What To Wear And Do In Monterey, California | Visiting 2021
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Hello, beloved friends!! How are you? I am still rejoicing over my Diptyque candles post from last week! Welcome back.
I am so excited to write you about one of my favorite places in all the world. I haven’t traveled the whole world but from what I’ve seen, Monterey, California is just one of those magical places that hits all the boxes for me.
Fresh, rejuvenating ocean air. Gorgeous, I mean goooooorgeous sights with the most beautiful cooler weather! Even in the middle of Summer, Monterey’s climate is cool and enjoyable. I am starting to understand myself here. I love a COLD beach moment.
I mean look at that photo taken with my iPhone. It’s just a little snapshot of what Monterey has to offer and it offers much! If you love the beach but you also love to be just a little cold, this is the place for you. It is full of things to do, even in this crazy COVID climate: there are restaurants open to get food from and by now they might even be sitting even more people outside. I will leave a list of all my favorite Monterey Restaurants near the end of this post!
One of our favorite things to do in Monterey is going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium BUT it is closed right now. Sorry I just needed to talk about it because it makes me so sad to see it closed, however, it won’t stay closed forever! So if you plan to come when the world isn’t ending: It is a must-see. I mean what are all the animals thinking? I can just imagine the conversations between the amazing sea creatures: “That’s it, Fred! You ruined our careers, man! You did that weird thing that one day and now no one comes to see us. We had it BIG, Fred! We had it big, man.” Here’s a vlog for the last time we visited!
I imagine one day it will open up again and our family will absolutely go to support them when they do! That aquarium is one of the most stellar places to go as a family when it is open. Until it does, our family will still take little trips to visit Monterey just to go on a run on their beach. My husband is also a surfer and he loves to surf (in his wet suit) even in the wintertime in the surrounding beaches! Especially Asilomar State Beach!
WHAT TO WEAR IN MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
You really have to bring layers for Monterey, and know that it gets so cold! In winter it is safe to say you can bring three layers in case it rains. Trust me, it gets really cold! Especially if you’re anything like me and you get cold easily! I have been to Monterey quite a few times now and my heart hurts for the people I see in “beach” clothing who thought they were going to beachy weather: Here are some outfits from our recent trip that had me comfy, chic, and warm! Items above for your shopping ease. Some items aren’t available; so I’ve linked similar ones for you as well! These are based on visiting in the Winter!
If you’re visiting in summer it’s safe to pack shorts and such but I ALWAYS bring some warm things like cozy joggers just in case. Even in the middle of Summer and even though there is a beautiful beach you might still need a few layers. It gets windy and such at the beach especially between 3PM-6PM. Being prepared with warm layers will be your saving grace.
This time around we stayed at The Portola Hotel & Spa and it was LOVELY! It was walking distance to many of our favorite spots! And as of the time we visited their spa had reopened! I didn’t get to do anything because we didn’t know it was open and didn’t budget for massages: But if you can afford to book something it is worth it to save up for the spa experience at the hotel. I actually had my last massage before COVID19 lockdowns there, on a different occasion and it was a great experience. We’ve also stayed at the MONTEREY PLAZA HOTEL & SPA and it was also a lovely place to stay!
My girls are at their happiest when they get to be by the beach running like crazy, exploring and finding seashells. We found a sign that said “Sister City” and well we had to take a picture!
Seriously feel like they feel calmer the minute we get to Monterey! Maybe we should move!
KISSING AT LOVERS POINT, MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA MUST SEE
My husband and I are eternal romantics and we love to keep our love alive by daily showing our affection in some way. We absolutely love Lovers Point and Lovers Point has taught us so many lessons of being intentional with our love. Lover’s Point is a great place to visit even if it’s for just the day! We’ve spent so much time here because it is just beautiful, free and close to us from Sacramento where we live, about 3 hours! We’ve walked, ridden our bikes, enjoyed many a run here, and just enjoyed the waves tousling back and forth!
“Lovers Point Park is located at the foot of 17th Street, and is a landscaped community park of 4.4 acres. It is used for picnicking, fishing, swimming, water sports, and surfing. Lovers Point's amenities include a large lawn area, a beach volleyball court, a children's swimming pool, sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, a concrete pier structure, a restaurant, and a snack bar. It is popular for weddings and is home to the annual Feast of Lanterns pageant and fireworks celebration. For weddings, a reservation and use permits for sound amplification and tables, chairs, etc. are required.” Information from City Of Pacific Grove Site.
Address: 631 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
WHERE TO EAT IN MONTEREY CALIFORNIA
My favorite Monterey restaurants: First Awakenings for brunch, Zab Zab for Thai, El Cantaro for Vegan Mexican food and you can get the most delicious coffee at Cannery Row Deli, and if you’re craving something sweet definitely visit Lilly Mae’s Cinnamon Rolls!
This time around we decided not to visit our favorites spots and because we adventured out of our “comfort” zone of the same familiar places: my hero of a husband found this Parisian bakery from heaven called the Paris Bakery Cafe and quickly became a new fav!
You will want one of each. Thank you very much!
I was so happy to see baguettes and Orangina and Parisian pastries and treats galore. No wonder the line was out the door! They had my absolute favorite drink I discovered in Paris, Orangina but this time, it was Sparkling Water. If you’re anything like me you LOVE sparkling water and if you love orange drinks you’ll love love love this! It was a treat for my treats. Oh heavens!
My husband tried so many treats and I actually picked the tiramisu and it was incredible!!!!
HUNTER RAINBOOTS FOR A RAINY DAY IN MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Paris Bakery Cafe and I matched!! That was not planned at all people!
Just on a style note here: I am wearing my daughter’s HUNTER boots in a size, U.S. 5, because I am petite at 5’1” and the traditional Woman’s Rain boots are so tall for my little legs! I wear a size 6.5 in women’s shoes and I will say the boot is a tad bit tight but they work! My feet only started to hurt after a long day of walking all over creation. But It is a little bit snug!
AFFORDABLE KIDS WINTER COATS
WHAT TO DO IN MONTEREY CALIFORNIA 2021
Although I can not guarantee that you will see this many deer I think you might see one at least. Oh boy! At least, I pray you see one at least. We had the pleasure and delight of seeing many beautiful little deer. It actually happened because we made a wrong turn.
I believe anything is redeemable by God and he can take any mistake and redeem in such a marvelous way, even if it’s little mistakes like making a wrong turn! He is a good father and cares about even the smallest of details.
My King under my King planed the most romantic hike for me on Valentine’s day. It was something that only happens a few times a year in Monterey, but if you get to catch it: It is breathtakingly gorgeous. Especially if you’re a sucker for Lily’s like me! This article explains how to get there!
To one side you turn and see the most glorious beach scene ever. It’s glorious. I am not being dramatic. I don’t believe these pictures do it justice. The water is so beautiful and blue in a way only happens in Monterey, if you ask me.
On the other side as you’re coming down on a windy, short, and very attainable hike, for even for novice hikers like myself, you’ll see a valley lined with Lily’s blooming: The date we visited was 2/14/21 so that’s around the time I guess Lily’s bloom there, maybe make it a point to catch them next year! It’s worth it: Calla Lily’s are the flowers that remind me of romance, love and purity!
I mean. ….Really? So romantic of my husband and so majestic of God to create such beauty that can give so much joy through all the senses!
I am a firm believer in doing the extra things to make your loved ones make sure they know you love them. Well this day: Doug you really showed me a part of you that I am so grateful to God for cultivating within you! I felt so loved by my husband and he sure surprised me with something special.
Although this experience is only once in a while out of the whole year: There are many places in Monterey that you can create special moments for yourself or your loved ones!
I hope you found this post helpul. I appreciate you visiting us! Share this post with a friend who loves to travel!
Thank you to my wonderful Husband for taking my photos and leading our family !
