Driving down the iconic Pacific Coast Highway is a road-trip bucket list. While the drive itself is stunning, you’d be missing out if you don’t make a stop at some of the beautiful coastal towns along the way, and particularly Monterey. Here are a few of the reasons a weekend in Monterey is totally worth it.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Walking into the Monterey Bay Aquarium is like entering a magical indoor ocean. Home to more than 700 varieties of marine animals from Monterey Bay, this massive facility is the best place to see and learn about the marine life of coastal California. The aquarium is located at the end of Monterey’s historic Cannery Row, the city’s main tourist stretch.
Point Lobos State Reserve
While not technically in the town of Monterey, we couldn’t skip this stunning reserve. Full of forests, sea cliffs, wildflowers, and tide pools, Point Lobos State Reserve is easily home to the most amazing views in central California.
Pacific Grove
Located just two miles from Monterey, this picturesque town is known as the Butterfly Capital of the world. Monarch butterflies arrive here by the thousands starting in October, peaking around Christmas and departing by March every year.
Bixby Bridge
About halfway between downtown Monterey and the entrance to Big Sur, it the picturesque Bixby Creek Bridge, which you probably recognize from its many appearances in film, TV, and commercials.
