Experience the best of California’s iconic coastline with a weekend escape to Monterey, where ocean breezes mingle with rich history and lively local flavor. Imagine indulging in fresh-caught seafood—perhaps at a waterfront gem like Sandbar & Grill—before unwinding in style at the luxurious Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Picture yourself exploring Cannery Row’s vibrant shops and tasting authentic Italian cuisine at Osteria Al Mare. As the sun dips below the horizon, head out for a magical whale-watching tour and feel the salty sea spray on your cheeks. By day, soak up the laid-back energy of Wave Street, discover captivating marine life at the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium, then cap off your adventures with a memorable meal at a local favorite like The Fish Hopper. Monterey’s winning combination of coastal beauty, historic charm, and unforgettable experiences makes it the ultimate weekend getaway.

Cannery Row in Monterey, California, is a storied waterfront district that seamlessly blends rich history with modern-day attractions. Once the epicenter of a thriving sardine canning industry in the early 1900s, it gained literary fame through John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row, which captured its unique character and the essence of local life at the time. Today’s Cannery Row is a far cry from its early, grittier days — now transformed into a collection of exquisite waterfront luxury hotels, boutique shops and upscale eateries. Yet, reminders of the early days are scattered throughout the area, inspiring visitors to imagine what it must have been like during Steinbeck’s era. Exploring Cannery Row allows visitors to step back into the past—tracing the district’s bustling industrial heyday—while enjoying a vibrant coastal setting and contemporary culture.

The views from above Steinbeck Plaza on Cannery Row are sublime, the seafood pasta Isabella is worthy of legend — as is the ultimate seafood pasta with lobster, scallops and prawns — and Monterey abalone is on the menu too. But none of those offerings have won the awards the clam chowder has at local and regional cookouts. It's available in a cup, bowl, bread bowl or… wait for it… with crab meat and shrimp brought along for the ride. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 10:30am to 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday 10:30am to 10pm. fishhopper.com

Cruise along Monterey Bay and watch a breathtaking sunset while looking for whales. Your journey will be narrated by a naturalist/marine biologist who will tell you interesting facts about the wildlife and be ready to answer any question you may have.

The least understood of Monterey’s three piers has one of its most intriguing restaurants. On a second story down by the San Carlos Beach on the end of the pier awaits Osteria Al Mare (In Italian, “restaurant at the sea”). Sublime Italian food like fettuccine ai funghi, fritto di calamari, beer braised pork shank and pollo piccato make this place a perpetually underrated destination.

One of the finest hotels in town, the Mediterranean-style Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is a pleasure to behold, with public areas elegantly decorated with marble, Brazilian teak, and attractive artwork, while the guestroom décor is reminiscent of 19th-century Biedermeier, with Italian marble bathrooms and balconies overlooking the water (sea otters included in the view). But it’s the hotel’s 11,000-square-foot Vista Blue Spa with its outdoor sun deck, bay-view whirlpool tubs, customized spa packages, and gorgeous views of Monterey Bay that makes the stay here worth every penny. On the quiet end of Cannery Row, but close to everything, the upscale hotel offers 290 recently renovated rooms and suites. For a special occasion, splurge on one of the hotel’s spacious luxury suites, like the 700 square-foot Spa Terrace Suite, which features a fireplace, wet bar, state-of-the-art entertainment system and a whirlpool tub on the private outdoor deck or go all out on the 2,100 square-foot Presidential Suite, which includes an expansive sun deck with a whirlpool tub and 180-degree views of Monterey Bay. Dine at the new fine-dining Coastal Kitchen or the lively Schooners Monterey on the patio overlooking the bay.

For those that like to sleep in on vacation, fear not, as Wave Street offers all day breakfast, so you can start your morning at whatever hour you prefer. There’s also wonderful outside seating, letting guests enjoy the pleasant Monterey weather near the shore. They have all your breakfast favorites like brioche French toast, blueberry pancakes, and chilaquiles, alongside a selection of dressed-up Benedicts, including Hawaiian with grilled pineapple and Canadian bacon or the Irish Benedict with slow-roasted corned beef and sprigs of fresh mint.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-renowned marine sanctuary located on the historic Cannery Row in Monterey, California. It’s celebrated for its extensive exhibits featuring local marine life, such as sea otters, kelp forests, and jellyfish, all within thoughtful, conservation-focused displays. Visitors can learn about ocean ecosystems while enjoying hands-on interactive experiences, feeding sessions, and special presentations—all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

The on-top-of-the-ocean positioning would be enough — you're essentially dangling over the Pacific — but the drinks and food hold up, and the cute-and-clean aesthetic and wind protections are key details they pay attention to. The raw bar dishes local shellfish and such, a bunch of appetizers and main plates focus on fresh catch like local black cod and seared sea scallops, but there's a steakhouse side of the menu too, and a $150-ish seafood tower for the ambitious.