVE your suggestion Rhiannon!! I’ve not been to any of these places – I must see them asap. I’ve heard Hearst Castle is amazing!
This cements my need to go to California!! Ive never been out there at all–looks so beautiful!
Oh my gosh YES you need to come Heather!!!
Such a beautiful place to visit.
It truly truly is!
Love the area! My mom is coming to visit us soon to help me with the kids while my husband trains in Texas for AIT. Would love to win a pair!
What a perfect opportunity to go with your mom and little ones! Wishing you luck – I hope you snag them!
Entering for the Tickets for the Aquarium!
I soooo hope you get them Ashley!! Thanks for stopping by!
Ahhh…reading your post and looking through your gorgeous photos brought mist to my eyes. It reminds me of all the sweet trips my husband and I would take to Monterey Bay with our girlies. They are now 22 and 24, and return to this magical place on their own with friends and boyfriends. There used to be a little non-profit storefront (maybe a children’s museum) where you could take the kiddos to create art projects from recycled products. This whole beautiful area is a great place to explore, soak in nature and decompress. 🙂
That is such a sweet story!! You are making me all sentimental about doing these things with my son! That museum sounds awesome! There’s another in Monterey called MyMuseum that I’ve been to with my son too. Glad I could bring a little nostalgia back to you Denay!
I love staycations! We always do ‘boring’ things like going to IKEA since we live in the Yorkshire Dales (where Downton Abbey is set), approximately a billion miles from civilisation so we have to drive a couple of hours to get to a big city. It’s also a zing to drive around see the awesome scenery too!
Ha! I mean, I love Ikea so even if that’s the highlight of your week, I think that’s awesome.
We are heading up that way in June. We’ll be in Carmel for 2 nights / 3 days I really want to head over to the Point Lobos State reserve. Not sure if we’ll hit the aquarium this time but, it’s been a favorite of ours on several visits. I’m going to have to map out our plan so I can fit in all the fun things to do in both areas since they aren’t really that far apart! Loved seeing all your spots for your staycation.
Carmel is also AWESOME! I love all the cute restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I hope you have an amazing time Theresa! If you win the aquarium tickets, it will be perfect with your timeline!
That aquarium!!! AMAZING! We loved it while visiting Monterey! A definite “must do”!!
I’m so glad you loved it too! It’s really such a wonder!
We would love to visit the aquarium!! We went a few years ago and are due for another visit now that the kids are a little older and we live closer ????
Awesome! Thanks for stopping by Elisabeth! I hope you get it – the kiddos would love it now that they have grown a bit!
We’re moving to Monterey soon and are dying to try the aquarium!
Ooh these tickets would be perfect for you Amy! You will love you time in Monterey!
Such a fun post!!!!!! Hit all the hot spots, including Poke Lab!!!!
Thanks to YOU for telling about that amazzzzzing place!! xoxo
Such a helpful post, as a newbie in the area! Thanks for sharing ????
So happy to hear that Jessena! Thanks for stopping by!
I have heard such incredible things about Monterey. I may be able to spend eternity on that wharf. It looks like a movie set!!
It certainly does! Cannery Row is another spot that look similar to the Wharf and has the ‘in a movie’ feel. Thanks Daniela!
So may fun things to do!
What a gorgeous place! It would definitely be a real vacation for us, since we’re about 4 hours away by plane. That aquarium looks amazing. Great pic of the Jellyfish. I also would love to visit Fisherman’s wharf. Those sea lions! So cute!
It would certainly be a GREAT vacation for you Shann! Your boys would love it!
There’s a few places on your list that I haven’t been to as well! We are headed down this weekend so I want to check out the Dennis the Menace park 🙂 I have my post up as well – the essential packing guide: http://www.pinkonthecheek.com/blog/what-to-pack-for-monterey
Great post as well Lauren! Thanks for stopping by!
Monterey looks so beautiful, and those jellyfish, wow! Thanks for linking up with us at Welcome Home Wednesdays! Hope to see you again this week!